Yazz Atmore: Michelle

A collage & interview series honoring the Black ass Women we call home. Inspired by my late grandmother this series celebrates the multifaceted, layered & vastness beauty of the Black women we call home, love, joy & ancestor. Series participants offer memories & stories of life with such extraordinary women giving us a glimpse of the many ways love shows up time after time. The collages consist of photos, magazine snippets, colors & patterns that embody the essence of the women we call mother, grandmother, aunt & friend.  I hope this series reminds you that you too will become the new home, peace, love & ancestor for the next generation. We’re Art. The women who have come before us are Art. The ones who will come after us will be Art.

Michelle Renee Smith

Interviewee: RJ Smith, Son

What do/did you love the most about her?

I love her strength and love. Back in 2009 she was in a coma for about a month, and we didn’t know if she was going to make it. She was literally on her death bed. But by the grace of God she was able to recover fully within 2-3 months. I truly believe her strength and love to hold on and push through for her family is the reason why she is still here today.

What was something she taught you?

Kindness. She always taught us the importance and blessing of being kind to each other and to ourselves. She will literally give her shirt off her back to help someone in need. Kindness is what holds us together.

What’s one piece of advice did she give you that you’ve held onto & live by?

“Always tap into and trust your inner wisdom.”

What’s a favorite memory or story you have of her?

One thing about my mama is she loves some Gospel music, she’ll listen to a few R&B songs here and there but never Rap. So one day we were in my car and I had the R&B / Rap station on. Some crazy Rap song came on and she looked at me like I was crazy. Right when I was about to turn the station I looked up and noticed she was bopping her head to the song. She even started humming to the song like she knew the lyrics and everything!