The Story Behind Mahogany Experience
Born from neighborhood storytelling circles, The Mahogany Experience preserves Black cultural legacies while inviting visitors to listen, reflect, and step into the story.
Tashala’s Tribute
Before this was a gallery, it was a heartbeat. In the midst of a world at a standstill, Tashala (better known as Shay) — a woman who lived unapologetically out loud and loved without limits — was a vital part of a memory that would inspire a dream Dr. Liz would later breathe life into. In their to-be-adored friendship, Shay was the ultimate cheerleader and thought partner for every “think-tank” session, and the friend who knew that the greatest heights are found in space where you finally feel seen, safe, and celebrated. She believed that every dream was worth the risk – and she took them all!
The Mahogany Experience is the fulfillment of a vision born nearly half a dozen years ago. When Tashala accompanied her dear friend to a sentimental space dedicated to the worth and history of Black girls, this experience planted within Dr. Liz seeds of wonder and imagination that took years to bloom and blossom into the space you stand in today.
Though she has since gained her wings, her sincere spirit, elegance, and “out loud” legacy are woven into the ambiance and intentionality felt throughout this museum. This space exists as a warm embrace for the dreamer, a tribute to a friendship that transcended time, and a reminder that your story is always worth telling.
The Mahogany Experience 