African Inspired Prints

Namib DesertAfrica is such a beautiful and diverse country teeming with amazing wildlife, rivers, mountains and deserts. The cultural history of the continent and its people dates back to the cradle of civilization. Fabric in Africa has a millennial story behind it. It truly is sacred to the culture. Philosophy, ethics, morals and history are all conveyed through each thread. Not only are the patterns valued as a means to communicate a message but also the colors that are chosen are significant.

J&O Celebrates Akoma Day: A Cultural Alternative to Valentine’s Day

akoma day, akoma, akoma house
 
 
As millions across America save up their extra pennies, personal work days, and long awaited proposals to celebrate the worldwide holiday designed for lovers and better known as Valentines Day, another similar holiday is taking place in many African-American communities that recognizes not only the nurturing of romantic love, but love from a communal and cultural perspective as well. Enter in Akoma Day.

Akoma Day is a seven day holiday celebration of love between individuals within the African-American community. Observed during February in place of Valentines Day, the focus of this fairly new holiday is to ” …restore ‘ Black Love ‘ as the primordial example of love personified,” says founders Montsho &  Nwasha Edu.  Although officially celebrated for one week from February 14th to February 20th, Akoma Day is designed to be celebrated throughout the year as a tool to help cultivate and reflect the highest level of love in all relationships.