Every day in February, Gracie J., a Brooklyn-based nail artist, posted beautiful black-history-inspired nail art on her Instagram. And although Black History Month is over, that's something we love to celebrate year-round, so we're STILL not over her gorgeous works of art!
Among the designs is a timely ode to Black Panther, a tribute to Nina Simone, the embodiment of the iconic Grace Jones, a matte black and red "X" in honor of Malcolm and even a nail depicting the powerful scene of Ruby Bridges walking into school that fateful day in 1960.
In an interview with Glamour, she says the following about nail pioneers not getting the shine they rightfully deserve:
"Before nail art was even a seed in the mainstream, nail shops built their businesses off of urban women getting crazy nails, that then were considered really ghetto and 'hood." Now, she says, those nails are recognized as the fine art that they are, but black women rarely receive the credit. "I don't have an issue with us being an inspiration. I get it—our culture is pretty damn amazing. But I do have an issue with [magazines] publishing pieces about nonblack artists creating 'extreme nail art,' which we've been doing since day one. There is room for all of us, but let's be clear about paying homage and knowing the history behind your work."
Check out some of our favorite designs below, and support your favorite artists! You can see more from Gracie J. on her Instagram, @theeditoralnail.