“The arts are alive in San Francisco and we should be proud of what we have going on here. I think it’s really unique and a lot of people are looking at us from around the world…and so I think we have a lot more sharing to do. And so I hope we’re not giving up on ourselves, because there’s a lot of power here.”

—Ebony McKinney, on a recent Congratulations Pine Tree podcast episode.

It took awhile to track down, but I finally got my hands on a clear enough reference image of the extraordinary Ms. Ebony Uhura McKinney that would allow me to make an illustrated portrait of her.

Ebony passed away very suddenly in late July: I didn’t have adequate words when she passed, but I hoped that I could eventually make an image of her, instead.

Ebony, I hope it’s cool with you that I did this. Based on how hard it was for me to track down a clear pic, you seemed eminently uninterested in having your photo taken. Since you did love art and illustration, though, I hope that this is something you would have been tickled by. I miss you and I don’t want anyone forgetting who you are, so I want this image to stick around awhile. (I might also make an editioned print of this if there’s interest, with all profits going to a cause that you would appreciate.)

In any case, thank you again, for everything you did, in your far-too-short time with us here.

Bay Area Memorial for Ebony Uhura McKinney
Date:
Tues Sept 12
Where:
Against the Stream and Red Poppy Art House, both in SF’s Mission District (2701 and 2698 Folsom St respectively)
Against the Stream Buddhist Meditation Society/6 pm
Red Poppy Art House/8 pm

The Against the Stream (2701 Folsom St) program starts promptly at 6:30pm with a meditation. People may remain at Against the Stream until 9pm.

Red Poppy Art House (2698 Folsom St) will open its doors at 8 pm for people to gather and continue celebrating Ebony with music, dance and refreshments.