History of Story Salon
Story Salon is deeply rooted in everything Ronnika Williams grew up with, symbolizing the safe spaces and communal bonds that shaped her. It embodies the spirit of a Saturday morning salon visit, the anticipation of a good press and curl before Sunday morning church service, and the rich, evocative stories shared around the dinner table at home and at her grandparents' house. Story Salon is a place to capture and celebrate the narratives that define who we are.
The inspiration to bring her thesis project, "Journey of Many Souls," to life as the first documentary for Story Salon was a significant step. This project explores the collective experiences of Black individuals, emphasizing migration, resilience, and cultural heritage. However, Ronnika felt it was important to reveal the personal stories behind building this initial project.
To achieve this, she decided to launch a photography exhibit, "Retracing Their Steps," which focuses on her family's stories of traveling and establishing a community during the Great Migration. This exhibit captures the essence of her family's journey and the broader historical context, offering a visual and narrative portrayal that sets the foundation for Story Salon's mission. Through these projects, Ronnika aims to honor the past and inspire others to explore and document their own family histories.
Journey of Many Souls and Retracing Their Steps are two distinct yet interconnected projects that reflect Ronnika Williams' dedication to exploring and preserving the stories of Black individuals and families.
"Journey of Many Souls" is a broader initiative that delves into the collective experiences of Black individuals, particularly focusing on themes like migration, resilience, and cultural heritage. This project seeks to capture the diverse narratives of Black communities through various forms of multimedia, including audio recordings, photographs, written accounts, and video documentaries. It emphasizes the shared experiences that unite these stories while highlighting the unique aspects of each individual's journey. By documenting these stories, "Journey of Many Souls" aims to create a comprehensive archive that honors the past and educates future generations about the richness of Black history and culture.
"Retracing Their Steps" is a more personal project for Ronnika, as it involves piecing together the stories of her own family history. This digital project and upcoming exhibit are part of her ongoing quest to uncover and document the experiences of her ancestors, particularly those involved in the Great Migration. Using an address book and family stories as her starting points, Ronnika meticulously traces her family's movements and the broader historical context in which they lived. "Retracing Their Steps" combines archival research, personal anecdotes, and multimedia elements to create a vivid portrayal of her family's journey. The project not only serves as a personal exploration but also resonates with others who may be inspired to delve into their own family histories.
In essence, both projects reflect Ronnika's commitment to storytelling and her belief in the power of narratives to connect and inspire communities. Through "Journey of Many Souls" and "Retracing Their Steps," she aims to preserve the legacies of those who came before and to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black history.
RONNIKA TALKS
Ronnika Williams has been covering a lot of miles retracing the steps of her family and how they made it to Southwest Michigan.
