Black Magazine

volume 1

black

Trending Lifestyle Fashion

Three ways to build your small business Trending black businesses, Fashion and Music FIVE tips to change your life

Collaboration around the world Ruth Unde Co-founder of blue streets

This magazine line highlights the shadowed black community, which the world has yet to discover.

We must recognize the issues faced in today’s world, and as living beings, we are responsible for bringing effective change. this magazine does not only promote but brings acknowledgment to the black community. this volume includes models and content of all races and backgrounds. along with sections on women and men empowerment along with worldwide art, poetry, businesses, fashion and music.

BLACK IS LUXURY

A deeper dive into the beauty of self love, featuring businesses, artists, inspiration and motivation

“Leave them to deal with their own insecurities and the box they have put themselves in” brea l. perry

Model: Ashley Mar

Photographer: lindseyxhudson

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Black Is Luxury

black

take back your black

Model: Telaysia Photographer: George Lee

your skin is the largest organ and your biggest flex

being your authentic self, is a delicate intimacy

Speak to yourself kindly, treat your self majestically

Your hair does not inhibit you from your beauty, in fact it is your beauty 7

Black Is Luxury

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“Sometimes we selfsabotage when we struggle to believe that we actually deserve the expression of love we are being given” brea l perry Model: Isadorah Amazon

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F

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from BLACK to change your life

1. Change your routines Routines bring excitement and motivation throughout the day. Changing your daily routine can give you something new to look forward to and keep you in line with all your other responsibilities.

2. Vision your goals as soon as you wake up When the mind wakes up in the morning, it is fresh and clean. Visualize yourself accomplishing the things you desire to achieve. Your positive suggestions will reach your subconscious mind easier.

3. Meditation Meditation is quite underrated, as it is one of the best things you can do for the mind and body.

Put your mind at ease for at least twenty minutes a day. Mediation improves selfesteem, stress levels, vigilance , and self-awareness.

4. Take risks Growing into the person you want to be, requires taking risks. You must step outside of your comfort zone to pursue the person you aspire to be. Get COMFORTABLE with being uncomfortable while leaping into the unknown.

Without taking risks, you will never reach your full potential.

5. Adapting to your circumstances Being at peace with yourself and your life situation will guarantee higher chances of success. One of the biggest things that most people get trapped in is selfdisappointment. If you believe you are not capable of upgrading yourself, then you will not. Patience will bring you a long way.

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Take care of yourself with

ThePurityLine

shop online with ThePurityLine on their website thepurityline.com

The Purity Line is a HaitianOwned company that provides affordable and natural body products to attain healthy and rich skin for all skin types and genders. We strive to help others embrace, love, and be comfortable in their skin.

Models: ThePurityLine

Photographer: Karly St. Pierre

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ThePurityLine Best Sellers

Purity Starter Kit $26 USD Charcoal Face Mask $12 USD

Models: ThePurityLine

Photographer: Karly St. Pierre

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movement fresh air sunlight decluttering creativity hydration consistent rest new ventures boundaries williow’s beloved

Models: Taoheed Bayo, Quadri Bayo, and Taofeek Bayo Photographer: Mark Khan

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Model: Hilina Tafesse

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LISTEN UP AMERICA

Model: Ashley Mar Photographer: shotbylizy

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Musab

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DISCRIMINATION STORY AT UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Article by Jayelle Kerandi On March 1st in the early evening, a Black-Somali male student went to Hanson Hall to obtain a laptop so that he would be able to take an exam. Once they arrived at the computer lab in the basement of Hanson Hall, they were met with a staff member that “seemed very uncomfortable” with their presence. The student respectfully requested access to borrow a laptop in order to take a midterm that same day. The student proceeded to provide the staff member with a U-card to verify his status as a student. The staff member responded by saying, “I don’t trust you” and that he lacked confidence in the fact that the student was in fact, a Carlson student. The student had to encourage the staff member to verify his status as a Carlson undergraduate student by swiping his U-card. Once verified, the student requested once more to receive a laptop. The staff member refused. At this point, the student began to voice his frustration at how he was being mistreated. The staff member then raised his middle finger to the student and proceeded to leave his post behind a plexiglass divided desk and put their health and safety in danger; yelling “ SECURITY!” many times. As the staff member continued to summon security, the student stepped out of the room, and the staff member closed the door on the student and his brother, restricting him from retrieving his notes for the midterm exam. After this situation, the student left Hanson hall, understandably frustrated, needing to breathe.

Unfortunately, this is when the situation escalated, and the police were called.

The student and his brother were approached by the UMPD officer and were questioned why they were on campus. While it appears to be an innocent question, the officer had clearly been sent by the Carlson staff member to investigate the two Black males. The officer was not performing a routine stop by happenstance. The police officer immediately went on to question if the two Black Somali men were engaged in illegal activity by using illegal drugs, namely marijuana. The student and his brother at this point had barely been in the car for less than 2 minutes. As told by the Carlson staff member, the officer labeled the student as “hostile” and “aggressive,” and told the student that he is not allowed to “harass” staff members. The student was pleading with the officer to hear his side of the story. In this situation, the student was increasingly anxious and concerned for his well-being. Following that, the student felt traumatized and struggled to focus on the accounting exam he was meant to take that evening.

Support Musab and his family by donating, gofund.me/f6c40a1b 17

George Floyd’s death is Waking America up We live in a country known to be “ the land of the free” Unfortunately, in this country, we are constantly screaming for police reform and attention towards racial and social injustices.

A police officer kills a black person at the rate of over one person every other day.

In 2020, the number of black people killed by the police force increased, grabbing America’s attention. Breonna Taylor, who was an EMT, was shot eight times and killed inside her home. Police entered her home without warning or a warrant.

Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed by three white men as he was peacefully jogging in their neighborhood. George Floyd was killed by a white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. He placed his knee onto Floyd’s neck until he passed.

George said multiple times, “ I can’t breathe.” George Floyd’s videotaped death stuck anger around the world. There have been protests and riots which shook all of America. America was reminded that Black Lives Matter and the Nation had heard the cries for change. No matter how violent and loud protests needed to be, the world will listen to the demands of justice for Black deaths and police reform.

There haven’t been such protests since the assassination of Martin Luther King.

How George Floyd’s death influenced change for the Black Lives Matter movement

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Juneteenth is becoming a paid company holiday.

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19. This day is known as Freedom Day; this holiday celebrates the enslaved in the United States.

Many U.S cooperations have made Juneteenth a paid holiday.

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BLM Global Network Foundation

The black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation has established a twelve million fund helping organizations fight against institutional racism.

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the Merriam-Webster dictionary agreed to change its definition of racism

A 22-year-old Black woman requested a change to the word racism because the definition involved systemic oppression.

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Local, state, and federal Legislation

When President Donald Trump was in office, he signed an Executive order on police reforms, which will use higher professional standers, training, and techniques on the force. Hopefully, this executive order will bring a change towards black lives.

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Historic Reform to police departments

The U.S House passed a bill that could bring historic reform to all police departments. This law was introduced after George Floyd’s Murder. This law is called George Floyd Justice in policing Act. If the Senate passes this act, it shall be one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation in decades. T.C Matthews; the creator of the petition, has rallied over 46,0000 people who support this bill. To support the Black Lives Matter movement, add your name to the petition and vote for this law!

Sign the Petition

change. gov.org

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artwork by SirIsrael King

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We need to stop telling girls how to dress, and teaching boys how to respect By: Kristin Kihara From a young age, most girls are taught how to dress “modestly” because it is the “proper” way of dressing to receive respect.

Girls have been dramatically taught that “they are asking for it” or looking for sexual attention whenever their skin is revealed.

As a society, have we questioned the exact terms of dressing inappropriately or appropriately? When a female dresses, how must they cloth themselves to meet the appropriate standards?

Most are unaware that when girls are told they are inappropriately presenting themselves, it is also supporting the act of inviting unwanted sexual behaviors. With these terms of inappropriate dressing, society deliberately accepts body-shame, assault, and rape towards women.

How often does society justify the cruelty of boys? How often do we accept boys’ actions? We’ve all heard the phrase, “ boys will be boys.”

Can girls be girls then? Can girls wear whatever they want and do whatever they want with the back up of their society. It is unfortunate how women from young ages are mistreated with such low realization of it. In the education, work, social, and public community, women are continuously shammed and judged because of their bodies and style. In early education, there are already multiple dress code rules enforced on young girls but not boys. Girls are not allowed to wear clothing such as tank tops, shorts above the knee, or leggings. Why are they taught and forced to dress a certain way in places they should feel most comfortable?

Is it because the clothing is truly inappropriate, or because there isn’t a guarantee of safety around men in specific clothing?

That reality does not bother the majority of society, which is so used to living amongst these discriminative standards. What does that say about the men in today’s society? Are men unable to act respectfully towards women if they see any part of the female’s anatomy? Must women present themselves a certain way so that they avoid any sexual harassment?

When do we start teaching young boys to respect women and their bodies?

Young boys constantly hear the “appropriate” way a female should dress.

Therefore when they see otherwise they believe she desires their sexual attention. These double standards are disrespectful and make women feel guilty and ashamed of their bodies. In reality it is this society which should be ashamed of allowing and accepting these discriminative standards .

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power By: kristin kihara

/ˈpou(ə)r/ "the ability to do something or act in a particular way, especially as a faculty or quality. " Learning how to access your power will allow you to be anything and everything you desire, but it does come across as impossible. Please take a deep breath, and let's break it down. In front of you is a mountain you will climb and reach the top; you will look down and admire your journey.

The majority of us feel these emotions: Doubt, tiredness, stress, defeat, incapability, and hopelessness. Let's change that; choose the feelings that will access your greatest selves. Begin your day choosing happiness, joy, and hope. How can we determine these emotions? Easy, feel it, accept it and allow it. We are the narrators, storytellers, and main characters in our lives, so take control of life circumstances. When we allow interruptions and mistakes to possess our

“What ever we believe about ourselves and our abilities comes true for us “Susan L. Taylor

actions, we are giving the narration of our lives away. Access your powers by accessing your life.

You shall overcome your challenges and become the best person you know.

Three ways to access your power:

1 Stop doing these things: Why do we subconsciously compare ourselves with everyone we see? Why do we compare looks, hair, body, career, accomplishments, and more? It is a weakness that is self-damaging and suffocating to your mind. You will NEVER reach your full power, being insecure and fragile, secretly wanting to be better than someone else. That wasn't nice to hear but it needed to be said. The majority of us do this creating a massive block in our lives. Once you release this negativity, you are dramatically closer to accessing your POWER. Anger is an emotion most people feel most at solace. Anger is hate, jealousy, and resentment.

Anger is slowly killing you. When you are mad, you are only filling a hole of weakness and hopelessness. The only thing anger does for you is distract you from who you are and give you a reason to act out of character. Anger is simply an emotion for the weak. Anger provides a small amount of satisfaction that you allow to take control. Anger doesn't lead you to success; it only

“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations” - Dr. Mae Jemison

leads you to an abyss of pain.

Choose to be strong and control your anger; choose happiness. Next time you are angry, change that emotion into anything positive. Please don't say it's untrue until you try it. One thing that is easy to remember is: you are strong.

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11 Acknowledge you are a good person, and forgive yourself.

We are all good people in this world. It is easy to forget your talent and capability and drown yourself in your past mistakes and failures. Why? Why what can I do to get motivated?

are we not forgiving and feeling bad for ourselves? Sorry to repeat it, but that is a weakness. It is a weakness because you are choosing to be sad

A: Believe and trust in your capability. You are your own motivation

and comfortable in your wearies. Be strong and get comfortable in your best self. Choose to obtain and retain your best qualities. Every single person in this world walks around with talent, whether we realize it or not.

We all have something we are immensely good at; some of us haven't realized it yet. Our purpose in the world and our gift to humanity resides within us. You can conquer this life, it is yours, and you possess it.

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Wake up.

How do I not let my failure get in the way of my success ?

Most of us are awake but not aware. Once you know the blocks in your life and have acknowledged your worth, you are the most powerful person you

A: Failure is a definition one gives a situation which goes wrong. Choose a different word, perhaps “growth”

know. Begin your life with your new awakening. You are strong and unstoppable. Most of us wait for reason or inspiration to come to us when everything we need is already within it just needs to be woken.

“If there is no struggle there is no progress” - Frederick Douglass 23

Mens Trending Fashion In this section, we are taking a look at mens trending styles, featuring fashionable models, writers, and poets

Model: Craig Lindsay Photographer: Directorjuan

Mens Trending Fashion i am ghetto, i am classy, i am street and i am a black man Black male fashion has been stolen and idolized without appreciating its origin, leaving black men with offensive stereotypes. their fashion choices have been shamed, and misinterpreted. In BLACK magazine we highlight them.

Black Magazine 25

Mens fashion

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In remembrance of George Floyd, Balenciaga is establishing an annual donation against racism and racial brutality.

Model: Papabear Photographer : shotbyshreyas

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Mens fashion

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CEO of clothing line ninthmethod Check this brand on their website ninthmethod.online/ and on Instagram at ninthmethod Model: Model: Gabe CraigBrea Lindsay Photographer: flvcko.jr

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Mens fashion

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true religion varsity jacket Japanese denim pants vivienne westwood necklace

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Mens fashion

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models: Dylan Mensah Anayjiah pires

Photographer: Shreyas Dommata 29

Mens fashion

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model rocking mowaloa cap

Model : Darnell Photographer : Claudiadomo

Hip-Hop Artist aloof; music is out now on apple music 30

Mens fashion

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WAR ZONE jacket and Gunslinger grain leather pants

Model: Marc Baker

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Mens fashion

Model: Ahsan Jaramillo

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Mens fashion

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Risk Edwin Amoah Are you willing to take a risk being despised for being who you truly are?

Would you rather be admired for being a version of yourself you pretended to be?

In the pursuit of seeking what is genuine, these are the questions one must ponder if one wishes to truly be set free But you see sometimes what’s genuine can hide in the periphery of what has been tainted by ill will vanity of ego Vanity and ego Contempt and jealousy The world can be cruel-unforgiving and startlingly unfriendly But I myself pondered these questions and made my decision I seek what is genuine I’ve discovered that it does not matter if the world is friendly to me I’ll embrace any and every adversity and bear any burden Any and every risk to never pretend again Whether I am loved or hated for who I am Or who I become I will never be loved for who I pretend to be Because the man I am today and the man I become tomorrow That is what Is destined and meant to be

To learn more about this writer page 100 33

Mens fashion

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can’t go wrong with White Air Force 1’s

Model: Lucius Firmin 34

Mens fashion

Model: Victor Kolawole

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Model wearing Air Jordan 1 Retro High Pine Green

Mens fashion

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Models: Sun Bangaz Cj Irie Photographer: Shreyas Dommata 36

Mens fashion

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midas b.k.s production instagram : midas.bks

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Mens fashion

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Yeezy desert sand slides

Jeans by Crav industries

CEO and founder of Crav industries

Model:Lucius Firmin

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Mens fashion

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Tragic Heroes By: Edwin Amoah Reflections of a young, black 17-year old boy Ain’t our problem so it’s their problem Wash our hands clean Hoping someone else solves ‘em Alter demographics to fit a prejudicial reality Leave the inner city youth with the bad publicity Where the outcasts spend cash and hope the pain don’t last Copping Yeezy boosts just to boost their confidence Some call it vanity Others call it pompousness Things aren’t always as they seem The real problem stems from a lack of self-esteem Systemic racism and oppression Years of depression My only question is whether we’re heading in the right direction Everyone’s apprehensive when it comes to talking race relations Play the blame game Back and forth with accusations

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Women's Trending Fashion

Model: Nahomi Brea Photography by: Francisveiws

In this section, we are taking a look at women’s trending styles, featuring fashionable models, writers, and poets

Can We Admit?

Can we admit that certain styles are “ghetto” on black women but fashionable and vintage on white women? The so-called ghetto look has introduced trending styles worldwide.

The recognition of these fashion statements are credited incorrectly. When you see a black woman with long bright acrylic nails, with beautiful slick edges, big gold hoop earrings, and long box braids, give it more appreciation than you gave to the white women wearing the same thing. There was once a time when ONLY black women were rocking these styles. The style is robbed, and it is now the popular fashion choice, leaving black women still in the ghetto. In BLACK, we idolize the origin of these fashion statements, bringing back black.

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Women's Trending Fashion

Model: Ashley Mar Photographer: Camden

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Women’s Trending Fashion

Black

Model: Aneka Boone Photographer: Erick Elite

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Women’s Trending Fashion

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Beautiful Model looking stunning in red summer outfit

Model: Olivett Okoh

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Women’s Trending Fashion

Black

IMANI

SALAZAR

TikTok and Instagram Fashion icon Presenting an astonishing and sleek look

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Women’s Trending Fashion

Black

Hilina Tafesse

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Women’s Trending Fashion

Black

We celebrate black everyday

killing the street wear game wearing Nike Dunk Low Retro SP ‘Syracuse’ Model: Trinity Paynter

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Women’s Trending Fashion

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Women’s Trending Fashion

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Not your average style; Mariah brings the HEAT Model: Mariah Andrade Photographer : DDT

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Women’s Trending Fashion

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Her eyes hold the allure of a thousand miles with each step as golden as her hair strands, her lashes fold into a warm embrace whispering reassurance down the lines Isiah Agoro

Model: Samiira Husein Photographer: Mark Khan

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Women’s Trending Fashion

Model: Àout Mayuol

Black

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Women Empowerment

Welcome to the The process of loving, appreciating, and acknowledging all women.

Women all around the world have been mistreated for too long, but change is never too late.

Model: Maida Baig 52

All of my life I’ve been surrounded

Women Rooted in Love by: Kadria clements greater of willow’s beloved

by supportive black women. Not just any women. Strong women.

Healing women. Resilient women.

Women that are able to thrive and revive.

So, naturally, that’s who I advocate for. I come from a long line of women that have always been each other’s support. When one falls, the other is right there to help her up. I can’t remember a time when I’ve ever seen the women in my family fight one another or tear each other down.

They sort their issues out and build one another up as they go. And when my grandmother’s mother passed away it brought us even closer. Being rooted in love is something that always held us together. It wasn’t until I got older when I began to experience the way society tries to put women against one another. Meeting other women that have adapted to a different way of handling one another can be difficult to experience as well because of our experiences and environments. But what I’ve learned even at my young age is that love can overpower anything.

Unity is powerful. And when you infuse love with unity, women are unstoppable.

Society tries so much to keep women down, they were successful for years. But all of that has changed. Women use their voices. Women use their unity and their love to break down all the barriers that stemmed from hatred. Just look at how the world thrives when we set our minds to change the narrative. I’m thankful for it all. My ancestors, the generations before that took so much. They had so many stories to tell but couldn’t. That’s why we celebrate them. We’ve come a long way and now nothing or no one can silence us. Celebrate your mother, your sister, yourself. Celebrate the women you will birth into this world and those that will come after. If you understood the history of women and oppression then you’d speak life into yourself with every breath. I’m so thankful for starting Willow’s Beloved and making it a safe place where women are not only transformed, but empowered. It’s a blessing to be able to touch women through my craft. Being able to have platforms like Willow’s Beloved can help us identify ways that can help society be more accepting and encouraging to us.

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Women Empowerment

Model: Shyann Muniu Photographer : Cameragirl

Black

sirenicfaces; Makeup and creative artist

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Black

Women Empowerment

what is a “feminist”?

“You may have heard the term and often felt like you had to pick a side. Feminism isn’t about picking or choosing sides. It’s about making sure we as a collective are afforded the same opportunities regardless of me being a woman.

Being a feminist means you support women. You support our rights. You listen to understand. Being a feminist says “I’m not above or below you, I’m your equal.”

We should all be feminists. Not because it sounds like a great label, but because it makes society a much better place for everyone that is apart of it.”

-willow’s beloved

Model: Shyann Muniu Photographer : Cameragirl

sirenicfaces; Makeup and creative artist

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Women Empowerment

Black

“Dear woman, You are more than you can see.

Dive into the depth your deep sea heart and

name your own density “ Urvashi Khatri

for more poems find Urvashi Khatri on instagram at theurvashism

Model: Maysa Berhanu Model is wearing dress from gyaltsen earth

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Women Empowerment

Black

“Stop Telling Queens how to wear their crowns.

Every queen doesn’t run their Kingdom the same” brea l. perry

Model: Àout Mayuol

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Women Empowerment

Black

Remembering Oluwaoyin Salau Written piece by Isaiah A. Agoro As writers, we owe it to the world to use our voices to amplify and reiterate important issues. This is for our women who are constantly abused and ridiculed sexually.

We stand together, we march together, and shout together to bring justice to the wild beasts amongst men who neglect morals and basic humanity to rape and kill our women.

I believe getting justice is the first step to achieving our aim which is to end the act of rape. I believe we can do this together to honor the ones that have been abused and honor the memories of the ones that have been killed.

As humans, we owe it to ourselves to watch or and protect one another. As men, our first duty now is to watch out for and protect our women against violence and rape.

I, Isaiah Agoro want justice for the many women that have been abused and I'll be extensively active in these topics till it's well attended to.

August 27, 2000 - June 13, 2020 more about this writer page 98

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Women Empowerment

Black

Twitter Tweets made by Toyin prior to her death African American women activist, Toyin Salau disappeared on Saturday, June 6th in 2020. Her disappearance was reported the same day she posted the shown tweets.

On June 13 Toyin Salau was found dead in Tallahassee Florida. Her death was confirmed on June 15, 2020.

Aaron Glee has been charged with two first degree charges. For the murder of victims Toyin Salu and Victoria Sims.

OMEN W K C A L CTB #PROTE 59

Women Empowerment

Black

Black Men Will Protect black Women Black Women Will Protect black men

Models: Hannah Parker and Samuel Adewale Photography: Victoria Sampors

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Women Empowerment

Models: Hannah Parker and Samuel Adewale Photography: Victoria Sampors

Black

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FIYA LAUR

Black

Support a black-owned business

Model and Photography by Fiya Laur

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FIYA LAUR

Model and Photography by Fiya Laur

Black

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FIYA LAUR

Black

“Her soul speaks the language of kindness and good vibes love to light her soul” Urvashi Khatri

Trending Blackowned Jewelry business 64

Black

Black is Talking with Fiya Laur

Since childhood, jewelry has always had a place in our lives. It’s a way for both families and friends to gift someone with good fortune. Our cultural ties to the motherland (Somalia) have played a significant role in why we have decided to create our jewelry line. Our mothers’ love for jewelry has sparked a passion in us to begin Fiya Laur.

We have created a brand that offers jewelry to people of all ages and backgrounds. We aim to serve quality jewelry at a reasonable and affordable price. The intended purpose of our designs is to share them. We want to create jewelry that people can self-express with (whether it be a dramatic or simple piece). We want our audiences to freely choose how they interact with our jewelry without any limits.

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FI A LA

Malab $30 USD

mona $20 USD

Purchase Products from Fiya Laur on fiyalaur.com and on Instagram at fiya laur

drops $25 USD

Xasuus $105 USD

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FI A LA Dolly $20.00 USD

Drops $20.00 USD

Cuff $15.50 USD

Qaali $65 USD

Purchase Products from Fiya Laur on fiyalaur.com and on Instagram at fiya laur

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Hottest Artists

Who Is Bravy Music trending on apple music, Spotify, and YouTube

Model and Artist : Who Is Bravy

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Hottest Artists

Black

It's Like Everything's A Domino Effect , One Thing Leading To The Next…

WhoIsBravy Social Platforms Twitter/Instagram WhoisBravy

Get Lit with Who Is Bravy’s Music streaming on apple music, Spotify, and YouTube

DRESSED IN ALL DESIGNER, COMPLIMENTING MY AIR FORCES

WhoisBravy 69

Hottest Artists Carlito RL

Miami Nights out now, streaming on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube

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Hottest Artists JACKDOYO NewNairobiRecords™

Black

International Artist Bringing Kenya to the world Recording Artist Producer CEO

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Black

Saint Lyor Saint Loyr is a rapper from Brockton, Massachusetts that expresses himself through music, as he believes it is his way of survival. Saint Loyr worked hard to be where he is today in the music industry. Saint has created a vision for himself and has his eyes on the goal. Saint brings a different type of flow, and he will get his culture and talent to the world.

“I’m a story you can learn from me.”

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Men’s Empowerment

Models: Samuel Adewale and Johnson Ngandjui 74

Men’s Empowerment

Model: Adonis Amear

black

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Men’s Empowerment

Model: Johnny Mayer

black

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Men’s Empowerment

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Young black Entrepreneur with a professional and unique style

CEO of AmÕur Apparel Page 93

Model: Dwayne Sampson

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Art Work by Prince Eric Nichols

More about the artist page 110

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Invisible Men Written by: Vanessa Lewis Years ago, I took myself on a field trip of sorts. Invisible Man's stage production was in town, and it was something I felt compelled to see. As a writer, I usually prefer the paperback to the movie or theater version. This time, something in me knew Ellison's novel would come alive on stage.

The play I saw that evening was everything I'd expected – heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, and hard to forget. I think of it now when I think of the fragility that comes with being a masculine person.

At times, it feels like a Black woman's safety depends on the Black men around us feel seen, understood, and validated.

As the Black family deteriorates into a shell of its former self, it is common to blame a male counterpart's absence. What of the men who did not leave? Who is to blame for the dysfunction?

Though decades have passed, Ellison managed to articulate the answers. His character's Invisibility is the feeling of loneliness that comes from being denied human decency. It was written for us to understand. And he acted upon for the emphasis.

What I found to be most gripping was the dialogue, which was adapted directly from the book.

From a different time, the lead character was raised in a different place, but his sense of invisibility still resonates with American men today. In one particular scene, he said, "What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I had wished to do?" and it was as if the entire show paused. It felt as though he'd turned the spotlight on me.

The sentiment was so familiar; I had to catch what was left of the breath remaining in my chest.

His words felt true of all the men I've ever known. From my grandfather and his sons to my father and his.Cousins, colleagues, neighbors, and friends.

It was a question I'd asked myself on occasion, as the sister, daughter, granddaughter of many men. One that dwells in the traumas I have endured as a consequence of loving men.

The male peacock is the one we humans marvel at for the beauty of his feathers. He uses confidence in his coat to attract potential female partners.

Male humans are similar to male peacocks in their need to stunt, strut, and be seen. Some of it is ego, but more of it stems from identity. A need for validation as valued in the world. A feeling of worthiness.

I wondered if there is a presence in human DNA that makes men more tolerant of that invisibility. Are they interrogating themselves the same way in the present day? Are men feeling lost in doing work they despise, for a company they loath, to earn an income? Do you have to be a male person to be motivated by annual bonus structures, incentives, and big paychecks?

I decided at that moment the answer was in getting to know more about Ralph Ellison, the person. I had to know what kind of life led him to tell a story that felt so accessible 60 years later.

Manhood is just as fragile now. Still invisible. Still doing what is expected of masculinity, at the expense of what the heart desires.

How did he know the song and dance would be choreographed the same way today? How do men feel about the routine? One left unaltered for scores of years.

Let's challenge ourselves to learn about the invisible – through stories of lesser-known Black male lives. Men whose pens still have the power to shape our thinking long after they've stopped writing. And then voiceless men. Hear them now. Let them be seen.

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en·tre·pre·neur noun A person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks to do so

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Why it is important to support small Black-Owned Business There is a substantial racial wealth gap, which is the difference between how much money people of color make and how much white people make. The average white family makes almost ten times the amount a black family makes. Therefore it is crucial to support the upcoming black-owned businesses.

Besides the fact that most black people are in poverty, there are many other reasons to support black businesses that many people are unaware of.

Building up Communities: Supporting black businesses creates a stronger community for black people. The majority of black communities are in poverty and surrounded by violence. Supporting and encouraging black businesses can improve struggling neighborhoods. There are over 2.6 million black-owned businesses in America, and 80% fail within the first 18 months from lack of resources, funds, and support. black entrepreneurs do not share the same backgrounds as Steve Jobs, Sir Richard Branson, or Mark Zuckerberg, white men who became greatly successful. People of color do not share the same experiences as those with privilege. Many black entrepreneurs work hard but get little to no support, even from their own community. We have to invest in the small local businesses instead of popular name brands.

Empowering local communities: When someone decides to support a black-owned business, they do more than purchase their product.

Supporters are standing with them, encouraging them, and uniting with them. Being a black entrepreneur is taking a risk, especially when the world isn’t designed for their success. Therefore it should be the responsibility of locals to support them. Throughout this volume of BLACK, readers are introduced to many small businesses that need your support and alliance.

Three Ways To Build your small business Small business Administration The small business Administration is a cabinet-level federal agency which is completely dedicated to ONLY small business. The administration provides counseling and is the voice for small businesses.

National Association for selfemployed people The National Association for the self-employed gives applications through its growth grants program, where small business owners can apply for up to $4,000 in grants.

The Minority Business Development Agency The Minority Business Development Agency supplies access to financing resources and funding opportunities specifically for minority business owners.

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BLACK interviews the CEO’s of an upcoming Black-Business

How would you define your business?

Soyouniqe: We define our business as a unique blackowned clothing line. It is a challenging business with the fact that it is a highly saturated field. It is hard to start something when everyone around us is doing the same thing. We emphasize that we are different from others in our industry.

Struggles your team went through?

Soyouniqe: When we first started the biggest struggle was manufacturing, but once we overcame that challenge, the advertisement was our next struggle. 99% of small businesses struggle with advertisement as well. You can do everything right, but if you are struggling with advertising, the chances of becoming successful are low.

How did you get the idea/concept for your business?

Soyouniqe: We tried to begin this business a few years ago but It didn’t go well. My partner and I decided that you only live once, so we tried again and got straight into it. Our name and logo represent who we are. The name Soyounique comes from my name and the bear logo comes from my partner because he looks similar to a teddy bear. It was the perfect combination that represents both of us.

What is your goal as a business?

Soyouniqe: Our goal as a business is first to reach out to our Brockton community. We want our community of majorly black people, to know that there is a better life out there. We want to promote others to do things the way they want to do things, and not the way society wants them to do things.

The majority of your models are black, are your products targeted towards the black community?

Soyouniqe: Our products are mostly pointed towards the black community. It is important to us as a black business, that we show our community that we are creating a brand that is highlighting people of color.

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They’re many struggling black entrepreneurs trying to start their own business; what would you suggest to them?

Soyouniqe: We advise others to take their time. Whenever you face challenges, take them as lessons instead of as failures. If we took our challenges as failures we would have already been done with our business. Put work in and do not take anything too deep because it affects your goals as a business. You are going to fail 100 times before succeeding. When we began our business we received a lot of ridicule. Most people had complaints that our products were overly expensive and that we should slow down because we were new to the industry. We know what our business is worth and we worked hard to produce the quality we sell. We advise to ignore the noise and stay focused!

How are Your products influencing the black community?

Soyouniqe: We believe that our products influence our black community because it creates a unity. A lot of brands do it for money, but we do it to bring people together. We welcome brand ambassadors, and models, putting some money in their pocket while getting our name out there.

How do you believe your business compares to other companies ( what is unique )?

Soyouniqe: We are both different business owners. No one is alike, therefore every brand and business is different from each other. We think of ourselves as a real legal business, using ethical methods to succeed.

What would you want others to do to support your business instead of purchasing the products?

Soyouniqe: There are a lot of ways to support our business. By sharing our post, entering the free raffle, and giveaways while wearing our product with pride. There are many ways to support any small black-owned business, buying the actual product is only about 2% of the support.

How important is it to support a black-owned business ( in general )?

Soyouniqe: It is very important to support black business because we are minorities. A lot of successful businesses are owned by white people, little by people of color. Therefore we have to support each other to get to the top. If there is no support within us, none of us will make it.

Anything else you would like to talk about regarding your team and business

Soyouniqe: We have been on a small break but we have been working hard and are coming back even stronger. Stay tuned for this summer! We thank our photographer Asante Martin, he has helped us out a lot with supporting and growing our business.

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Support a black-owned business

In today’s society, lots of people are afraid to be unique, to be different. So-Younique Threads represents a lot more than just a clothing line, it’s meant to change society and how people think of themselves and others.

When people wear anything from our brand, we want them to feel it’s okay to be different and special, and that it’s okay to be themselves, no matter how different they are. We pride ourselves of being different because being “younique” is about being you, the real you. So Go crazy, Be Younique.

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Shop with SOYOUNIQUE and get in touch with trending fashion on their website at soyouniqueethreads.com and on their Instagram at soyouniquee

SYT Mighty Grey Set $45.00 USD

SYT Black Hoodie Set $55.99 USD

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Lost Star Club Support a black-owned business

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Shopping With Lost Star Club and their vintage clothing Shop with Lost Star Club online at loststarclub.com and on Instagram at loststarclub All t-shirts $30 USD

All Cargo pants $99 USD

All messenger bags $55 USD

All sling and shoulder bags $20 USD

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Support this black-owned business

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Le Vant bodied dress $25 USD Shop with Levant online at officiallevant.com and on Instagram at officiallevant 90

Le Vant Strapped Up Harness $26 USD Shop with Levant online at officiallevant.com and on Instagram at officiallevant 91

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Shop with Curiah Lee The Label on their website curiahlee.com and on instagram at curiahlee

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AmÕur Apparel IT’S OK TO BE IN LOVE

Support a black-owned business

Shop with AmÕur Apparel online at amour-apparel.com and on Instagram at amour.apperal

Models by AmÕur Apparel

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Support a black-owned business

A unique and Simplistic view of an Oxymoron outlook on life; Why stress?

Slothel Clothing is changing the game this year Slothel CEO and team are strong advocates for the BLM movement as this black-owned company has branded its business through social media and it’s website Slothel promotes trending fashion for teens, adults, and kids 96

Slothel is marketing the hottest and latest fashion trends, you can never go wrong rocking the Slothel tan hoodie

Model and photography : Slothel

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Slothel Hoodie $60 USD

Sloth Tee $50 USD

Slothel Hoodie $60 USD

Sloth Tee $50 USD Purchase Slothel Clothing online at slothel.com and on instagram at slothelcom

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Kids Clothing

Original Sloth $35 USD

Original Sloth $35 USD

Original Sloth Hoodie $40 USD

Sloth Sweatpants $45 USD

Purchase Slothel Clothing online at slothel.com and on instagram at slothelcom

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The Beauty of Writing and Art

Art by Chidera Uzoka

for more about the artist page 112

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The Beauty of Writing and Art

Some of us express ourselves through speech and action.

However, many others express themselves through art and writing. In the following section, BLACK acknowledges the hidden writers and artists who have expressed themselves through their talent. People will hear them through their forms of communication without speaking.

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Isaiah Agoro Poet, and Creative writer Check out Isaiah’s blog on princeisy.worldpress.com

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Falling out of love ...is like holding tight onto the petals of a white rose and you sense your grip slipping a nudge poking your guts within Its sweet scent emanating from your fingers and your hope escaping inbetween the lines you are reluctant and you keep hold of your preconception of its impact and beauty you can not pull it closer, neither can you hold on much longer Then, you gradually loosen the clench of your palm for the tighter your grip … the uglier the damage Isaiah Agoro

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Edwin Amoah is a 23-year-old writer, poet, and aspiring musician, born and raised in Brampton, Ontario, a neighboring city of Toronto (Canada). As a self-described multifaceted creative, Edwin eloquently expresses nuanced and authentic experiences throughout various mediums, mainly through creative writing, poetry, and hip-hop music. His work draws on themes influenced by insights gained through his own lived experiences, keen observations about his environment, and musings on the world.

He is currently working on a poetry book and new music, continuing his post-secondary studies at the University of Ottawa. Keep up to date with new developments in Edwin’s journey by following him on the following socials.

Instagram: @steadyreadyeddy Twitter: @isthatsteady Facebook, SoundCloud, YouTube: Edwin

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Edwin Amoah HELLO Edwin Amoah Young black boy.

Overthinker.

Too smart for my own good Too anxious Too hard on myself A perfectionist but somehow still directionless I come on too strong A by-product of anxious tendencies Maybe if I make a good first impression The people I love won’t leave me Always the person people talk about But few ever talk to I am now a young black man But I still have feelings too My existence is inherently political Lost in a world where we pay more attention to the physical Not enough on the mental and even less on the on the spiritual Silencing voices of truth While simultaneously poisoning the minds of youth We only live in nightmares!

Our hopes are now unfulfilled dreams So many of us die prematurely in our teens Victims of being told to shoot first Instead of first shooting for our dreams We were once young boys with innocent eyes Glued to TV screens, Facebook timelines, Twitter retweets and IG feeds But we have grown older now Our eyes now realize the lies cost us too much Seizing our precious time and peace of mind We lost our way and forgot what it means to be true to ourselves Now finding out that what we see in this life is not always as it seems On the playground in what feels like ages ago We used to always joke about having 2020 vision In now what feels like the blink of an eye The year has come and gone We have all lost it Facing troubling news of a sad state of affairs every day People we celebrated, championed and cherished Some of them have passed away With each passing day it feels as though we go further astray and lose our way We seek strength We seek refuge Comfort and consolation Compassion for our fatigue born from isolation Healing for our deep wounds Empathy for unspeakable grief we wish to express And an oasis to shield us from our distress Who can comfort us?

Is there anyone who can tell us what we need to hear?

Can anyone speak that which we seek the strength to say?

I have spent years and well over a decade Praying for the World to change I have often heard many wise men and women say That my prayers will not be answered No matter how long my hands were clasped together Praying on bruised knees Nothing would change unless I truly believed in my mind In my heart In my soul That I can and will be the change I wish to see So, I say Hello Be strong and take courage Keep your chin held high; we will live to fight another day!

If our paths are blocked, Together, we will find another way.

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Say hello to Brea L. Perry

Learn more about Brea and her work at liinks.co/ brealperry and on Instagram at brealperry

This Writer is challenging you! written by Brea Perry, whose writing has been exhibited throughout this volume of BLACK magazine.

I Challenge you to give yourself permission to find the positivity in one of your perceived negative traits and continuously develop on that. People try to use our weaknesses against us, but if you find the positive, it will take the sting out. Don’t shy away from constructive criticism because it may provide clues on where more cultivation may be needed. Use it to your advantage, that’s where your power lies.

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Meeting Alexander McLean III 108

Alexander McLean III studied Fine Arts in High School and received a Commercial Arts certificate by age 18. Soon after, he moved to New York, where he studied various traditional art styles in college but gravitated towards graphic design. Within the 2nd year, he landed his first role as a production artist and evolving from an illustrator and print designer into the digital world as a coder, animator, and UX/ UI designer. Today, Alex has found his new passion in digital photography, leveraging his graphic design and illustrative skills to create conceptual visual arts. You can find his latest work on Instagram and TikTok @AlexArtful.

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Meeting Marwa Talal

ABC’s of Africa 110

Meeting Marwa Talal My artwork focuses on creating pieces that

mother, cool wife, and eldest daughter of five.

uplift black and Muslim women. Growing up, I

I’ve spent the last 5+ years of my life working as

didn’t see that kind of artwork as something

an interior designer focusing on hospitality design. I’ve always been that kid who wanted to get their hands dirty with paint, crafting, building, and creating. When the time came to pick a career path, I chose interior design as it was a way to continue being artistic in my professional life. What makes hospitality design special to me is that it’s all about designing and curating spaces to affect the user’s feelings and experience. Color, scale, forms, and lighting can make spaces feel calm and tranquil as though you stepped into another world or exciting and memorable.

I truly enjoy being an interior designer.

However, I realized that the increasing workload left me with less time to make artwork for myself. Then 2020 happened. In April, I gave birth to a beautiful little girl, and the whole world went into lockdown, which left me with little to do outside the home during my year-long maternity leave. Needing an escape from the new stresses of motherhood and

View Marwa’s gallery at marwatalalcreative.com and on Instagram at marwatalalcreative

Sudanese born, Canadian raised, I’m a proud

desirable. I want my daughter to have a different experience where she’s surrounded by reminders that black is beautiful, that hijab is empowering, and that she can create the change she wants to see in the world too.

About ABCs of Africa: This project started out as a form of self effective and exploration of my identity. I realized that as a Sudanese woman, I knew little about my heritage and the history of my homeland - Africa. To stay on track, I started alphabetically going through each country and reading in its history, culture, and art.

The content was so rich and vibrant that I wanted to share all that I had found with others through visual storytelling. Each illustration attempts to capture the unique colors, patterns, and themes of each country as well as represent a woman whose story I share over the process. Since the start of this project, I’ve felt myself grow more enriched by the knowledge I gain and I feel compelled

the pandemic, I picked up my iPad and took a shot

to share the stories of countries and women

at digital illustration.

who deserve to be heard.

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Check out Maliek’s work on Instagram at i_oweyounothing

Meeting Rashid Maliek Lawson Jr.

My name is Rashid Maliek Lawson Jr., born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. I started my art life long before I knew it was my calling. I took on studio art in college, and the rest was love. My brand name is “I OWE YOU NOTHING” because I feel it aligns you with perspectives, situations, and alluring stories to match your complexities and vibrations you give and receive. When you look at my art, I want you to see subjectively, Manifest your reality, Nothing Is OWED. “ I want you cryin. “ In the year 2020, I lost a lover, not to god, but it sure felt like it; I learned and hurt and grew so much in 3yrs time with an individual, and it’s still there; I used these colors and objects on this piece to show what my dreams showed here after my loss. It’s still all love, but “I don’t wish you well when you ain’t with me, I want you cryin.”

This piece was inspired by a great tv show, “Love Craft Country” and Megan Thee Stallion. Although both are not I’m similarity I combine these two icons because, in reality, a woman in power is scary to the political eye in the past and overall in the past. Still, in this day and age, we are learning more and more about our people and gaining power from now then and the future like “Hippolyta” in the tv series Love craft. I incorporated the dead garden because the world has held on to so much power we know nothing of and where breaking freak and our origin is “BLACK WOMEN.”

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Meeting SirIsrael King Check out SirIsrael King at sirisrael-king.pixels.com and on Instagram at siakoriginals

My goal in creation has always been to capture the human body, face in ways that will take my viewer’s breath away. I aspire to make heartbeats quicken, eyes dazzle, minds race, and move hearts to awe at the vibrancy of my work. When I see people that I want to paint, I always wonder, how can I portray them in a way that is realistic but not realism? How can I show the beauty of their complexion without actually painting their complexion?

I work towards making colors pop and true freedom of expression in the process. Sometimes the mission is stress relief; other times, I intend to create for the sake of creative freedom and strengthening my skills, all while finding myself and establishing my niche.

At the end of the way, I want to capture the beauty and recreate it the way I see it in my head.

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Art Work by Prince Eric Nichols

Check out Eric Nichols work on his website at princeericnichols.com and on Instagram at princeericnichols

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Meeting Artist Prince Eric Nichols Newark, DE Prince Eric Nichols was born and raised in the city of Chester, PA. When Prince Eric was as young as four years old, he enjoyed drawing cartoon characters such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Aladdin. By the age of 15, his family relocated to Wilmington, Delaware, where he began to hone his drawing love. Around 18, Eric’s interest in black history propelled him to incorporate black themes into his work.

Prince Eric is a self-taught artist whose talents extend but are not limited to painting, sculpting, sewing, graphic design, and illustration. One of his most used mediums is illustration via the Procreate app, but recently, Prince Eric used an old software called Microsoft Picture It. On that software, Prince Eric would draw pictures without the assistance of a stylus or draw pad. All he would use was his fingers on the mouse pad to make his artwork.

Every art piece has a deeper hidden meaning that he creates, whether it is the different textiles that he chooses to use or the artwork's subject. The art is achieved by digitally cutting out shapes of varying fabric images. Once the shapes are cut, he turns them into highlights and shadows that are then layered like a cake on top of each other till it makes a whole picture. Once finished, Prince Eric draws minor details over the art to make it look more realistic. One art piece can take two weeks to finish.

Prince Eric Nichols hopes to bring more interest to his work and style of art. He also wants to black historical figures the same way we covet iconic figures like Marylin Monroe or Mona Lisa. He believes that art is the medium that stamps a figure in history.

Check out Eric Nichols work on his website at princeericnichols.com and on Instagram at princeericnichols 115

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Meeting Chidera Uzoka There is a common phrase my friends and I like to use when facing different challenges: "just think like an artsy"; that is, be creative in whatever you do. As an 18-year-old artist and business owner, creativity takes a prominent role in my life. For me, the most admired aspect of art is expressing oneself and representing one's culture, background, and who they are as a person through their work. My goal with House Composite is to represent black culture in a new light and to inspire people, showcasing the incredible people and culture. My favorite part of the process is being able to see your ideas come to life. Being able to envision an idea and then take the time to create a piece of art that personifies that vision to life brings about the fulfillment that I look for in my art. For instance, the piece Eve Gene revolves around the idea of the Eve Gene theory that black women are the only people who contain the gene to produce every race of people. Inspired by this, I created a piece that envisioned a black woman as the queen of genetics and the mother or the "eve" of the human race. In the same token, the piece called SZA was inspired by the artist SZA's "Hit Different" music video. I wanted to represent the scene using an eyecatching color pallet and incorporate various textures to display the feeling that her music brings about. I wanted to capture her vibe as an artist within this piece and represent a black woman who is an inspiration to many other black females.

I feel that representation, especially within the black community, is crucial and influential in a black person's life. Growing up, I never really saw people who looked like me in the media and even in art. Motivated by the desire to see representation, I try to capture the beauty of black culture to inspire people. Many of my pieces incorporate the color blue, representing the depth and significance of the culture. My series called Anonymous stems from this idea of representation. It is a series that shows the beauty of black people while allowing the viewer to see themselves in each piece and see that representation. The creation of my art business, House Composite, has given me the privilege to learn a substantial amount about the business world while sharing my vision and passion for art.

Check out Chidera’s art work on her website at linktr.ee/HouseComposite and on Instagram at housecomposite 117

Artwork by SirIsrael King