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, (will need to add here). 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 position 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
Contemplation
....contemplate.....all that is of Joy... .......reflect on....all that fills your Heart.... ....hold onto......all that frees your Soul... ........relinquish.......all that brings you despair
You are the Wonderment....the Cherished....the One that will ....bring forth healing and sustenance for all those that are hungry....give generously and gracefully of YOUR Bounty.... ...Without Losing your SELF.... .Acceptance
“When you know you're ENOUGH!
When you stop focusing on all things that you're not.
When you stop fussing over perceived flaws.
When you remove all imposed and unbelievable expectations on yourself.
When you start celebrating yourself more.
When you focus on all that you are.
When you start believing that your perceived flaws are just that - perception...”
― Malebo Sephodi