Dear, Black Creative
Your story matters. Your voice, your art, and your experiences are vital threads in the fabric of our shared history. You have the power to inspire, uplift, and create change through your unique perspective. Whether through the pages of a book or the ink of a tattoo, your narrative is a testament to your journey and an invaluable contribution to our culture.
Remember, your story is not just yours; it belongs to future generations who will look to you for guidance, strength, and inspiration. Don't let your voice be silenced. Embrace your creativity, share your truth, and let your story shine brightly.
With love and admiration.
“Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero.” - African Proverb
In the vibrant tapestry of Black culture, two powerful mediums stand out for their ability to tell our stories and preserve our heritage: books and tattoos. Both serve as profound forms of self-expression and cultural celebration. Through the written word, we pass down our histories, dreams, and struggles, while through ink on skin, we etch our identities, beliefs, and art into a permanent display of pride and resilience. Today, we explore the beautiful correlation between books and tattoos, celebrating their unique roles in elevating Black culture and encouraging Black creatives to share their stories with the world.
But first …
A Burst of Inspiration
Celebrating the Grand Opening of Mama Koko's in Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland – A New Culinary Gem
Baltimore is about to welcome a new gem in its culinary landscape with the grand opening of Mama Koko's. This exciting new restaurant is set to become a beloved spot for food enthusiasts and culture seekers alike, offering a unique blend of flavors and an inviting atmosphere that promises to be a hit in the vibrant city.
A Taste of Tradition and Innovation
Mama Koko's stands out with its unique menu that marries traditional recipes with innovative twists. The restaurant’s culinary team, led by the talented Chef Koko herself, has crafted a menu that reflects a rich heritage while embracing modern culinary techniques. Guests can look forward to a diverse array of dishes, each prepared with the freshest ingredients and a touch of love that only Mama Koko's can offer.
Hooper's House: A Historical Connection
The story of Mama Koko's would not be complete without mentioning its connection to Hooper's House, a historical landmark in Baltimore. Hooper's House has long been a symbol of community and resilience, serving as a gathering place for locals and a testament to the city's rich history. Mama Koko's is proud to honor this legacy by incorporating elements of Hooper's House into its design and ethos. The restaurant's interior features beautiful décor inspired by the architecture and history of Hooper's House, creating an ambiance that is both nostalgic and contemporary.
Community and Culture at the Heart
Mama Koko's is more than just a restaurant; it is a celebration of community and culture. The establishment aims to be a hub where people can come together to enjoy great food, share stories, and create lasting memories. The restaurant will host regular events, including live music performances, cooking classes, and cultural festivals, making it a vibrant part of Baltimore's social scene.
A Warm Invitation
I’m not a part of the delegation. But I can tell you it is WARM in there! Think of your fav granny or auntie greeting you with a big ol’ grin and arms wide open! That’s Mama Koko’s through and through ~
So I’m confident in saying team Mama Koko's warmly invites everyone to visit. Whether you are a lifelong Baltimore resident or a visitor to the city, Mama Koko's promises an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you coming back for more. Come and savor the flavors, soak in the atmosphere, and be a part of something truly special.
Visit Mama Koko's: Website | Instagram
About Hooper's House
Speaking of unforgettable experiences, I had one while there ~
A TRUE full circle moment with a past tattoo client who was also in communion for the opening festivities.
Standing with my Godmuva n’ dem … a young lady walks up and softly says “You may not remember me, but you did my first tattoo” and went on to say how many folks she’s referred to me.
Drawn in by good convo and company, we chatted for a while before I realized I hadn’t even asked WHAT tattoo I did and when. So I corrected that pronto cuz well …
I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my shit.
Jumping into action as if to say “I thought you’d never ask” she showed me one of my absolute favorite pieces that has been dare I say ‘haunting’ me since I received my Hand of Ifá, back in December.
It was dis beauty ~
Now … the full circle moment. Cuz I know you’re wondering when it’s coming ~
My client got this tattoo in 2018 - her first tattoo and an homage to Osun, an Orisa (diety) in the Ifá tradition. More specifically Osun is a river goddess of love, beauty, music, wealth and healing, and a protector of children. You may know of her from imagery brought to us in Beyonce’s Lemonade. But I digress …
She made Osun (got initiated as an Osun priest) in 2019, a year after we made this tattoo.
At my Isefa, it was confirmed that I am omo Osun (a child of Osun).
Not gon’ lie … I felt basic for ‘bout 5 minutes - no tea, no shade all all but slim … e’rybody love dem some Osun! And I’m like what about Oya and da other dieties doe. LOL I highkey appointed myself a omo Oya. But it doesn’t quite work that way ~
And Muva Osun must’a felt this energy and since I received my hand, this tattoo - Osun’s mirror - has been following me. I often feel it’s a challenge to better learn about her and self-reflect on the many reasons why I AM her child, instead of another diety.
And to think I was minding my business at Mama Koko’s and there she was again ~
But it did jive seal the deal that I am on my path to being an Osun devotee.
Ore Yeye O!
Rebooting Shoppe Gal podcast & Dear, Black Creatives blog
Mama Koko’s left me buzzing’ and I ain’t even had one drink there.
I mean I saw my path CLEAR AS FUCKING DAY including plant medicine x tattoos (my BIG dream), the success of BTA, Shoppe Gal The Memoir, apparel and creative shoots and so much more. When we left, I actually had a headache (in a GREAT Way!).
The energy was high, the conversations were transformational, and the company was ELECTRIC. But there is absolutely no way I can harness ALL of this inspo at one time without becoming unhinged. Instead, let’s prune it and shape this inso like a beautiful bonsai.
My story is rooted in Black tattoo culture.
And it’s time I take the same medicine I’m giving Black creatives in them telling their own stories. I started with Shoppe Gal but that, friends, was just a warm up. I’m certain of this!
As a way to be accountable and tell my own story while tracing, documenting and preserving Black tattoo history and culture I’m rebooting my vlog - Shoppe Gal Diaries.
If I had to put on my marketing hat and place myself within a niche (I don’t really fall into any ONE niche, but let’s pretend …) it’d be TATTOO (duhhhh ~)
And the one thing lacking from this industry is the stories - documented and preserved - of Black tattoo culture, from both the artist AND enthusiast perspectives.
We started preserving these stories with a soft launch event to BTA’s Black Tattoo Culture Con (keep reading for a special invite ;-))
A Brief Recap of Little INKPLAY Shop's Books and Tattoos Event
I can’t believe it’s been so long since BTA’s soft launch with Books & Tattoos. It’ll be almost a year between the non-profit brand’s intro to the world and its official grand entry. Head on over and check out the full podcast here.
Little INKPLAY Shop hosted a remarkable event for BTA that celebrated the intersection of literature and tattoo artistry - ‘The Books that Stain Your Brain and Ink That Stains Your Skin’.
The Books and Tattoos event was a day filled with storytelling, creativity, and community. Attendees had the chance to share their favorite books and discuss how these literary works have influenced their lives and inspired their tattoos.
The event featured readings from local Black authors, live tattooing sessions, and workshops on the art of storytelling through both written and inked mediums. It was a celebration of Black culture, creativity, and the enduring power of stories. Participants left with not only beautiful new tattoos but also a renewed sense of pride in their cultural heritage.
Telling our stories and putting them in ink - on skin and paper is DIAR. CRITICAL for the survival and progression of Black Tattoo Culture. Why?
Because most people believe that tattoo is either demonic, a yt person’s innovative sport, or both.
Very few people understand tattoo as both an art AND medicine. But Black folk do except … we don’t know that we know this yet. It’s time to wake up, awaken this deep ancestral knowing and use it for our liberation.
“Until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero.”
It’s been time to tell our stories. And not in the way that VH1 and other platforms that tokenize Black tattoo culture has taken to doing so.
And with that said … WE ARE OFFICIALLY AT LAUNCH BABYYYYYYYY!!!!!
Introducing Black Tattoo Culture Con
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Black Tattoo Culture Con, a 3-day tattoo and arts festival dedicated to celebrating Black tattoo artistry and culture. Scheduled for October 25-26, 2024, this event will bring together talented tattoo artists, authors, and creatives from around the world. It will be a space to share stories, showcase art, and engage in meaningful conversations about the role of tattoos and literature in Black culture.
Black Tattoo Culture Con will feature live tattooing sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and a marketplace where you can explore and purchase unique art and literary works. It's an event you won't want to miss, whether you're an artist, a storyteller, or a supporter of Black culture.
An Invitation to Attend, Participate, or Sponsor Black Tattoo Culture Con
We warmly invite you to join us at Black Tattoo Culture Con. Whether you wish to attend as a participant, showcase your work as an artist, or support the event as a sponsor, your involvement is invaluable. Together, we can celebrate the rich tapestry of Black culture, inspire future generations, and create a lasting impact through the power of stories and tattoos.
To learn more about how you can attend, participate, or sponsor Black Tattoo Culture Con, please visit our website or contact us directly. Let's come together to honor our stories and uplift our community.
With gratitude and anticipation!
Remember, I’m ALWAYS rootin’ for yah ~
Ganbatte, NE!
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