WOMANIST

Photo credits: Robert Cooper
What to Expect
-
Meet the Artists
-
Canvas Art
-
Poetry
-
Video Short
-
Gallery Shop
-
Refreshments
What is Womanist?
"Womanist," is a multimedia art experience from the imaginations of two dope black femme artists, Keion Hennessey & D. Colin! We have been planning an art exhibit for the past year, and finally we are in the home stretch but we need your help to reach our goal to open the exhibit on January 15th!
The funds will help us to purchase necessary supplies to ensure that we have what we need to complete the exhibit and make it safe for viewing when it opens. What you help us raise here, will also be a huge assist in offsetting the cost of our time and what we've already invested into this project.
So much has happened in 2020 and the idea of this collaboration has evolved over time to really highlight not only where we are now as individuals but also the ongoing fight to dismantle systemic racism and all forms of oppression. It is also a celebration of the many layers that make us who we are. It is important for us to tell our stories without apology as an act of resistance and as an act of love. This show is an interpretation of all things womanist, coined by Alice Walker to signify the black feminist and all the things that make us fly. It's about the journey towards joy, liberation and peace. It's about the right to be angry and the drive to then affect change.
Thank you for contributing to our dream whatever the amount! Remember to share on social media. We can't wait for you to see the show!
Coined by Alice Walker
1. From womanish. (Opp. of “girlish,” i.e. frivolous, irresponsible, not serious.) A black feminist or feminist of color. From the black folk expression of mothers to female children, “you acting womanish,” i.e., like a woman. Usually referring to outrageous, audacious, courageous or willful behavior. Wanting to know more and in greater depth than is considered “good” for one. Interested in grown up doings. Acting grown up. Being grown up. Interchangeable with another black folk expression: “You trying to be grown.” Responsible. In charge. Serious.
2. “A woman who loves other women, sexually and/or non-sexually.
Appreciates and prefers women’s culture, women’s emotional flexibility (values tears as natural counterbalance of laughter), and women’s strength.
Sometimes loves individual men, sexually and/or non-sexually.
Committed to survival and wholeness of entire people, male and female.
Not a separatist, except periodically, for health. Traditionally universalist…
3. Loves music. Loves dance. Loves the moon. Loves the Spirit. Loves love and food and roundness.
Loves struggle. Loves the Folk. Loves herself. Regardless.”
4. "Womanist is to feminist as purple is to lavender"
Poetry slam
Regional slams:
QEW Slam
2016: 3rd place
2017: 1st place
WordxWord Women's Invitational
2018:1st place
MacDeland Fall Festival Poetry Slam
2019: 3rd place
National Poetry Slam
2012 & 2018
WOWPs
2016, 2017, 2018, 2020
Cap City Slam Team
Lizard Lounge: 1st Place
Featured
States: NY, CT, MA, VT, RI, NJ, MD, PA, OH, MI
International cities:
Toronto, Glasgow & London
Select Venues:
Nuyorican Poets Cafe
Boston Museum of Fine Art
Bronx Museum
NYS Writers Institute
Busboys & Poets
Binghamton University
University of Bridgeport
SUNY Adirondack
University of Rhode Island
Russell Sage College
workshops
Including at:
Hilltop Montessori
The Putney School
Hudson High School
Troy High School
Miss Hall's School
North Country School
Emma Willard School
Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls
Mont Pleasant Elementary
Root3d Healing
Children at the Well
Boys & Girls Club
Hope 7 Community Center
WordxWord Festival
Voices of Community Poet in Residence, 2016
education
BA in English from Southern Connecticut State University, minor in Psychology, concentration in creative writing & African American literature
MA in Africana Studies at University at Albany, SUNY, concentration in African American literature