On May 18, Resource Furniture, in collaboration with Business of Home and AphroChic co-founders Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, hosted the launch party for the couple’s new book, AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home. The evening was not only a celebration of this critically acclaimed publication, but also an exploration of the significant roles that memory, family history and culture play in the creation of “home.”

The launch party itself was an amalgamation of intellectual discourse and artistic expression. Hays and Mason joined Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and event and fashion designer John Goodman, whose home is one of 16 featured in the book.

The discussion delved into various aspects of the Black family home, exploring the history of Black homeownership, its cultural significance in the United States, and the evolving design trends that continue to honor its legacy. After the discussion, guests enjoyed a reception and the opportunity to have their newly purchased copies of the book personally signed by the authors. On hand to celebrate were Tammy Bolden, Zumi Madera, Anderson Somerselle, Gerald Posley, Gail Davis, Antonio DeLoatch, Alexis Audette, Wendy Landau, Margaret Schwartz, Sharon Roberts and Emily Auffrey. 

Hays and Mason’s own home in upstate New York, named the AphroFarmhouse, incorporates several pieces from Resource Furniture’s collection of transforming and multipurpose furnishings, including a shelving system for the couple’s library—an essential space displayed prominently in their book. Another notable addition was the LGM revolving wall bed, featured in their wellness room/guest suite. By day, the LGM acts as a shelving unit with an integrated fold-down desk. When overnight guests visit, the LGM revolves on a track to reveal a comfortable queen bed. 

“Resource Furniture is honored to have partnered with AphroChic,” said Challie Stillman, vice president, marketing and brand strategy for the company. “The launch party celebrated not just the release of a highly influential and important work, but the shared vision of creating spaces that blend creativity, functionality, personal style and values as well.”

“It was so wonderful to celebrate this extraordinary book with Jeanine, Bryan, John and the team at Resource Furniture,” said Petersen. “So often, the Black family home has been left out of conversations about what design is or curriculums about what design should be. This book blends history and homes to upend that narrative and create space for these stories to be shared and valued. One of its central themes is the power of placemaking and self-expression, and I was honored to continue that conversation with this event.”