Excellence In Review
Written by Kyla Decatur
The month of June was filled with Black excellence and appreciation. As some may know, June holds one of the few black holidays, Juneteenth. Juneteenth marks the Independence Day of African American slaves, with emphasis on slaves specifically in Galveston, Texas, who were oblivious to the Emancipation Proclamation. The slaves were informed 2 years after the historical document was issued. Black Americans have fought for appreciation, cultural acceptance, and racial equality for years. Therefore, in honor of Juneteenth, let’s dive into the local talents that Akron’s Black community holds.
Celebrating Black Talent at The Guild
The Guild started this month with an exciting class taught by Derin Fletcher! Fletcher specializes in Fine Art, using oil paint and colored pencils as her medium. Fletcher’s work highlights the features of Black women’s beauty. As she states in the Voyage Ohio Magazine, “Representation matters so much to me! Growing up, I never used to be able to see myself in artwork. So, I create for black women. I love to see every aspect of our beauty. Our beautiful features. So, when I have so many women tell me they see themselves in my work, and it makes them feel good, that’s what matters to me. That’s what I do it for.”
Fletcher encouraged artists to step out of their comfort zone by sketching themselves on paper with graphite. Once the group was satisfied with their sketches, Fletcher then walked the artist through transferring one’s sketch onto their substrate to add naturalistic features. Fletcher inspired many artists to embrace the creativity that we all have, and highlighted the born beauty that black women hold by sharing her skills in a floral workshop at the Munroe Falls Metro Park. This workshop was an amazing addition to our Art + Park Collective Summer Series! Stay tuned for our next workshop on August 19 at the Summit Lake Nature Center!
Celebrating Black Artists at Akron Recording Company
This month, Akron Recording Company hosted their 5th year anniversary by showing local talents through all genres of music. The Akron Recording Company is located on the North Side of Akron. The Company’s goal is to provide an outlet for local artists, songwriters, designers, and music lovers to join and get connected to Akron's growing creative community. In celebration of the milestone, the Akron Recording Company featured 2 local black artists, Floco Torres, and Red Rose Panic.
Spotlight on Floco Torres
Floco Torres is an award-winning Hip-Hop musician, artist, producer, graphic designer, and a Community Outreach director. Torres was introduced to the violin, drums, and trumpet at a young age. He was also encouraged to journal, which helped evolve him into writing lyrics as he found Hip-Hop. Torres took liking to Jay-Z, Biggie Lupe Fiasco, Kid Cudi and St. Vincent, which have inspired his unique hip-hop style today. Through his musical wordplay, Torres shares his life journey surrounding many trials he was faced with. On the night of the anniversary, Floco Torres created an intimate performance that incited connection to all watching by debuting his recent album Why aren’t famous yet? Pt. 4. Torres’ music and information can be found on his website, www.nobodycaresnews.com and on all listening platforms under the name Floco Torres.
Spotlight on Red Rose Panic
Red Rose Panic is a dynamic Hip-Hop band consisting of 5 talented men. Red Rose has been independently writing and recording music since 2013. The band’s music is known for their wide musical spectrum of rock, Funk, Jazz, and hip-hop. This electric band has called a diverse group of fans to come together to make moments through laughter and dance. The Red Rose has performed in numerous venues across the country, including, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Akron, and Detroit. Together, the group is determined to etch a lasting impression in their hometown and across the globe. This group’s information can be found on their website, www.redrosepanic.com and their music is offered on all listening platforms under the name, Red Rose Panic.
A Platform for Black Artists: Akron Recording Company
The Akron Recording Company provided an amazing space for these Black artists to shine and share their stories and talents for all to hear. The vibrant local talent, enriched by their diverse and impactful performances, was a testament to the ongoing celebration of Black excellence in our community. The event underscored the power of music as a universal language that transcends borders, creating an unforgettable experience.
Closing Thoughts
In the spirit of Juneteenth and the ongoing struggle for racial equality, we recognize the resilient, vibrant, and powerful contributions of our local Black community. The radiant works of Derin Fletcher, the dynamic performances of Floco Torres and Red Rose Panic, and the dedicated platform provided by the Akron Recording Company all serve as shining examples of Black excellence. These narratives of triumph, creativity, and community are not only integral to our local heritage, but they also forge connections that resonate far beyond the borders of Akron. As we close the chapter on this celebratory month, we look forward to continuing the celebration of Black talent, strength, and resilience every day, and eagerly anticipate the many more stories of Black excellence yet to be shared.
