Me: Reflecting on the Treasures of Being

An Installation of

Treasures of the African Diaspora

BY ZAKIYYAH ALI

© 2025

72.

Libra : born September 26th.

Black : dark, rich in melanin.

Female : not always easy but worth the effort.

Mother : Three daughters, one son.

Grandmother: early and life changing.

Great-grandmother : legacy and not known..

Friend : too many to count.

Teacher : generations, great feeling, preschool to college.

Podcaster : learningful, enjoyable experience, radio and internet.

Chef : thanks to the Nation of Islam.

World traveler : China, Africa and more. Respect other people and places.

Writer : proudly for women-owned business. Great way to express self.

Philadelphian : DuBois was correct—there’s something different about us Blacks.

Farmer : historically and culturally relevant.

Vegan : due in part to Dick Gregory, 50 plus years.

Potter : playing in the mud, meeting new seniors. Out of Her Mind Designs.

Reseacher : love to learn new things, history, information.

Ex Wife : enough of that.

Single : one good marriage or relationship left.

Seed Saver : they come in all shapes, sizes, colors. Mother Earth is so clever.

Explorer : people, places and things.

Hemp : growing, learning, advocating.

Volunteer : willing to help, serve and learn.

Elected to city office : who knew?

Born year of the snake : water snake.

Listener : hearing what is being said, sometimes what’s not said.

Student : life teaches every day. Do u get the lessons?

Beekeeper : tiny, powerful, hardworking, producing something sweet together.

Worker/labo r: the vineyard has many jobs and duties. Which ones have u chosen?

This is me as of today, December 5, 2025—what I thought to share and wanted the general public to know. It says a lot about this person’s life and journey. Hope u can see the travels, adventures, troubles, joys and the character that has grown over the years and is still growing.