Honoring Our History, Creating Our Legacy

Black History Month is a time of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. It invites us to look back and honor the strength, faith, and resilience of those who came before us. While my journey has brought me to many places, my roots are not only African American — I am Panamanian by birth, shaped by a rich blend of Latinx and Afro-Caribbean culture. And as I reflect, I am reminded that our stories, though told in different accents and places, share the same heartbeat.

Afro-Panamanian history runs alongside African American history in powerful ways. We know the weight of displacement, the struggle for dignity, and the deep reliance on faith to sustain us. Our ancestors labored, built, worshiped, created, and hoped — often unseen, yet never without purpose. Their stories are woven into who we are today.

Creativity has always been part of that legacy. In my culture, art is memory. Color tells stories. Pattern carries meaning. Music, movement, and craftsmanship become expressions of survival and celebration. When I create — whether through art, design, or handmade pieces — I feel connected to those generations who made something beautiful even when circumstances were harsh.

Crafting, for me, is more than a skill; it is a form of honoring. It is a way of saying we remember. Every piece I create carries echoes of faith-filled prayers, cultural pride, and the belief that our stories matter. In that sense, creating becomes a spiritual act — a bridge between where we’ve been and where God is leading us.

Black History Month reminds us that history is not confined to one land or one narrative. It lives across borders, across cultures, and across generations. We are living testimony that our heritage is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in God’s faithfulness.

As we honor Black history this month, may we also honor the creativity within us. May we tell our stories boldly — in word, in art, and in action — and leave behind a legacy that reflects both where we come from and the God who has carried us through it all.

“One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.” — Psalm 145:4

P.S. We’re excited to introduce the newest addition to our product line—Afrocentric fabrics. These thoughtfully designed patterns are available for creating clothing, home décor, quilts, and so much more. If you’d like to purchase our fabrics, click here to visit our shop  and explore the collection.