HONORING EXCELLENT WOMEN In the spirit of her lifetime of work, Webb is partnering with TrooRa Magazine for the revolutionary project Give Her Her Flowers. “When we don’t see talented individuals for who they are or acknowledge their societal impact, we [all] lose. GIVE HER HER FLOWERS changes that narrative. I will create ceremonial metal wreaths to honor 12 incredible African American women to ensure that they will no longer be overlooked. Reminiscent of the laurels bestowed upon those who performed great feats in Ancient Greece, these colorful pieces, enameled and studded with semiprecious gems and a hidden diamond, are an unmistakable visual acknowledgment of the wearer’s contribution to the world,” says Webb. Each ceremonial necklace will be custom designed to embody its recipient, inspired by who they are and their work and accomplishments. A true work of art, each handcrafted neck piece will consist of repoussé flowers and leaves (made of flat pieces of metal and hammered into shape and accented with semiprecious stones). These handcrafted brass pieces will be enameled in vibrant colors. Through this project, every year, Webb and Cunningham will choose 12 inspirational women who are accomplished in their fields and present them with ceremonial necklaces influenced by the concept of ancient laurel wreaths. To find and select the women they will honor, Webb and Cunningham will start with their networks and expand that circle with referrals. They will also research outstanding women nationwide by reading articles and publications, put out an open call for recommendations on social media, and partner with the sponsors of business incubators. These necklaces will be awarded at a special event, “Celebrating Women's Excellence,” beginning in March 2024 in conjunction with the launch of TrooRa's annual women's issues. The colorful images from the ceremony recognizing these recipients, along with their powerful stories, will later be compiled into a coffee table book. The Thelma Harris Art Gallery in Oakland, California, will be the first to host a reception for this documentation of the acclamation of Black women. This partnership will be announced at TrooRa's 2023 women's issue launch event. “This project was inspired by Black women I have met. I was struck by not only their brilliance but also how they were using their talents to really advance the African American community. Not only were they doing this incredible work, but they were also coming up with new ways to approach systemic issues. And they were doing it with such style! I was so inspired by them and thought that not only should they be noted, but that they should be celebrated on a public and ongoing basis,” says Webb. Cunningham, Troora Magazine founder serving as creative director as well as executive editor, will be one of the first women honored in March 2024 through the Give Her Her Flowers project.
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