Black is Beautiful - My Top Picks to Celebrate Black History Month
“When I dare to be powerful — to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
- Audre Lorde
Sharing, celebrating, and amplifying Black voices is something I believe in doing all year round, not just during Black History Month.
But seeing as it is Black History Month, I’d love to connect with you over some of the people, playlists, books, and artists I’ve been enjoying and learning from lately.
There’s so much richness and beauty in discovering people, places, and things that are outside of your usual sphere of existence.
Enjoy! Amplify! Uplift! And pay reparations as often and as much as you can.
What I’m reading
“A book that will forever change the way we talk about race, inequality, and policing, Becoming Abolitionists shows that abolition is not solely about getting rid of police, but a commitment to secure a future of freedom, community, justice, and possibility for all.”
My first real introduction to social justice and the oppression faced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color, came when I moved to Bvlbancha (New Orleans). There is still so much I don’t understand and will never fully understand. I’ve never read a book like this before. There is much I have to learn. I’m only a couple chapters in and I’m already amazed at Purnell’s determination. Inspiring doesn’t even come close to describing her.
Kristina Kay Robinson is a writer, editor, and performance artist whose work I greatly admire. She weaves personal histories and poetry into her practice in a way that’s utterly captivating.
What I’m listening to
If you want a playlist that has everything from Tracy Chapman to Jay-Z, Marley to Kendrick Lamar, then this awesome Spotify playlist is for you.
For a more laid back, intimate moment, this YouTube playlist is perfect.
And if you've got little ones, these African nursery rhymes are interactive and the animations are gorgeous!
Who I’m learning from
Glo’s 30 Days and 30 Ways to Be A Better Ally is a terrific way to begin or reignite your allyship journey. The guide has exercises you can do every day - things that go far beyond just posting to your feed. I learned a lot from working through this guide, and I know I’ll be revisiting it often.
Artists and makers I love
Artists
John is a New Orleans artist and friend. We were both members of an artist-run collective, The Front. I’ve enjoyed watching his career take off over the last several years. He works damn hard at his practice, and it shows. I’m particularly in love with these two paintings.
John Isiah Walton, The World, 48x36, 2021
John Isiah Walton, The Empress, 48x36, 2020
These portraits have stuck in my mind long after seeing them on my feed. Entrancing.
Johnson Ocheja, Lady in a red dress, 2022
Johnson Ocheja, Noka in the garden, 46x56, 2021
Loving the evocative, intimate work of mercy.
mercy, wash day
Obsessed with these large-scale wall pieces by Ambrose Rhapsody Murray.
Fairy in a Bottle
The Space Between, 2020
Jewellery
I discovered the ‘This Matters Collection’ via a client of mine, CURA. It’s “a gender-inclusive sustainable jewelry collection designed to fund grassroots organizations in the pursuit of racial justice and equity.” Take a look and support some great causes!
Fashion & Textiles
Drooling over these fun, bright textiles by New Orleans-based maker, Lasalle & Jackson.
Skincare
Gotta give a big shoutout to my former clients Renita and Galesia over at Renée Marie Collections. They make the loveliest vegan skin and haircare products. The turmeric soap is my favorite -it’s so soft and makes my face feel incredible!
Where I’m buying my coffee
If you’ve been watching my Instagram stories, you know how much I adore Baldwin & Co. They not only serve freakin’ delicious coffee, but they’re also a bookstore! If you ever come to visit me in New Orleans, you know exactly where I’ll be taking you.
TV & Movies I’m watching and re-watching
Equally entertaining as it is educational. Loved this show!
A must-watch. Show it to every person you know.
An 11minute documentary about a teenage boy, Zion, who overcomes incredible odds.
Organizations to support
Echo+Scribe continues to support The Marsha P. Johnson Institute with monthly donations. I selected MPJ Institute after watching the documentary The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson in 2020. I was very moved by the film…I wish there wasn’t such a need to protect and defend the human rights of Black transgender people, but while there is still a need, there’s the MPJ Institute.
Other orgs to consider supporting and amplifying:
I could have put so much more into this post! And I may just be adding to it as the month goes on.
If you’d like to share any of the organizations, artists, books, music, or more you’re enjoying this Black History Month, I invite you to leave a comment and begin a conversation!