As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor and acknowledge the achievements and contributions of African Americans in various fields of endeavor. But we also look ahead to the future and support the ongoing work of black artists, creatives, and cultural leaders in our community.

We’d like to introduce you to three black arts leaders in Western New York who are making an impact in their respective mediums and domains. They are Princessa S. Williams, the first Afro-Latina gallery owner in WNY; Jessica Miller aka Sum’er Daize, the first black, woman-owned tattoo studio owner in WNY; and Malcolm Rankin-Jeter, a community activist and photographer. These three individuals are not only talented and successful in their own right, but also dedicated to uplifting others and creating opportunities for diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in the arts and cultural sector.

Princessa S. Williams: A Visionary Gallerist and Painter

Princessa S. Williams is the owner and founder of Princessa’s Studio & Art Gallery, a 2200 ft2 gallery space on Hertel Avenue that showcases and supports local and emerging artists of color. Williams, who is the first Afro-Latina gallery owner in WNY, recently celebrated her third anniversary at the Hertel location, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Williams is also an accomplished painter who works in various mediums, both 2D and 3D. She started her painting career by painting the human form because “every body tells a story.” This gallery is an opportunity to allow those stories to be told, she says. Williams says she is inspired by her mother, who is also an artist and gave her opportunities to create at a young age. “My mom is my inspiration,” she says.

Her current show, “Harmony and Hue: A Black History Art Exhibition,” showcases 21 local black artists. Williams selects the artists and artworks that she showcases in her gallery through public calls which are reviewed by a local committee of artists, collectors, and creatives who help make the final selection. She measures the impact and success of her gallery and her work as a gallerist by always looking to elevate others and give them an opportunity to showcase their story and their art form.

Williams engages with her audience and the local community through various collaborations and programs, such as the Burchfield Penney Art Center & Buffalo Urban League collaboration for Black History Month, Buffalo Public School art programs, therapeutic art courses offered through various community agencies. She says her goals and plans for the future are to expand her gallery both in its physical space and capacity to represent national artists, and to make “Princessa” a household name synonymous with visual art.

Jessica Miller aka Sum’er Daize: A Trailblazing Tattoo Artist and Studio Owner

Jessica Miller, also known by her artist name Sum’er Daize, is the owner and founder of Ink Euphoria, the first black, woman-owned tattoo studio in WNY. Sum’er, who grew up in a family with eight kids in Buffalo’s East Side neighborhood, overcame economic disadvantages and pursued her passion for art and education. She attended the Academy for the Performing Arts as a vocalist and musician and later studied at Medaille College and ECC. She is currently seeking a degree from SUNY Buffalo in Psychology.

Sum’er was inspired to become a tattoo artist and open her own studio after facing repeated rejections and barriers in the WNY tattoo scene. As a licensed artist and a mother of two boys, she worked for too long as an unpaid apprentice and decided to take matters into her own hands. She views her studio as an opportunity for other female tattoo artists to apprentice, learn new skills, and showcase their talent. She says she selects the apprentices and artists in her studio based on personal connection and mutual respect.

Sum’er acknowledges some of the challenges and opportunities that she faces as a black female tattoo artist, such as underrepresentation, lack of professional growth, and lack of role models. She says she strives to overcome these obstacles and create a positive impact in her field and community. She engages with her audience and the local community through various initiatives, such as hosting fundraisers for local non-profit organizations that give back to the WNY community, such as EPIC and Children’s Psychiatric Center. She also runs a budding non-profit, “Anything Arts,” that offers varying art medium classes to youth and adults.

Sum’er measures the impact and success of her work as having created a safe space for both artists and visitors alike, where they can express themselves and appreciate the art of tattooing. She says her goals and plans for the future are to grow her connections and to continue to platform others. Her collaboration with “Ladies of Ink,” a touring group of female tattoo artists who do flash sales are an opportunity to spread her message beyond WNY.

Miller promotes and supports black artists in her studio by offering apprenticeship opportunities and mentoring to aspiring artists. She invites anyone who is interested to connect with her via DM, email, Facebook, or “just stop by the studio.”

Malcolm Rankin-Jeter: A Community Activist and Photographer

Malcolm Rankin-Jeter is a community activist, and self-proclaimed “soon to be well known creative” from Buffalo, New York. Rankin-Jeter’s efforts as both a photographer and an activist are motivated by his faith and his passion for philosophy. His ever-competing tendencies to be both an introvert and extrovert are showcased in his work wherein he strives to capture both the simple beauty and complexity of his surroundings and his community.

Rankin-Jeter says he was inspired to become an artist by his youthful appreciation for art class and his admiration for other artists who came before him that used their art as a vehicle for activism. He cites Gordon Parks, a renowned photographer, filmmaker who focused on issues of civil rights, poverty, race relations and urban life as his favorite black visual artist.

Rankin-Jeter acknowledges some of the challenges and opportunities that he faces as an artist, such as his own tendencies to be an introvert along with his lack of general finances to build on his photography business. He says he overcomes these obstacles by networking with his community, growing support and referrals. He acknowledges that he has made a lot of personal sacrifices as a young black artist to get where he is going.

Rankin-Jeter engages with his audience and the local community as an artist by being a community activist and a church goer. He says he uses his art as a way to express his views and values, and to inspire others. He measures the impact and success of his work by the standards he sets for himself. He says his goals are “to become a successful human being first,” and to build his brand into a photography studio second. This includes gaining the notoriety he so desperately deserves from his people for his creativity.

Keep an eye out – you might find Malcolm Rankin-Jeter reading a philosophy book at the Frank E. Merriweather Branch Library where he is the security guard!