A Reason to Believe

By Courtney Jolliff

On May 5th, I met the owner of Goree, a restaurant in Bronzeville Chicago.

I was standing on 53rd with my paintings in front of Sweetgreen, and that same day I had gifted a painting to Hyde Park’’s infamous Sherie, who is coined for her phrase, “Can you help me?” She is stoked full of wisdom and we always have a conversation. She asked for a painting and I gave her one for free and she gifted me a can I could use for tips! 

I had rode to 53rd on my bike with no brakes with paintings in one hand and the other on the handlebars to get to 53rd. I learnt to use the grass to slow down and wearing flipsflops made it easier to slide my foot enough to slow down. I turn the wheel just a bit and I stop. One time riding down 53rd, a car door opened as I was riding and there was no way I could slow down and BAM. Crash. This is what I risked everyday with no fear. 

Goree rode past me and asked about my Michael Jordan painting, gave me a card and I followed up with him the next day riding that bike to his restaurant. He wanted a commissioned Jordan painting and I painted it in one day on a found object, a black cat/panther dressed in a Chicago Bulls uniform. I walked in confidently with my work and another piece he wanted, and he was surprised when I told him my paintings on found objects sell for $1,000. 

So he opted out and wanted just the commissioned piece, only he wanted me to change the black cat, because he noted a few customers weren’t pleased at the depiction of our GOAT Jordan.

 So I did in fact change it. I was just so proud of myself for conducting this business transaction all by myself and on my magical bike with no brakes. 

I walked in a couple of days ago, on May 16th, 2024, to take another picture near it only to find it even better displayed.

 I know for sure the ancestors see me as the black cat/panther. The chosen protector and generational curse-breaker for my family and tribe and community. If you never believed in my talent or dream or vision, there is no need to. Believe in my sheer raw unlimited unstoppable ancestral WILL!

Don't miss Courtney's show of post-fire artworks this Saturday, May 25, at the "magical tunnel" at 55th Street and the Point.