What if your furniture could tell a story?
As an artist, storyteller, and Haitian American creative, I believe Black History Month is more than just a time to look back—it’s a celebration of resilience, culture, and the visionaries who have shaped our world. This year, I’m excited to bring that energy into my collaboration with IKEA for Black History Month! I’ll be designing a three-drawer dresser that reflects the strength, beauty, and depth of Black heritage.
Just like Black history is woven into the foundation of American history, art and design connect the past and the present. Through this project, I want to transform an everyday dresser into a functional work of art—one that carries a deeper meaning and tells a story.
Here’s why this project means so much to me and some key things to know about Black History Month:
1. Black History Month Started as Just One Week
In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black History," created Negro History Week to shine a light on Black achievements beyond just Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. By 1976, it expanded to a month-long celebration, officially recognized by President Gerald Ford. This shift reminds me why I do what I do—to make sure Black stories are always seen and heard, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.
2. Black History is Global
While the U.S. honors Black History Month in February, other countries celebrate it too! Canada and Germany recognize it this month, while the U.K., Ireland, and the Netherlands celebrate in October. In Brazil, November 20 is Black Consciousness Day, recognizing Afro-Brazilian contributions. This global connection inspires me to design a dresser that doesn’t just reflect one story, but the shared strength and creativity of Black communities everywhere.
3. Black History is More Than Slavery & Civil Rights
Our history did not begin in chains, and it doesn’t end with the Civil Rights Movement. Before slavery, great African civilizations thrived, leading in art, architecture, math, and governance. As an artist, I see this legacy of innovation as something we carry forward today. My design will include symbols, patterns, and colors that honor these histories while celebrating Black creativity today.
4. It’s More Than Just Famous Faces
Yes, we honor heroes like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks, but Black history is about everyday changemakers too—artists, educators, business owners, and activists who shape our world. This collaboration with IKEA is my way of adding to that story, using furniture as a way to uplift, educate, and inspire.
5. Black History is a Year-Round Commitment
Dr. Carter G. Woodson believed that one day, Black history wouldn’t be limited to a single month—it would be a part of everyday life. That’s exactly what I hope my IKEA piece will do. This dresser isn’t just for February—it’s for homes, for families, and for conversations that last a lifetime.
Bringing Art & Legacy to Life with IKEA
When I was invited to collaborate with IKEA in Sunrise, FL, through the Coral Springs Museum of Art, I knew this was more than just painting a dresser—it was about turning furniture into a celebration of culture and identity. The Pan-African colors—red, black, and green—will take center stage, symbolizing struggle, strength, and unity.
Through this piece, I want to create something that not only honors Black history but inspires conversations in homes. Our legacy is alive, evolving, and worth showcasing. I can’t wait for you all to see it!
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Click Here to Win This Piece of Art Created by Me.
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