I could write a host of appreciation posts for The Bottom. I was first introduced to this beautiful sanctuary and its manifold stories in the basement of the Marc Nelson Denim building. It was the middle of the pandemic, summer 2020. Dr. Enkeshi El-Amin introduced me to Zimbabwe, and we spent a couple mornings walking the streets of what used to be The Bottom neighborhood. In 2022, the East Knox community was able to commemorate these rich stories with an immersive tour through the neighborhood streets. I had the honor of documenting this unforgettable experience with photos.
The Bottom has established its own presence on Magnolia Avenue… a Black-owned bookstore, thoughtfully stocked with emerging authors and classic Black writers alike. Beyond that, they provide so many free resources to the local community, including a professional-grade podcasting studio, a growing ceramics studio, and Black Creatives Meet-Ups.
From sewing to photography to writing, Black Creatives Meet-Ups bring people together to learn, fellowship, and heal through art. This past weekend, I got to lead a Story Weaving workshop at The Bottom. Through reflection and creative storytelling, each person in the workshop shared about the individuals whose stories are woven into theirs, as well as highlighting some of the gifts inherited from them.
I don’t feel like I have adequate words to express my thankfulness to The Bottom for making this space possible. Thank you for trusting me with this idea. Thanks to the friends who came out to support me. Thanks to everyone who brought their stories to share in our circle.
All of us have stories living inside of us. Those stories are connected to those who came before us and those who live amongst us. My own process of recording and preserving family stories has included writing, ceramics, photography, and embroidery. And that’s just the beginning! I look forward to experimenting with more media. If you have been wanting to honor your stories in some type of tangible way, I encourage you to try something new. Here’s to helping you get going.
Heads up: the next Black Creatives Meet-Up is this Wednesday (3/20) with international artist, Genesis the Greykid. He is hosting a poetry workshop in tandem with an increeeedible exhibition curated by Kreneshia Whiteside-McGee. Go check it out: “Y’all Don’t Hear Me: The Black Appalachia: Ode to Nikki,” on display at UT Downtown Gallery (106 S Gay St) until April 6th, 2024 (Sponsored by Dogwood Arts 💖 in collaboration with UT Downtown Gallery and Big Ears Festival). The Bottom is also participating in a Performance Night, curated by LaKesha Lee, at Dogwood Arts on First Friday, 4/5. You do not want to miss it.
Note: while Black Creatives Meet-Ups specifically center the Black community, they are open to all.