Happy Friday! What’s one thing that brought you joy this week?

For me, it was listening to the audiobook version of Elaine Welteroth’s memoir More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say). Have you read it yet? The audiobook is SO good. 

Elaine narrates her memoir and her parents even speak in the book. Right now, I’m on chapter 7 of the book and I expect to finish it by the end of this weekend.

In her memoir, she talks about her life as a biracial woman from her childhood to adulthood and her professional career in journalism. One of my favorite quotes from the book:

“Discovering what you don’t want is just as important as finding out what you do.”

Elaine Welteroth, More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say)

This book speaks to my soul! I just love it so much. If you haven’t read it yet, then I definitely recommend you check out More Than Enough from your local library or purchase a copy if you can!

Hope you have a good weekend! Xoxo

Here are four Detroit things I discovered this week:

SOULS OF BLACK FOLK: BEARING OUR TRUTH

Above artwork by the following artists: “Stacey Abrahms” by Philip Simpson; “W.E.B. DuBois” by Desiree Kelly; “Shit Hole Countries” [mixed media art on table] by Charlene Uresy; “Colors Radiating My Soul” [mixed media art on chair] by Charlene Uresy (Photo I took at The Scarab Club on February 13, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan)

Last weekend, I stopped by the Scarab Club in Detroit’s Museum District to see the Souls of Black Folk: Bearing Our Truth art exhibition. Inspired by W.E.B. DuBois’ book The Souls of Black Folk, the art exhibit features twenty very talented artists whose work depicts various aspects of life as a Black American. 

“$100,000,000 SLAVES: The Absence of Black Ownership and Control” by Rita Dickerson (Photo I took at The Scarab Club on February 13, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan)

In the art exhibit’s description, Ms. Jackson writes: “I hope that this exhibition shows glimpses of what some of us experience as Black artists and Black Americans and that it inspires people to positive action, to reading more about DuBois and others. I hope it makes people ask questions and continue to discuss race in America.”

Click here to learn more about Souls of Black Folk: Bearing Our Truth and for the Scarab Club’s gallery hours.

DETROIT ARTISTS SYDNEY G. JAMES AND TONY WHLGN CUSTOM VANS SNEAKERS

Photo courtesy Sydney G. James/Vans
Photo courtesy Tony Whlgn/Vans

In honor of Black History Month, the shoe brand Vans invited Detroit artists Sydney G. James and Tony Whlgn to create custom shoes featuring their artwork. The shoes are $90 and you can order your pair here. My favorite style for Sydney’s design is the Sk8-HI and for Tony’s design is the slip-on shoes.

I’m a big fan of both artists’ work so I hope to get a pair in the next few days. Sydney and Tony’s custom Vans are available until the end of February so hurry and place your order!

On the Vans official website, Sydney said this about her Blackness shapes and informs her creative vision: 

“My Blackness (specifically being a byproduct of this country) creates the narrative of my work in every way. From the constant oppressive state we’ve been forced to live and survive and try to thrive in, it would be remiss of me not to address the hard realities in my work. I don’t think me as a Black woman living and experiencing this life has the luxury of just painting pretty things for the sake of ‘pretty.’ Nina Simone said something like ‘it’s an artist’s duty to tell the truths of the time.’”


READ: TWENTY OF MY FAVORITE DETROIT MURALS


YOU CAN NOW BUY THE LIP BAR MAKEUP PRODUCTS AT WALMART!

On Monday, The Lip Bar founder Melissa Butler announced the beauty brand is partnering with major retailer Walmart to feature nine new makeup products The Detroit-based brand will be sold at 500 Walmart stores across the U.S.! 

According to the brand, there will be ten shelves of products at Walmart. You will be able to purchase The Lip Brand products such as blush, finishing powder, lip balms, lip scrubs, primer, and more!

“This means so much to us,” Melissa said in an Instagram post. “The more we grow, the more we’re able to create opportunities and continue to disrupt the beauty industry.”

Click here for the latest updates on The Lip Bar.

20 PLACES IN MICHIGAN TO FIND THE LATE CHARLES MCGEE’S ARTWORK

“Unity” by Detroit artist Charles McGee (Photo I took in Summer 2019)
“Mother and Child” (1965) by Charles McGee (Photo I took at the DIA in February 2020)

Last week, iconic Detroit artist Charles McGee passed away at the age of 96. In honor of Mr. McGee, the Metro Times featured a nice piece highlighting twenty places you can find his artwork in Michigan. Each photo of his art includes the address of where you can find the artwork.

You can see the lovely photos on the Metro Times site here if you like. 

“Noah’s Ark: Genesis” (1984) by Charles McGee (Photo I took at the DIA in February 2020)

Last year for Valentine’s Day, we visited the Detroit Institute of Arts Black History Month art exhibit and a couple of Charles McGee’s art pieces were featured.

I have always enjoyed viewing Mr. McGee’s artwork. He is truly a Detroit legend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. McGee’s family and loved ones during this time. 


SHARE YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS ON GOOD LIFE DETROIT!

Got community news you’d like to share? Email me at jennifer@goodlifedetroit.com and I’m happy to discuss a possible feature of your good news! Xoxo

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Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].