Tracing my family tree

I took a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico last year to learn about indigenous natural dying techniques. I came back incredibly inspired by the Zapotec’s respect for their culture, family, and heritage. I’d been thinking about researching my ancestry beyond my great great grandparents. I was extremely curious about the origins of my family’s genetic blood disorder.

I came back to the states inspired but unsure on where to begin. I took a trip to a book store and stumbled on book entitled My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem. The first page I flipped open read a quote by Maya Angelou, “No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place.” That motivated me to begin this project sooner than later.

Once I began researching, the universe brought resources to me effortlessly. A family member passed a week later, which led to a group text concerning how she fit into our family tree. My aunt broke it down with details dating back to my grandparent’s childhood in Mississippi. We took road trips to Oakland, Mississippi often growing up for my grandfather’s church homecoming. In the text, she also mentioned that we have our oldest living relative still residing in Oakland. I knew I had to meet him.

One hot July morning, we drove south from Memphis and arrived to cousin James sitting outside waiting for our arrival. I couldn’t wait to speak to him and hear his life’s story. He pulled a chair onto the porch and uttered the first sentence. “My name is James Allen and I’m 91 years old.” Listen to his story in the clip below.

I took James expressions and captured it using vibrant splashes of watercolor and ink. He represents so many of our ancestors and elders who used their God given talents to build the neighborhoods that we call home. The portrait entitled Legacy is available to purchase as a limited edition print below. Only 25 prints from each painting will be available to purchase. You can view / listen to more of the inspiration behind this painting via TikTok.

Continue to follow this story. Updated every Tuesday.