Roots & Radiance Week: Celebrating Black Creativity, Culture, and Community
By Imani E.
As a Black creative born and raised in New York City, I’ve witnessed firsthand the brilliance of Black culture shaping everything from music and fashion to social media trends and beyond. But too often, the creators at the heart of these movements go uncredited, overlooked, or undervalued simply because they don’t have the “right” credentials or enough followers. That reality inspired me to curate Roots & Radiance Week at La Fleur Café NYC — a celebration of the past, present, and future of Black creativity.
This week has been about more than just events; it’s been about reclaiming space, building community, and shining a light on the innovators who have paved the way while uplifting those showing up and showing out today. From dynamic performances to meaningful conversations, the goal has always been simple: to honor our roots and amplify our radiance.
The name Roots & Radiance was intentional. It’s about looking back to celebrate the Black innovators who came before us while acknowledging the brilliance of Black creators continuing to redefine culture in real-time. By bringing together performances, networking opportunities, and spaces for authentic connection, I wanted to create a platform where Black creatives could be seen, heard, and celebrated for their contributions, regardless of their “numbers” or perceived clout.
And while this space was designed with Black creatives in mind, it’s open to all — because true community is built on inclusion, respect, and the celebration of shared and unique experiences.
Curating this event during Black History Month holds deep meaning for me. Black history is more than a month; it’s a living, ongoing story. It’s the foundation we walk on and the inspiration that fuels our future. Living in this skin comes with challenges — navigating a world that often views us with fear or misunderstanding can be exhausting. But even with those challenges, I wouldn’t trade my Blackness for anything. I love being Black. I love celebrating Blackness. And I love creating spaces where Black culture is honored, uplifted, and cherished.
