Andrea once again produced an amazing program honoring our women and history.  From beginning to end women of all generations came together to acknowledge that we stand on the mighty and magnificent shoulders of women artists, educators, mentors, family and friends.

Thanks, Andrea, for conceiving the idea that led to our spontaneous program in 2016.  That was a lot of fun and, because of the response among artists and community, resulted in the 2017 program that resulted in planning for 2018.  As Andrea indicated during our conversations, many women artists spend so much time making life happen and working hard that we become isolated.  Bringing together community and a diverse group of women artists is a great way to acknowledge one another and to thank our respective communities and sources of inspiration.

[email protected] featured our gracious emcee Kimberly Gautault and the addition this year of wimmin vendors who added to the atmosphere with their artistic contributions.  From the opening performance Zebulo by Collage Dance Company, to 7-year-old Ajua Arnette’s powerful performance as Harriet Tubman, to the finale with director Nicole Oxendine and the Hillside Touring Dance Company, [email protected] demonstrates the depth of talent, creativity, and energy that abounds in and around Durham.

This year’s program honored the life of educator, journalist and activist Ida B. Wells (July 16, 1862-March 25, 1931) and the life of author, filmmaker, activist and professor Toni Cade Bambara (March 25, 1939 – December 9, 1995).

Thanks again to everyone:  Andrea E. Woods Valdez, Saydenu Tukun, Jon Paul McClellan, Latisha Casey, our artists, vendors, volunteers, patrons, the Hayti Heritage Center staff, SOULOWORKS, and Duke University Faculty Research.

Don’t miss [email protected] 2018!

[email protected] 2017 photos courtesy of Alec Himwich