This year, as we celebrate and honor the (now federally recognized) Juneteenth holiday, we look back on the stories eight black, natural dye artists have shared with us. As we all continue to learn and grow from these stories, we urge you to reach out within your regional natural dye and fiber communities to usher in more diversity. If we have learned anything from FEEDBACK FRIDAY, it’s that we can tell so many stories through natural dyeing that gather more people, not always our choir, to get a little closer to us to just listen…and hopefully sing.
About Juneteenth:
From the Juneteenth.com site: “Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.
Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.”
At the state level, at least 24 states and the District of Columbia will legally recognize Juneteenth as a public holiday this year.
The Art Dept w/ artist & founder Emily Carris Duncan
Aboubakar Fofana Live Studio Tour, June 2022
Ethnographic Fiber + Dyes From Black & Indigenous Farmers w/ LaChaun Moore
Kenya Miles & Blue Light Junction
