We landed on historic Farish Street in Jackson, Mississippi, and from the sight alone, I could tell the energy was high, there was a feeling. Once out of the car, I knew the feeling by name, it was joy. On Saturday, March 19th, Shani Peters revealed her public art installation, “Collective Care", an ode to Black Mothers and Caretakers through poetry, lessons, shared experiences, yoga and guided meditations. Shani Peters says her inspiration is the role Black women take on as caregivers while enduring suffering and violence (via WJTV).
A few of our team members share their thoughts about the installation and it's impact, read more below
Brittny Miller: Being able to see the words that were on the wall, it really allowed me to sit with my feelings and emotions about comfort and self-care. It allowed me to reflect on my relationships and experiences with the women in my life. It was reassuring to know that there is a sense of collective care and it felt good to see the work of Black women community work recognized. Visually the exhibition was very warm and inviting, it's very pleasing to the eye and comforting. The color palette felt so intentional, everything flows so well together.
Jasmine Williams: It was something so affirming about this installation, I think it validated the work and experiences of Black Women as being central to community healing and sustainability. I believe it held space for it all, the pain, the love, the work, the words of us. I also love that this space provides healing education surrounding money and self-care, things we kind of shy away from as Black people in general. It fosters social economy with the business and community wellness resource lists, I absolutely love this. This installation is an attest to the point that in making space for Black women, we make space for community.
Courtney Jones: I went to go see the installation last week, and my first initial thought was I love seeing Black people take up space, it felt very organic to me when I saw it. It made me feel as if this was very intentional. I felt that everything felt natural to the space, it wasn't forced at all. I liked seeing the community being reflected in the art work because people of the community had a hand in creating the installation. I loved that people native to Jackson, Mississippi were involved. This felt special.
Shani Peters: "I'm thinking about the beauty of the colors in a sunrise and sunsets. I'm thinking about the parallel and the tension there is in that pallet and the pallets of flames. Really thinking about what needs to be destroyed and rebuilt in our society. To make it so that Black mothers and caretakers aren't picking up the pieces behind everything else," - as said to WJTV
Go check out "Collective Care" for yourself on Farish Street and let us know how it makes you feel. The installation is a full block on Farish, you can't miss it. We hope this brings you as much joy and comfort as it did us. That's that #SippTalk