“We are spiritual beings having a human experience and nothing else is ever true.” - Ink Pata, Maimouna Youseff aka @mumufresh When this colonized world makes me feel crazy, these words run through my mind. Mumu Fresh’s music feeds and uplifts my spirit. With her #afroindigenous identity centering her work, she’s an unstoppable force. I had the privilege of seeing her in concert last month in Detroit. She filled the space with great energy and used her undeniable gifts to take us on an emotional journey. The strength and resilience that came from “Ink Pata.” The heartbreak and anger evoked during “Say My Name,” her tribute to Sandra Bland. The hope and inspiration from “Miracle.” Every sound that came from her lips was fueled with intention, strength, and resilience. What she does is not just a performance, it’s healing work. I know this because I’ve felt it within myself. Singing is her medicine, her gift. I wanted to share my medicine, my #beadwork , as a thank you for what she does. I messaged her before the show to tell her what her work meant to me and that I wanted to gift her a pair of earrings at the show. I wasn’t sure if she would see it, but I was delightfully surprised when she responded with excitement. I knew exactly which pair I wanted to give her. They were a piece from the Afro-Indigenous/ Black Indian line I had been working on to create representation for Two Spirit and queer Black Indians, a group that is often left out of our conversations. It was an absolute blessing to meet Mumu and share my medicine with her (video above). She is so genuine and humble. I’ll never forget the way Samara and Libby, both Afro-Indigenous, lit up with awe and inspiration when they met her. They had never seen themselves represented in such a beautiful way. After that night, Mumu stayed in contact and took the time to post about the earrings on her page. I wanted to share this with y’all to emphasize the beauty that unfolds when #indigenouswomen support one another. Our strength is unmatched when we come together. Go check out her @nprmusic Tiny Desk Concert! Follow her on social media! Support her as an artist!! #queerkwedesigns #beadedearrings (at Ann Arbor, Michigan) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvmv7mVleNb/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14f2wq3ba0rtz
