Harlem Renaissance Revisited

My cousin Galen stopped by the house yesterday. His visit was prompted by our mutual attendance honoring a loved one on their last journey. It was the result of a phrase often heard: “We should get together more often and not just at funerals.” Galen had never seen my studio or any of my creative work. Hours were spent looking at photographs and many “Who is that” and “Oh my goodness, look at…” moments took place. In addition to the fun of re-visiting memories of years gone by was his amazement at the creative pages and journaling that accompanied these treasured photographs.

With the help of my latest mini-album, we were able to share some of the fun we used to have “cuttin’ the rug.” Galen’s Grandma Dot and his “Auntie” (my mother), left London, Ontario, in their late teens and took to the live stage. These two song larks took part in the fabulous entertainment phase that rocked New York during the 1920’ and 1930’s. I imagine many of us can recall events from our ancestor’s collective experiences during The New Negro Renaissance or, more commonly, the Harlem Renaissance, which was a period of immense creativity and cultural production by African Americans.

With the release of “Curtain Call”, by Graphic 45, we modern day artists are able to add to this creative era highlighting the photographs of relatives that contributed to such a vibrant community, no matter where they lived. Images of Josephine Baker, Cab Calloway,

Duke Ellington and others grace the pages of Curtain Call. This line highlights the birth of Jazz, and the razzle and dazzle of the lavish stage shows. Our projects will come alive with authenticity as we celebrate our legacies with a renewed enthusiasm.

Be sure to visit the contributions of our Design Team and marvel at the projects that they’ve created using “Curtain Call” in our latest issue of E:spire. And, don’t forget to take a moment or two to celebrate Juneteenth day this month.