Black History, Modern Style: Honoring Legacy in Your Home

 

The legacy of our ancestors is not a static thing confined to the pages of history books. It is a living, breathing force that shapes our present, influences our tastes, and provides a deep well of design inspiration. During Black History Month and all year long, we can find powerful ways of honoring legacy not just through remembrance, but through the beauty and style we bring into our daily lives. It's about celebrating the past by weaving its elegance, strength, and artistry into our modern homes. This is a tribute to the historical figures whose grace and creativity continue to inspire.

 

The Intellectual Grace of Lorraine Hansberry

Lorraine Hansberry, the brilliant playwright behind "A Raisin in the Sun," was a force of intellectual and artistic integrity. Her personal style was one of sophisticated grace—a reflection of her sharp mind and profound observations on the world. She understood the power of words and ideas to shape culture and drive change.

• Connecting the Legacy: Hansberry’s legacy is one of profound thought and powerful storytelling. We honor her spirit by embracing the tools of the intellectual and the creative. Her legacy connects directly to our collection of Books & Journals. Surrounding ourselves with the works of brilliant authors and keeping a beautiful journal for our own thoughts is a modern way to pay tribute to her intellectual fire. It creates a space for reflection, learning, and the cultivation of one's own powerful voice.

 

The Bold Artistry of Augusta Savage

A central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Augusta Savage was a visionary sculptor, activist, and educator. Her work was powerful and expressive, capturing the dignity and humanity of Black life in sculptural forms that were both classical and distinctly modern. She shaped clay, but she also shaped a generation of artists through her studio.

• Connecting the Legacy: Savage’s artistry lives on in the appreciation for sculptural, organic forms in our decor. Her powerful hands found the beauty in the raw material, a spirit we see echoed in the handcrafted vases and sculptural objects in our Decor collection. Bringing a piece with a strong, artistic form into your home is a nod to her legacy. It celebrates the power of Black artistry and the enduring beauty of a well-crafted object.

 

Bringing Legacy Home

Creating a physical space to honor your history can be a powerful practice. This doesn't need to be a grand gesture; a small, dedicated corner can serve as a beautiful point of reflection.

• Create a Corner of Reflection: Choose a shelf or a small console table. Arrange a few framed photos of your own family ancestors alongside a picture of an inspiring historical figure. Add a simple candle and a small vase for a single flower. This small act of curation creates an "ancestor altar" of sorts—a modern, personal space to pause, reflect, and draw strength from your lineage.

 

Conclusion: Celebrate Our Rich History

Honoring our history is an active, ongoing celebration. It is in the books we read, the art we admire, and the objects we choose to live with. By making conscious choices to bring items with history and soul into our homes, we keep the stories of those who came before us alive and vibrant.

Discover objects with history and soul in our collections and continue celebrating our legacy every day.