Image shows Claire, a bald 60-year-old Black woman sitting on carpeted stairs (on the left). She is holding a red and white cane in front of her. Claire is wearing large funky red, white and black glasses with glasses chains of the same color. She is also wearing a zebra print scarf and black dress shirt. Claire has a closed lipped smile. Amaranthia, a 23 year-old Black woman with long black locs stands on the right. She has a closed lipped smile. Amaranthia is wearing a black denim jacket with a sheer top and black bustier with silver eyelets. Her pants have a black and white sun and moon design. Amaranthia is holding the Sista Creatives Rising poster logo above Claire’s head. Behind them is a drawing of a sunflower field, green mountains and a blue sky by Amaranthia Sepia

Initiative Statement
Intergenerational dysfunctions linked to race, sexuality, and gender can subconsciously impact the lives of women of color and femme-expressing folks of color, complicating our relationship with ourselves. The basis of several of these issues can be linked back to the chaos and destruction caused by colonialism. Confronting these issues through creative and artistic endeavors can catalyze us to embrace ourselves as whole, healthy beings.

We’re developing a disability-accessible virtual gallery and virtual reception where creative women of color and femme-expressing folks of color can discuss their experiences with various social issues. These stories show how art can be used to empower yourself and for emotional & spiritual healing. We hope our efforts to bring folks together to tell these triumphant, empowering stories will spark healing discussions across cultures and communities, resulting in solidarity.
* Femme is a term used in LGBT+ circles that describes one's gender expression. It further explains how a person exists in society, such as a non-binary femme or trans-femme. "Woman' describes gender identity, where 'femme' is a gender expression.