Meet Taekia Glass, this week's guest editor! Taekia is the co-director for the Mending Walls project and operations guru for her husband Hamilton Glass, a popular local artist. Her love of the arts, young people, and community keeps her actively involved in various efforts across the city. Her favorite part about her work is creating connections amongst friends and colleagues that produce new opportunities and energy in Richmond. She’s also a mom to two brilliant and active girls, who keep her constantly on the move. Check out Taekia's tips for exploring and celebrating this place we love to call home ...
Liberated Flow Art Gala
Local artist David Marion and his powerhouse wife Tiara Green had a vision to create an event where they could bring together David’s artistic talents and connections to the art community with Tiara’s love for education and health as a health administrator. Together, they launched Liberated Flow Charity Art Gala, a celebrated event that offers a night of art, music, food, and giving. Now in its third year, the duo selects a different nonprofit each year to support through the event via art and ticket sales. Past events have benefited Nerd Squad and Happily Natural. This year the gala will support the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
Make sure to grab your tickets fast, because they are coming in hot this year with some of the best Black artists in town creating unique pieces aligned with the mission of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.You can expect to see pieces from S. Ross Browne, Ricky Parker, Sone-Seere, Ron Stokes, Austin ‘Auz’ Miles, Jowarnise Caston, and many more. Follow Liberated Flow on Instagram @liberatedflow as event organizers release more info about each artist. And it’s not just about the art, as Micah ‘Bam-Bamm’ White will serve as the MC and the mood for the evening will be set musically by DJ Nobe.
I think it’s safe to say you can expect a wonderful night full of creativity through art, music, and food, all in support of the history and legacy that the Black History Museum is here to share with all of us.
Vitals:
Dec. 4th at 7 pm-11 pm at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia / Tickets HERE
Adiva Natural's
There are a few stores in the city that have serious vibes to them, and Adiva Natural’s is one of them! When I walk in, I’m instantly transported back to the stores I used to pop into in New Jersey and New York. It’s vibrant, fragrant, cozy, and the music is always on point.
This creative space has taken care of my family for years. At the helm is Nadira Chase, a local business owner who has been creating small batch natural products for years and has a product to help with just about anything hair and skin related. We started using Adiva years ago to take care of our hair, but then also found it helped with our daughter’s eczema.
Some of my favorite products are: Leave in Conditioner for skin and hair (Lemongrass is our fave fragrance), Aloe and Charcoal Deep Pore Cleanser with facial moisturizing serum, and Hair and Body Refresher. Many of her products are versatile and can be used on hair and body, which helps keep things simple and junk free for those that like a simplified routine.
Did somebody say COOKIES? Local chef Sequoia Ross, or “Chef Coco” as many Richmonders know her, is the genius behind Favour Cookie Co. My family has been fans for years thanks to her understanding of vegan and allergy-friendly baking. Her cookies are absolutely made with her warm hugs and love, that if you’re lucky enough you’ve experienced personally.
About three years ago, Chef Coco took a leap of faith and launched full speed ahead turning Favour Cookie Co. into an empire. In this short time her cookies have exploded and are now sold at some of your favorite local grocers, coffee shops, and online. Some local spots to pick up Favour include Urban Hang Suite, Ellwood's, Green Grocery, Perk, Smoky Mug, and Good Foods. Each cookie is named after a person near and dear to her heart. Our family favorite is ‘The Lillie’ Ultimate Chocolate Chip, named after community leader and strategist Lillie Estes, a dear friend of Chef Coco whose impact in the community is still felt daily.
You can also catch Chef Coco as a regular on CBS6 making magic and jokes in the kitchen on Virginia This Morning. She’s also a regular at Blue Bee Cider, setting up shop to give you another outlet for the best warm cookies around.
Keep up with the latest art and community collaborations. Mending Walls is continuing to raise public awareness about local organizations that have served, empowered, and advocated for racial equity in the Greater Richmond area.
