The Shape of Black

"The best way to predict the future is to create it"
~ Divine Bradley

The Social Mogul himself Mr. Divine Bradley continues to find new ways to instill pride and positivity in our communities. The founder of Team Revolution has teamed up with artist Catherine Westergaard to begin their efforts on a new project. One that aims to highlight and uplift the beauty in Black women. It is called "The Shape of Black".

At first I was hesitant to be a part of this project which in part features women, baring their naked painted bodies in an effort to embrae and show off their many shapes & sizes.

When the castings began I didn't go to any and later sent word to Divine explaining that while I absolutely love the goal of this project and totally see it's relevance, I wasn't at my best, physically and didn't feel comfortable participating at this time. But Divine reminded me that this is exactly the point of the Shape of Black project. To stop reinforcing the way in which society has us holding ourselves to unrealistic standards of perfection and accepting the beauty that we are, just the way we are.

In addition to the Photo Installation, The Shape of Black also consists of a segment of video clips of women discussing their body images. Check it out:

"a portion of the proceeds will go to create social programs to offer young woman support and a safe place to learn skills and methods to empower themselves in a modern culture that idealizes unrealistic measures of beauty"

So I realize this is bigger than just little old me and the fact that I have a few more rolls than I did last year. Big deal! I'm still beautiful, God still made art when I was created and I want to share these notions with as many other black women as I can.

As hypocritical as it sounds I am still unsure about doing the Photo Installation part of the project, but I plan on marching down to the next casting call on January 23rd (the day before me bday!!) and looking right into that camera and sharing some personal words with whomever's on the other end willing to listen!

Guys please keep an eye out for the finished project. I have a feeling this is going to be HUGE!

To find out more about Divine Bradley check out his website here.
And to learn more about The Shape of Black project please check out the website here.