Celebrating Dr. Joy DeGruy! Invisible Portraits Movie, Discussion, and Unveiling Reception with Hiawtha D. & Veronica Ve

Please join us in celebration as we induct internationally renowned researcher and educator, Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy, into the Iconic Black Women collection at WOW Gallery and unveil Hiawatha D's newest work. We will start the afternoon out with a private showing of (In)visible Portraits with a Q&A session to follow. 

1:00 to 3:30pm: Invisible Portraits Private showing, in BLACK LOVE

4:00 to 7:00pm: Induction and unveiling of Dr. Joy in the LOVE Gallery

Wonder of Women (WOW) creates sacred space that unapologetically centers Black women, Black Love, Black Art, and Black Excellence.

About Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy 

Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication, a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology, and a PhD in Social Work Research. Dr. DeGruy is a nationally and internationally renowned researcher and educator.  For over two decades, she served as an Assistant Professor at Portland State University’s School of Social Work and now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Joy DeGruy Publications Inc. (JPD).

Dr. DeGruy’s research focuses on the intersection of racism, trauma, violence and American chattel slavery. She has over thirty years of practical experience as a professional in the field of social work. She conducts workshops and trainings in the areas of intergenerational/historical trauma, mental health, social justice, improvement strategies and evidence based model development.

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Through lectures, workshops, seminars and special guest appearances, Dr. Joy has shined a light on the critical issues affecting society.  Dr. Joy’s seminars have been lauded as the most dynamic and inspirational currently being presented on the topics of culture, race relations and contemporary social issues.

Statement from Hiawatha D.

I became a student of my own work through my legacy collection Iconic Black Women. I am truly honored to co-create a healing art exhibition entitled ‘Dear Sista, I See You.’ through this collection that pays homage to history making Black women ancestors, elders and queens. This traveling exhibition is attracting local, national, and global patrons and press. We are not aware of an entire body of work that shines a bold, unapologetic light on the history making contributions Black women have made in our society and the world.

These images reflect my signature approach. If the composition is perspectively correct— the absence of any expected element encourages personal mood and theme in the work, while the color, shadows and clean diagonal lines provide dimension and depth. We typically judge another person within the first seven seconds of sight, not using limbs and/or facial expression evokes conversation and questions that simultaneously create an invitation for introspection, provocation, healing, and transformation.

Black women deserve to be seen. Our children need to know their stories for healing, education, inspiration and liberation. Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy deserves to take her place among the ranks of these amazing women. Her story is a wonder! My inspiring Black queen wife and I are honored and deeply proud to make it so. And so it is.

As co-founder of WOW Gallery with my wife, Veronica Very, our space has become a cultural destination experience pairing ‘Iconic Black Women’ with the emancipating healing work of Wonder of Women International. Our goal is to build a healing retreat center that centers Blackness to create sacred space that puts healing, education, inspiration, and liberation in energetic rotation for present and future generations. We will use this collection and educational curriculum that centers the stories of Black women and girls to change controlling narratives by intentionally offering inspiring and empowering stories about Black women.