Jermaine

Inama (ee-NAH-muh), noun Inama is a state of being; to evoke confidence, beauty, and resilience through reclaimation. Ex.: She is Inama. Intuitive Crochet Top (2024) Braided Drop-Waist Layered Hair Skirt (2025) Creative Director/Designer/Stylist: Amani J Photographer: Peja @pejamane Model/MUA: Monique @antoinettemw_ Hairstylist: Bintou @gripgodd Lash Artist: Taylor @tailordbeauty @tayyjanece This intuitive crochet top and braided hair skirt are inspired by my personal experience navigating Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms and the medical racism that delayed my diagnosis and treatment. PCOS is a hormonal condition that can cause excess androgen levels, irregular menstrual cycles, insulin resistance, severe acne, infertility, and weight gain. I have transformed my struggle with excessive male-pattern hair growth into a practice that turns pain into beauty through braided artwork. The intuitive crochet method represents the natural progression from overcoming the challenges of obtaining a formal diagnosis to the transformative journey of liberation from self-hate through art. These braided motifs in both the top and skirt are used as a symbol of black beauty and are deeply rooted in cultural tradition, containing the power and resilience that comes from embracing my unique beauty and reclaiming my sense of self. My broader goal is to use my art as a vehicle for racial and reproductive justice, generating awareness and funding that supports Black women struggling with PCOS and advances medical research.

This weekend, I'm honored to showcase art alongside friends who inspired me to pursue photography 10 years ago. I'm grateful for the opportunities it has brought, from traveling the world to being featured in iconic publications. None of it would have been possible without Austyn and Nersa's early influence while we at Kenwood. I’m excited to celebrate with them As I jump back into photography in my hometown, I look forward to recapturing that feeling that initially made me pursue it. It’s been a long time but I feel ready to shoot again. 🫶🏾 Please pull up this Friday 7-11pm at Cine City studios 🙂‍↕️

A good art week fr, shout out my nieces n nephew and @clipse .

When you get high enough, you can dodge raindrops #pejashot #memories

Trying new things avec @pinkveins #pejashot

je suis de retour.

The coolest blues with @aaaly_k #pejashot

Castles & Cathedrals #pejashot ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ #discoverportrait #fashionphoto #fashionphotography #portrait_perfection #portraitpage #sanfranciscophotography #newyorkphotographer #bleachmyfilm #vogue #paper ##pejashot

DTM 💎 x Love Calls #Lana #sza #rnb

Rare footage

Here’s some of my favorite portraits from the GRIPGODD WEAR YOU HAIR EXHIBITION 2024 Exhibit from last month!! Thank you to @aaaly_k & @touty.2t for including me in this project. They are some true visionaries 🙏🏾🌹 Dream team⭐️ Models: tagged Photography: @pejamane Styling: salsogroovy Hair: @sexyscalps Nails: @trizzly.nailz Makeup: @earthangel_beauties Durag skirt: @undertheoven Icy girl heels: @delysedidit

THURSDAY: Next Thursday, August 15, you’re invited to join us at the Stony Island Arts Bank for a special program with Chicago’s very own, photographer and DJ Jermaine Jackson, J.r (@pejamane ). After his DJ set, Jermaine and Rebuild artist-in-residence Sharon Udoh (@counterfeitmadison ) will discuss his journey towards portraiture, his multidisciplinary artistic practice, and his personal approach to storytelling. Doors and bar open at 5 PM DJ set at 6 PM Conversation at 6:45 PM Come kick it with us on Thursday at 6760 S. Stony Island Avenue!