Our Journeys, Our Stories: IN OUR OWN WORDS
This exhibition seeks to bring illumination to those Women that create paths for others to trod, that diminish the pain and bring healing through education, artistic expressions, social intervention, entrepreneurship, social and political activism, and the myriad areas of life in which their voices are expressed. These women are the backbones of our families and our communities and this photographic collective creates an awareness of the powerful ways in which they shape, mold, and facilitate the evolution of the consciousness of our People.
It is the desire that this exhibition provides a cross-cultural, cross-racial awareness of the power of the Black Woman’s p
osition in her village. It is the intent of this exhibition to enhance the understanding of the legacy handed down to little girls from their villages. It is those villages that nurture and sustain the impulses that enable these women to walk their paths, share their wisdom, and tell their stories.
As the viewer walks through the exhibition, there will be visual displays of the women in their environments where the “work” takes place. There will be videos that capture the narratives as the women describe their journeys, the people that helped to shape them, and how that energy is manifesting in their lives today. Their journeys will be documented and framed alongside their images to provide greater clarity on the ‘paths taken’.
Though this show is about Black Women, it is not solely for “Black Women or Black People”. It is a tapestry of wisdom, humor, artistry, intellect, power, gentleness, stoicism, vulnerability, courage, independence, love, and the myriad of experiences that make US WHO WE ARE: A force that will continue to provide the foundation for all the generations to come. A collective that needs to be experienced and understood by all creeds, cultures, genders, and races.
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“Through her voice I saw a free woman, down on her land, a woman who knew how to kill her own chickens, hunt her own possum, cut her own cotton, fix her own roof, make her own whiskey, walk in her own shoes, and speak her mind, tell her own story.
A black woman.
Ready for the journey.
The Journey.”
― Bonnie Greer, A Parallel Life
I AM CAROLYN MILLER
The visionary and catalyst for shining this particular light on these amazing women.
JOY SMITH BERRY
This Project is pleased to Honor Joy Berry who dedicated her life to serving children in public schools, mainly in New York City, and to work to improve state community relations in Georgia.
Just three years after appointment to teach in an elementary school, the District Superintendent and School Principal selected Joy to begin the new program for Intellectually Gifted Students. With support and assistance from peers, the IGC Program was founded.
After teaching IGC classes for many years, Joy was selected to lead the group of principals of Schools for Pregnant Teenagers. The purpose was to help pregnant students stay in school and complete their coursework for graduation. Each school had on staff a nurse, an assigned physician, and a family support person. Reduced dropout and preparation for the future were the guiding goals.
In 1978, Joy Berry went to work in Gov. George Busby’s Office of Planning and Budget, serving as liaison between the office and the state Department of Education. In 1988, she was appointed the Executive Director of the Human Relations Commission (HRC) created by then Gov. Joe Frank Harris to promote civil and human rights. The HRC staff worked with local communities and law enforcement, as well as faith leaders across the state to prevent discrimination and help create a positive human relations climate. Out of all the positions she has held, Joy says she is most proud of her work on the HRC. “It was the greatest challenge in my life, yet the most rewarding,” she says. “We were championing human rights, and I think we really made a difference.”
One of the highlights of Joy Berry’s work in education was being the recipient of The William J. VanLandingham Commitment to Education Award in May 2018.
This award was presented to Joy by The Georgia Council on Economic Education.
I AM MELISSA ALEXANDER
MY ESSENCE IS “EFFULGENT”
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOU HEAR THE STATEMENT, “YOU ARE ENOUGH”?
On paper, it is an easy enough phrase to understand. Simply by being, you are worthy of all the things you desire. In practice, because of the world we live in with all the societal comparisons, it becomes a bold affirmation for the self.
IF WE DESCRIBE THE POWER OF BLACK WOMEN IN TERMS OF “CREATING AND WEAVING BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRIES” FOR OUR VILLAGES, WHAT DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE CLOTH?
In a major way, I contribute empathy to our cloth and an invitation to lay down your guard. I pray all find comfort as they wrap our tapestry about them.
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR WORK TO CHANGE THE WORLD? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT?
I just want Black folks, my folks, to always see their beauty reflected back to them when they look at my work. Specifically, intimacy of all types encourages open energy. If I show you me, you might reflect that.
I AM N’DIEYE DANAVALL
MY ESSENCE IS “ALAGBARA”
(YORUBA WORD FOR POWERFUL OR THE POWERFUL ONE)
IF WE DESCRIBE THE POWER OF BLACK WOMEN IN TERMS OF “CREATING AND WEAVING BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRIES” FOR OUR VILLAGES, WHAT DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE CLOTH?
I am a priestess and a healer. I am a bridge for some and glue for others. I connect people to their ancestors and ancestral Gods. Moreover, I am the leader of a community of people who are tied together through ritual and Spirit.
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR WORK TO CHANGE THE WORLD? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT?
My work helps people of African descent across the Diaspora restore their ancestral ties via sacred traditions and cultural experiences. It is microcosmic work with the small parts coming together to strengthen the whole. As people connect with their ancestors and their destiny, they contribute to the macrocosm.
THERE ARE STORIES HANDED DOWN FROM BLACK WOMEN THAT ESPOUSE THE STRENGTH IN HOW NURTURE AND SUSTAIN EACH OTHER. HOW HAS THIS MANIFESTED IN YOUR VILLAGE?
My Grandmother, Ella Gray, was a storyteller. She shared how her Grandmother and other women in the family nurtured her. I also watched my Mother and Aunt nurture their younger first cousins, who in turn nurtured my sisters and me. This nurture cycle continues with my sisters nurturing my children.
I AM TIFFANY LaTRICE
MY ESSENCE IS “BUTTERFLY” (Ever shifting…ever evolving.)
TIME TRAVEL BACK TO THE LITTLE GIRL YOU WERE AT ONE OF
YOUR MOST CHALLENGING PERIODS: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL
HER ABOUT HER FUTURE? WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE HER TO
HELP HER GROW
I would tell her to love her body, her imperfections so much that joy exudes from her spirit. It took a while for me to embrace myself, my bold features, my curves.
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR WORK TO CHANGE THE WORLD?
WHERE DO YOU SEE IT HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT?
I have seen Black Women soar. Own their careers, take on new opportunities from starting TILA Studios. I feel honored to have been a witness to some of the most remarkable careers.
IF WE DESCRIBE THE POWER OF BLACK WOMEN IN TERMS OF
“CREATING AND WEAVING BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRIES” FOR OUR
VILLAGES, WHAT DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE CLOTH?
I hope to contribute innovation, tenacity, and fearlessness. It is through fearless tenacity and innovation that I have been able to provide and empower the women around me.
I AM SHARON DOWDELL
“LADY WITH THE CANDID CAMERA”
Sometimes we find ourselves in a different light and in different phases as we go through this great divide of life. Upon retirement, I reinvented myself to become a photographer. This acknowledgement to self was definitely the correct path to take since I had many to choose from. Photography has been a part of me since I was a child particularly when I received my first camera at the age of ten.
There are many untold stories of seniors and our ability to be productive once retiring from the workforce. Much of our skills can be utilized in every area of life except for our own. So now, I enjoy attributing my skills for my own engagement. I have received opportunities to use this skill for myself. I travel any opportunity I can. One of the groups I travel with is known as The Photographers (Dekalb County) which consist of Seniors. The purpose is to photograph areas of the world from our perspective and use the skills received in our training often using theme-based quality work. While developing such a skill is partly intuitive and gained knowledge, I have centered it into the Art of Photography. Being aware of the paradigm shift is necessary especially since mental flexibility can change so quickly as we age. Hence the need to study and define myself in my new world was paramount.
My photography has allowed me to reflect not only being a photographer but to express views that aging is a privilege and being a senior is a blessing. It has given me the opportunity to express myself and display the fact we can do anything (Phil 4:13); we just have to stay the path. The path is what we are meant to do while here, and to demonstrate our strengths.
I AM “ARTIST DIYAH NAJAH”
MY ESSENCE IS “GROWTH”
TIME TRAVEL BACK TO THE LITTLE GIRL YOU WERE AT ONE OF YOUR MOST CHALLENGING PERIODS: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HER ABOUT HER FUTURE? WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE HER TO HELP HER GROW?
I would give my little girl a watchful and protective presence. I would bestow upon her a voice to yell, or to just whisper, “ouch” when something hurts, I would give her confidence to see her differences as rare, valuable, unique, and divine. I would teach my little girl about boundaries and that she can set and exercise them at all times. I would give her support and skills to make a living off of her strengths. I would read her stories about empaths, intuitives, the Orisha Oya, and other deities that support female empowerment, psychic abilities, the divine feminine, and justice. I would give my girl a cache of weapons and an arsenal of abilities. I would teach my little girl that it is not weak to ask for help.
I would tell my little girl that she is a daughter of Oya and that all of her is made in her mother Oya’s image; so, to love every part of herself from her physical presentation to her mental and spiritual capacities. I would advise her to always lean into her art, because it will save her life repeatedly. I would tell her that she will constantly have to reinvent herself, so embrace change and do not fear it. I would tell her that she will derive strength from the earth, so to bury her dreams and desires into the earth that she makes fertile with her faith, efforts, and her hope. I would tell her to speak life over the soil, and to always ground herself in the earth. I would tell her not to be afraid of magic, for it is the only way.
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR WORK TO CHANGE THE WORLD? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT?
I am using my arts to be a form of visual storytelling to heal myself and others who resonate with my works. I aim to purge, and to release through my art. I aim to look danger and fear in the eye. I aim to shine light on the areas that are broken, damaged, compromised, and goodness unrecognized and uncelebrated.
I AM MARRYAM MOMA
MY ESSENCE IS “MAGNETIC”
IF WE DESCRIBE THE POWER OF BLACK WOMEN IN TERMS OF “CREATING AND WEAVING BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRIES” FOR OUR VILLAGES, WHAT DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE CLOTH?
At the core of my art practice, I aim to empower and uplift the Black body, especially the Black female body. Unveiling the magic within this race, breaks collective contemporary stereotypes. Thus, changing attitudes and perceptions of Black women, allowing society to re-discover her: Powerful, complex, beautiful, revered, and valuable. Using collage, I focus on elevating the importance of the Black experience and body. It is my intention to create a positive representation of Black bodies. My contribution to the cloth is to empower Black bodies through my work and immortalize our stories in history, using collage as a vehicle.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOU HEAR THE STATEMENT, “YOU ARE ENOUGH”?
“You are enough” does not mean that I am without flaws, or that I never make mistakes. It also does not mean that I am my mistakes. “You are enough” means that I was created to be exactly who I am, as I am, on purpose. I am enough, just as I am, perfectly imperfect.
“You are enough” my mother would say to me at a young age, meant to me that I could grow, evolve, and change and continue to become. It means that I do not have to endeavor to become more valuable, legitimate, agreeable, or more loved. I am already all those things.
I AM Y’NA EVANS
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR WORK TO CHANGE THE WORLD? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT?
I believe the adage “Heal a Woman, Heal a Community.”
In my birth work, as a birth and postpartum doula, I am able to contribute to informing, educating, and supporting Black women during this time when Black women are facing the highest maternal mortality rate in the country. I did not know this until a month after I trained.
A Doula is a non-medical support person for pregnant/postpartum women. I was called to this work and my spirit answered. It was work that I always wanted to do but due to being a single mother or later having more children once married, I put it off. One day I remembered just like magic. I have been doing birth work for 3 years now. I am really good and there is so much that I still need to learn. My approach is more intuitive than academic or medical. I take more of a coaching approach.
On my Birth worker journey, I discovered the importance of moms moving during pregnancy and strongly believe it helps while giving birth. I hope to become a Fitness Specialist for Pregnant and Postpartum women. I am open and flexible to where this work brings me. I feel so fulfilled when I pour into a mom and she and hubby tells me, “ I don’t know what we would have done without you.” I am a vessel being used. I design for the Atlanta Doula collective creating attractive marketing materials to help bring awareness to our birth work, and bringing attention to Black Maternal Wellness in our community.
I AM SHAY YOUNGBLOOD
MY ESSENCE IS “LOVE”
(My essence word is LOVE because
I believe in the power of love to transform.)
HOW HAS YOUR VILLAGE SHAPED YOU? WHAT DID THE BLACK WOMEN IN YOUR VILLAGE TEACH YOU THAT YOU HAVE CARRIED THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
I grew up in a community of women who came of age in the 1930’s and 1940’s. They experienced the Depression, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement. Some of the women who raised me did not read or write; which I didn’t discover until I was in college. They modeled for me through their actions in selfless acts of loving kindness: standing up for what they believed in, their Southern hospitality, Southern Baptist religious practices, and fierce attachment to family and community. I observed them as children did then, silently, without asking too many questions. Because of this silent witnessing I was able to listen and take note of their life lessons. I passed on many of the life lessons in my first collection of short stories, THE BIG MAMA STORIES and in a stage play, SHAKING THE MESS OUT OF MISERY.
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR WORK TO CHANGE THE WORLD? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT?
One of my current works is a performance installation inspired by living in NY during 9/11, research on architecture and memory, and a residency in Japan during the 3/11 triple tragedy: earthquake, tsunami and nuclear incident at the Fukushima nuclear plant. My stage play, Square Blues looks at love and revolution in the family of three generations of activists who each have different approaches to standing up for what they believe. My stories are about people who always choose love and move their feet when they pray.
I AM SHANTI MOORE
MY ESSENCE IS “MAGIC”
HOW HAS YOUR VILLAGE SHAPED YOU? WHAT DID THE BLACK WOMEN IN YOUR VILLAGE TEACH YOU THAT YOU HAVE CARRIED THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
My village has accepted me, fed me, nurtured me, believed in me, encouraged me, and advocated for me. It has also reminded me that while my life may be my own, it is not entirely. I know that I have just as much of a responsibility to pour into my community, as it has poured into me.
The Black women in my village have taught me to stay connected to my Divine Source - to stay plugged in. They have taught me that that connection is my safety, my provision, and the source of all my blessings.
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR WORK TO CHANGE THE WORLD? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT?
I am using my work to improve the lives of birthing Black, indigenous, and people of color. I am currently working on my master’s degree to become a Certified Nurse Midwife and see myself being involved in practice and research that increases the health and quality of life for Black people as a whole.
THERE ARE STORIES HANDED DOWN FROM BLACK WOMEN THAT ESPOUSE THE STRENGTH IN HOW WE NURTURE AND SUSTAIN EACH OTHER. HOW HAS THIS MANIFESTED IN YOUR VILLAGE?
The nurturing that I’ve received from Black women is unsurpassed. Black women have a way of meeting your immediate needs, while simultaneously tending to the fragility of your emotions; like healing you while purposely refraining from reminding you of how broken you are.
I AM ERICA CLAHAR
(AKA “UMI FEEDS”)
MY ESSENCE IS “GRATEFUL”
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR WORK TO CHANGE THE WORLD? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT?
I consider myself a community steward and my contribution is food. Through Umi Feeds, I am spreading love through food by intentionally providing access to healthy and nutritious foods that nourish our bodies; particularly, in disadvantaged African American communities.
I am building community through food. It is how we fellowship. I am using my work to change the world by consistently showing up for us. I am also a garden manager at Whitehall Terrace Community Garden. Getting folks reconnected back to the land through gardening is an act of defiance. There is no culture without agriculture. I see my work of providing affordable healthy food access having the biggest impact where historically, systemically, and disproportionately we have been the most affected. Food equity is a real thing.
SO MANY GREAT GIANTS OF BLACK WOMEN CAME BEFORE YOU SO THAT YOU MIGHT WALK OVER THE PATHS THEY CREATED. HOW WILL YOU LEAVE THE WORLD FOR THE NEXT GENERATIONS? HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?
I hope to leave the next generation inspired to actually do something to carry on tradition. When I started this work it was to show people what one determined woman can do. We all have something to give. I am giving food, but you can give something else. We are each other's harvest! Take my tenacity and love for the people and run with it! I want to be remembered as a community steward that cared enough about her people to nourish them.
I AM TeMIKA GROOMS
MY ESSENCE IS “LIGHT”
IF WE DESCRIBE THE POWER OF BLACK WOMEN IN TERMS OF “CREATING AND WEAVING BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRIES” FOR OUR VILLAGES, WHAT DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE CLOTH?
The analogy of Black women weaving their power through a tapestry is intriguing. In considering my contribution as a Black woman, I believe visual storytelling is where I contribute most. My vision of Black people resides in a place of power. When I create stories and art, I always want to share our culture as truthful, while recognizing our shortcomings and our excellence.
TIME TRAVEL BACK TO THE LITTLE GIRL YOU WERE AT ONE OF YOUR MOST CHALLENGING PERIODS: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HER ABOUT HER FUTURE? WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE HER TO HELP HER GROW?
If I were to speak to my little girl self during her most challenging period in life, I would tell her: “Beautiful brown girl, you are a gift that is so good its greatness cannot even be imagined! There is so much within you that will be uncovered in due time. Take care of yourself and stay open to all the good that is coming to you.
Despite what you may have thought, you are adored without having to be anything beyond who you are right now. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, you must change. Be yourself. Honor yourself. Love yourself first and never forget to protect your light.”
I AM SHANICIA BOSWELL
MY ESSENCE IS “THE DIVINE FEMININE”
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR WORK TO CHANGE THE WORLD? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT?
I have created the largest platform specifically dedicated to Black motherhood that serves as a safe space for Black mothers all over the world. The impact has been present and recognized in ways I could never imagine. The greatest impact is for the mothers who are a part of our community.
ARE THERE LAYERS THAT YOU WEAR TO COVER THE DIFFICULTIES IMPOSED BY OUR SOCIETY? HOW HAVE THESE LAYERS AFFECTED YOUR VISION OF “WHO YOU ARE?” WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO LIFT THEM A REGAIN GREATER CLARITY?
At this point, I do not wear too many layers. I have become very comfortable in who I am. There are times when I understand I have to be more formal but the beautiful joy of creating your own lane is still showing up as your authentic self. People love that. Watching people respond to me being me is my greatest motivator, especially when a woman says that I have inspired her to be herself too.
THERE ARE STORIES HANDED DOWN FROM BLACK WOMEN
THAT ESPOUSE THE STRENGTH IN HOW WE NURTURE AND SUSTAIN EACH OTHER. HOW HAS THIS MANIFESTED IN YOUR VILLAGE?
As a writer, my words and my platform serve as modern day Griot for our community. As an author, I am sharing knowledge and stories that have been passed down to me and shared through my elders and ancestors used to guide other Black women through motherhood.
I AM APRIL J. TAYLOR
MY ESSENCE IS “ALCHEMY”
HOW HAS THE LEGACY AND RIGHTFUL PLACE OF THE BLACK WOMAN BEEN IGNORED?
Is it that we have been ignored or have we been suppressed and repressed? Patriarchy seeks to subjugate women in general but for Black women, this subjugation, repression, and policing is built into the marrow of this country. Upon arrival to this country, the settler-colonialists sought to exploit us on every level and yet in spite of this, we became the architects of our liberation. Even when the majority culture sought to relegate us to nothing, we recognized the power of our own voices, organized, wrote our stories, and spoke with passion, and power. How could anyone ignore all this beautiful luminosity? I recently saw a Brother and his Girlfriend walking down the street and he wore a t-shirt which stated: “I met God and she lives in Africa.” If we begin with this premise, nothing else needs to be said, only that we need to step into and fully embody this premise. We as Black women, are the keepers of the traditions of our Ancestors, the guardians of the culture and collectively we must work toward resuscitating, expanding, and cultivating the spectrum of beauty and power we hold — we have the keys and always have!
SO MANY GREAT GIANTS OF BLACK WOMEN CAME BEFORE YOU SO THAT YOU MIGHT WALK UPON THE PATHS THEY CREATED. HOW WILL YOU LEAVE THE WORLD FOR THE NEXT GENERATIONS? HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?
I think about this question often and the great mystic George Washington Carver said, “no person should leave this planet without knowing and understanding their distinct reason for passing through.” My Mother, in all her humbleness, taught me to be powerful and strong but to also embrace that which is unseen, observe what is marginal, and to utilize ritual. Despite my limited time on this planet, I am duty-bound to seek justice and to care about the Collective and those in the margins. I use my words and ritual to achieve this, and I would hope that in every encounter I Am true to the legacy of my lineage. For me, Black People-Star People, with a purpose to illumine the world — not as sacrifice nor to be beaten or abused but to be and bring brilliance and humanity to the world. This is the path I choose to walk carrying the power of my Ancestors with me always.
I AM GRACE KISA
I came from a place where I was respected and loved; a critical
foundation that shaped the way I view the world and how I
engage with it.
As an artist whose upbringing was spent in Africa (Kenya,
Ethiopia, Botswana) and the United States (Virginia and Georgia) navigating between cultures, I have taken the opportunity to interact, share, expand, and form “sacred community.”
My art reflects the relationship between myself and the world
around us. Through this work I am exploring the connections
between personal, cultural, national, and global perspectives. In
this way my work serves as both bridge and conduit.
My process is a combination of creative play and problem solving while exploring concepts of identity and how one acculturates to a new environment, and the concept of home set against the context of time and space.
I AM AMELIA JACKSON
MY ESSENCE IS “MOTIVATOR”
HOW HAS THE LEGACY AND RIGHTFUL PLACE OF THE BLACK WOMAN BEEN IGNORED? HOW HAS THIS MANIFESTED IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND VILLAGES.
Black people have been ignored and devalued in general, so the Black woman cannot escape the same judgment. Not too long ago Black women had to fight for voting rights, equal job opportunities or to just sit at the front of the bus. We tend to forget that the Civil Rights Movement is a little over 50 years old. As of 2021, there are only four Black Fortune 500 CEOs. Can you guess how many of those four are Black women?
It took a pandemic to slow down the world long enough to notice the race disparity Black people have encountered for generations. Equal pay, Black maternal mortality, police brutality, housing discrimination and female exploitation are all major topics we face today. Global recognition of our creative works are sporadic. For every ten white women there is only one Black woman recognized. In most cases we are used as a diversity clout.
WHAT ARE THE TIMES YOU ARE MOST INSPIRED, MOST MOTIVATED, MOST CHARGED UP? WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THOSE TIMES? HOW CAN YOU DO MORE OF THAT STARTING TODAY?
I am most inspired, motivated, and charged up when I photograph and mentor children. I believe it is our duty as a community to encourage, teach and elevate the next generation. Our children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Whitney Houston sang it, and it is 100% true. At this point in my life, I have more years behind me than in-front of me. I cannot allow my experiences and knowledge to die with me. The next generation can succeed with my knowledge. I succeeded due to the knowledge of those that came before me. I learned from their struggles, mistakes, and successes. I allowed my elder's teachings to guide my steps in my career and personal life. So, I mentor children and young adults, sometimes one-on-one or in a classroom setting through lectures at local colleges. Hopefully, my mentorship assists the next generation with achieving their dreams with less challenges than I endured.
I AM A “LADY NAMED PEARL”
MY ESSENCE IS “LIFE”
HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR WORK TO CHANGE THE WORLD? WHERE DO YOU SEE IT HAVING THE GREATEST IMPACT?
I provide girls and women with tools to build their confidence to obtain their dreams. Moreover, I teach them the art of entrepreneurship which helps with self-sufficiency and wealth building. I see my work having the greatest impact amongst our women community, yet, I have been having thoughts to open our program up to men as well.
HOW HAS YOUR VILLAGE SHAPED YOU? WHAT DID THE BLACK WOMEN IN YOUR VILLAGE TEACH YOU THAT YOU HAVE CARRIED THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
I am blessed to come from an amazing village. I am Haitian- American, and that alone gives me strength. To know what my ancestors accomplished, provides me with the strength to know that I can do anything. I have learned from so many women in my village, black, white, purple, green. Yet, since we are focused on Black women, I would say my mother has taught me resilience, and that gift will carry me through any obstacle. Moreover, my Godmother Trina Parks, has taught me the art of glamor and discipline as an entertainer.
I AM LYNN LINNEMEIER
As an artist of color, I feel that it is important to create works that reflect my culture, which often leads to political commentary, especially as concerns women’s issues. In working with women of color from all over the world I find that we often suffer from trauma associated with being marginalized, even though we are dominant within our communities. Through organizations and social clubs, Black women have been the glue that holds the community together.
HOW HAS THE LEGACY OF THE BLACK WOMAN BEEN IGNORED? HOW HAS THIS MANIFESTED IN OUR VILLAGES, OUR COMMUNITIES?
The legacy of Black women has been ignored in a myriad of ways, all tied to identity and white supremacy whose systemic goal is to demean and render powerless black and brown people in general. To that end, identity issues arise like a decision at the crossroads on a blues highway--self-hatred and loathing vs self-love and the energy to “Keep on Keeping On.” We have negotiated these spaces since coming to America and we have survived. It is that survival that inspires my work, which is concerned with raising community awareness and I will often use my artwork as a catalyst for conversations that range from critical issues like domestic violence, and abuse to preservation of memory through quilts. I am currently working on a 40’ x 15’ mural on some of the worst brick imaginable. The mural is in the town of Red Springs where I live, which had no murals or art of note, save for the lady who paints fire hydrants (I really love them). As I work, I am reminded by the people who come by to thank me for my work, how much my art impacts their lives. It is a good feeling to make people feel happiness through my work.
I AM JEANETTE DAVIS
MY ESSENCE IS “COMPASSIONATE”
WHAT ARE THE TIMES YOU ARE MOST INSPIRED, MOST MOTIVATED, MOST CHARGED UP? WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THOSE TIMES?
When I am researching our history, and finding to be true, the words of Dr. Asa Hilliard: “We have been taught that we have done nothing in the world. But after studying the history of the world, we find we have done everything in the world.” We are the Master Creators. That is why they have stolen our legacies that are hidden away from the rest of humanity deep in the bowels of The Vatican, The Cairo Museum, The British Museum, and other secret places.
I researched, and recorded what I found, put it into my book: “Black Survival In White America: From Past History To The Next Century” to inspire our people.
WHAT DID THE BLACK WOMEN IN YOUR VILLAGE TEACH YOU THAT YOU HAVE CARRIED THROUGHOUT YOUR LIFE?
Black women have taught me to take the punches, be resilient, know when and how to fight, choose my battles because every battle does not need attention. They have taught me how to love, even when others were unlovable. They taught me through all the toughness, how to be kind, compassionate, empathetic, and graceful through it all. They taught me what it means to be a moral, honest, truthful, and virtuous woman. Most of all, they taught me how to fend for myself within a wilderness of hate, distrust, injustice, and ignorance of others as to WHO I AM.
I AM DELLA EVANS GUIDRY
MY ESSENCE IS “DISTINGUISHED”
HOW HAS YOUR VILLAGE SHAPED YOU?
My grandmother, Vivian Smith of Austin, TX was an entrepreneur. She and my grandfather, Arthur Van Smith owned a bakery; Smith’s Bakery. We would get up early Saturday mornings, ride our bikes up to the bakery for hot doughnuts. They were always there working but would stop to give us whatever we wanted. My father was a pastor of 45 years. As children of a preacher, we had to do everything in the church. We, (my two brothers, Alvin, Jr. and Erick, Sr. and I) sang in the choir. I also, played the piano, organ, and taught Sunday school class occasionally. We spoke in front of various congregations throughout our childhood and teen years.
As I reflect, all those experiences helped me to be more confident throughout my years in corporate America. One of the most important lessons learned was to always know your product better than your competitors. Be willing to take risks for personal growth. Pray for strength and guidance all along the way. Additionally, entrepreneurship has to be a passion from the heart, and you must be willing to work extremely hard for success.
HOW HAS THE LEGACY AND THE RIGHTFUL PLACE OF THE BLACK WOMAN BEEN IGNORED?
While the Women Suffrage movement started in 1848, Black women were not included, therefore they started their own movement for equal rights. However, Black women were fighting for rights long before the Women’s Suffrage movement. Women like Harriet Tubman, who stood for the abolishment of slavery and social justice. Black women are still fighting against voter suppression for full access to the polls along with social rights. Black women are resilient and determined, and when organized, we can move mountains.