The Lioness

Lionesses are known for working together. They hunt together and raise children together. Their level of coordination makes them amongst the best known hunters in the world. Their bonds are known to be unbreakable. They are the warriors, protectors, providers. This animal was included based on the fierceness of the black women of BLMSKC. The mouth of the lioness is open to invoke the idea that BLM’s voice can never be silenced.

Megaphones were included as a symbol of protest, and as a symbol of elevated voice. The handle of the megaphones are decorated with a design from the Suriname Rainforest where Africans escaped slavery and have lived for generations. This design was inspired by one of this tribes ornate food stirrer handles. Meant to convey the idea that through our voices, through our protests, through our advocacy for ourselves, we bring sustenance to the village. 

Combs: On the continent, depending on location, the comb represented nobility, cultural vibrancy, and uniqueness. It is meant to represent all of these things in this piece

The Ferns (Adinkra symbol): The fern represents endurance and resourcefulness. Two traits that black women are known to have, and as a result… two traits the black community is known to have. The fern signifies the ability to thrive even in the worst conditions. 

BLMSKC in Braille