(Artwork: Herring Run, Kenya Miles, Founder of Blue Light Junction)
Celebrate Black History Month learning about natural dyers, farmers and activists of color here on Botanical Colors.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
This year, the Black History Month 2021 theme, “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity” explores the African diaspora, and the spread of Black families across the United States.
We’ve compiled a list of FEEDBACK FRIDAY presenters we think you should probably make a priority to watch and learn.
So make some coffee or tea, settle in and learn more about the work these 5 natural dye and textile artists are doing to keep black history alive every day.
Emily Carris-Duncan of The Art Dept
Kenya Miles + Blue Light Junction
Kibibi Ajanku
Aboubakar Fofana
Indigo with Maryland Institute College of Art
Botanical Colors is also excited to begin highlighting local and small farm and garden growers of natural dyestuffs. We will be shining a well-deserved spotlight on Black, Indigenous, and Growers of Color who have long been marginalized and underrepresented. We are happy to collect donations to be equally divided among a rotating group of growers.
You can learn more about and donate to our Farm & Garden donations here.