Nakia Booker’s introduction into the art world began as a young child learning different mediums of art from her grandfather. Decades later, the Southern University and A&M College graduate has returned to her roots through her brainchild The Black Artivism Capsule.
The curated collection is now a home for 26 creatives to share their realities with the world through a Black lens. Featured artists include Raphael Adjetey Adjei Mayne, Ashley Nesmith, Khalid Thompson, and the late Crystal Kirk. The spread will feature the Black experience through all its facets such as civil unrest, health crises, and snapshots of a more hopeful future.
“The place where I was at this time when all this was going on — I was feeling upset, angry, frustrated, like everybody else. This project I started during the pandemic gave me hope and joy because it is timeless. It captures the past, present, and future so when you look at it you’ll be reminded of where we used to be and where we are now,” Booker told AfroTech.
The Black Artivism Capsule
The Black Artivism Capsule was brought to life following a call to action for unity during the murder of George Floyd coupled with the loss of Breonna Taylor, John Lewis, Chadwick Boseman, Kobe Bryant, and Gigi Bryant.
Inspired by the outpouring of community support during both loss and unrest, Booker turned to the arts to create a haven for the Black community.
“When George Floyd happened and we all came together, it was a shift and different from the past. It wasn’t just Black people, it was people from all over the world, which has never happened before, Booker said. “I feel like with those combinations together, love, unity, and peace, you can’t go wrong. So, with a project of this magnitude, what makes me so proud is when you look at it, you’ll be reminded of where we are now.”
The Digital Exhibit
In addition to a physical copy of The Black Artivism Capsule, Booker has extended the experience through a digital capsule featuring different bodies of work from the featured artists. Elevating the experience, users can accompany both bodies of work with a curated playlist with industry favorites such as Jill Scott, Lauren Hill, and Kendrick Lamar. The tasteful presentation is designed to empower onlookers and inspire them to share their truths.
“Hopefully everybody will be moved in a way when they see this book to find something that inspired them or something they love to contribute to the culture and to just put out in the world for themselves,” Booker said. “Because I feel like when you look at this book, even though it was created during this time of chaos, there is still Black joy included in it and so many different facets of art.”
