Grants for artist of color, about the black experience? I AM the black experience.

It’s no doubt that the grant process is frustrating, especially when most recipients look nothing like me… a woman of color. On the other hand, grants focused on supporting artist of color make it very clear that the “artist” work should encompass the “black experience”.

But I am the black experience.

I am the black experience when I step out into the world and I am judged FIRST based on the color of my skin and not my talents. I am the black experience when I’m constantly in the position of having to fight for my children to be treated equally in a public school institution. I am the black experience when I am in fear and question if my husband will safely return home after a “routine traffic stop”. I am the black experience when I live in a system created against people who look like me.

And my list goes on…

Although I wish the grant process… well life in general, wasn’t biased, it is my unfortunate reality. When I apply, though I do my best and hope for a great outcome, I know that most likely the “look” of the grantees won’t change.

Then on the other end of the spectrum, some of the organizations that fund projects by artist of color has a specific criteria. The topic of focus should include slavery, racial injustice, police brutality, immigration, etc. Is that all the black experience encompasses?

In this case, my work is too black for one… not black enough for the other… and a box I simply can’t fit in.

Does this mean I change the direction of my work? Absolutely not. Although this isn’t the case for all organizations, it is evident that I have to continue working 3 times as hard. But not to worry. I get what I set my mind to. Nonetheless, I do look forward to the day when more opportunities live outside the box. Who knows? I may just start something new… in due time.

You can help me finish my documentary film, I Am More Than My Hair.

 

Join me as I present my research behind my project, meet the women who participated and take part in a Q&A. Book signing to follow.

Sunday, September 9, 2018
5-7PM

Busboys and Poets
5311 Baltimore Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20781

There will be an open menu for food and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Tickets are $10. Proceeds from tickets sales will go towards the finishing funds for my film.

To learn more and get get tickets, visit Busboys and Poets or Eventbrite.

 

The Books Have Arrived!

THE SEED HAS FINALLY SOWN

It’s been 4 years in the making of research, planning, production, and post-production… and I Am More Than My Hair books are finally here. Thank you to everyone who believed in my project, supported my fundraisers, and gave words of encouragement or resources to help me more forward.

This is not the end, but only the beginning of an entirely new direction. I have to hit the road with books signings, exhibitions, speaking engagements… and of course… I must sell these books.

You can now purchase on Amazon for $39.95. Remember, 10% of sales proceeds will be donated to Children’s Alopecia Project (CAP). I LOVE their mission: “Help change the emphasis from growing hair to building confidence.”

So feel free to order a copy… or 2… or 3.  Purchase your copy on Amazon.

UPDATE ON THE FILM

I am still in the post-production phase with I Am More Than My Hair documentary film. I’ll have a narrative rough-cut by the end of new week. However, I’m still raising funds to finish because after receiving the rough-cut, there are other steps needed to complete, such as color and sound correction, original score (music) and footage/music licensing (I’ve been working really hard to get permission for India Arie’s song, I Am Not My Hair.

So far I’ve been given access to footage from OWN TV (Harpo Inc.) and I’m very grateful for the permission granted. Your support to help me finish my film will be greatly appreciated… and it’s tax-deductible. Please share.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Book Launch – September 9 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Busboys and Poets
5331 Baltimore Avenue
Hyattsville, MD 20781

Join me in celebration of the launch of my book, I Am More Than My Hair. Purchase your ticket »

 

Book Signing – August 4 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Sandy Spring Museum
17901 Bentley Road
Sandy Spring, MD 20860

This is my first book signing. I will be on hand to sell and sign copies of I Am More Than My Hair. Reserve your spot »

Feminine Transitions Goes To California

I am truly excited to be given the opportunity to travel to San Diego, California and engage in discussion about my book, Feminine Transitions. Not only am I in a position to spark necessary conversation about social change but I am passionate about creating positive images that facilitate self acceptance. Wait until you hear about my upcoming project. I am so looking forward to the new journey.

For those of you that may not know me personally, for the past five years I’ve wanted to go to California for two reasons, other than simply visiting this beauty. First, Cali was the first state (I seriously prayed about it) I planned on holding a book signing/discussion before Feminine Transitions was a physical book. Second, I wanted to celebrate my birthday and have arranged it over the years (hotel and everything) but had no choice but to cancel due to financial hardships.

There is no doubt that my prayers have not been answered and I take this moment as a blessing.

Not only was I chosen as presenter for the Aging Society of America’s (ASA) Aging In America Conference 2014 (#AIA14) but it also takes place during my birthday; March 17th. How powerful is that!

The topic of my presentation at the AIA conference is, of course, ‘Feminine Transitions: Embracing Our Natural Beauty As We Age’. I’m looking forward to dialoguing with the audience.

I am also scheduled for a book reading, signing, and discussion with the Women’s Resource Center on March 13th and Women’s Museum of California on March 15th.

If you or someone you know is in the San Diego area, come out and join me for great conversation and purchase a copy(ies) of Feminine Transitions.

Don’t forget I am still holding a crowd funding campaign which helps cover the expense for my trip to California. Your support, big or small, is appreciated. Contribute here.

RSVP here for event at Women’s Resource Center
RSVP here for event at Women’s Museum of California
Read more about AIA Conference 2014 here (can purchase ticket as well)

Feminine Transitions Goes To California

I am truly excited to be given the opportunity to travel to San Diego, California and engage in discussion about my book, Feminine Transitions. Not only am I in a position to spark necessary conversation about social change but I am passionate about creating positive images that facilitate self acceptance. Wait until you hear about my upcoming project. I am so looking forward to the new journey.

For those of you that may not know me personally, for the past five years I’ve wanted to go to California for two reasons, other than simply visiting this beauty. First, Cali was the first state (I seriously prayed about it) I planned on holding a book signing/discussion before Feminine Transitions was a physical book. Second, I wanted to celebrate my birthday and have arranged it over the years (hotel and everything) but had no choice but to cancel due to financial hardships.

There is no doubt that my prayers have not been answered and I take this moment as a blessing.

Not only was I chosen as presenter for the Aging Society of America’s (ASA) Aging In America Conference 2014 (#AIA14) but it also takes place during my birthday; March 17th. How powerful is that!

The topic of my presentation at the AIA conference is, of course, ‘Feminine Transitions: Embracing Our Natural Beauty As We Age’. I’m looking forward to dialoguing with the audience.

I am also scheduled for a book reading, signing, and discussion with the Women’s Resource Center on March 13th and Women’s Museum of California on March 15th.

If you or someone you know is in the San Diego area, come out and join me for great conversation and purchase a copy(ies) of Feminine Transitions.

Don’t forget I am still holding a crowd funding campaign which helps cover the expense for my trip to California. Your support, big or small, is appreciated. Contribute here.

RSVP here for event at Women’s Resource Center
RSVP here for event at Women’s Museum of California
Read more about AIA Conference 2014 here (can purchase ticket as well)

Book Signing At Metamorphosis Boutique

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
Maya Angelou

Feminine Transitions is a tribute to that little girl who is constantly told by society that she is not beautiful. For the older woman who hides behind her mask and colors her gray hair. And to the senior woman who feels that her wrinkles are a negative reminder of growing older.

Know that you are all beautiful, just the way you are. Let the radiance you were born with shine through.

Feminine Transitions: A Photographic Celebration of Natural Beauty is a photography book that promotes and celebrates the true natural beauty of girls and women at all stages of life. It includes a portrait series of females faces ages 7 weeks to 103.

Free and open to the public.

Saturday, February 8, 2014
3:00pm-6:00pm
Metamorphosis Boutique
811 Wayne Avenue
(Whole Foods shopping cntr)
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Feminine Transitions Book Launch…Success!

I am truly excited and humbled by the pouring of love for my book launch party this past Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Busboys and Poets. Many people came in support of me and my message of embracing our natural beauty. It actually hit home not only for women but for men as well.

We had great dialogue, genuine connections and an amazing night overall. Most of the audience I didn’t know personally but definitely made new friends by the end of the night.

Enjoy the pictures from my event! If your interested in purchasing copies of Feminine Transitions, you can place an order on Amazon (hardcover or ebook).

I must give a shout out to all of my sponsors. Presentation Sponsor – The Umbrella Syndicate for taking photos and capturing my event and Partner Sponsor – Uprising Builders. Thank you to our Samples Sponsors for blessing the guest bags with your wonderful products – Anu Essentials, Smarty Pants Vitamins, Shea Radiance, N Natural Hair Studio, Miss Jessie’s and Nature’s Gate.

Also, thanks to photographer Jeff Brooks for capturing my event as well.

I appreciate you tremendously!

Alyscia Cunningham talking about Feminine Transitions

Audience for Alyscia Cunningham’s book release of Feminine Transitions. Took place at busboys and poets.

© Jeff Brooks Photography / J Gregory Media Group, LLC

Ken Rochon, our Presentation Sponsor and founder of The Umbrella Syndicate