PHOTOGRAPHER
Dajia Black, also known as The Sativa, is a visionary artist from Cleveland, Ohio. Her work spans photography, videography, creative directing, modeling, painting, and culinary arts. Since returning from college, Deja has been on a journey of self-discovery, unlocking her potential and finding her voice through creative expression. Her mission is to inspire others by interpreting the unseen and connecting people through her art.
PIECES & DESCRIPTIONS
“O2 COOKOUT” (1 Piece)
Captured candid moments of the community vibrating in their element at last year’s annual O2 Cookout Presented byCleveland’s own, Photographer Occular Odyssy. The Event was a Car meet & Pop-up event that supported local artists, food and clothing vendors and more! Not to mention sounds by DJ Cooley High that keep the vibes high! This annual event signified he beautiful in what it means to build community and I was truly inspired to capture these historical moments
Size: 24x30
“Let’s Roll” (2 pieces)
A friend and I spontaneously started snapping photos of cyclists near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It felt awkward at first, asking strangers for pics, but hey fvck it, we do it online anyway. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me make new connections.
Sizes: 8x10
“Yin and Yang” (1 piece)
Following the spontaneous journey I mentioned in “Let’s Roll,” we wandered deeper into downtown, searching for our next subject. Suddenly, we spotted someone with an undeniable drip. My partner and I exchanged looks, telepathically agreeing to strike up a conversation. To our surprise, it was their birthday—and they were in luck! (Birthday girl right, brother left)
Size: 16x16
“It’s Bigger Than Us” (1 piece)
Since the beginning of this year and beyond I have connected and built strong bonds with like minded amazing activists in our community. Shout out to the More Than My Art (MTMA) team!
Question: How can you reimagine the impossible?
Size: 16x20
“The Zone” (1 piece)
Connected with this talented brotha (More2LifeStixs) downtown. Watching him in his element, unfazed by the chaos around him, had my heart bursting with passionate purpose.
Can you guess what rhythm he was moving to?
Size: 16x20
“What Do You See?” (1 peice)
I’ve decided to take on a project exposing the discriminatory lending practices in redlined areas. Among other redlined neighborhoods in the city, I’ve chosen to focus on the Broadway area, once one of the most thriving communities in the early 1900s. The foreclosure crisis due to redialing practices, has led to severe depopulation, business decline, and widespread infrastructural abandonment.
Size: 24x 30
“Just A Glimpse” (2 pieces)
Tourists often get just a glimpse of our city—what it looks like, feels like, and even what the food tastes like. Transplants come in, enjoy the finer things set up for them, gentrify our neighborhoods, and then try to claim the city without understanding what it truly takes to navigate these Erie waters.Don’t get me wrong, I love The Land, but we need to refine, restore it, and reclaim it!
Sizes: 16x24
“Self Improvement the Basis for Community Development” – Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan
The African American Museum hosted a commemoration of Malcolm X’s 30th birthday, featuring NOI speakers Student Minister Quran X, Emeritus Muhammad, and Queen.
This is the only AAM in the STATE, located in the historical Hough neighborhood and is it deeply unsupported by the city.Please visit AAMCLE.ORG to learn more & donate to help restore this monumental space that has poured so much in the community.
Size: 12x16