“In the Company of My Sisters”

Remembering the women of the Clotilda with a commissioned public art piece. Ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Africatown Heritage House in Mobile Alabama. Reception will immediately follow. 

Mobile, Alabama - August 26, 2023 – The Society of Clotilda is pleased to announce the dedication ceremony for the "In the Company of My Sisters" interactive memorial project and monument. This groundbreaking initiative centers on the lives of African American women in Mobile and honors the memory of the African women of the Clotilda, whose stories have been largely untold despite their significant impact.

The project began by engaging local Black women in conversations about their culture of care. Their stories, shared in a StoryCorps-style format, were archived to preserve the history and experiences of these extraordinary women. They shared their narratives, along with meaningful artifacts, reflecting their journeys of love, life, laughter, and the importance of caring for what truly matters.

Designed by Sage Crump and muthi reed for TKE studios, an incubation space for multimedia interdisciplinary artwork that examines the movement of Blackness through time and space, the monument features two stone benches facing each other, symbolizing an intimate space for conversation and reflection. The design process involved collaborative design charettes with members and friends of the Society of Clotilda, ensuring that the monument truly represents the collective experiences and aspirations of the community.

"The stories of care really moved me. They reminded me that we truly have what we need and that we are more powerful together," shared Kenishia Jackson-Pritchett, project coordinator for the Society of Clotilda.

Located at the Africatown Heritage House in Alabama, the monument is nestled under a large tree, depicting the essence of village life. The contemporary style of "Oshun" pays homage to the power of womanhood, incorporating objects and symbols contributed by local women that reflect their lessons and love.

The dedication ceremony for the "In the Company of My Sisters" memorial project will take place on Saturday, August 26, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 2465 Winbush Street. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, witness the unveiling of the monument, and experience excerpts from the "In the Company of My Sisters" podcast, featuring interviews with the monument designers and the founders of the Society of Clotilda.

Society of Clotilda is a powerful network of Black women dedicated to supporting healing in our community. As a not-for-profit organization based in Mobile, Alabama, they focus on leadership, wealth, wellbeing, and culture. Their signature programs, including the SOC Giving Circle, How I Wear My Crown, and the Mardi Gras Jubilee Awards Brunch, exemplify their commitment to uplifting and empowering Black women. For more information, visit www.societyofclotilda.com.

The dedication ceremony is free and open to the public. For media inquiries or further information, please contact Chandra Brown at cbrown@lifelinescounseling.com.

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Note to editors:

High-resolution images and additional information about the "In the Company of My Sisters" memorial project are available upon request.

Site Location for Memorial Bench “In the Company of My Sisters” by TKE, Sage Crump and muthi reed