Established by partners Nikki Jo Dawson and Cynthia Kenderson, “BLAQK 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’s a combination of Nikki’s community organization, BLAQK OPS (BLAQK Liberated Army of Queens/Kings Opposing Power Structures) and her previous bar catering service, Black House Collections. “Our space is necessary because Black Excellence is being stifled by the dominant minority, i.e., white folks.”
BLAQK House events range from weddings, forums, townhall meetings, fundraisers, funerals, repass/memorial services, Black Expo’s, mixers, and more. “We host openings quarterly presenting new works and soon we’ll be launching our UTOPIA Café offering house coffee/tea blends and food.” Located Downtown Pittsburgh, 440 First Avenue at Cherry Way, Nikki explains “the location chose us; Cynthia wanted to find a space in Homewood, but I was more than happy to gentrify this ‘good ole boys’ 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 ‘calling’ and walked into ‘Purpose’.”
“BLAQK 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.” The white walls come alive with the works of Ernest Bey’s Nubian Princess; Ashante Josey’s Earth; Willie Frank Dawson Jr’s Keep Your Head Up; Kellye Jean Dawson-Young’s Rowan’s Garden; Wan Wes’s Born BLAQK King; and Nina Soto’s 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, “I 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’s Chosen People.”
Nikki is on a mission “I aim to change the narrative on BLAQK bodies, what we have and can achieve. We have been painted with a foul history that doesn’t reflect who we were, other than someone’s 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’t rebel without full knowledge of who we are.” Let’s claim success for BLAQK House Collections because in the words of Nikki Jo: “our people, Blaqk people, need a win!”
“BLAQK 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.” To reserve the space or view the exhibit contact blaqkhousecollections@gmail.com; FB/IG: BLAQK House Collections or Blaqkhousecollections.com.
This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (Spring 2021). Copyright Soul Pitt Media. All Rights Reserved.
