Finding purpose in my work!

Originally Posted to Facebook, click here to view there. 

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2019 was the second year I curated #ARTScapeDC as part of an annual event through The wlflwr co community forum. This event means so much to me. It is my chance to do what I love and share with my community. Our first was hosted in N.E., DC at what will soon be #Market7DC, a Black-Owned Flea and Grocery in one of D.C. largest food deserts, entitled #ARTScapeOnBenning, right in the center of the #Ward5 & #Ward7 communities that raised me.Growing up, living in Mayfair, visiting my great grandmothers on Minnesota Ave and in Trinidad, attending North East Performing Arts Center or the African Heritage, going to the market at Stadium Armory or Florida Ave Market (now #UnionMarket) in the summers, these are all very special memories to me. Over time, these places have changed and sadly our people East of the River and beyond, are struggling to keep up but in that struggle is so much beauty. Young artists, musicians, chefs, disk-jockeys, poets, and other creatives and their businesses fight to produce in the communities they love. Overcome with poverty, hunger, violence, lack of agency, and as a result, gentrification, it can be sometimes hard to recognize the beauty that lies around us. My purpose as I type to you today feels clear. To if just for a moment, create a safe space for these creatives to share and express themselves in the communities they love.

This past November, I had the honor to curate again. Alongside #TheManTimePodcast and in partnership with #AnacostiaArtsCenter, we hosted #ArtscapeOnAnacostia, right on Good Hope road in our beloved #Ward8 at Honfleur Gallery. This is another community that knows the aforementioned hardships all too well. An historic district, ripe for the taking, getting sold to the highest bidder, silently street by street. This is the home of my partner, Crook (Art WE Understand). I won't speak for him, but I do know that prior to our show, the #BarryFarm community had been mowed over with plans for new development and once again, Black people in D.C. are experiencing traumatic displacement and separation from realities that are near and dear to them. This is expressed in his series from the summer of 2019 #GentrificationIsViolenceToo. His work is just one expression of how our people may feel during times like these and like him, there are plenty of artists who find solace in our #ARTScapeDC events.

I feel empowered through my ability to create these spaces and share these experiences with our communities whom give so much to the world and receive so little in return from the powers that be. I believe creativity is truly a gift from God and no matter what form it takes, it deserves to be experienced and shared. My goal with these events are to curate a full sensation of community and belonging, not just for the creatives but for everyone who attends.

On a personal note, I feel that as a creative myself, I am currently only crowning. Pretty soon, I will be out and walking and talking like a newborn in my truest form. If I have made it this far, it is only because I am still motivated to keep going, not just for me but for the people I love, Black people. I am thankful for all those who attend, share, like, follow and believe in my abilities and themselves. We are all reflections of one another and I hope that when you look at me now, you see purpose because there is one living in us all. All we have to do it live in it!
Peace !