Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Iman Davis
Hi Raven Iman, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Raven Iman, and I sang my first solo at just 3 years old—Order My Steps. This song resonates deeply with me and, in many ways, represents the journey of my life. I was born in Mobile, Alabama, but spent my early years in McIntosh, a small town that shaped my connection to nature, family, and faith. My great-grandmother, Laura Alice Norwood—who we affectionately call “Muh”—was my guide. At 96, she still tends to her garden, a tradition passed down from her father, Mint Reed, who was born during US enslavement. The songs we sang and the prayers we prayed while harvesting vegetables are etched into my core. They continue to inspire me to this day, driving my passion for sustainable community and spiritual connection.
I moved to Orlando in 2011 to attend UCF, where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree after taking time off to get married and have my daughter, Sage. My marriage ended in divorce in 2019, which left me searching for community as a new co-parent and newly openly queer person in a city where I didn’t have any blood relatives to lean on. Out of that need for connection, I co-founded The BLOC in November 2021. Although my friend Antea has since moved away and is no longer involved, The BLOC has become a beacon of light for Black Lesbians in Orlando and Central Florida, providing real community—whether through resources, friendships, jobs, book clubs, or events where we can truly show up as ourselves.
My lens for social justice was inspired by my grandparents—Walker Barnes Sr., a Vietnam veteran, and Dr. Joannee Barnes, a pillar of excellence in education. My parents, Shayla Barnes-Holloway and Josef Michael Holloway, instilled in me a strong sense of freedom. Together, they shaped the foundation for everything I am today.
Now, I’m known as a force in the Orlando community, aware of the epidemic of loneliness and the importance of human connection. I believe that joy and rest are radical forms of resistance against systems that keep us locked into grind culture. That’s why I curate experiences like LEZ Eat At Sea, a bottomless seafood dinner cruise happening on November 10, 2024, and The BLOC’s annual Friendsgiving on November 9, 2024. I’m also excited to host our first LEZ Camp’n Trip from December 13-15, 2024. My goal is to create high-vibrational spaces where people can connect, feel safe, and, most importantly, have a great time.
By day, my career in fintech sales and client relationship management sharpens my ability to balance the many hats I wear as a mother, a community leader, and a musician. I’m excited to release new music by the end of 2024, a project that reflects the ups and downs of my journey. Right now, my focus is on fitness, music, and expanding The BLOC, while standing on the belief that “my gifts will make room for me.”
I’m also offering voice and guitar lessons, working as a doula, graphic designer, and event planner, all roles that connect to my mission of building spaces for people to feel seen, valued, and full of joy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely had its ups and downs. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing all the roles I carry—being a mother, musician, community leader, and entrepreneur—while staying true to my passions and maintaining my well-being. Co-parenting became even more challenging when my daughter’s father joined the military and was deployed. He does his best to stay connected, AND managing everything on my own has been overwhelming. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with an incredible community, including our “Angels on Earth,” Mama Bev and Sage’s Auntie Weetsee, as well as my amazing family, friends, fellow mamas, and all my sistas in The BLOC who have become our village.
Founding The BLOC has been both rewarding and challenging. As it continues to grow into an incredible resource and community for Black lesbians in Central Florida, it still requires a lot of work. There were moments when I wasn’t sure if people would show up, if the events would resonate, or if we’d have the resources to keep going. But seeing how much people need and value this space keeps me moving forward.
On a personal level, I’m currently reprioritizing and reimagining how I can support myself while applying for corporate roles and continuing to follow my creative and community passions. Losing my day job at the end of September was tough, especially after months of enduring so much change at work. There were (and still are!) times when I felt like I was dropping the ball in different areas—whether it was missing piano lessons, struggling to keep up with events, or just trying to stay present for my daughter, Sage. Things have been incredibly difficult.
Despite it all, I’ve learned the importance of grace, persistence, and allowing myself to grow through the challenges. It hasn’t been easy, but every setback has pushed me to lean deeper into my purpose, and I’m stronger because of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
my work is rooted in creating spaces where people can experience joy, connection, and freedom. As a singer, songwriter, event planner, and community leader, I specialize in curating high-vibration experiences for the Black lesbian community and beyond, blending my passions for music, event planning, and social justice.
I’m known for my high-energy performances as a singer-songwriter and for creating memorable, intentional events such as LEZ Eat At Sea, a bottomless seafood dinner cruise, and The BLOC’s Friendsgiving. I’m also excited to be hosting our first LEZ Camp’n Trip this December. These events are designed to foster a sense of belonging, joy, and rest, which I believe are essential forms of resistance in a world that often demands constant productivity.
What sets me apart is my deep commitment to building spaces where marginalized people can find community and celebrate who they are. My work isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether through music, events, or community-building, I aim to offer people a space where they can be their authentic selves.
I’m most proud of my ability to balance my creative passions with my career in fintech sales and client relationship management. This blend of corporate experience and artistic expression allows me to think strategically in everything I do, whether I’m organizing events, performing, or growing The BLOC.
By the end of 2024, I’ll be releasing new music that reflects the personal and professional journey I’ve been on this year. Alongside my music, I continue to offer voice and guitar lessons, work as a doula, event planner, and more to support my lifestyle and mission of creating spaces for connection and healing.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is creating spaces where people feel safe, connected, and valued. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing the joy and healing that happens when people come together in a space designed just for them. Whether it’s through my music, events, or simply being there to support someone, knowing that I’ve played a part in helping people experience joy and belonging brings me true happiness.
I find joy in my role as a mother, where the love and bond I share with my daughter, Sage, is a constant reminder of what really matters—building a world where people, especially those who are often overlooked, can thrive. Watching her grow fills my heart in ways nothing else can. Being surrounded by my community and witnessing moments of laughter, bonding, and healing is deeply fulfilling to me.
And of course, music makes me happy! It’s a space where I can fully express myself and connect with others on a deeper level. Whether I’m performing or writing, music gives me the freedom to explore and share my emotions, which is both healing and nourishing to my soul.
Ultimately, I’m happiest when I’m in alignment with my purpose—operating from the purest vibrations of love, exploring this world with my baby girl, building community, supporting others, and creating spaces where people can rest, experience joy, and be their authentic selves.
Pricing:
- Lez Eat At Sea – $130 per person 15% off if you buy 2 tickets with code SeafoodDuo
- Lez Camp’n Trip is $30 per person, per night at Ginnie Springs Outdoors in High Springs, FL
- RavenIman.com is where you can find my Herb and Merch shop!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raveniman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavenImanDavis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RavenIman
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/raven-barnes-694504719
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/hxQtbywaUBmZKEJN/
