AFRIKAN BUTTERFLY, 2018

Maybe it was how she always wore colors so beautifully, never was there a day when her sense of fashion went on vacation, from her accessories to shoes, everything just seemed to come together perfectly, apart from her sense of style, she displayed a mind of creativity and intellect, regardless of the knowledge she consumed over the years, she was still willing to learn what the world had to offer, letting those around her to be taught by her but to also teach her, her love for humankind was one of what many lacked in this day and age, her eyes could melt away all the worries of your day, as her smile would make your heart skip beats, and her gentle voice gave you reassurance for a better tomorrow, this was not just any ordinary butterfly, but an Afrikan butterfly, something so exquisite and enchanting, truly one in a million 

Sisters of Melanin, 2018

They know the difficulty of embracing dark skin, that alone it can be a nightmare filled with insecurities and appearance doubts, so they always show love, saying such things like, " baby that dark skin is beautiful on you, don't you dare change it," always remembering what was taught to them at young, they were princesses that became queens, sisters in the battle, and legends in the making, show your sister some love, cause sometimes they really need it 

Untitled, 2018

Have you ever witnessed the sun rise at the lake?, watching as it yawns and stretches, and the beautiful blue waters gently rub their eyes, waking from a long slumber, these moments and so many more are life changing, and that’s exactly the impact these women have every time they walk into a room, filled with elegance and grace, displaying true royalty, melanin Goddesses, a life changing experience indeed

Melanin Angel, 2018

I’m not sure if anyone has ever told you this, but you’ve got a halo above your head, I’m not sure if my glasses are foggy, or I’m hallucinating from the high you give off, but there’s definitely something in mid air, at first I thought it was your crown, but then I remembered you keep it hidden, not wanting to have people star struck, so yeah it has to be a halo, my first experience meeting a Melanin Angel, I’m not sure if I should bow, or kiss your hand, but lord knows I wanna give you the biggest hug, cause I am thankful for your existence, the example of when a princess becomes a queen, you make me eager to have a daughter, watching her grow and elevate through life, appreciating and valuing her color, and her culture, so to you Melanin Angel, I just want to say thank you, for all you do, have done, and will do... thank you 

Thank you for taking the time to view this small collection of PICTURES & STORIES 002.

We hope to see you at the official book launching November 10th in NYC.

Creative Direction by Susan Oludele for THE LADY EXHIBIT | Shot by Travis Mathews | Writing by KoPong Speaks | Modeled by Delcia and Alia Johnson