THE BLACK PROJECT by Jakian Parks

“The Black Project” is dedicated to black history month - curated and shot by Photographer Jakian Parks. This is one of the most amazing shoots I’ve ever been apart of. Jakian has a way of pulling people together in an intentional way. Being around other young black creatives was a beautiful experience, because they felt like family. I had never met any of them, but there was an instant connection between the six of us. Something I really admire about black people is the way that we accept and invite each other so easily. Culturally, it is second nature to feel at ease and accepted around black people you’ve never met. To be able to laugh, compliment and share knowledge with them was a real treat.

Before the shoot, we had a styling session where we were all styled by Ariana, with clothes from the “Alt-Black” her sustainable fashion brand. She individually selected outfits for us in her apartment full of vintage pieces and accessories. I ended up wearing a champagne satin two-piece set. We all looked crazy, running around her house, brushing down baby hairs, picking out fros and all the behind the scenes stuff. All in all it was a black ass time. 

The shoot itself was beautiful, we shot behind a church and across the street in front of a school bus. People were driving by, rolling their windows down telling us how beautiful we looked. Jakian was even able to get a video clip of an older lady who stopped and shared a story on blackness and encouraging us to hold our heads high. The love was felt and really made the shoot an unforgettable moment. I thought it was funny that most of the shots are in front of a school bus, as I am a first year teacher.

Most of these pictures are of us mugging the camera. There’s an intensity and strength in all of our eyes. It took me a long time to realize that maybe my natural resting face is smug because of the journey of my ancestors. Many pictures that I take – it feels more natural not to smile. Maybe this is a defense mechanism and I feel the need to show my strength - more so than smiling and showing more “beauty” and happiness. Maybe I have been subconsciously protecting my happiness by not smiling. I think that from an ancestral standpoint, that my facial expressions and the way that I carry myself is the way my ancestors speak through me. This is why this shoot was so powerful, because naturally we all gave the same facial energy that was not prediscussed.

The Black Project is a representation of togetherness, protection and respect.

The film shots are by Kiki Mackey (@goodbyegraceland)