Free Tattoos for Black History Month
Donation protected
HELP ZI GIVE FREE TATTOOS TO BLACK FOLKS THROUGHOUT BLACK HISTORY MONTH
From my own experience and in listening to the experiences of other Black folks, particularly those with deeper skin tones, there are barriers to getting tattooed and lots of racism in the industry, as well as the steep costs of getting a tattoo. For this reason, I am starting a fundraiser to tattoo Black folks throughout Black History Month 2023 for free!
Black History Month can come with heavy emotions when we reflect on our past and present, our ancestry, what we know, and what information has been stolen from us through slavery and colonial violence.
This initiative aims to add to the celebratory factor and celebrate all the beauty, variety, softness, strength and wonder that is being Black.
Historically, colonial “values” have condemned BIPOC worldwide for our sacred tattooing practices. They then co-opted the skill and made it extremely difficult for us to access this trade both on the giving and the receiving end. This is still happening today, particularly affecting Black and Brown women and queer folks. I hope to see many more initiatives like this for years to come!
For Black History Month 2023, I have a fundraising goal of $8500 so that I can tattoo Black folks all month long in so-called Vancouver for free! These funds will go toward drawing/prep time, studio space, tattooing supplies, tattooing time, and some time for me to rest in March. I will be tattooing at the Baohaus Collective, which is very exciting! For accessible appointments, I will also have access to a private studio.
Tattoos are only being offered in so-called Vancouver (this year at least ;) ).
If you are interested in getting a Free Black History Month tattoo, keep an eye on my stories and posts on Instagram. More details to come! You can find me at @ziencefictionart
About Me:
My name is Zi (they/them), and I am a queer, mixed Guyanese/British settler on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ Nations. I am a multi-medium artist whose skills include tattooing, graphic art, painting and visual journaling. I have been tattooing under the mentorship of Em Chou (@strangemmmaker) for a year and a half and am endlessly grateful for such an incredible mentor.
My goal as a tattooist is to create a safe, fun, and relaxed space where folks from all, particularly marginalized communities, can come and be themselves and have the chill and relaxed tattooing experience everyone deserves, especially when their body is being altered permanently.
Organizer
Zion Bull
Organizer
Vancouver, BC
