This is a blatant undertaking of letting go of encasements and smiling in the face of repression. These R scenes of escaping the violence, oppression, and fetishization that we encounter on a daily basis – that others have the privilege of having no concept of. Here, we daringly and beautifully rise above it all.

4 20 years the Debauchery Ball has quietly created a healing place 4 melanated people 2 gather and simply B. THIS is what we look like when we feel safe and free of objectification, subjugation and exploitation. THIS is what we look like in those moments when we R happy and joyful even when the world may otherwise B falling down around us. These R acts of healing 4 our bodies, mind and spirits shot by a small team of artists given exclusive access 2 an otherwise very private affair and we share them so that others like us may B so inspired.

This book is an act of resistance.

May U B inspired.

Welcome 2 the party,

Khari B.