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Established by partners Nikki Jo Dawson and Cynthia Kenderson, \u201cBLAQK House Collections was a joint idea created to represent our community due to lack of representation in Pittsburgh via arts\/media. The name was suggested by Cynthia, it\u2019s a combination of Nikki\u2019s community organization, BLAQK OPS (BLAQK Liberated Army of Queens\/Kings Opposing Power Structures) and her previous bar catering service, Black House Collections. \u201cOur space is necessary because Black Excellence is being stifled by the dominant minority, i.e., white folks.\u201d<\/p>\n
BLAQK House events range from weddings, forums, townhall meetings, fundraisers, funerals, repass\/memorial services, Black Expo\u2019s, mixers, and more. \u201cWe host openings quarterly presenting new works and soon we\u2019ll be launching our UTOPIA Caf\u00e9 offering house coffee\/tea blends and food.\u201d Located Downtown Pittsburgh, 440 First Avenue at Cherry Way, Nikki explains \u201cthe location chose us; Cynthia wanted to find a space in Homewood, but I was more than happy to gentrify this \u2018good ole boys\u2019 area as they have always invaded our neighborhoods to do their bidding. For me, being near the Boulevard of the Allies holds sentimental value and is symbolic per my social activism. I have shut the Boulevard down for multiple protests for Antwon Rose II. We are in this space because we adhered to the \u2018calling\u2019 and walked into \u2018Purpose\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u201cBLAQK House shines a light on local artists giving them the opportunity to share their God given gifts and talents with our people near and far.\u201d The white walls come alive with the works of Ernest Bey\u2019s Nubian Princess; Ashante Josey\u2019s Earth; Willie Frank Dawson Jr\u2019s Keep Your Head Up; Kellye Jean Dawson-Young\u2019s Rowan\u2019s Garden; Wan Wes\u2019s Born BLAQK King; and Nina Soto\u2019s Goddess. The current installment is themed Revolutionary Rebels, the pieces selected are either revolutionary in their message, reflect a revolutionary icon, or are rebellious in nature. Nikki grew up with many artists in her family, \u201cI believe we Black people are art. From musicians to painters, to crafters, to politicians, we artistically create a lane that has and will always be imitated by the dominant society proving that we are indeed God\u2019s Chosen People.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nikki is on a mission \u201cI aim to change the narrative on BLAQK bodies, what we have and can achieve. We have been painted with a foul history that doesn\u2019t reflect who we were, other than someone\u2019s property. I want to be able to teach our people about our greatness so we can overthrow oppressive forces in our path. We can evolve without rebellion; we can\u2019t rebel without full knowledge of who we are.\u201d Let\u2019s claim success for BLAQK House Collections because in the words of Nikki Jo: \u201cour people, Blaqk people, need a win!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBLAQK House Collections is a safe space for Black artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their gifts and provide services for the community. No form of discrimination is accepted.\u201d To reserve the space or view the exhibit contact blaqkhousecollections@gmail.com<\/a>; FB\/IG: BLAQK House Collections or Blaqkhousecollections.com.<\/p>\n This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Spring 2021). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Established by partners Nikki Jo Dawson and Cynthia Kenderson, \u201cBLAQK House Collections was a joint idea created to represent our community due to lack of representation in Pittsburgh via arts\/media. The name was suggested by Cynthia, it\u2019s a combination … Continue reading