I hope that you’re the one. If not, you are the prototype. ~ 3 Stacks
I make no apologies for saying with my whole chest that Black women are lit. I am always blown away by the grace, style, and general flyness of Black women. Growing up, I would marvel at the well-dressed women with matching suits and church hats on Sundays. I loved the click-clack of their heels as they glided across the room, greeting each other with warmth and a noticeable depth of unspoken sisterhood. Although I was a tomboy through and through, I longed for the day it would be my turn to be a sophisticated, immaculately dressed Black woman diva.
My celebration of Black women in all our glory continues to be my favorite thing. So, it was no surprise that I found myself at the Wonder of Women (WOW)Gallery on a Friday night with my mom in tow to celebrate two amazing black women pillars in the Seattle community. Before I go any further, let me give you a little bit of context about the magic of WoW. This amazing gallery is an “invitation to experience healing, education, and liberation in sacred space that unapologetically centers the beauty of Black Women and amplifies the power of Black Love in downtown Seattle.” The walls are adorned with portraits of iconic Black women in Seattle, and the broader Black community. There are thought-provoking, interactive art installations scattered around the space, and beautiful seating areas to foster reflecting and conversation. It is truly a beautiful sanctuary for Black women!
On this particular visit, I was excited to bring my mom into the sacredness of this community. This was her first time being in a room full of Black women since she moved to Seattle almost a year ago. I enjoyed walking her around the gallery to identify and learn about the women featured. But the highlight of the night was being able to witness the unveiling of two new portraits celebrating two iconic healers in the Black Seattle medical community. One of which happened to be my linesister’s mom! Congratulations to Dr. Connell!
Everything about this night was Black girl magic. The catering was done by my friend Dayo of Dayosense Catering. The music was an exceptional soundtrack of the Black American experience. The guests were arrayed in vintage designer and African-print fashions befitting the true divas in the room. And the greetings flowed from guests lips as easily as the hugs that quickly followed.
I got to introduce my mom to an endless number of my Sorors (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated), sisters of other D9 organizations, members of the Seattle Links, educators, activists, community leaders, and other professionals. It was a time. And yet another reminder that Black women are the prototype. Hear me when I say–I would want to be a Black women in every lifetime and every timeline of the multiverse.
Naturally, I took a ton of pictures. But in true technology form, they won’t upload for some reason. Just know, this is a gallery you need to visit if you’re in Seattle.
