By Nan Price, Content Manager, MetroHartford Alliance
Professional therapist and artist Che’ La’Mora is CEO/Owner of Black Lipz Matter and Owner of Purple Halo, LLC. She’s also the self-published author of four books.
As an art activist, Che’ is passionate about working on community projects that help uplift and encourage others, such as painting murals throughout Connecticut.
Che’ also serves as the Artists of Color Accelerate Engagement Manager. The project is an initiative of The 224 EcoSpace funded by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
Why Hartford?
CHE’ LA’MORA: My mom’s parents migrated here from Cuba and Jamaica and my dad’s parents migrated from North Carolina. They chose to come to Hartford and build a life here. I’ve been here ever since, so I’m a native of Hartford.
What’s unique about Hartford?
CHE’: My favorite thing about Hartford is the multicultural communities. We have small nuggets of different cultures, including Jamaican, Puerto Rican, Guatemalan, Peruvian, Cuban, Asian, indigenous people—and Caucasians. So you, you get a mix. I like the fact that it’s a diverse community in general. And there’s a lot of inspiration here.
How have you become a part of Hartford and how has Hartford become a part of you?
CHE’: I’m Hartford born and raised. Hartford is home. I am Hartford and Hartford is me.
I think a lot of people know who I am and if you know Che’ La’Mora, you know Che’ La’Mora is Harford-based. I represent the city hard. I have murals across the city. I’ve collaborated with a bunch of local artists and connected with the community through community service.
How do you tell the story of Hartford?
CHE’: I communicate by expressing myself through my art, whether it’s dance, writing poetry, visual art, painting, or drawing. That’s how I communicate what Hartford is and who we are as Hartford natives.