by Verde Arzu
August 20, 2023
"Black artists continue to work and live in spaces where they are still the only or one of few. We know we are here but sometimes we need to see the proof too!" -Faith J. McKinnie
This Is PROOf
On Saturday, July 29, 2023, more than sixty vibrant, Black artists and creatives from in and around the city of Sacramento descended upon its downtown area in unforgettable fashion to capture a historic moment in photographic form. Capturing PROOf provides Black artists an opportunity to continue the legacy of boldly proclaiming our existence, reclaiming our culture, and rejecting the generations-long efforts to deny and exclude Black artistry from mainstream access.
Now, more than ever, it is essential for Black artists of all genres to be bold with their craft–to claim their rightful place, to create art that speaks to the lived experiences of Blackness and tell Black stories with audacity. PROOf’s collaboration was spearheaded by two of Sacramento’s phenomenal artists, Faith J. McKinnie, and Dev Anglin. Faith is Executive Director of Black Artists Foundry, an organization dedicated to addressing the “disparities that have long hindered” Black artists’ progress. Dev Anglin is owner of Nine Sixteen Luxuries “This is Sac,” a fashion and novelty company, which provides luxury wear for the people. Anglin is also a multi-faced artist, and the photographer behind the lens responsible for capturing this visual testament.
PROOf for Future Generations
Future Black artists need to be able to see themselves–to see that it is possible to find success within any artistic discipline, to be inspired by those who came before them, and to have a road map to follow as their foundation. PROOf is a history lesson for future generations.
McKinnie states, “The goal for PROOf was to gather Black artists and creatives from around the greater Sacramento region, to capture an image that bears witness to the fact that we were here. I have studied the Harlem Renaissance images and archives of convening Black folks and found the pressing need to document our own contemporary moment. Fully understanding that one day this will be 100 years in the past and will motivate folks just as those early 20th century images did for me.”
McKinnie’s message is poignant, powerful, and timely. In a juncture in America where elected officials work desperately to erase the truth of the Black experience from classrooms, and re-write history in the textbooks through legislation, Black artists must get to work to make sure the truth is told. Toni Morrison once said, “This is precisely the time when artists must go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. That is how civilizations heal.” PROOf is the work, it is that voice, that bravery, and the healing we all need to be rejuvenated to create on. We are who future generations will look to.
Better Together
The timing felt anointed, as the moment paid homage to Black artists from the past. Artists like Gerry Simpson, who has been creating art in Sacramento for over twenty-five years, whose shoulders we undoubtedly stand upon today; while celebrating and empowering present-day artists. A year in the making, Anglin recalls, “PROOf came from a common thread of wanting to bring the people together to historically preserve us.”
PROOf says Sacramento Black artists of all disciplines show up for one another, we understand the power in unifying. When asked why showing PROOf in Sacramento is important, Anglin replied, “I believe PROOf is important for Sacramento specifically because of the amazing Black talent we have in abundance. Although it’s a vast number of us, we are not all connected. As we should know, when we come together, we’re able to be more effective at any objective. I know that PROOf can provide that bridge of connection, support, and resources. Resulting in strengthening the city & the Black community creatively and economically.” I believe we can all agree. After all, history has shown us, from the artists of The Harlem Renaissance, that we are powerful together. There are no margins with which we fit in when we are together.
A Sacred Vibe
The atmosphere and energy on the outdoor stage was electric from the moment I walked up. The kinetic buzz in the voices from the sixty plus people gathered and connecting with each other was rhythmic all on its own. I was pulled in and my unease vanished. As an independent Black queer writer, blogger, and podcaster, I was blessed and privileged to experience the gathering of PROOf first-hand. I felt the welcoming vibe calling me into the familiarity of Black love. It was a moment like none I have ever experienced since moving to Sacramento over a decade ago. I finally felt at home.
PROOf was a reminder to me and those there, that the spaces we create when we gather are sacred. Our unity pulled in passersby like scheduled audience members, as they watched on in awe of our greatness. Together, we could not be overlooked or ignored. Black artists, from all forms, were connecting with each other. In attendance were content creators, visual artists, models, stylists, curators, writers, photographers, among others, in a pond of Blackness. It was exactly the kind of nourishment our souls needed. A born introvert, I struggle to promote my brand. Moments like these are crucial for all artists, but especially for those who find themselves creating alone.
Among the many dope, Black artists in attendance was content creator, visual artist, and stylist, Keia Kodama, who currently has a sneaker installation at Sacramento’s Arden Mall. A Black artist who created a mind-blowing pair of “Hair Force 1s,” that are a salute to Black womxn and our hair stories. Model, actress, dancer, thrifter, Mersadez Hogan. She introduced herself to me as a model making space in the world of fashion for plus-size womxn. Camille Janae, who is an entrepreneur and poet, making space for “melanated creatives,” through “Out the Way on J,” a spot where folks can come listen to spoken word and live jazz. The moment of PROOf created hallowed ground.
History
The occasion was unforgettable for sure and historic for certain. The lives of the Black artists who gathered there will forever be changed. We have been recorded in the books of history. We have proclaimed our existence, and boldly made it known that we are here. Anglin declares, “We can expect more love and fun. More history to be made by intertwining our crafts and resources. We can expect the world will not be able to wipe us from any records of humanity and culture, especially in Sacramento, CA.” It is exactly the kind of legacy that is vital.
In an interview on ABCs, “The View,” Viola Davis was asked why representation matters. Her response, “Because you need to see a physical manifestation of your dreams…there is something about seeing someone who looks like you that makes it more tangible. You can see it, you can touch it, and it gives you the ability to look through your imagination, you know? You got to see a way out. Someone has to provide a portal.” PROOf’s 2023 gathering of Black artists in Sacramento is that portal.
McKinnie hopes, “to see something organically grow from this. We all need each other,” she affirmed. Perhaps the next time we gather will be at a cookout. How historically dope would that be?