Maryland native Harry Akakpo’s tattoo is a permanent love letter to home– a beautifully detailed narrative of his identity and a tribute to the Montgomery County, Maryland, DC, and DMV region. Every element of the design is steeped in meaning, reflecting his upbringing, his heritage, and the cultural tapestry that has shaped his very being (video of the tattoo below).
At its core, the tattoo features the bold “Welcome to MD” sign, a symbol of Harry’s profound passion for Maryland. Here, being from Maryland isn’t just about a location– he tells us it has shaped his humor, accent, style, favorite foods, slang, political views, and even personal taste that define him. Growing up in a remarkably diverse area taught him how to connect with all kinds of people, a lesson woven into every part of his tattoo.
Family history enriches his story even further. With his grandfather having come from Benin and serving as a diplomat in the DC metro area, it’s clear that this region has been home for three generations of his family. This deep-rooted connection is captured through a host of carefully chosen symbols. Fresh cherry blossoms and black-eyed Susans overlay the Maryland sign, evoking the natural beauty and spirit of the seasons, while a crab serves as a playful nod to Maryland’s famous cuisine.
On his inner arm, Harry pays homage to his roots with a design reminiscent of his very own license plate– “Maryland” in elegant cursive set above the state flag that adorns the plate. It’s followed by the letters “DMV,” which stand for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia– the larger region that includes the entire DC metro area.
Then there’s the “Curly W,” echoing the Nationals’ logo and representing the city that has indelibly shaped him. A street sign further symbolizes his cherished childhood, a period he believes was enriched not only by his parents but also by the vibrant community in Germantown, MD that raised him.
The tattoo also features images of the Metro and Route 270– symbolizing the methods of transportation that connected him from Maryland to DC, serving as a constant reminder of familial bonds with relatives settled in the capital and the many journeys that fortified his connection to home. Iconic DC landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol Building, the African American Museum, and a national monument, mark his final destination, while the inclusion of the “Capital City Gogo” logo (a nod to the Washington Wizards’ G League affiliate) celebrates the true symbols of the city, the infectious spirit of gogo music, and his passion for basketball.
Adding another layer of personal significance is the “3:01” ink, a tribute to the area code that reminds him of his origins– born in Takoma Park, raised in Langley Park, and calling Germantown home from a young age. His academic journey through Christa McAuliffe Elementary, Roberto Clemente Middle School, and Seneca Valley High School further cements his lifelong connection to Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.
This intricate piece of art, created by @_smush, took a total of 15 hours to complete– 8 hours devoted to inking all the elements in one sitting and an additional 7 hours meticulously shading, ensuring that every detail stands out. For Harry, each minute of that process was a reaffirmation of the values, memories, and vibrant culture of the region he calls home– a permanent love letter etched in ink for all to see.
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