I’ve been Queer my whole life and out for more than half of it. On this first day of Pride, I’m deeply grateful to be alive and well, sharing the story of my Blackness, Queerness, and womanness and where they intersect.
So many of our Black queer ancestors didn’t make it to be elders, and while I’m not yet an elder, I feel immense gratitude for the aging process. I look back at my childhood and remember the amazing Queer young people I grew up with.
I often think about Malidoma Patrice Somé one of the first West African teachers to talk about Queerness and Transness as integral parts of our spirituality.
Today, on Pride Day, I’m honored to share these beautiful images of my journey from adolescence into adulthood, celebrating being here and Queer. Ashe.
#HappyPride
Images were sourced by Carla Gonzalez and Tallie Ben Daniel!!
I’ve been Queer my whole life and out for more than half of it. On this first day of Pride, I’m deeply grateful to be alive and well, sharing the story of my Blackness, Queerness, and womanness and where they intersect.
So many of our Black queer ancestors didn’t make it to be elders, and while I’m not yet an elder, I feel immense gratitude for the aging process. I look back at my childhood and remember the amazing Queer young people I grew up with.
I often think about Malidoma Patrice Somé one of the first West African teachers to talk about Queerness and Transness as integral parts of our spirituality.
Today, on Pride Day, I’m honored to share these beautiful images of my journey from adolescence into adulthood, celebrating being here and Queer. Ashe.
#HappyPride
Images were sourced by Carla Gonzalez and Tallie Ben Daniel!!
I’ve been Queer my whole life and out for more than half of it. On this first day of Pride, I’m deeply grateful to be alive and well, sharing the story of my Blackness, Queerness, and womanness and where they intersect.
So many of our Black queer ancestors didn’t make it to be elders, and while I’m not yet an elder, I feel immense gratitude for the aging process. I look back at my childhood and remember the amazing Queer young people I grew up with.
I often think about Malidoma Patrice Somé one of the first West African teachers to talk about Queerness and Transness as integral parts of our spirituality.
Today, on Pride Day, I’m honored to share these beautiful images of my journey from adolescence into adulthood, celebrating being here and Queer. Ashe.
#HappyPride
Images were sourced by Carla Gonzalez and Tallie Ben Daniel!!
I’ve been Queer my whole life and out for more than half of it. On this first day of Pride, I’m deeply grateful to be alive and well, sharing the story of my Blackness, Queerness, and womanness and where they intersect.
So many of our Black queer ancestors didn’t make it to be elders, and while I’m not yet an elder, I feel immense gratitude for the aging process. I look back at my childhood and remember the amazing Queer young people I grew up with.
I often think about Malidoma Patrice Somé one of the first West African teachers to talk about Queerness and Transness as integral parts of our spirituality.
Today, on Pride Day, I’m honored to share these beautiful images of my journey from adolescence into adulthood, celebrating being here and Queer. Ashe.
#HappyPride
Images were sourced by Carla Gonzalez and Tallie Ben Daniel!!
I’ve been Queer my whole life and out for more than half of it. On this first day of Pride, I’m deeply grateful to be alive and well, sharing the story of my Blackness, Queerness, and womanness and where they intersect.
So many of our Black queer ancestors didn’t make it to be elders, and while I’m not yet an elder, I feel immense gratitude for the aging process. I look back at my childhood and remember the amazing Queer young people I grew up with.
I often think about Malidoma Patrice Somé one of the first West African teachers to talk about Queerness and Transness as integral parts of our spirituality.
Today, on Pride Day, I’m honored to share these beautiful images of my journey from adolescence into adulthood, celebrating being here and Queer. Ashe.
#HappyPride
Images were sourced by Carla Gonzalez and Tallie Ben Daniel!!
When the world is unraveling, what does one do? 1. Lean into community 2. Lean into care 3. Lean into protection 4. Lean into resilience It’s not over yet yall. It really isn’t. Come get some protection and peace this is the last week my show is up. I’ll be at the gallery. Let’s pray together. Let’s practice protection together. Thanks for the love @juxtapozmag
My loves, Join Jasmin Young and me for a conversation on protection, self-defense, and Black women on July 13th at 1 pm. These works are for us. Let us gather at Charlie James Gallery. *Jasmin A. Young is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies. She is currently developing her manuscript, Black Women with Guns: Armed Resistance in the Black Freedom Struggle. This work fundamentally rethinks the history of the Black Freedom Movement by placing Black women’s armed activity at the center of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. The project explores the extensive practice and advocacy of armed resistance by Black women. Dr. Young’s research interests center broadly on the intellectual history of Black women, state violence and resistance, and radical Black feminism.*
When the world is unraveling, what does one do? 1. Lean into community 2. Lean into care 3. Lean into protection 4. Lean into resilience It’s not over yet yall. It really isn’t. Come get some protection and peace this is the last week my show is up. I’ll be at the gallery. Let’s pray together. Let’s practice protection together. Thanks for the love @juxtapozmag
I’ve been an artist, creative, maker for as long as I can remember. Being a part of the Black liberation movement is a form of survival. It’s an honor and has been an honor to fight for Black lives, AND when you live under the thumb of white supremacy you often sacrifice so many other parts of yourself. I’ve had to remind myself over and over again that my art practice is not just a frivolous side hobby but my art practice gives me access to live a whole and healthy and fulfilling life. That’s why I make art. Because my life depends on it. Thank you all for being on this journey with me. Through out the years. You’ve seen so much. And I’m not done yet. I’m unwilling to be done yet. More art. More joy. More love. More abolition to come.
What an honor to have been the keynote speaker for the Children’s Defense Fund: Freedom School Graduation. Thank you for the invite @revdrstarsky.
This is some of what I shared with these young people. The theme of the graduation was JOY!
The Critical Role of Joy in Times of Turmoil
I remember the first time I experienced pure, unadulterated joy. It wasn’t tied to material possessions or the sweetness of candy. It was a simple moment in the parking area of the apartment building where I lived. My brother swung me by my arms into the air, and in that fleeting moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of bliss, joy, and freedom. We laughed so loudly, our voices echoing in the stillness. It was a moment of pure connection and delight, one that has stayed with me throughout my life.
In stark contrast, my first encounter with fear is equally vivid. I was only four years old when our home was raided. The police officers stormed in, indifferent to our presence, our innocence. They didn’t look at us, didn’t speak to us, and certainly didn’t care about the frightened children before them. That day, I felt the complete opposite of joy – a cold, pervasive fear that left an indelible mark on my young heart.
Growing up in a community under the constant shadow of law enforcement, fear was a frequent visitor. Yet, amidst this fear, there were moments of profound joy. Gatherings with family in backyards, barbecues, shared meals, reading the Bible, and watching my dad and his siblings play baseball – these were the times that brought me joy. Being in community, surrounded by love and laughter, was a sanctuary from the fear that loomed over us.
As I grew older, I found myself chasing that feeling of joy and community. I became dedicated to building spaces where joy could flourish, reminding myself and others of the joy inherent in our Blackness. Today, as we navigate a world rife with harm and violence against our communities, I am here to emphasize the critical need for joy.
*I am really proud of the next generation of organizers. Will be here for you for whatever you may need.*
✨ Yesterday was a powerful moment. I want to introduce you to someone incredibly special to me, Jermond Davis. We met when he was just 11 years old—a brilliant, bright-eyed, creative rapper who called himself a “bisexual gangster.” Despite the struggles and the system trying to swallow him whole, Jermond has always been a survivor. I’ve known him for 30 years, and during that time, I’ve witnessed his resilience time and time again. There were moments I wasn’t sure he’d make it, especially when he was fighting a life case here in LA. Life took us on different paths; I had to set boundaries and focus on my own journey, including the birth of my first child and the care of my brother, Monte. But yesterday, Jermond came to my gallery with his partner. Even amidst his grief over his younger brother’s recent loss, he stood tall. And as always, I asked him to spit a verse. Since he was 11, this man has had an incredible gift with words. His stories of survival and the lessons he’s learned are a testament to his strength and the hell he’s endured through the prison industrial complex. Jermond, I love you. I love your Ori for keeping you safe. I cherish our bond and am grateful we get to do life together again. We are Egbe, forever connected in this freedom portal. To everyone reading this, come see my show at the gallery. It’s up until July 20th. It’s more than just an exhibit—it’s an offering. An offering of love, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. #JermondDavis #Survivor #Resilience #Love #FreedomPortal #ArtExhibit #Offering thank you again @laurenmetropolis and @metabolicstudio for being a witness to this healing and protection moment. It was a freedom portal. P.s. I tried to put on captions but meta is racist and can’t caption a rap verse 🤦🏾♀️ see the written piece below.
#repost @thecreativeindependent In light of the continued unraveling of this country, I’m just going to say that grief, healing, and art making / creating is at the top of my list when it comes to, How We Survive This Moment. Thanks @gud__enuf for sitting with me. This is the last week to come see the show @charliejamesgallery – get some time for healing and protection. We ALL need it. Images of work 📸 by @ofphotostudio
#repost @thecreativeindependent In light of the continued unraveling of this country, I’m just going to say that grief, healing, and art making / creating is at the top of my list when it comes to, How We Survive This Moment. Thanks @gud__enuf for sitting with me. This is the last week to come see the show @charliejamesgallery – get some time for healing and protection. We ALL need it. Images of work 📸 by @ofphotostudio
#repost @thecreativeindependent In light of the continued unraveling of this country, I’m just going to say that grief, healing, and art making / creating is at the top of my list when it comes to, How We Survive This Moment. Thanks @gud__enuf for sitting with me. This is the last week to come see the show @charliejamesgallery – get some time for healing and protection. We ALL need it. Images of work 📸 by @ofphotostudio
#repost @thecreativeindependent In light of the continued unraveling of this country, I’m just going to say that grief, healing, and art making / creating is at the top of my list when it comes to, How We Survive This Moment. Thanks @gud__enuf for sitting with me. This is the last week to come see the show @charliejamesgallery – get some time for healing and protection. We ALL need it. Images of work 📸 by @ofphotostudio
#repost @thecreativeindependent In light of the continued unraveling of this country, I’m just going to say that grief, healing, and art making / creating is at the top of my list when it comes to, How We Survive This Moment. Thanks @gud__enuf for sitting with me. This is the last week to come see the show @charliejamesgallery – get some time for healing and protection. We ALL need it. Images of work 📸 by @ofphotostudio
I sat down with Janell Hobson for a really vulnerable and healing interview for my debut solo show – Between the Warp and Weft. I spent about a year developing this work and feel very proud of the direction of my art. This piece for @ms_magazine really puts into perspective the arc of my story. And I’m grateful Janell gave attention to the legacy of taking down Black women for sport. The show is simple. It’s the use of spiritual materials to protect Black women. To push forward abolitionist aesthetics and build and aestheticize care. Capitalism has lied to us about three things, 1. We can’t grow our own food, 2. Make our own clothes, 3. Make our own tools. These works are tools. Tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Show is up until July 20th. I’d love to have you. Special thank you to my nephew Chase Cullors who was my studio assistant and supported with fabrication on some of the work. Headshot: @ryanpfluger Art photography: @ofphotostudio
I sat down with Janell Hobson for a really vulnerable and healing interview for my debut solo show – Between the Warp and Weft. I spent about a year developing this work and feel very proud of the direction of my art. This piece for @ms_magazine really puts into perspective the arc of my story. And I’m grateful Janell gave attention to the legacy of taking down Black women for sport. The show is simple. It’s the use of spiritual materials to protect Black women. To push forward abolitionist aesthetics and build and aestheticize care. Capitalism has lied to us about three things, 1. We can’t grow our own food, 2. Make our own clothes, 3. Make our own tools. These works are tools. Tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Show is up until July 20th. I’d love to have you. Special thank you to my nephew Chase Cullors who was my studio assistant and supported with fabrication on some of the work. Headshot: @ryanpfluger Art photography: @ofphotostudio
I sat down with Janell Hobson for a really vulnerable and healing interview for my debut solo show – Between the Warp and Weft. I spent about a year developing this work and feel very proud of the direction of my art. This piece for @ms_magazine really puts into perspective the arc of my story. And I’m grateful Janell gave attention to the legacy of taking down Black women for sport. The show is simple. It’s the use of spiritual materials to protect Black women. To push forward abolitionist aesthetics and build and aestheticize care. Capitalism has lied to us about three things, 1. We can’t grow our own food, 2. Make our own clothes, 3. Make our own tools. These works are tools. Tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Show is up until July 20th. I’d love to have you. Special thank you to my nephew Chase Cullors who was my studio assistant and supported with fabrication on some of the work. Headshot: @ryanpfluger Art photography: @ofphotostudio
I sat down with Janell Hobson for a really vulnerable and healing interview for my debut solo show – Between the Warp and Weft. I spent about a year developing this work and feel very proud of the direction of my art. This piece for @ms_magazine really puts into perspective the arc of my story. And I’m grateful Janell gave attention to the legacy of taking down Black women for sport. The show is simple. It’s the use of spiritual materials to protect Black women. To push forward abolitionist aesthetics and build and aestheticize care. Capitalism has lied to us about three things, 1. We can’t grow our own food, 2. Make our own clothes, 3. Make our own tools. These works are tools. Tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Show is up until July 20th. I’d love to have you. Special thank you to my nephew Chase Cullors who was my studio assistant and supported with fabrication on some of the work. Headshot: @ryanpfluger Art photography: @ofphotostudio
I sat down with Janell Hobson for a really vulnerable and healing interview for my debut solo show – Between the Warp and Weft. I spent about a year developing this work and feel very proud of the direction of my art. This piece for @ms_magazine really puts into perspective the arc of my story. And I’m grateful Janell gave attention to the legacy of taking down Black women for sport. The show is simple. It’s the use of spiritual materials to protect Black women. To push forward abolitionist aesthetics and build and aestheticize care. Capitalism has lied to us about three things, 1. We can’t grow our own food, 2. Make our own clothes, 3. Make our own tools. These works are tools. Tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Show is up until July 20th. I’d love to have you. Special thank you to my nephew Chase Cullors who was my studio assistant and supported with fabrication on some of the work. Headshot: @ryanpfluger Art photography: @ofphotostudio
I sat down with Janell Hobson for a really vulnerable and healing interview for my debut solo show – Between the Warp and Weft. I spent about a year developing this work and feel very proud of the direction of my art. This piece for @ms_magazine really puts into perspective the arc of my story. And I’m grateful Janell gave attention to the legacy of taking down Black women for sport. The show is simple. It’s the use of spiritual materials to protect Black women. To push forward abolitionist aesthetics and build and aestheticize care. Capitalism has lied to us about three things, 1. We can’t grow our own food, 2. Make our own clothes, 3. Make our own tools. These works are tools. Tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Show is up until July 20th. I’d love to have you. Special thank you to my nephew Chase Cullors who was my studio assistant and supported with fabrication on some of the work. Headshot: @ryanpfluger Art photography: @ofphotostudio
I sat down with Janell Hobson for a really vulnerable and healing interview for my debut solo show – Between the Warp and Weft. I spent about a year developing this work and feel very proud of the direction of my art. This piece for @ms_magazine really puts into perspective the arc of my story. And I’m grateful Janell gave attention to the legacy of taking down Black women for sport. The show is simple. It’s the use of spiritual materials to protect Black women. To push forward abolitionist aesthetics and build and aestheticize care. Capitalism has lied to us about three things, 1. We can’t grow our own food, 2. Make our own clothes, 3. Make our own tools. These works are tools. Tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Show is up until July 20th. I’d love to have you. Special thank you to my nephew Chase Cullors who was my studio assistant and supported with fabrication on some of the work. Headshot: @ryanpfluger Art photography: @ofphotostudio
I sat down with Janell Hobson for a really vulnerable and healing interview for my debut solo show – Between the Warp and Weft. I spent about a year developing this work and feel very proud of the direction of my art. This piece for @ms_magazine really puts into perspective the arc of my story. And I’m grateful Janell gave attention to the legacy of taking down Black women for sport. The show is simple. It’s the use of spiritual materials to protect Black women. To push forward abolitionist aesthetics and build and aestheticize care. Capitalism has lied to us about three things, 1. We can’t grow our own food, 2. Make our own clothes, 3. Make our own tools. These works are tools. Tools to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Show is up until July 20th. I’d love to have you. Special thank you to my nephew Chase Cullors who was my studio assistant and supported with fabrication on some of the work. Headshot: @ryanpfluger Art photography: @ofphotostudio
