Black Love is Revolutionary

THE NARRATIVE

Black Love is Revolutionary is an interactive performance being developed by Roni Nicole Henderson and Cedric Umoja. This performance will engage the audience in movements meant to challenge the historically violent undertones of revolution by recentering Black love as an elemental aspect of change-making.

Given the current and continuous attacks on our safe spaces, as well as the black body, we must find refuge in one another. A gaze that humanizes, an embrace that restores, our greatest asset is in making the series of simple choices that, when all lined up together, engender love. This performance will gather participants together in acts of transparency and acceptance, all set to songs that helped Umoja and Roni fall in love. Participants will have an opportunity to share feedback regarding the performance and reflect.

PAST MOVEMENTS

Movement 1: The Heart

Performed at TIME CAMP 002. Curated by Janelle Dunlap.

Movement 2: Baggage

Performed at the Harvey B. Gantt Center.

Movement 3: Corded Memory

Performed at THE MINT in Charlotte, NC. Curated by I Am King Carla

Movement 4: A Series of Embraces
BLACK LOVE IS REVOLUTIONARY AT THE HAMMOND’S HOUSE

Performed a series of new site-specific movements through the hallowed halls of the Hammond’s House Museum in Atlanta, GA. The deep and rich history of the space lent its legacy as an institution to intimate moments, projection, and a live performance, which engaged the audience in acts of transparency and acceptance, all set to songs that have helped Umoja and Roni fall— and stay in love. Video projection throughout the space added the nuanced textures that a love story needs and we filmed intimate moments in the Hammond’s House and then projected them during our live performance as a means of “zooming in” on the details that reflect the work it takes to maintain a relationship. After the 2nd performance, we shared space with guests and engaged in a mirror gazing and photography exercise as well as a bass bath.

Photos by Adinah Morgan