House of Soul owner Nichol Stevenson has never been interested in the spotlight. After more than two decades in the entertainment industry as a manager, event producer — and now a club owner — she still moves like someone who prefers to work behind the scenes rather than stand at center stage.
“I just love us,” Harrell said. “I truly do.”
Most of the thousands who filled Washington Avenue between 12th and 14th streets wouldn’t recognize her in a lineup. Yet they were there because of her — gathered for the House of Soul’s 7th Annual Juneteenth Block Party. Stevenson’s venue anchors the celebration, and the block party itself is her creation.
“I wanted us to have a place to celebrate us,” Stevenson said. “Something that was for us, but also something that was by us.”
What began on the intimate patio of her establishment at 1204 Washington Avenue now stretches nearly three city blocks.
Stevenson was barely visible in the crowd, but she could be seen moving quickly from one end of the footprint to the other, making sure everything ran smoothly.
Around 5 p.m., she paused and looked around. Her mirrored aviator sunglasses hid her eyes, but her lips trembled as she took in the moment. It passed quickly. She went right back to work — ensuring that the thousands who had come through were celebrating Black culture on a day the nation sets aside to honor Black liberation.
“If you love being Black, clap your hands,” rapper and activist Tef Poe said as he accepted his Community Leadership Award during the program honoring this year’s recipients.
Poe dedicated his award to Black educators.
“I wouldn’t be here without the teachers at Pine Lawn Elementary, which is now Barack Obama Elementary,” he said. “The power of Black teachers can change this whole planet — that’s what we need more of. If you are intrepid about teaching the kids, don’t be. Jump in that water, because we need you.”
Fellow honoree Dr. Kendall Ware echoed the sentiment. He noted that he never had a Black teacher — aside from his parents — and said he was committed to being the change.
“I strive to inspire everyone I can and the world as a whole,” Ware said. “Not just white and Black, but especially Black.”
Ware and Poe were honored alongside Angela Brown, Dr. BJ the DJ, Dr. Valencia Martin-Hawkins, LaTonya AnNoor, Donielle Elizabeth and a posthumous recognition for Tai Davis.
Elizabeth used her remarks to remind the crowd how far the celebration has come.
“Seven years ago, we started on the inside of House of Soul,” she said. “We grew to the patio, and then we grew to this little patch right here. Now, seven years later, we have taken over 12th Street, 13th Block and 14th Block. Continue to support it.”
The event offers plenty of reasons to show up. It carries the energy of a family cookout, with vendors selling food, clothing and accessories. The block party atmosphere builds toward a fashion show curated by Black Creatives in the Lou founder Yolanda “Yoro” Newson — one of the event’s biggest draws.
Bold colors and Black pride moved down the runway. Designers Jordan Daye of Krazed Krystals, Lillian Tiner of LAHA Clothing, Amie Hibbler of Monique Arnelle, Kacey Harvey of KYO_C and Shamaica Chanel all delivered.
Crowds parted down the center of Washington Avenue as models walked between them. Cheers rose for familiar faces as they ripped the runway — especially the children representing the LAHA family.
Just moments earlier, the same stretch of street had been filled with people dancing, jumping Double Dutch and enjoying the afternoon. Media personality Jade Harrell filmed content with her videographer, then kicked off her zebra-print wedge heels and joined the “Flex” line dance.
“I just love us,” Harrell said. “I truly do.”