Why It’s Important to Tell Black Stories

A.J. McClenon is a badass originally from D.C. “proper,” and currently based in Chicago. They’ve been making moves as Newcity’s 2020 Breakout Artist, a 2020 Spark Grant Recipient, and a 3ARTS Make A Wave recipient. A.J. is also co-founder of F4F, and co-organizer of Beauty Breaks, an intergenerational beauty and wellness series for black people along the spectrum of femininity. 

1. work is grounded in storytelling weaving writing, performance, sound, and video arts to share experiences living in a black body. They believe telling the stories and histories of black people should be told and retold again so that they aren’t forgotten. 

In this episode we talk about the importance of artists telling their stories, and why A.J. wants to combat political and cultural amnesia of black people, bringing to the surface our experiences and histories through their art. 

Find out how stories their ancestors told them drives their work and more!

In this episode A.J. shares:

• The story of a high school yearbook project that started their journey to knowing that they wanted to be an artist.
• Why water has been an important theme in A.J. work, and the personal impact it had on their life.
• What A.J. has gravitated towards lately in their art practice during quarantine and the uprisings.
• Their self care routine and how they inspired me to step up my game!
• The key factor that has allowed A.J. to thrive in their art practice. 

Links mentioned in this episode:

AJ McClennon

Beauty Breaks

VEGA

3Arts

Spark Grant

Kindred Creatives