Bay Area mom transforms pain into art for Mental Health Action Day

The Journey of an Artist

In Oakland, names can sometimes feel like a reflection of destiny. You know, like they hold a deeper meaning that we might not immediately see. For Fortune, this has been surprisingly true. Today is one of those moments that make you pause – it’s the unveiling of her first major work of art.

Ten years back, things were very different for Fortune. She found herself in a tough spot – broke and pregnant, both literally and figuratively in the dark. She recalls, “I had actually thought about taking my life at one point because I was just in this pit hole that I wasn’t able to climb out of.” It’s hard to imagine now as she stands here today.

Life seemed relentless then, with darkness pressing in on all sides. There was a moment – a knife in hand – when the thought crossed her mind: opening up her wrists. But reality hit hard with the image of her child coming home to that scene. That’s when something shifted inside her. What she didn’t realize at the time was that she was dealing with postpartum depression, a condition often unspoken about, especially among women of color.

Instead of giving in, Fortune picked up a camera and started to tell her story. It began with a documentary called “From the Ashes” and later transitioned into a stunning collage titled “Womban of the Earth,” capturing the raw power of a Black mother mid-birth. Green, an admirer of her work, mentioned how inspiring it is: “It’s a story we should continue to tell.”

Today, her piece finds a permanent home at Kaiser in Oakland – marking a full-circle moment from where her journey began. What started as an idea born from struggle has transformed into something so much more. Now, it’s not just about art; it’s about connection and shared stories.

“To be in partnership with them, I just have more hope,” Fortune shared with palpable emotion. It’s not every day that art gets to be such a beacon of light and love.

This entire journey – from darkness to creation – resonates deeply with many who’ve walked similar paths or felt similar struggles. To learn more about postpartum depression and its impacts, you can visit NPR’s Health Section, where stories like Fortune’s highlight the resilience and strength found in unexpected places.