Black Tea Rhapsody:

An Homage to African American Tea Culture ​ Exhibition Booklet

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Contents

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Welcome

Introduction

Featured Artists

Panelists

Inventory of Photos

Spirit in African American Tea Culture (1800s – Present)

Medicine and Wellness in African American Tea Culture (1800s – Present)

Special Section: The Desegregation of Tea Rooms

Black Men in African American Tea Culture (1950s – Present)

Community in African American Tea Culture (1920s – Present)

Teaware in African American Communities (1800s - Present)

Closing Remarks

Special Thanks

Index

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Welcome

Welcome to the Black Tea Rhapsody exhibition. This multimedia art exhibition is an homage to ​African American tea culture, celebrating the history, traditions, and stories that have shaped this ​vibrant community. The exhibition covers themes such as spirit, medicine and wellness, Black men in ​tea spaces, and community.

Tea in African American culture is more than just a beverage; it is a symbol of hospitality, a vehicle ​for storytelling, and a means of cultural preservation. Through this exhibition, we will highlight the ​profound connections between tea and African American heritage, showcasing how tea has been ​intertwined with rituals, health and wellness practices, and communal gatherings.

As you journey through the exhibition, you will encounter a diverse collection of photographs, ​artworks, and multimedia installations that capture the essence of these themes. Each piece has ​been carefully curated to reflect the deep and enduring legacy of tea as a conduit within the African ​American experience.

We hope that this exhibition not only enlightens you about the historical and contemporary ​significance of tea but also inspires a greater appreciation for the cultural richness and resilience of ​the African American community.

Introduction

Tea, an enduring symbol of cultural heritage, plays a multifaceted role in African American life, ​serving as a bridge between the past and the present. Our exploration begins with the spiritual ​significance of tea, showcasing how it is woven into rituals and ceremonies that connect individuals ​to their heritage and the divine. We then journey through the realm of medicine and wellness, ​illustrating the traditional uses of tea in healing practices and its role in promoting physical and ​mental well-being. A special focus is given to Black men in tea spaces, highlighting their contributions ​and experiences within this cultural context. Finally, we celebrate the sense of community that ​tea fosters, portraying how tea gatherings serve as vital social hubs where stories are shared, ​relationships are strengthened, and cultural bonds are reinforced. Through these themes, we aim to ​provide a comprehensive view of the multifaceted role of tea in African American life, emphasizing its ​significance as a cultural touchstone that transcends generations.

The Black Tea Rhapsody exhibition explores the multifaceted role of tea in African American life ​through several key themes, each with a historical timeline that traces the evolution of tea culture ​from the past to the present. Each theme is represented by a selection of photographs, artworks, and ​multimedia installations that capture the essence of this cultural practice.

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Featured Artists

This exhibition brings together the works of talented artists who have captured the essence of ​African American tea culture through various media. Their contributions provide a vivid portrayal of ​the themes explored in this exhibition.

Dr. Rolanda JW Spencer ​Dr. Rolanda JW Spencer is an academic and artist whose work focuses on ​African American tea culture. Through her photographs and installations, she ​highlights the intersection of tradition and contemporary practice, offering a ​nuanced perspective on the role of tea in African American life.

Herman Isreal Spencer ​Herman Spencer is known for creating intricate and evocative artworks that ​delve into the cultural and spiritual significance of tea. Their pieces in this ​exhibition explore the deep-rooted traditions and contemporary expressions of ​tea within the African American community.

Roy Handy ​Roy Handy’s work in this exhibition presents a compelling narrative through ​visual art, capturing the communal and personal aspects of tea culture. ​His contributions help to portray the diverse experiences and rich history ​associated with tea in African American life.

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Panelists

The exhibition is complemented by a panel discussion featuring experts and enthusiasts who will ​delve deeper into the cultural significance of tea within the African American community.

Latonia Cokely: ​Owner of Adjourn Tea Room, Lanham, MD ​Latonia Cokely brings her experience as a tea room owner, offering insights ​into the modern tea spaces and their roles in fostering community and cultural ​continuity ​.

Dr. Dana Nettles: ​Co-Founder of Dr. Nettles Natural Beauty, Mobile, AL ​Dr. Dana Nettles will discuss the intersection of tea, wellness, and natural ​beauty, highlighting traditional healing practices and contemporary ​applications.

Rev Anthony Todd Jackson: ​ House of Spiritual Purpose ​Rev Anthony Todd Jackson will explore the spiritual dimensions of tea, ​sharing how it is integrated into rituals and spiritual practices within the African ​American community.

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Panelists

Kim Johnson: ​Director of the Georgettes Tea Room House Renovation Project, Miami, FL ​Kim Johnson will provide historical context, discussing the legacy of historic tea ​rooms and their significance in African American culture ​.

Chantrelle Edwards: ​Owner of HellaTea, Oakland, CA ​Chantrelle Edwards will speak about the entrepreneurial aspects of tea culture, ​sharing her journey in establishing a modern tea business and its impact on ​community building.

Inventory of Photos

The following images are part of the Black Tea Rhapsody exhibition, each contributing to the rich ​narrative of African American tea culture across the themes of spirit, medicine and wellness, Black ​men in tea spaces, and community.

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The journey begins with Caroline ​Dye, known as the Hoodoo Woman ​of Arkansas (1939). A photograph ​from 1939 that is said to be her ​“business card” during that time. ​Dye’s practice exemplifies how tea ​was not only a daily beverage but ​also a powerful tool in the hands ​of healers who sought to connect ​individuals with their spiritual ​selves and the natural world.

Moving forward to the late 20th ​century, we encounter Dr. Buzzard, ​a renowned spiritual healer ​whose legacy is immortalized in a ​Hattiesburg American newspaper ​article from January 2016. This ​piece offers a glimpse into the ​life of a man who used tea and ​other herbal remedies in his ​spiritual practices, demonstrating ​the connection between tea and ​healing in African American culture.

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Complementing this narrative is ​a photograph titled “Dr. Buzzard’s ​Magical Root” by Brandon Coffey ​(1989), showcasing a handwritten ​root recipe from Dr. Buzzard ​himself. This image serves as a ​tangible reminder of the traditional ​knowledge passed down through ​generations, where tea and herbal ​mixtures were integral to spiritual ​and physical well-being.

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Further enriching this is another ​newspaper article from 1989, ​detailing the life and practices of ​Dr. Buzzard. This piece provides ​additional context and insight into ​his spiritual and healing practices, ​reinforcing his significant role in ​the community.

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In contemporary times, the ​spiritual journey continues with ​Queen Reina, a current practitioner ​of tea ceremonies. Captured in ​“The Conjurer” by Rolanda JW ​Spencer (2023), Reina embodies ​the living tradition of tea in spiritual ​rituals. Her ceremonies, rich with ​symbolism and heritage, highlight ​the continuity of these practices in ​modern African American life. ​contemporary times, the spiritual ​journey continues with Queen ​Reina, a current practitioner of ​tea ceremonies. Captured in “The ​Conjurer” by Rolanda JW Spencer ​(2023), Reina embodies the ​living tradition of tea in spiritual ​rituals. Her ceremonies, rich with ​symbolism and heritage, highlight ​the continuity of these practices in ​modern African American life.

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Similarly, “The Babalawo” by ​Herman Isreal Spencer (2023) ​features Baba Todd, who utilizes ​herbal teas and spiritual baths in ​his work. This image underscores ​the role of tea in Ifa divination and ​other African spiritual practices, ​illustrating how these traditions ​have adapted and thrived over ​centuries.

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Finally, “Dr. Pinkney’s Tea Party” ​by Herman Isreal Spencer (2022) ​presents Dr. Enid Pinckney, an ​Elder and historian who hosted a ​church tea party in Miami, Fl. This ​image highlights the communal ​aspect of tea, where spiritual and ​social gatherings often intertwine, ​fostering a sense of belonging and ​continuity within the community.

Through these images and stories, ​we see a vivid portrayal of tea’s ​spiritual significance in African ​American culture. It is more than ​a beverage; it is a symbol of ​heritage, a tool for healing, and a ​bridge to the divine, woven into the ​very fabric of spiritual life from the ​1800s to the present.

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The narrative begins with Herbalist ​Emma DePree captured in an ​oil on canvas portrait titled “A ​Portrait of African American ​Herbalism and Tea Culture.” This ​image, held by the GC and Frances ​Hawley Museum and reproduced ​with permission from Director ​LD Edwards, sets the stage for ​understanding the deep-rooted ​tradition of using tea for medicinal ​purposes. Emma DePree’s work ​as an herbalist underscores the ​longstanding belief in the healing ​power of plants and teas within ​African American communities.

Moving forward in time, we ​encounter The Medicine ​Woman a portrait of Dr. Dana ​Nettles taken by Dr. Rolanda ​JW Spencer in August 2022 at ​the New Orleans Vegan Fest. ​This photograph highlights Dr. ​Nettles’ contemporary practice ​of integrating traditional herbal ​medicine with modern wellness ​routines, emphasizing the ongoing ​relevance of these practices. ​Dr. Nettles’ contributions are ​further illustrated through three ​artifacts from her private collection, ​each telling a unique story of ​tradition and family legacy.

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1. Diascord: An apothecary ​medicinal jar that dates back to ​the early 1900s. This jar was used ​for storing roots and berries for ​tea and tinctures, commonly used ​in African American tea culture ​for their health benefits. The jar ​symbolizes the continuity of herbal ​knowledge passed down through ​generations of Dr. Nettles’ family, ​from her great uncle to her father, ​and now to her.

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2. Comfrey (Symphytum ​officinale): Another artifact on ​loan from Dr. Nettles’ private ​collection, this vessel was used ​for storing comfrey roots, an ​ingredient in medicinal teas for ​treating various ailments. Comfrey ​has been valued for its healing ​properties, particularly for wounds, ​inflammation, and broken bones.

3. Confectio Rosea Caninae: This ​artifact was used for storing herbs ​like roses, which were common ​ingredients in medicinal teas. ​On loan from Dr. Nettles’ private ​collection, it highlights the cultural ​significance of herbs in African ​American tea culture and their role ​in promoting health and wellness.

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Through these images and ​artifacts, we see a vivid portrayal ​of tea’s medicinal significance ​in African American culture. ​Tea is not just a beverage; it is ​a vital part of the community’s ​approach to health and wellness, ​bridging traditional practices with ​contemporary understanding. The ​journey from the 1800s to the ​present showcases the belief in the ​power of tea to heal and nurture, ​illustrating its role as a cornerstone ​of African American medicinal and ​wellness practices.

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The narrative begins with ​KingsTea, a 2023 photograph ​by Dr. Rolanda JW Spencer, ​capturing a heartwarming scene ​of a father and his sons sharing ​tea. This image highlights the ​intergenerational bonding and ​the passing down of tea traditions ​within African American families, ​emphasizing the importance of ​tea in fostering connections and ​cultural continuity.

Next, we see CamLion, another ​2023 photograph by Dr. Rolanda ​JW Spencer, depicting a young ​African American male with a ​tea set in the park. This image ​illustrates the casual, everyday ​enjoyment of tea and its role in ​leisure and personal reflection, ​showcasing how tea culture is ​embraced by younger generations.

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Moving back to 2022, the narrative ​features Old Orleans, a self-portrait ​by artist Roy Handy. This piece ​shows the intersection between ​artistic expression and tea culture, ​capturing Handy’s personal ​connection with tea as both a ​creative and cultural practice. His ​self-portrait symbolizes how tea ​serves as a muse and a medium ​for exploring identity and heritage.

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The journey continues with The ​Gent a 2023 photograph by Dr. ​Rolanda JW Spencer, portraying ​an African American man in an ​urbane and sophisticated setting, ​enjoying tea. Captured in New ​Orleans, this image highlights ​the modern, refined aspects ​of tea culture and its appeal to ​contemporary Black men.

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Finally, Red Eye Rabbit, a 2024 ​photograph by Dr. Rolanda JW ​Spencer, features the owner of the ​Red Eye Rabbit Tea brand. This ​image, taken in Rochester, portrays ​a modern tea entrepreneur, ​emphasizing the dynamic and ​entrepreneurial spirit within the tea ​community. It showcases how tea ​culture continues to evolve and ​thrive in contemporary spaces, ​driven by Black men who are both ​patrons and pioneers.

Through these images and ​stories, we gain a comprehensive ​view of the significant roles ​Black men play in African ​American tea culture. From ​family traditions and personal ​moments to artistic expression and ​modern entrepreneurship, their ​contributions and experiences ​enrich the tapestry of tea culture, ​underscoring its enduring ​importance in their lives.

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A notable moment in this history is ​the 1929 White House tea hosted ​by First Lady Lou Henry Hoover, ​which included Jessie DePriest, ​the wife of Oscar DePriest, the ​first African American elected ​to Congress in the 20th century. ​Jessie DePriest’s attendance ​marked the first time an African ​American woman was invited ​to tea at the White House, a. ​Her participation was not only a ​personal honor but also a powerful ​symbol of progress and integration. ​The photo Jessie DePriest ​(1929) at this historic event was ​captured by Barbara DePriest. This ​moment represented a significant ​step in the fight for equality and ​highlighted the importance of tea ​gatherings as platforms for social ​and political change.

Continuing this narrative, we ​move to 1949 with the Crystal ​Tea Room in Los Angeles. A ​photograph titled “Crystal Tea ​Room, Los Angeles, 1949” by ​Charles Williams captures an ​unidentified couple and others at ​this iconic venue. This image from ​February 12, 1949, shows how ​tea rooms served as social hubs, ​providing a space for community ​members to gather, share stories, ​and build relationships. The vibrant ​tea culture of the era is further ​illustrated by historical artifacts ​such as LA Sentinel Articles (1947) ​and Georgette’s Original Tea Room ​Photo (1949), showcasing how ​tea rooms were integral to social ​life and cultural preservation within ​African American communities. ​Moving forward, we encounter ​images and stories from the ​1940s, including LA Sentinel ​Articles (1947) and Georgette’s ​Original Tea Room Photo (1949). ​These historical artifacts offer a ​glimpse into the vibrant tea culture

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of the era, showcasing how tea ​rooms were integral to social life ​and cultural preservation within ​African American communities.

Georgettes Tea Room, located ​in Miami, Florida, is a historic ​landmark that served as a ​cultural and social hub for African ​Americans during the mid-20th ​century. Established in the 1940s ​by Georgette Scott, the tea room ​became a popular gathering place ​for Black artists, intellectuals, ​and celebrities who were often ​excluded from other venues due ​to segregation. Known for its warm ​hospitality, elegant ambiance, ​and exquisite Southern cuisine, ​Georgettes Tea Room provided ​a safe and welcoming space ​where creativity and community ​flourished. Today, the Georgettes ​Tea Room House is undergoing ​renovation as part of a broader ​effort to preserve this significant ​piece of African American history ​and its contributions to the cultural ​landscape of Miami.

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In 2022, the legacy of Georgette’s ​Tea Room is celebrated in Kim ​& Georgette’s (2022) Portrait, ​captured by Dr. Rolanda JW ​Spencer. This photograph, ​alongside the New Georgette’s Tea ​Room (2022) image, showcases ​the revival and modernization of ​historic tea spaces. It underscores ​how contemporary African ​American tea culture honors ​its roots while embracing new ​expressions and experiences.

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Finally, we see Kim Johnson, ​the director of the Georgette’s ​Tea Room House Renovation. I ​grassroots movement to restore ​Georgette’s legacy in the Miami, ​Brownsville community.

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Latonia Cokely, owner of Adjourn ​Tea House, plays a key role in ​the revival of African American ​tea culture. Influenced by her ​grandmother’s tea traditions, ​Cokely combines her professional ​background with her love for ​tea to create a space offering ​culturally significant blends. The ​photo “Adjourn (2022)” was ​photographed by Cokely and ​digitally edited by Rolanda JW ​Spencer. Cokely emphasizes ​education and community ​through regular tea tastings and ​workshops.

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The tradition of tea gatherings ​continues into the present day. The ​Rochester Black Arts Council Tea ​Party (2024), photographed by Dr. ​Rolanda JW Spencer, illustrates ​the enduring significance of tea as ​a communal activity. This modern ​tea party highlights the ongoing ​importance of tea gatherings in ​fostering community bonds and ​cultural continuity.

Through these images and stories, ​we see a vivid portrayal of tea’s ​role in fostering community within ​African American culture. From the ​Harlem Renaissance era to the ​present, tea gatherings have been ​pivotal in storytelling, relationship ​building, and cultural preservation. ​They serve as cherished spaces ​where heritage is celebrated, and ​cultural bonds are reinforced, ​illustrating the enduring communal ​significance of tea.

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1800’s - ​The Cast Iron Tea Kettle

The use of cast iron tea kettles was ​a significant aspect of tea culture ​in African American communities ​during the late 1800s. These ​kettles were valued for their ​durability and ability to retain ​heat, making them an essential ​tool for preparing hot water for ​tea. The featured cast iron kettle ​from the late 1800s, produced ​by Sanford Truslow Co. in New ​York, exemplifies the practical and ​symbolic roles of tea ware during ​this period. Cast iron pots were ​also commonly used, highlighting ​the resourcefulness of African ​American haouseholds in creating ​warm, hospitable environments ​despite economic hardships.

1940’s - ​Yoshino Bone China Tea Set in ​Pink

The Yoshino Bone China Tea Set, ​adorned with pink floral designs, ​represents the elegance and ​refinement of tea culture within ​African American elite circles. Bone ​China was highly coveted for its ​durability and delicate appearance. ​The Yoshino tea set, produced ​from the late 19th to mid-20th ​century, was particularly popular ​among affluent African Americans, ​symbolizing sophistication and ​cultural pride.

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1950’s ​Lipton Planter Tea Ceylon in ​Red and Yellow

This vintage Lipton Tea Canister ​from the early 1930s reflects ​Lipton’s impact on African ​American tea culture. Lipton was ​one of the first widely available ​tea brands in the United States, ​making it a staple in many African ​American households. The ​affordability and accessibility of ​Lipton tea played a significant ​role in shaping tea consumption ​practices, making tea a symbol ​of unity and solidarity amidst the ​racial segregation of the time.

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Tetley Tea Canister

The Tetley Tea Canister, a vintage ​tin from Tetley’s “Hundreds” tea ​bags, showcases another beloved ​brand in African American tea ​culture. This artifact from Rolanda ​Spencer’s collection underscores ​Tetley’s significance in many ​households. The rich flavor and ​affordability of Tetley Tea made it a ​preferred choice, and its marketing ​often featured African American ​families, reinforcing its place in the ​community’s tea traditions.

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1970’s - Present

Eastern ceremonial tea sets ​share a profound connection ​with African American tea ​ceremonies, as both traditions ​emphasize the importance of ​hospitality, community, and cultural ​expression.

In African American tea culture, ​particularly in spaces like ​Georgettes Tea Room, the tea ​ceremony served as a vital ​social ritual, offering a sense of ​belonging and a refuge from ​societal exclusion. Similarly, the ​use of intricate tea sets in Eastern ​ceremonies underscores the ​significance of the tea ritual as ​a symbol of unity and respect. ​African American tea ceremonies ​often incorporate diverse cultural ​influences, reflecting the global ​connections forged through the ​African diaspora.

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The elegance and artistry of ​Eastern tea sets resonate with ​the African American tradition of ​using tea gatherings as moments ​to honor heritage, celebrate ​community, and create spaces of ​beauty and resistance in the face ​of adversity. This shared emphasis ​on the ritual of tea drinking as a ​cultural and social cornerstone ​highlights the universal language ​of tea across different traditions, ​connecting people through a ​common thread of hospitality and ​shared experience.

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1990’s ​Modern and Artistic Tea Sets

Modern artistic tea sets continue ​to reflect the evolving aesthetics ​and cultural significance of tea in ​African American communities. ​The diverse designs, from cast ​iron to glass and bone china, ​illustrate the blend of tradition ​and contemporary influences that ​define current tea practices. These ​sets, including those designed by ​contemporary artists like Rolanda ​JW Spencer, capture the ongoing ​celebration of tea as a cultural and ​communal symbol.

The entire photo collection of ​this exhibition was photographed ​by Herman Israel Spencer, ​capturing the beauty and historical ​significance of each artifact. His ​work provides a visual narrative ​that complements the stories ​and traditions showcased in this ​exhibition.

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Closing Remarks

As we conclude this exhibition, we reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us here. Each ​piece and each story shared within these pages represents a labor of love and a celebration of ​culture.

We hope this exhibition has inspired you and provided a deeper understanding and appreciation ​of African American tea culture. It is through the collective efforts of artists, supporters, and the ​community that we have brought this vision to life.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Your presence, support, and engagement have made this ​exhibition truly special. We invite you to carry the spirit of ‘Black Tea Rhapsody’ with you, sharing its ​stories and significance with others.

Warm regards,

Rolanda JW Spencer, EdD ​Curator ​Black Tea Rhapsody

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Special Thanks

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to those who have supported and contributed to the ​success of this exhibition:

Ancestors and Family ​Herman Spencer ​Jean West ​Imani West-Abdallah ​ Elohim Spencer ​Pharoah Spencer ​Joe Dafney ​K Michelle Watson ​Suzanna Urminska ​Tamikka Coppin ​Dr. Dana Nettles ​Rev. Anthony Todd Jackson ​LaTonia Cokely. ​Derrick Fleming ​Kim Johnson

Karon Siobahn Robinson ​Chantrelle Edwards ​Roy Handy ​Prof. Luvon Sheppard ​Dr. Richard Peters ​Dr. Sherlene-Sinegal DeCuir ​Dr. Todd Jokl ​Christina Leung, MFA ​Dr. Ellen Tani ​Parkway Central Library ​Joy Gallery

Xavier University of Louisiana

Rochester Institute of Technology ​Rochester Black Arts Council

Thank you all for making this exhibition possible.

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Index

A

Adjourn Tea Room, 40

B

Black Men in Tea Spaces, 28 ​Bullocks Tea Room, 26-27

C

CamLion, 30 ​Caroline Dye, 13 ​Cast Iron Tea Kettle, 43 ​Community in African American Tea Culture, 34 ​Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), 24 ​Confectio Rosea Caninae, 24 ​Crystal Tea Room, Los Angeles, 36

D

Dr. Buzzard, 14-16 ​Dr. Dana Nettles, 22 ​Dr. Enid Pinckney, 19 ​Diascord, 23

E

Eastern Tea Sets, 47-48

G

Georgette’s Original Tea Room, 37 ​Georgette’s Tea Room House Renovation ​Project, 38-39

H

Herbalist Emma DePree, 21 ​HellaTea, 10

J

Jessie DePriest, 35

K

Kim Johnson, 39 ​KingsTea, 29

L

Latonia Cokely, 9, 40 ​LA Sentinel Articles, 26-27 ​Lipton Planter Tea Ceylon in Red and Yellow, ​45

M

Medicine and Wellness in African American Tea ​Culture, 18 ​Modern and Artisc Tea Sets, 49

N

New Georgette’s Tea Room, 38

O

Old Orleans, 31 ​Oscar DePriest, 35

Q

Queen Reina, 17

R

Red Eye Rabbit, 33 ​Rev Anthony Todd Jackson, 9, 18 ​Roy Handy, 8, 31 ​RBAC Tea Party 2, 41

S

Spirit in African American Tea Culture, 12

T

Tetley Tea Canister, 46 ​The Babalawo, 18 ​The Conjurer, 17 ​The Medicine Woman, 22 ​The Tea Gent, 32

Y

Yoshino Bone China Tea Set in Pink, 44

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