Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sankofa B. Soleil. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sankofa B. , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

If I was asked this question in the past, I would’ve probably rambled on about work or a new song. (“Speak Your Truth” is def popping out soon.) But, as an artist/activist I have had the pleasure of devoting my craft and my time to some very impactful campaigns. My creative contributions have been implemented amongst some high-profile historical movements of our time –Ferguson Uprising, Parkland Mass Shooting, March for Our Lives, Poor People’s Campaign, to name a few. Yet, in 2018, after a soul-awakening experience hanging from the side of a 15-story building, and a noticeable decline in my mental health because of it all, I began to question if doing “good work” was indeed enough.

Around that same time, a close comrade of mine asked me in confidence “why was I an activist?” Being the altruistic being that I am, I went on to list a plethora of reasons: for this community, for that person, because the world needed more people who cared, for future generations, etc. However, they paused me mid-response and brought to my attention that not once did I mention that I was advocating for or doing the work on behalf of myself. Their observation nearly brought me to tears. At root I am all of the things that I have found myself fighting for: a Black queer woman born in and of the margins. My comrade noted that it was beautiful that my heart was for the world, however, the world doesn’t need more martyrs and that in all that I do, it is important that I remember to build for myself.

So, four years later, if I were to be completely honest, I believe that I am the most meaningful project that I have ever worked on. By taking the time to heal my own heart that has been detrimented by childhood trauma and negative societal influences, I have now found the power to be the most authentic version of myself. I have a song lyric that says “who were you before [they] told you who to be” and I believe that once we all find our truth to that question, we are able to reclaim our power like never before. In a world that defines difference as inferior, it is never in our best interest to love the world more than we love ourselves. A key to creating something meaningful is having a genuine “why”. My current “why” is because I am worthy of the peace that I so gravely want for everyone else. And naturally people can relate to that. On most days self-love is way more tangible than, let’s say, world peace. What motivates me now is sharing the blessing of this wisdom. You know, it’s so simple it’s profound.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Who is The Artist: B. Soleil? That’s such a simple and spacious question. First and foremost, I’m a human. We get so caught up on labels in society these days that it’s essential to make note of our realness when we aim to identify ourselves. Everyone claims these superfluous job titles as truths. In reality, we are all humans having this overlapping experience trying to do the best we can to live, learn, love, grow, and prosper.

However, if I were to label myself, I would say I am an artist. I am an activist. Simultaneously, I am an artivist. I am someone who is called to be the best version of me because I realize that in doing that, I have the power and the capability to inspire others. I am a creator, not the kind that refers to how we feed the algorithm. My process leads me to believe that I am the algorithm; therefore, I’m creative in all ways and fashions and senses of the word. I believe in creating the world around me to be exactly what I want it to be.

I’m proud of my willingness to be a creative energy, despite. Popular culture can lead you to believe that creativity is limited, yet we constantly consume art and invention. Everything from brand design to architecture to cooking is a creative practice. Creativity is inclusive and expansive. To be creative is to be exponential. I am proud of the version of me that has decided to be a reflection of that in fullness as it relates to my truth and purpose.

Which means I am a Renaissance person— a musician, an author and a writer ( because they are two different things), a photographer. I am a painter. I am a carpenter. I am a master builder of myself and the world around me.

I am CREATION herself as she seeks to express herself through me. Through each medium, I am a vessel of something bigger— something greater.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Before I jump into the question, it’s important to note that I don’t believe that anyone is non-creative. If you want to understand my journey, you must understand that I view the world through that particular lens. Everyone everywhere all at once is co-creating the world together. That’s through the relationships we keep, the homes we build, and the love we make. We all agree or disagree on reality with the actions we choose every day. Once I understood that we all have this innate creative potential, even though sometimes it’s not fully actualized, my belief in and duty to what is possible changed.

One of my favorite quotes was brought to my awareness by Chinese artist and activist Ai Wei Wei. It reads: “Life is Art. Art is Life. I never separate it.” Artists are constantly alchemizing their experiences into something tangible and relatable to the culture. It can be a really vulnerable process. Enacting the “life is art” mindset permits us the power, space, and freedom to tap into this world where we’re intentional. Surprisingly, intentionality is something that many people are missing from their lives, perhaps out of fear. Whose fault is it if [life/art] doesn’t turn out as intended? If we are in control, who is accountable?

We have so many artists and creatives who are putting work into the world, and they don’t consider how their art will impact and influence people. Influence has become synonymous with popularity. There is equal fault and power in this. Creatives are often either idolized as the voice/vision of the collective, misunderstood, or unacknowledged. There’s rarely any in-between. That’s the part where I think most crack under pressure and lose their authenticity.

I’m the type of creative person who sees my bodies of work as my children. I have this duty to care for them and impart the best of my wisdom unto them, and frankly, not mess them up. How much better would the world be if everybody did their due diligence to make sure that the child that they were raising didn’t have any trauma or harm done to them? How much more light would we be living in if we didn’t have to unlearn so much negativity? The same goes for artists and our art.

I hope those who support me understand my obligation to create work that can potentially leave the world a better place. This does not mean perfection, but it does mean intention with everything.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Community! My goodness, how I wish I understood the value of community 10-15 years ago. I’m almost ashamed that I placed so much importance on things, not people (even when I thought I wasn’t). Everyone wants a million dollars but really what you might need is a million-dollar idea and the right people around you to make it happen. The industry is a tough place to navigate, especially for folks who’s focus is on the art. It’s like the suburbs with manicured grass where you know of your neighbors but don’t actually know your neighbors. In reality, what we need to seek to foster are villages. Villages often share culture and accountability.

Community is the outcome when networking is done with people who have like-minds and visions from the heart space. When your community is strong, you can barter for what you may not have the money for because trust is in place. When your community is strong, you no longer feel the need to self-isolate as you grow and make mistakes because there are people around you just as committed to your becoming as you are. When your community is strong, you know that your name might show up in the room as a recommendation, even when you can’t be there in person. Community is everything. Get you one.

Contact Info:

• Website: theartistbsoleil.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/iamtheartistbsoleil
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartistbsoleil
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theartistbsoleil
• Other: instagram.com/iamtheartistbsoleil

Image Credits
images x Jackson (GM) | instagram: @thaacreator