“Natural hair hasn’t been this popular since black people started wearing Afros in the 1960s. And today, there are more natural hair enthusiasts than ever before.” –Kalin Thomas, The Atlanta Voice “This event gets bigger every year. We’re different from the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show because we focus on bringing out your natural beauty, with no weaves and no harsh chemicals that have caused so many health issues and hair loss,” said Calla Johnson to Atlanta Voice reporter Kalin Thomas. Johnson is CEO of Certified To Be Natural and a representative for the show’s...

When I began Pangea’s Garden, I was told about the World Natural Hair Show. At the time it was just a blog and I was simply exploring my own interest of capturing images of natural beauty. I missed the opportunity to attend the WNHS that first time and came to regret it. Not then, but later, because as I created my works, it became more important the sources of this aesthetic. The culture that cultivated the beauty is significant and I began to appreciate that. When the chance came again the following year I leapt at it. This feature is one of the foundations of the Garden. Bookmark on Delicious...

Elusive and ephemeral. Wildly chaotic and creative in its moves. Mysterious…you never know what its going to do next and yet it never ceases to entertain and inspire you. The Creative Culture Collective (CCC) and … smoke. These are characteristics that they both share. Last year, Nefertiti of the nefTUNES invited me to a new event she was trying. Its something different, a step away from the Open Mic Fridays that she was famous for at the time. No, this had that air of exotic mystery to it. A little more subdued and laid back compared to the loud cacophony of creativity that was the...

Last month, the Creative Culture Collective honored the birth anniversary of Bob Marley with a Reggae Tribute at the Apache Cafe in the ATL. Its was cool night featuring performances from the likes of Justa Sol, Nefertiti, Aja Ray Bethany Embry, Ken J. Martin and Nefertiti aka nefTUNES who put their hearts and souls into sharing their unique talents with the people. The Apache Cafe & Lounge proved to be the perfect venue. It has long been the place where raw artists and musicians congregated to share the fruits of their passions with rest world; a testing ground for creative scientists taking...

Recently, I was invited by earthSista KireiNa to check out her performance, along with others, at an Atlanta showing of the Vagina Monologues. I knew little about the show. I’d seen it promoted before and knew of the press it had received in the past due to celebrity participation. I also knew it to be a a production in the form of a testimonial format. And I’d come to think of it as ‘a show by women for women.’ I did not know that the productions of the show were held for charitable purposes and that every woman that asked to be part of a the show had to be given a role....

I went over to Loca Luna to check out The Soul Train Line Flash Mob. This was the brain child of Soul artist Anthony David with the help of Jay Carter of Sol-Fusion . This event was one of many Soul Train Line tributes that happened across America. It was our way of saying thank you to Soul Train creator and host Don Cornelius , who past away on February 1st . When I got there people were trickling in trying to figure out if they missed the event , patrons at Loca Luna were getting nervous as the were seeing folks come in with their costumes and afro wigs on. Dj Loweki was getting the crowd in...

The Reggae Tribute Honoring The Birth Anniversary of Bob Marley Nefertiti and the nefTUNES • Ken J. Martin • Aja Ray Bethany Embry • Justa Sol • Queen Nef A Festive CCCELEBRATION honoring the music and spirit of Bob Marley featuring live performances along with DJ, Dinner, Dancing, and exceptional drinks… The Birth Anniversary of Bob Marley … Drink Special: $5.75 The Lion Heart: Sky Ginger Vodka and Ginger Ale. A crisp refresher with just the right amount of sweetness. Bob Marley: A fusion Rums of layered in a colorful red, gold, green display honoring the Rastafarian...

Well this past Saturday night was the first Tambor Party of 2012 over at 595 North Ave . And Stan Zeff started the new year off with a bang , by having legendary Dj , producer Timmy Regisford as this months special guest . I got there a little later than normal so, I missed Stan Zeff and Dj BE’s set . So when I got there Timmy was already on and getting the crowd worked up playing his infectious blends. On a side note we also celebrated the birthday’s of Atlanta’s House music supporters , Rodney Williams, Brian Scarlet, and Pebbles Williams . It was great party and great warm...

Spoken word. It is the lyrical, intelligent consciousness of the creative soul. Its communal and artistic and its beauty is in its depth. Black on Black Rhyme is a collection of Poets & Artists who perform and share poetry for love, healing, enlightenment, education & entertainment. Originally born in Tallahassee, FL, the group has expanded to Tampa and Atlanta and it was the Atlanta troupe that first encountered the Garden. Verse and passion and collective creativity would all come together for an evening of enjoyment and insight. A few of those nights were captured in the Garden. Bookmark...

It is the end of  the 7th, and final, day of KWANZAA. Today we celebrated IMANI (Faith). Today we renew our BELIEF in God, our people, our teachers and our leaders, and the virtue and victory of our struggle  - IMANI! When we speak of faith as it relates to the principles of the Nguzo Saba, one way we can practice Imani all year ’round is to always, always, always search for common ground amongst the desires and struggles of our peoples. This search is grounded in a FAITH that we all seek create a more community for our legacies. However, there are so many things that separate people in...