Juneteenth: Celebrating Black Creators
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day and Jubilee Day, is a holiday that celebrates the end of slavery, dating back to the first annual celebrations in 1866.
This year, as we work for and hope for a better, more loving, and inclusive future, we’re celebrating Juneteenth by sharing the words, wisdom, and stories of 7 inspiring black creators.
These artists’ creations redefine spaces, defy expectations, and inspire: from show-stopping, gorgeous knives that can slice through 8 water bottles in one stroke; brilliant, wearable art filled with hope; a whimsical wandering flower truck; a virtual cafe filled with love and poetry; breathtaking indigo batik; soul-stirring Gullah tunes; and stunning vintage-inspired contemporary glasswork.
Let’s join them on their journey, celebrate their work, and explore new spaces together.
Melissa Mitchell
Abeille Creations Designer and Artist
Atlanta-based artist Melissa Mitchell of Abeille Creations is a dream-chaser and visionary whose nickname is the “Kaleidoscope of Hope.”
Her unforgettable bold, vibrant works of art have been showcased at Art Basel Miami, in Sheen and Essence magazines, and in a Vogue product feature.
You also may have been inspired to snap pictures of her stunning murals at East Atlanta Village Art Gallery, Florida A&M University, or M Bar Lounge. Celebrities also love Abeille Creations’ line of wearable art, and Quiana Parler of Ranky Tanky sported one of Melissa Mitchell’s gorgeous creations during her first Grammy win this winter!
You create stunning, profoundly moving pieces filled with color and energy. What inspires you? What do you hope to impart to the viewer or wearer?
I am inspired by love, faith, and emotions. All three of those culminate in my work every single time.
I want people to really experience GOD when they wear my pieces, and when they experience anything that I've created. I always say that I am a conduit of the heavens because I do feel my art is a language from beyond.
Every time I pick up a brush, I am in awe of what I am able to produce. I want people to walk away feeling loved, have their faith strengthened, and understand how to pour their emotions into something magical.
Your bio mentions that you’re known as the “Kaleidoscope of Hope.” What changes are you hoping to see in the world?
My greatest HOPE is that everyone lives out their greatest dreams and that they fulfill their purpose in this lifetime.
So many people get lost in the shuffle of mundane life that they forget to actually LIVE. My work is full of life and hope. I use my paintbrush as my "pulpit," hoping to inspire people to be fearless in their pursuit of what makes them happy and whole.
Who are some artists in the black community who have influenced you?
Last but certainly not least, this entrepreneur boasts a beautiful line of wearable masterpieces, and she recently won the SPANX Illuminate-Her™️ Art Contest.
Support Abeille Creations and treat yourself to your own Melissa Mitchell piece; you’ll find masks, legging, watch bands, crop tops, coats, backpacks, and more!
Don’t forget to check out Melissa Michell’s collaboration with SPANX, as well.
Quiana Parler for Ranky Tanky
Grammy Award-winning Musicians and Gullah Ambassadors
Ranky Tanky raised their voices and took the world by storm, sharing the Gullah music and culture of the southeastern Sea Islands internationally.
The Charleston-based quintet just won their first Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album for Good Time, and their first album, Ranky Tanky, was featured on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross and the TODAY show. Ranky Tanky also soared to the #1 position on the Billboard, Amazon, and iTunes Jazz Charts.
What was the best part of winning a Grammy Award?
I would have to say the best part of winning our Grammy Award was knowing that not only did we win the highest award achievement in music as a band for our contribution to music, but the fact that we made history for the Gullah Community by being recognized for the first time ever by the Recording Academy on music’s biggest night.
It kind of felt like, “mission accomplished” by just being nominated, but to leave with a win made it feel even better. This is just the beginning; there is so much more work to be done.
You’ve introduced a vast number of people across the world to the Gullah culture. How does it feel to educate so many on this topic?
You know, as I look back over my life and the work that I’ve done, the people I’ve met, and what I’ve learned on this journey called life, I feel as though this was in alignment with where I was destined to be and destined to do.
Growing up, my mom always wanted me to become a teacher, and up until my Grammy win, she would hint around me teaching of some sort. So, it makes me feel good to finally be able to say, “Hey mom, I have an artist outreach program or a master class to teach today while we’re on the road.”
It amazes me how many adults and students we meet who know of Charleston but not of the Gullah People and their contribution to a lot of the things we still enjoy now and forever. We intentionally leave a piece of our history wherever we entertain and educate around the world. It is indeed an honor to do so proudly.
What are some ways you’d like to see people engaging with Gullah culture moving forward?
I would love to see more people engaging in continuing the conversation and the honest history development of the Gullah Community. It is one that is embedded in all of us, and the more research you do, you will see there’s always been a piece of the Gullah Community in us, be it nursery rhymes, food, crafts, and even the way we worship, you just didn’t know their names.
This is why I am proud to represent the Gullah Community and their rich history with my brothers in Ranky Tanky on this journey. I also do it for my son, who is a direct descendant of the Gullah people. We are proud; we are strong and mighty.
Ranky Tanky’s soulful beats and stirring songs lift your spirits and speak straight to the soul.
Celebrate Gullah culture by purchasing Ranky Tanky’s albums and sporting their merch, and keep an eye out for upcoming performances in your area for an unforgettable experience.
photo credit: Reese Moore Photography
Stephanie Summerson Hall
Estelle Colored Glass
Stephanie Summerson Hall creates gorgeous contemporary glassware inspired by long summer afternoons thrifting for vintage glass with her grandmother, “Big Mama.”
The sleek, vibrant yet nostalgic pieces are handblown in Poland by glass artists, and they’re perfect for your Sunday spread. Estelle Colored Glass has been featured in Martha Stewart, Aphrochic, Skirt, Veranda, and Charleston Weddings Magazine, among others.
Estelle, lovingly known as Big Mama, has been an influential part of your story and your work. What’s one life lesson she imparted that you carry with you today?
There is so much wisdom that my grandmother instilled me, which has transcended every area of my life from family values, family life, and helping to guide my spiritual foundation. I definitely credit her with the level of cooking skill set I possess.
I guess, most importantly, my grandmother was a quality time person who really took time to show genuine love and care. Whenever she would visit family and friends going through a death or a difficult time, she did day visits, not just stopping in for an hour or so.
Not only this, but she would also arrive with a care package that included a homemade pound cake and other household essentials. I also like to plan meaningful and not just quick visits and arrive with a homemade cake when possible. Whenever I do this, I think my grandmother would be so proud.
The world is listening to black stories in a new way. What would you like to share from your own story as a black business owner and entrepreneur?
I am what you call a double whammy: female and a black business owner, and this makes it extremely hard to gain credibility.
My saving grace has been my determination and perseverance. Entrepreneurship is a passion for me, and I don't shy away from challenging situations but actually welcome them. When it boils down to it, I know I have the work ethic and stamina for entrepreneurship, and I deserve the opportunity to build a legacy for my family and community, just like entrepreneurs of other ethnicities.
What are three other black-owned businesses you’d like to lift up and encourage others to support?
We Buy Black (website offering goods from black makers)
The Tiny Tassel (a shop owner local to me with an online presence from Charleston, SC)
Clare (a paint company)
Estelle Colored Glass offers unforgettable glass in a gorgeous array of hues, ranging from stemless wine glasses in Cobalt Blue, stemware in Coral Peach Pink, champagne coupes in Amber Smoke, and cake stands in Lavender.
Shop the full collection on her online store, and check back to see what new colors will be coming down the pipe!
Daniella Motley
Salt + Stem Wandering Flower Truck
Bouquets of fresh flowers are so much more than just colorful petals and stems: they’re a form of self-care, a symbol of whimsy, and a parcel of joy.
Dani Motley, the founder and owner of Charleston’s mobile flower truck Salt + Stem, knows this better than anyone. She’s spent the last year wandering the Holy City with an adorable vintage truck full of stunning blooms, leaving a trail of smiles and hope in her wake.
You create beautiful, whimsical bundles of flowers for your “wandering flower truck.” What inspired this journey?
In 2018 my Dad passed away, and it caused me to take account of my life. I was doing well professionally, dating a man I loved (and would marry), but I wanted to do something more, something that would help me align more with my passion. I have a creative spirit that does not tend to be nurtured in the structured corporate roles that I have taken during my career.
While evaluating the fullness of my life, I knew that I wanted to find something that allowed me to express the creative side of myself more. I also love connecting with the community here in Charleston, sharing in conversations and smiles.
As soon as I came across the concept of a flower truck, I was instantly excited by it. My husband and I discussed the idea. He confirmed that this endeavor was something I could do, and he believed that I would do well at it. So together we jumped in- headfirst. Almost a year later, we're still figuring it out, it's still changing, and I still love every second of it.
This has been a hard year, and you’ve said that you consider flowers to be a form of self-care (we totally agree!). What has been the most rewarding moment of sharing your work with others over the last year?
I really like the joy that I see on people’s faces when I deliver flowers to their special event. I also especially enjoy when someone comes to the truck, tells me they aren't talented enough to arrange flowers, and then they walk away with a beautiful bouquet that they made themself! It really helps to bring awareness to the abilities that you have but aren't giving yourself credit for!
There is no wrong answer when it comes to flowers. As long as you give yourself some grace, you walk away a little happier!
You’ve said that you started Salt + Stem to bring “a little piece of happiness” to the community, and you’ve done just that. What would you like to see from your community in return as we move forward?
Here in Charleston, we so easily section ourselves off by this bridge or that bridge (I get it, 20 minutes is far). But I would love for this community to be welcoming of each other, take the opportunity to be kind to another human. Share someone else's perspective, even if you don't agree with it. Life is hard enough as it is without us making it harder on each other. Over this last year, I have met so many people. That is why we call ourselves a Wandering Flower Truck. We wander all over this town!
Thank you for saying that we're doing our part, so happy to hear that perspective. My hope is that everyone will continue to do their part. In whatever little way possible and at any given moment during the day. Maybe that's listening instead of speaking, maybe that's being kinder to yourself for a day, or maybe that's stopping at a little white, vintage Ford and picking up a few flowers for a friend.
This not-quite-a-year-old business is community-centered, and 80% of Salt +Stem’s inventory is locally grown by Yuri Hana Flower Farm. And as if there weren’t already enough reasons to fall in love with Salt + Stem, Dani gave away free flowers to Sweetgrass Village, a senior living facility.
Let’s wander with Dani and our community with happiness; pop-ups, classes, and flower stops are updated regularly on the Salt + Stem Instagram!
Terrance Elmore
Poet, Blogger, and Author, The Essence of Love
Terrance Elmore is a busy man. This writer, poet, blogger, and author just published his second book. Terrance writes passionately on the theme of love on his blog, The Brown Sugar Cafe.
The Brown Sugar Cafe is a warm, cozy space on the Internet that he describes, “a space where I can share some of my thoughts that I’ve put into words. A switch up from the usual content on social media and television these days. A place where everyone can come and enjoy a few delights, leaving satisfied… Please seat yourself and enjoy!”
You’re a poet, author, writer, and blogger. How did you find your voice? What are you working on next?
I’ve always been encouraging, but it wasn’t until the first time someone told me that they appreciate my Facebook posts that I realized that my words are my voice. My words encourage and inspire people.
In the process of finishing my first book, I created a weekly blog to reach people even further. I just recently published my second book so right now I'm just continuing to write and we'll see which direction it takes me.
You work with themes of love regularly. How do you hope to see people leaning into love as we move forward during an unpredictable, challenging year?
I hope to see people leaning into love by first loving themselves. I think without self-love we cannot truly learn how to love each other.
I hope people embrace love with the understanding that love is the only way to heal the hate.
”Love is the only force capable of turning an enemy into a friend” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
You have a powerful way with words and a remarkable voice. What advice do you have for us on listening?
Thank you so much for your kind words! My advice is that we listen intentionally, with an open mind to understand and an open heart to be empathetic. Listen with hope and a better plan for tomorrow.
Listen with hope and a better plan for tomorrow.
Let’s join Terrance in the plan for a better tomorrow. Immerse yourself in hope and love with Terrance Elmore’s book, The Essence of Love, and his debut book, Love Letters: A Collection of Poems.
For even more inspiration, follow The Brown Sugar Cafe blog, Instagram, and Facebook.
Arianne King Comer
Indigo Dyer, Textile and Installation Artist, Storyteller
Arianne King Comer is many things: an indigo and community arts advocate, a textile artist, an art consultant, a lecturer, and a teacher.
This powerful artist is a master in her field, and she was featured in the PBS documentary, “Messengers of the Spirit”, received a UN/USIS grant to study under renowned Batik artist Nike Olyani Davis in Oshogbo, Nigeria, and has been the Artist in Residence for the North Charleston Cultural Affairs Office. Previous exhibitions of Arianne King Comer’s work have taken place at the Dalton Gallery, the Rosa Parks Museum, and Charleston’s Waterfront Gallery.
You do exceptional, powerful work with indigo and batik. What called you to this art form? What keeps you coming back to it?
The Batik technique is meditative and full of wonder.
I began to see the practice of indigo runs through many resonating cultures as a spiritual practice of seeking truth.
A lot of your career has involved teaching. What do you hope to impart to the next generation, and what have you learned from your journey in teaching?
Teaching is my way of giving back to mankind.
My teaching is my Reiki practice of healing through using art enhancing self-esteem.
Your work speaks about Gullah culture and social justice. Why is artistic expression more important now than ever?
More than ever, expressing the message of justice, love of nature, honoring humankind, celebrating culture, and truth is more effective and profound in the whelm of artistic expression.
Follow this inspiring artist’s journey through the Arianne King Comer website, and keep an eye out for both upcoming shows and workshop opportunities around the Lowcountry.
Arianne has been teaching a four-part class on indigo dyeing through the City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department at the Olde Village Community Building, which has been postponed due to the pandemic. Their website will feature the rescheduled dates.
Quintin Middleton
Bladesmith and Owner of Middleton Made Knives
Master knife smith Quintin Middleton began learning how to make his own blades under the tutelage of experts Jason Knight and Adam Desrosiers at the tender age of 17. Though he began his apprenticeship as a teen, creating knives has been a lifelong dream, inspired by watching Conan the Barbarian as a young child.
Today, Quintin is the bladesmith behind Middleton Made Knives, and his work was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal.
Each of one of Middleton Made Knives is a unique work of art, and Quintin’s pieces can be found in the hands of celebrity chefs such Emeril Lagasse, Edouardo Jordan, JJ Johnson, Robert Irvin, Roblé Ali, Sean Brock, Todd Richards, and Duane Nutter.
You had to fight to make your dream come true. What obstacles did you face getting started?
When I first started out, YouTube wasn’t really the place to go to get information.
I had to call people and ask if they would share what they have learned over the years. Some were willing and a lot were not.
What advice do you have for other people of color chasing a dream in today’s world?
Don’t be afraid to try and fail.
Keep pushing and see how many times you can get “No” in a day because it only takes one “Yes” to get where you want to go.
Remember, this your dream and your path. So follow your heart.
What other black artisans and businesses do you support?
Marcus Middleton of Middleton Made Cuisines
Jay Morrison aka Mr. Real Estate
Middleton Made Knives offers sleek, exceptional knives with dazzling designs and artistry. Each piece is an heirloom work of art that is also a powerful kitchen essential; you’ll relish using your blade as well as displaying it in a place of honor for guests to see.
Cognizant of those still saving up for their masterpiece, Quintin also has a more affordable line of equally well-designed and exquisitely made knives in the Echo Collection.
We hope you engage with, support, and continue to learn from each of these artists, and we also want to highlight the following upcoming events:
Charleston Poet Laureate Marcus Amaker is hosting a poetry reading on Instagram live on June 19, 2020, at 4:44 pm.
As the City of Charleston moves to remove the statue of John C. Calhoun, announced yesterday, the mayor has also asked Marcus Amaker to prepare a new poem.
Ranky Tanky will also be taking the stage tomorrow, June 19, with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in a Livestream event beginning at 7:30 pm. The name of this concert is Call and Response: A Concert for Equality.
We will be actively listening and responding to these calls within our community.
Come join us.
One Love & Blessings,