I Am Woman!
African American History Month coupled with this challenge provides us with the privilege of paying homage to some of our ancestors. The Maroon people are a triumphant and powerful people that have persevered, and still they rejoice and celebrate life. I can relate to their verve and appreciation of the gift of life.
My recent research has taught me that like the Maroon women of Suriname, my heart,and it’s ability to feel and emote what I am passionate about,is integral to my day to day. Passion when properly channeled,can fuel awesome efforts in ones life.
The images and the stories about their history became a part of me. My ultimate goal with this shoot was to honor the struggles and the stages of change that these beautiful people have endured and lived through. I felt as though I became part of them and they to me throughout this week. I can’t even begin to express how ravenous I became when reading about the Maroons.
My only regret is that I’d not been exposed to these great people and their culture in my high school or collegiate studies. I will share their story with my own children .No longer can we leave it to others to educate our children on the vastness of the African Diaspora.
I see this challenge as a great opportunity to reflect the unique and incredible beauty of the Maroon women of Suriname.
Vibrant Colors are clearly a large part of how the Maroons express and share their culture; I too feel a kinship to rich and brilliant Colors.
The Suriname flag is even iridescent. There is just so much to work with.
The green, red, yellow and white tell the story of their journey as well as their value system.
This challenge really set me free as a model.
In that freedom,I felt more like my true self than during any other challenge thus far!
My favorite challenge yet!
I am Woman unleashed!
Awesome efforts in one’s life.
Photographer: Dajuan Jones of In His Image Photograpy @ http://www.dajuanjones.com
Natural Hair Stylist: Taji Shabu Jones @ http://www.tajisalon.com
Natural Jewelery pieces by Amani Muturi New African Jewelry @ amanimaturi@hotmail.com
————— Special judge Fidelia Graand-Galon —————
from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Suriname
I can really resonate with the feelings of how the history and the liftstyle of the maroons touched this lady’s feeling of solidarity with them. Freedom is not tangible. It is your state of mind which is deeply rooted in the spirit of overcoming struggles in life, which is why the Maroons could overcome slavery in Suriname and gain strength to conquer slavery and live as free people till today.
Indeed colours are very significant in their reverence framework. Colours only fit when they are different from one another. So this lady really has a good understanding of the Maroon world. I vote for her to be the best in this category. I will rate her as 5.
