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Ancestry
Travel photos taken on an exposure trip to Senegal, Gambia, and the Ivory Coast.
Ancestry
It was during my summer break at NYU when I was invited to join my mother and a small group of church members on an epic journey to Mamma Africa. We visited fishing villages, metropolitan areas, historic landmarks, numerous shopping districts, restaurants and various tourist attractions throughout Senegal, The Ivory Coast and The Gambia. The memories of standing in the door of no return, children asking for one U.S. D, sights of intricate textile designs being assembled on the street, riding in mini buses down unpaved roads, armed men patroling with machine guns, an overnight stay in the airport which required a bribe to leave and the God forsaken taste of Aguiti ( an animal akin to muskrat) are only a few of the moments I hold dear. The rest are compiled in this photo collection.
Listening Station
When my vessel opens, the ancestors often lead me to experiment with different artistic mediums. I get a chance to fumble through what is unknown and in the process gain healing, wisdom and sometimes answers to the problems that keep me up at night. Some times what comes to me feels like ole Black church music, moans and groans from the shores of Africa and Prince, Nina Simon, Billie Holiday and Michael Jackson are distinctly channeled in my music room.
It all begins with a hum, which signals me to prepare myself, quiet my space and engage in melodies, rhymes and storytelling that viscerally connects me to my ancestry. Tubman Harriet is the chosen name that I use to pay homage to the legacy of brave ancestors that paved the way for future generations to enjoy the liberties they dreamed of having. I catch some of their stories through drum lines, spirituals and reimagined freedom songs.