The Black Exhale Nest
Photography by Debbie Baxter and The NEST Project
The Black body was created to be loved.
The Black Exhale Nest was a place to express and make the statement that the Black body is sacred. It was a place for the Black body to be embraced and cradled through its pain of violence, abuse, and shackling. It was a place for the Black body to feel loved and cherished.
Guided by the question, “How do we create sanctuary for the Black body?” the Black Exhale Nest Project resulted in creating experiences that were both liberating and deeply challenging.
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Presented by Weeksville Heritage Center, a collaboration between Black Exhale and The NEST Project began in June 2022. At that time, a human-sized nest was built and opened for BE Nest Portraits in Brooklyn, NY. In partnership with All Kings, an organization committed to liberation, and Exodus Transitional Community, the portraits for the Black Exhale Nest was dedicated to Black men impacted by the criminal justice system. The BE Nest served as a container to love the ancestral and institutional wound.
We had openings for 10 men.
The experience included an interview process, a BE Nest portrait, and a crafted narrative representing what vulnerability each brought to The Black Exhale Nest.
The intention of this Project was to be a deeply healing experience and opportunity for the men to not only express their vulnerable side but to also face a part of themselves that could use more love.
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During the month of June, a human-sized nest was built out of natural materials at Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn, NY. This process included gathering community and youth from Recess Art to build a sanctuary space for the Black men participating in the Black Exhale Nest Project. Help build the nest.
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Once The Black Exhale Nest was built, it was moved into the gallery at Weeksville. A photo studio was created and each participant had a 1 hour session of being held in The BE Nest. The experience included an interview, a photo shoot, and time in The BE Nest. (The Black Exhale Nest exhibit was also open for public viewing during tours.)
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After portraits were taken and art created, participating men continued work with All Kings Men’s Circle and Exodus Transitional Community as a support and resource for further self reflection, expression, and healing. The BE Nest was then donated to Indigenous lands in upstate New York where healing happens.
Presented by Antoinette Cooper of Black Exhale and in collaboration with Debbie Baxter of The NEST Project, we are coming together with Weeksville Heritage Center to honor that the Black body was created to be loved. In partnership with Aiby Galindez of All Kings, and Keith Gaffney of Exodus, this project will serve as a safe space for up to 10 Black men and genderfluid folk impacted by the criminal justice system. The Black Exhale Nest is an opportunity for all to express themselves, heal from the past, and shed light on the unending and uncontainable impact of these systems on Black men in America.