The 4th Annual Installment of Her Eminent Reign on March 24, 2024 at HG Events in Ferguson is a true testament to the importance of Women’s History Month.
The groundbreaking photography-focused audiovisual arts project pays tribute to the strength and beauty of ‘H.E.R.Storical’ Black women.
Myrina Otey-Myton, better known as ‘Renaissance.’ never disappoints. Her call to celebrate and honor women through visual arts and history inspires all who witness her events and art. Otey-Myton’s work has been featured at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, The Dark Room STL, Dillards – Mid Rivers Mall, and the Art of Travel.
This year’s benefit concert, She Believed, will kick off an exciting campaign year to support the project’s short documentary premiering in Spring 2025. She Believed, is based on the mission of believing in your abilities as a woman.
“I chose this year’s theme, ‘She Believed’ because it was the most consistent feeling we had over the last four years, said the artist.
Otey-Myton’s HER project has faced challenges, however, those were met with grit and teamwork. The result, according to the artist, is growth and triumph.
“We believed in the stories we needed to tell and the mission of collaborating with BIPOC women creatives,” she said.
“So when we achieve new heights and have these accomplishments and stats such as 7.5 million views, Delux Power 100 Award, 60+ collaborations, and an official Proclamation from the City of St. Louis March 25-31 it’s because we believed.”
“It feels amazing! To be an arts and storytelling project now recognized and honored by the city is huge,” Otey-Myton said when talking about receiving the proclamation.
She says she feels “seen and validated.”
“This proclamation reminds us that we are on the right path, the right side of history and that St. Louis truly loves and supports their own.”
True to fashion the HER Reign annual women’s history event captivates the audience through photography, spoken word, and Neo Soul performances.
Otey-Myton began her campaign when she was a student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2019. She was the president of the Black Student Business Association and her art project was more of a forum; a panel discussion during Women’s History Month.
In 2021 the exhibit creator said her panel discussion morphed into a visual arts project showcasing its first event online during the pandemic. She decided to recreate images of the women she was researching. She wanted to do more than have a panel discussion, she wanted to create an experience and leave an impression on those who came to her shows.
“For years, women have believed in Her Eminent Reign’s storytelling aspect and the bonds of sisterhood that we curate around the production annually,” said Otey-Myton.
An exclusive premiere of the trailer gave the audience a first look at the documentary, “HER: She Believed” which is a compelling short documentary film that delves into the dynamic journey of an annual photography and exhibition experience during Women’s History Month titled Her Eminent Reign.
The documentary will show the behind-the-scenes commitment to provide a haven for BIPOC women to authentically express themselves in the production industry unapologetically and without the need for code-switching. Through the lens of photography, videography, performance theater, poetry, and music, the documentary aims to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the collaborative effort that brings this unique production to life.
The imagery at the event was a stunning and thought-provoking form of storytelling. Her photography showed the resilience, power, and grace of Black women, and also the talent of creatives in St. Louis.
Photo replica subjects included Fredrika Washington, an actress known for several controversial films including “Imitation of Life,” and Lois K. Alexander-Lane, founder of the Harlem Institute of Fashion and the nation’s first Black Fashion Museum.
Also depicted was Florence Mills, the first Black woman to star in a Broadway show.
She also had exhibits from last year’s event, including photo replicas of Kendake Amanirenas,Pharaoh Hatshepsut, and Kendake Amanitore.
Performances by Intersection artists Latoya Sharen and Be.Be the Neo Soul mixed with Hip-Hop violinist Bell Darrisbrought it all home. Lyrics of self-love and never giving up took the audience to church.
Through visual art, Otey-Myton tells the stories of Black women history often forgets, and she hopes women leave feeling empowered and encouraged. She hopes women start to think about the legacy they want to leave behind for future generations.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
