Black Artist Spotlight: New to the Erin Condren Collection Supporting Social Justice

Chibia Ulinwa is a Nigerian-American lettering artist based in Portland, Oregon. With a passion for bursts of color and uplifting others, Chibia creates energetic and vibrant pieces to educate, amplify, and empower others.

Here’s what Chibia has to say about the inspiration behind her design and what it means to work with Erin Condren on a collection that gives back to the social justice charity of her choice.

I am beyond overjoyed that I get to partner with Erin Condren to showcase my art, with half of the profit supporting the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) and the other half supporting me and my work. It is so elevating being able to create an original piece with my own ideas and artistic choices that speaks volumes to the work and advocacy that I try to emulate in all my work. I have always wanted to raise money to help a charity, especially one that helps support BIPOC, so I am thrilled that I am able to share my art with the world while simultaneously supporting a cause that I wholeheartedly stand by.

Roma Osowo is a Texas-based professional abstract artist. Born and raised on the island of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, her work is inspired by the rich, vibrant colors represented in her West Indian heritage and expressions of joy from her deeply rooted faith.

Here’s what Roma has to say about the inspiration behind her design and what it means to work with Erin Condren on a collection that gives back to the social justice charity of her choice.

I feel incredibly honored and humbled to be chosen as part of this significant partnership between Erin Condren and Black artists. 

To receive 50% of the profits from the sales of the products showcasing my work is an incredible opportunity, but to have Erin Condren commit to donating the other 50% to the charity of my choice is not only incredibly generous but it is sure to offer tremendous help in righting some of the injustices experienced by so many who are disproportionately affected within the criminal justice system simply because of the color of their skin.

Tara Michèlle Mixon is a Florida-based digital illustrator and author. Inspired by the strength of her matriarchal family and studies of language and literature, Tara’s work celebrates the authorship of narratives and language of Black women through countenance, stance, hair, and dress. 

Here’s what Tara has to say about the inspiration behind her design and what it means to work with Erin Condren on a collection that gives back to the social justice charity of her choice.

Partnering with Erin Condren is a dream I hadn’t imagined at this juncture in my career. Through this partnership, many people will experience my art for the first time. It allows for professional growth, but more importantly, it shines a light on the beauty and diversity within my community.  As a Black woman, I view my community as an extension of my nuclear family. My success is for them as much as theirs is for me. While we are diverse, there’s a connectedness that transcends time and space. It is this connection that empowers us to persevere in the face of adversity.

I am honored to take part in an initiative that aligns with the issues that are closest to my heart. It is one thing to verbalize support, but another to actually put those words into action. It is action that actually brings about change. Erin Condren is doing just that by leveraging their influence to promote the work of Black artists and to bring awareness to charities whose work is essential to our communities. 

Amanda Reid is an artist, instructor, and the owner of Amanda Reid Designs, a design studio specializing in modern calligraphy for events, brands, apparel, and more. She’s also the founder of Calligraphers of Color, an inclusive online community that celebrates diversity in the industry.

Here’s what Amanda has to say about the inspiration behind her design and what it means to work with Erin Condren on a collection that gives back to the social justice charity of her choice.

I think what the Erin Condren brand is doing with this partnership to amplify Black voices and diversify their artists is very powerful and shows how genuine they are to see real change take place. I love seeing companies that are willing to recognize past mistakes, learn from them, and move forward to bring about change within and outside of their communities.

Change requires taking action and being intentional. Erin Condren was intentional in seeking out Black artists to collaborate with and offer 50% of the profit to the artists. That is unheard of for a company of its size and shows their true heart behind all of this. They took it a step further and are choosing to donate the remaining 50% to charities of the artists’ choice that will continue to support the work of those fighting for change in regards to racial inequality and social justice. I am very proud to partner with a company that is using its platform to make a difference and lead by example.

Rachel Juanita Bellamy is an artist on a mission. She started her company Soul Reign to create education, experiences, and excursions that facilitate emotional, spiritual, and cultural healing through art. Rachel’s work is a bold expression of healing and joy.

Here’s what Rachel has to say about the inspiration behind her design and what it means to work with Erin Condren on a collection that gives back to the social justice charity of her choice.

To partner with Erin Condren is such an honor and privilege. I am a planner and I know the importance of having a sacred place to dream, pray, plan, and cross off things on my checklist when complete (my favorite part). I wanted to create a piece that celebrates inclusivity and the beauty and diversity of color. All too often BIPOC have been marginalized in the arts, crafts, and planning communities, and it would be such an honor to see art that celebrates the beauty of all people in retail stores and in the hands of the planning community. And knowing that half of the profit goes to a charity that supports emotional and mental health within the Black community (another marginalized area) is the icing on an already sweet cake.