Wow, So much love and positivity in one room. What an amazing event!
Our event took place at Nubian Hueman Boutique, located at Anacostia Arts Center located in Washington D.C. , form 2 to 6pm.
It was a gloomy day and the rain was falling non stop. As the day went on the weather became increasingly worse and we started to think no one would be able to make it. Throughout the time we were setting up & getting ready to greet guests, our phones constantly went off giving flash flood warning messages.
Despite the weather people came from all over the Washington DC and metropolitan area. My sister and I were slightly shocked by the pure a genuine energy that greeted us as they walked in to greet and thank each person for coming out.
“The Journey for Regina” photo series transformed into something bigger than we even imagined. The space was filled with items created from all parts of the Diaspora.
By 3pm the place was packed with African music bumping softly in the background.
People ate, mingled & supported each other buy making a purchase. Even some of our AMAZING Shea butter from our Wetati Shea butter line was also available.
At 4pm we began our artist talk. By 4:15pm we were introduce by the fabulous owner of Nubian Hueman Boutique, Anika Hobbes.
We began our artist talk session by explaining what “The Journey for Regina.” By telling everyone who Regina was and why we made the Journey back to Nigeria.
Regina Dureke is our late grandmother, our father’s mother. For those of you who don’t know, we traveled back home to Nigeria in March to properly honor our grand mothers legacy. Her funereal service was in traditional Igbo style. A with a one-week celebration of her life & one Sunday she finally rested.
She was prestigious lady who never judged those who did not have as much as she. She engaged in philanthropy and humanitarian work for people living in Owerri, Nigeria.
Our trip was so nostalgic for us that we wanted to documents every experience in Nigeria. We took photographs of people she impacted in their lives. We were so inspired from our trip that when we returned we want to begin a photography series in honor of mama Regina’s life and legacy. Although it had been years since we had last saw her, this was our way of connecting with her and saying out goodbyes. We stressed the importance of story telling, the importance of telling you ancestors story, the importance of culture and how it can define your identity.
Everyone seemed eager to learn about the topics we discussed during our artist talk. We talked about why we started Nkem Life a year ago, the concept of identity as it relates to being Nigerian America, the influences of Western culture African clothing, black hair in its natural state & African music, starting a blog, iphone 6 photography and black art.
The artist talk became a group conversation about blackness, what is means to be Nigerian- American, natural hair, photography, and finding balance within your self as you travel, what the term “travel” means to us. Our parents even got involved in the conversation Lol.
After our talk we had a stimulating Q& A session. We both ended the session feeling that we were connecting with people through our work & words.
We really appreciate the positive feedback and level of thought that went into each question asked during the Q & A. Everyone seemed engaged and eager to learn more.
From both of our hearts we just want to thank everyone who came out to witness “The Journey for Regina” photography series and celebrated Nkem Life’s birthday with us. We are grateful that our light had the power to attract such luminous souls. Each person, one by one have forever changed our lives.
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
& a huge thank you to Ravon of browngirlsmuseumblog.com for covering most of the photographs at “The Journey for Regina” Event.
Follow there Instagram here @Brwngirlsmuseblog
To see more photos click visit our gallery!
11 Comments
I can’t believe I missed it! What a great way to celebrate your grandmother’s legacy. Much love xo
politicsandfashionblog.com
It’s apparent that you ladies put much thought and care into this event. What a special and suitable way to honour your grandmother’s legacy of giving back to the community.
This is such a precious, gracious and awesome way to honor the magnificent legacy of your grandmother. You two have shared her life, generosity and compassion that she truly had for others. It is truly a blessing from God, that her spirit lies within your father Mr. John Dureke, while passing down the same dynamic and awesome spirit to both you intelligent and beautiful young ladies!!! I am so proud of you two, remember to stay strong and focused, for the Lord will never leave nor forsake you!!! I love you both truly, from the bottom of my heart!!!