Finding JOY was inspired by the hashtags #Blackgirlmagic and #Blackboyjoy. This work aims to shine light on the necessity of finding moments and spaces that cultivate Black joy in times of turmoil. What are the ways in which we express such joy, what is the source of that expression and how do we carry that into future generations?

Artists Pictured (Left to Right): Kemia Wright, Amani Parker, Miryam Johnson

Picture Credit: Lon Horwedel

Finding JOY was inspired by the hashtags #Blackgirlmagic and #Blackboyjoy. This work aims to shine light on the necessity of finding moments and spaces that cultivate Black joy in times of turmoil. What are the ways in which we express such joy, what is the source of that expression and how do we carry that into future generations?

Dancer Pictured: Amani Parker

Finding JOY was inspired by the hashtags #Blackgirlmagic and #Blackboyjoy. This works aims to shine light on the necessity of finding moments and spaces that cultivate Black joy in times of turmoil. What are the ways in which we express such joy, what is the source of that expression and how do we carry that into future generations?

This work premiered at Sidewalk Festival 2018.

Artist Pictured: Kemia Wright

Picture Credit: Lon Horwedel

"Oh My America", the opener of REBELLION, is a solo work that explores the cross-generational atrocities committed against Black bodies. By comparing the mass-lynchings committed in the early 20th century to the mass murders committed by law enforcement today, this solo aims to show the eerily similar demonization of Black life that has been inbred in the United States.  

Photo Credit: Derek Dandridge 

'67 is an exploration of the 1967 Detroit Rebellion. The movement juxtapose's social dance movement of the African American vernacular and improvised modern dance. 

Dancers Pictured: Amani Parker, Kayla Harrell, Miryam Johnson

Photo Credit: Derek Dandridge  

Interview, began as a literal interview between my father and I about the experiences he remembers from the '67 Detroit Rebellion. This conversation led to a deeper understanding of his Detroit roots and his means of protection in my childhood. This work explores the inevitable Black parent conversation, "How do we teach our children to protect themselves when interacting with law enforcement"?

Dancers Pictured: Matthew Roberts, Miryam Johnson

Photo Credit: Derek Dandridge 

'17, explores the continued fight for equality of the Black Community today. With many of the same struggles and concerns as the rebellions of 50 plus years ago, the work asks "How far have we come?" while simultaneously thanking elder generations for all they've endured.

Dancers Pictured: Miryam Johnson, Shanice Rollins

Photo Credit: Derek Dandridge 

Photo Credit: Ellie B Photography 

MUA: Elise Burnett Makeup Artistry

Photo Credit: Ellie B Photography

MUA: Elise Burnett Makeup Artistry 

Photo Credit: Ellie B Photography

MUA: Elise Burnett 

Photo Credit: John Sobczak 

Photo Credit: John Sobczak 

Photo Credit: John Sobczak 

Photo Credit: John Sobczak 

Photo Credit: Cordell B. Parker

Dancer Pictured: Matthew Roberts

Photo Credit: Derek Dandridge

Dancer Pictured: Shanice Rollins 

Photo Credit: Derek Dandridge 

Photo Credit: Derek Dandridge 

Photo Credit: Derek Dandridge