September 21, 2018

Rising Above a Devilish Fire: Portraits of Black Americans

"I'm from Farragut, now known as DUMBO. I grew up in Farragut housing known for the Brooklyn Bridge, double dutch teams, dope block parties, and a profound sense of familial and cultural pride!" - Tarisse (Farragut). Activist. Curator. Image © Makeba Rainey

"I loved Harlem. Why would I go someplace else? I loved the people. I loved to hear the music when it was warm outside, talking to people, walking...and poverty, yes. Everything wasn’t rosy, but I didn’t want to move to...Brooklyn” - Mama Nonkululeko (Harlem). Midwife. Matriarch. Image © Makeba Rainey

"I lived in a place where I saw Black people who were artists, business owners, politicians, or just everyday people; struggle, commune, enjoy life, and create." - Sage (Fort Green). Writer. Sister (2/3). Image © Makeba Rainey

"[Brooklyn is] Black folks finding their tribes and pioneering the reclamation of their African heritage and identities" - Shakasis (Bed-Stuy). Mother of Nuari Amen. Lyricist. Image © Makeba Rainey

"My family feels Flatbush is their heart. However, now with gentrification, we are feeling parts of us are being taken away." - Latasha (Flatbush). Rapper. Bruja. Image © Makeba Rainey

"The people define [Brooklyn]. I think we're just a colorful people. Whether it be personality, complexion, style, or personal interests, Brooklyn has lots of color and flavor." - Baindu (Bed-Stuy). Performance Artist. Educator. Image © Makeba Rainey

“Growing up my neighborhood was all about community. This community-like mentality has stuck with me as I enter adulthood. I thrive off of being around caring and loving individuals. I have a need to get involved and give back.” - Nija (Fort Greene). Mom-to-be. Sister (3/3). Image © Makeba Rainey

"I was born and raised in a Black Girl paradise one with harsh realities like poverty, drugs, violence AND unmatched possibility, hustle, and community care." - Brittany (Bed-Stuy). Entrepreneur. Homegirl. Image © Makeba Rainey

"My hood represents home.” - Shakasis (Bed-Stuy). Mother of Satepra Amen. Lyricist. Image © Makeba Rainey

“I call Harlem ‘The Holy Thirteenth’.A sacred ground crowded by families, hustlers, artists ( con or standard ) and holy folk. Slick talkers , rude men , beyond pious church hat ladies and the most stylish women in the world.” - Gia (Harlem). Poet. Prophet. Image © Makeba Rainey

“But what of Black women?…I most sincerely doubt if any other race of women could have brought its fineness up through so devilish a fire.” – W.E.B. Du Bois “By centering her work around social justice, specifically in regard to Black Americans, community becomes the key to liberation,” reads Makeba Rainey’s artist statement. Rainey’s project,... Read More