International Women’s Day…
Photography by Shaka Cunningham
“International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women”. I love this picture of me because it was taken during a time where I was beginning to break out of my shell and I felt powerful. Although I still have a long way to go, this was the beginning of me recognizing who I am.
The women in my everyday life are like superheroes to me. I feel like we can do anything. In my home in particular, when you walk through the door, you will not have to guess if a black woman lives there. A proud one at that! In my front entrance there is a wall that highlights black women in entertainment. I also collect printed copies of magazines with influential black women on the covers. I keep them in plastic because I take pride in preserving a point in time where we as black women are highlighted for our talents, beauty, and success.
Erykah Badu in my opinion is a woman who has always beat to the rhythm of her own drum. She’s a musician, fashion queen, and a doula. You can do all things as long as there’s passion behind it. Her music transcends time and when I’m playing Ms. Badu I’m either cleaning or getting creative.
Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty is a singer, fashion designer, and beauty mogul with her cult favorite FENTY. Might I add also a new mommy with one on the way. She is the epitome of Jack of all trade and she masters them all. Fresh off her critically acclaimed Super Bowl performance all while being pregnant, Rihanna showed that there is nothing that we cannot do. A true Carribean Queen.
Solange Knowles is who I like to call my spirit animal. Solange is a singer, song writer, furniture designer, composer, fashion killer, and the list goes on. Solange taught me that it was okay to be yourself in every aspect. It was okay to be different. They will catch up. Her album “A Seat at the Table” changed my life and the way I think. This image of her on the cover of Apartmento Magazine really brings me joy to look at because in a time of copy and paste aesthetics, Solange has remained true to who she is and displays a taste level like no other.
Beyoncé … What is understood does not need to be explained. Happy International Women’s Day!