Everything that generally creeps me out did not on this day. Click for a mini photo essay. I think that’s what it’s. called.
Hi… I tried something new. It was exhausting but Pier helped me stay the course. She taught me some of her NYU Lighting Skills. I’ll keep practicing with clothes and other items. I’m going to add many of these things to my Poshmark.
Once inside the church brought back so many memories. If you’ve been in one Catholic Church you’ve been in quite a few. What was different was the number of black women. I kept reflecting back on the research I did for Professor Carl Anthony around race and the environment. I found through research that underneath some European colonial crowns namely Spain everyone including the descendants of slaves had to be Catholic.
Lets back track just a bit. I think some of my lack of attachment to the space has a lot to do with the language barrier. I came to realize that I’ve traveled a lot, but primarily to countries that speak English as a primary language. So getting out and moving about freely is different. There are many people that speak English in France but there are a lot of people that refuse to do so just based on certain principles.
Angelica and I connected in Paris. On her way back to Germany through Paris she met Hayat who is an artist from Morocco, visiting Oakland and living in Holland. The way our lives came to intersect is nothing short of amazing. So much common ground that it was a pleasure to stand in the same place in Paris. Just some women from all parts of the African Diaspora traveling the world over in search of opportunities to be creative. We are all interested in story telling, social issues, the earth, producing art and traveling the world around.
I need to tell you about how wonderful Afro Punk was especially yesterday, Sunday June 14, 2019. I had the honor and privilege to attend by helping Ethea @waistbeadqueen vend. I think that was the best way to experience the festival for me. As a non lover of large crowds being in the booth provided a haven of sorts. A haven that was open to everyone of course and when folks came in to see about us it felt like welcoming them into one’s home. I also really enjoyed watching Ethea work. As a Black Woman entrepreneur originally from Oakland, now residing in Houston and traveling the world around her work ethic is a sight to behold.
PHONE HOME by Sadie Barnette is on view at the Museum of the African Diaspora (January 16-April 14, 2019.) Barnette is a former artist in residence at the Studio museum, her work has been featured here on the West Coast in, All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50 at OMCA and is currently on view at MoAD. Her work is situated at a unique intersection between East Coast bearings (thats where you go to get popping) and West Coast aesthetics (something extremely unique to us).
I relate to Sadie’s work personally as an Oakland native and resident. I think there's some genetic or spatial memory going on. Lets get into it.
I am seeking to understand this complex topic without judgement, without stigma, to genuinely understand how it has been used to shape transformation, and healing. I love Jenné because she allowed me a glimpse into her life. This interview shines light on a lot of miscommunications and misconceptions. Jenné was the perfect start to this series of conversations around healing for women of color. Jenné Afiya is an artist, empath, fashionista, model (in all of our books), and a healer.
I participated in a healing circle a few weeks ago and we were asked to write about what we do to heal. I wrote yoni steam. This generated a series of questions and urban legends. I figured I would try my hand at a listicle for this post. Please note as of July 2018 I am not a physician, I am a woman and this is my testimonial. A testimonial comprised of personal research and experience.
Out the gate, I asked myself do I really want to go? I’ve been exhausted lately with all of the things, but really wanted to see the friend that extended the invitation. Beyonce Mass sounded a bit sensational.
Being fully aware of 2018 Bay Area antics, I had my suspicions. To be honest the enamor and fanfare for Beyonce’s music doesn't resonate with me the same way it used to, and honestly, that wasn’t the draw for me. I was interested in how her music would spark conversation around Black women's issues.
I never imagined visiting Baltimore, the only reference points I’ve had are the standard issue: Hairspray and The Wire. I started to think about what I knew of this place and I thought about IG comedian and personality Jess Hilarious, a lady named BigCuz52 on YouTube - may her soul rest in power, and as I am writing Hood to Hood the Blockumentary. I suppose that’s a many a sources but they were all from a very distant point of reference. I traveled to Baltimore for the Brioxy Black Executive Pipeline Bootcamp. No real expectations the only thing I put out into the universe was that I wanted to learn how to work with rather than “for” people.
