every month is black history month around here.
but each february, i highlight certain pieces of mine that celebrate black history specifically.
check out some of my revival of black archives below.
the negro woman
the original photograph comes from Ebony Magazine's August 1966 special edition issue titled 'The Negro Woman.' the words entangled within the illustration are from the publisher's letter featured in the special edition. this piece speaks on how Black women are the backbone of American society, but are continually harmed anyway.
innocence is a privilege
a digital illustration by me based on the words of nicole dennis-benn: "for black children, innocence is snatched away too soon, a brutal initiation into a frigid world. innocence, like freedom, is a privilege. ... we can’t have mercy. not with history constantly chasing us and pulling us under, yanking us out of our dreams and into the mouths of hatred.” (2016)
ebony no. 3: those who have not forgotten their roots
both the original photograph and the featured words come from Ebony Magazine's July 1979 issue. this piece highlights the importance of giving back to one's own community and never forgetting one's beginnings.
miss black & beautiful
the original photograph was captured by raphael albert in west london anywhere between the late 1960s-1970s. this image embodies the kind of ethereal relationships formed between black women when they're given their flowers.
ebony no. 4: can white people sing the blues?
both the original photograph and the featured words come from Ebony Magazine's July 1979 issue. this piece calls out the ways in which Black people are forced and force each other into assimilation and calls into question whether white people can truly understand this pain.
the family
the original photograph was taken by Nancy Osgood in 1970 for the St. Petersburg Times. the photo features three Black lesbians (left to right): Jannette Louise Spires, Mary Alice Wesley, and Brenda Ann Bush. this piece highlights the importance of remembering and celebrating our elders' moments of peace and normality.
jet 1971: angela
the original photograph is the cover of Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. the purchase and illustration of this cover speaks on the importance of Black people finding and owning our Black archives.
beautiful head of hair
the illustration is based on a wig ad for a Fashion Fair in Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. this piece showcases vintage Black hair and fashion, revealing how important haircare has always been for Black women.
everything it takes
the illustration is based on a Duke beauty supplies advertisement in Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. while this piece comments on the prominence of beauty care in Black communities, it also highlights just how much effort is required within this beauty care simply to become "presentable."
together
the illustration is based on a Kent menthol cigarette advertisement in Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. while there is criticism to be made regarding the prominence of cigarette ads in Black magazines, some of the most beautiful moments of intimacy and happiness can be found in the photographs used for such ads.
dykes against racism everywhere
the original photograph is of dykes against racism everywhere (D.A.R.E.) protesting in an anti-kkk rally held in greensboro, north carolina in the 1980's. this piece displays the complex intersections at which Black lesbians must face the world.
stephanie & monica
the original photograph was taken by Sage Sohier in Massachusetts in 1987. the photo features a Black lesbian couple, Stephanie & Monica. this piece displays the tenderness and sweetness of affection in revolutionary love.
the negro woman
the original photograph comes from Ebony Magazine's August 1966 special edition issue titled 'The Negro Woman.' the words entangled within the illustration are from the publisher's letter featured in the special edition. this piece speaks on how Black women are the backbone of American society, but are continually harmed anyway.
innocence is a privilege
a digital illustration by me based on the words of nicole dennis-benn: "for black children, innocence is snatched away too soon, a brutal initiation into a frigid world. innocence, like freedom, is a privilege. ... we can’t have mercy. not with history constantly chasing us and pulling us under, yanking us out of our dreams and into the mouths of hatred.” (2016)
ebony no. 3: those who have not forgotten their roots
both the original photograph and the featured words come from Ebony Magazine's July 1979 issue. this piece highlights the importance of giving back to one's own community and never forgetting one's beginnings.
miss black & beautiful
the original photograph was captured by raphael albert in west london anywhere between the late 1960s-1970s. this image embodies the kind of ethereal relationships formed between black women when they're given their flowers.
ebony no. 4: can white people sing the blues?
both the original photograph and the featured words come from Ebony Magazine's July 1979 issue. this piece calls out the ways in which Black people are forced and force each other into assimilation and calls into question whether white people can truly understand this pain.
the family
the original photograph was taken by Nancy Osgood in 1970 for the St. Petersburg Times. the photo features three Black lesbians (left to right): Jannette Louise Spires, Mary Alice Wesley, and Brenda Ann Bush. this piece highlights the importance of remembering and celebrating our elders' moments of peace and normality.
jet 1971: angela
the original photograph is the cover of Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. the purchase and illustration of this cover speaks on the importance of Black people finding and owning our Black archives.
beautiful head of hair
the illustration is based on a wig ad for a Fashion Fair in Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. this piece showcases vintage Black hair and fashion, revealing how important haircare has always been for Black women.
everything it takes
the illustration is based on a Duke beauty supplies advertisement in Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. while this piece comments on the prominence of beauty care in Black communities, it also highlights just how much effort is required within this beauty care simply to become "presentable."
together
the illustration is based on a Kent menthol cigarette advertisement in Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. while there is criticism to be made regarding the prominence of cigarette ads in Black magazines, some of the most beautiful moments of intimacy and happiness can be found in the photographs used for such ads.
dykes against racism everywhere
the original photograph is of dykes against racism everywhere (D.A.R.E.) protesting in an anti-kkk rally held in greensboro, north carolina in the 1980's. this piece displays the complex intersections at which Black lesbians must face the world.
stephanie & monica
the original photograph was taken by Sage Sohier in Massachusetts in 1987. the photo features a Black lesbian couple, Stephanie & Monica. this piece displays the tenderness and sweetness of affection in revolutionary love.
the negro woman
the original photograph comes from Ebony Magazine's August 1966 special edition issue titled 'The Negro Woman.' the words entangled within the illustration are from the publisher's letter featured in the special edition. this piece speaks on how Black women are the backbone of American society, but are continually harmed anyway.
innocence is a privilege
a digital illustration by me based on the words of nicole dennis-benn: "for black children, innocence is snatched away too soon, a brutal initiation into a frigid world. innocence, like freedom, is a privilege. ... we can’t have mercy. not with history constantly chasing us and pulling us under, yanking us out of our dreams and into the mouths of hatred.” (2016)
ebony no. 3: those who have not forgotten their roots
both the original photograph and the featured words come from Ebony Magazine's July 1979 issue. this piece highlights the importance of giving back to one's own community and never forgetting one's beginnings.
miss black & beautiful
the original photograph was captured by raphael albert in west london anywhere between the late 1960s-1970s. this image embodies the kind of ethereal relationships formed between black women when they're given their flowers.
ebony no. 4: can white people sing the blues?
both the original photograph and the featured words come from Ebony Magazine's July 1979 issue. this piece calls out the ways in which Black people are forced and force each other into assimilation and calls into question whether white people can truly understand this pain.
the family
the original photograph was taken by Nancy Osgood in 1970 for the St. Petersburg Times. the photo features three Black lesbians (left to right): Jannette Louise Spires, Mary Alice Wesley, and Brenda Ann Bush. this piece highlights the importance of remembering and celebrating our elders' moments of peace and normality.
jet 1971: angela
the original photograph is the cover of Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. the purchase and illustration of this cover speaks on the importance of Black people finding and owning our Black archives.
beautiful head of hair
the illustration is based on a wig ad for a Fashion Fair in Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. this piece showcases vintage Black hair and fashion, revealing how important haircare has always been for Black women.
everything it takes
the illustration is based on a Duke beauty supplies advertisement in Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. while this piece comments on the prominence of beauty care in Black communities, it also highlights just how much effort is required within this beauty care simply to become "presentable."
together
the illustration is based on a Kent menthol cigarette advertisement in Jet Magazine's May 1971 issue. while there is criticism to be made regarding the prominence of cigarette ads in Black magazines, some of the most beautiful moments of intimacy and happiness can be found in the photographs used for such ads.
dykes against racism everywhere
the original photograph is of dykes against racism everywhere (D.A.R.E.) protesting in an anti-kkk rally held in greensboro, north carolina in the 1980's. this piece displays the complex intersections at which Black lesbians must face the world.
stephanie & monica
the original photograph was taken by Sage Sohier in Massachusetts in 1987. the photo features a Black lesbian couple, Stephanie & Monica. this piece displays the tenderness and sweetness of affection in revolutionary love.