Equallity Magazine July Issue

EQUALLITY

july 2020 Issue 1 Volume 1

 A magazine TO SHOWCASE POC BUSINESSES

The Cultural issue

EQUALLITY

JULY 2020 Issue 1 Volume 1

what's inside this issue

influencers

CONTENT CREATORS

Mental Health

Education

Black Luv

Fashion

Beauty

Music

The Editor Erica Paige

First and foremost thanks for reading! Created in June and released July 2020, Equallity is a magazine for all people as well as people of color. I have written all of the articles giving each a unique flair and making them an exciting read. This magazine is an avenue to connect and network on all types of topics and and discussions celebrated for the culture.

Advertising Inquiries please email equallitymag.com EQUALLITY is published by The Scott Influence Publishing GroupÂ

EQUALLITY

EQUALLITY magazine JULY • 2020

IN AN INSTA THE NEW WAVE OF INFLUENCERS Mrs. tiffany Harris @heyyymrsharris

Tiffany is a Fashionable Digital Creator and stylist! She gave us an exclusive interview to talk about her, her brand, and working through the channels of Social Media!

EM: Tell me about yourself. (just a few sentences) Who do you want to reach in your post. What made you want to be a stylist?

TH: “For now, my brand, Heyyymrsharris, leverages personal styling, content creation and fashion blogging. My primary audience is racially diverse, between the ages 20-45. I wanted to become a stylist because I wanted to help women find their voices through personal style; I wanted women to feel confident showing up as their full selves, with their style being a full expression of their personality”.EM EM: What made you want to join Instagram as a content creator?

TH:” I am a naturally creative person and it started as me just having a creative outlet, but I realized that I can leverage my styling business with content creation”.

EM. What's a typical workday for you?

TH: “No day is the same, and I like it that way! But, I tend to welcome the day peacefully in prayer, and conversation with my husband. I then answer emails, utilize social media, if it is a shooting day-- shooting, editing and planning takes up the day. If I have a client, I have a typical workday and then I go straight into my evening styling session”.

EM:. How would you describe your creative content style?

TH: “Artsy, feminine, chic, uplifting, semi-bold, like my personality!”

EM: What is your favorite part of your job?

TH: “Meeting new people, from many different walks of life, and knowing that I can inspire positive change in their lives. It means the world to me!”

EM What is your overall career goal for your brand or yourself?

TH: “That’s a secret, that will reveal itself within time lol, but I hope that I can be in a space where I can utilize all of my skills, talent and creativity while inspiring others to do the same.”

EQUALLITY magazine JULY • 2020

IN AN INSTA THE NEW WAVE OF INFLUENCERS @HEYYYMRSHARRIS CONT.

EM: What are three things you look for when accepting a sponsorship?

TH: “1. If it fits in with my brand, and how I represent myself.

2. If it will benefit my audience. 3. Will they pay me my worth.”8. What are your hobbies when you are not at work?TH: “ I loveeee to travel, I dance (I am a former trained dancer, and I am trying to weave that back into my lifestyle), I read, and I like to watch and critique movies and television series.

EM: If there was one thing that you could do differently being a content creator what would it be? OR If there isn't anything you would change what is something that you think all content creators should do?

TH: “ I think all content creators should take some time to truly get to know themselves, because, for me, my personality is the foundation of my platform. Because I’ve taken the necessary time to get to know myself, Heyyymrsharris is constantly growing because people can discern authenticity. I hope to continue to grow with an open mind, and I believe that as I do that, it would reflect on my platform.”

EM: Do you have any events you will be attending this year?

TH: “It’s hard to say because I did, but everything is canceled now, so we’ll see! BUT, I host a monthly IG LIVE series called “Cloth Talk” where I interview dynamic women in the fashion and content creation game, and it gives folks the opportunity to get advice from people who are winning!”

Romisa Elkarim

IN AN INSTA THE NEW WAVE OF INFLUENCERS ROMISA ELKARIM @VIVID_DUYNA Romisa Elkarim is a Pan African, Pro black social entrepreneur and advocate for women who want to pursue business.

The Sudanese beauty became the cofounder of AFRIKANUS while in college studying International Relations.

AFRIKANUS is a clothing and accessories brand inspired by African culture and traditions. She also hosts educational workshops about the misconceptions of Africa.Although she has a strong following she is new to the content creating! When asked about who she wants to reach on social media she says," I want to reach all women from all backgrounds. No matter the race, age, or financial status, We all have a common factor of improving ourselves as women."When posting Romisa believes that writing meaningful captions will draw the right people to her page and the likes will follow. When she isnt working she is a big nature person and enjoys running. When she works with brands she looks for authenticity, if the values match my values and diversity.Her favorite part about her job is being able to hear stories, connect with people, and help them create goals that will manifest their dreams. Also being able to help a woman who is having hardship to improve her life and being able to be financially stable and provide for herself and her family.

Written By Erica Scott

JANETE SUCUMA IN AN INSTA THE NEW

WAVE OF INFLUENCERS

"I can describe it as an inspiration, and at the same time a challenge.

Sometimes I get inspired by some people that I admire and challenge because every day I have to pass a test, but it is something that fascinates me, and I am more and more eager to innovate and prove my worth".

Janete Sucuma, is currently living in Manchester UK, but I’m from Guinea-Bissau (west Africa). I love world of fashion, I did some work in fashion industry in the past, however at the moment I’m moving forward entrepreneurship world. We were able to get the scoop on this beauty and her new ventures.

EM: Who do you want to reach in your post?

JS: "In my posts I want to reach especially black women to use more social media for the world of business and opportunity."

EM: What made you want to join Instagram as a content creator?

JS: "I like to innovate and create new things, being content creator is a way to navigate in the world of fashion and beauty industry".

EM: What’s a typical workday for you?

JS: "From Monday to Friday i normally wake up around 6 am and the first thing I do is exercise and then check my emails, this is how I start day".

EM: How would you describe your creative content style?

JS: "I can describe it as an inspiration, and at the same time a challenge. Sometimes I get inspired by some people that I admire and challenge because every day I have to pass a test, but it is something that fascinates me, and I am more and more eager to innovate and prove my worth".

EM: What is your favorite part of your job?

JS: "Without a doubt, receive praise and encouragement from people".

EM: What is your overall career goal for brand or yourself?

JS:"I have an online store and Instagram page called Mindjer Luxe that I created on my own initiative at the end of 2019, it is a store that provide good quality and well-priced women’s clothing for customers. Since the end of 2019 so far, I have dedicated and aim to expand in the market and be recognized in the future."

EM: What are three things you look for when accepting a sponsorship?

JS: "Engagement deliver good product and attract more customers".

EM: What are your hobbies when you are not at work?

JS: "When I’m free from my duty, I love watching YouTube, especially learn about financial advice contents, and Netflix sometimes".

EM: If there was one thing that you could do differently being a content creator what would it be?

JS: "I probably would be an entrepreneur because I love world of business".

EM: Do you have any events you will be attending this year?

JS: "I was invited to participate in the Cannes Festival this year which was supposed to take place in May in France but due this uncertain time of covid-19 it was cancelled new date will be coming soon".

EQUALLITY FEATURES

Bethany Everret

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BETHANYEVERET @TWENTYSOMETHINGPLUS

BY ERICA SCOTT Bethany is from Connecticut and her whole life is there. Her family, her job, her friends, and her love. She started to feel burnt out at her job so she decided to pack up and move to Vermont to start a new. While working at this job she began to feel the same way and in a huge amount of stress that was affecting her mentally and physically. It got worse because she was feeling empty and not productive. When she quit her job her husband suggested a hobby. She always had a love for photography and even took a minor study of art in college as well as the photography class in high school. Bethany would take pictures and connect with people via Poshmark and doing look challenges which then lead to content creation, blogging and everything just came together. Her favorite post so far has been when she partnered with Nordstrom. She then describes the experience,"I use my home and other product elements to make the post as genuinely me as possible and I like the fact that I for a moment became a photo stylist to bring the post together". Bethany definitely saw the spike of black and brown content creators and she’s glad because those are the types of jobs that were scarce at one point but she wants companies to be accepting and not see it as a marketing opportunity to make profit. Her content style resonates with the girl next-door who has hobbies and is casual but it still attainable with what she buys and recommends. She wants her posts to feel pleasing and for people identify with her posts so that she can be an ultimate go to. Before she accepts any partnership there are three things that she is mindful of; "one can I vouch for it and is it on brand for me. Two how can I make it relate to me as much as possible.

Lastly three will they pay me my worth." Bethany‘s hobbies include all types of shopping which includes window shopping, going to the movies(pre pandemic) she also loves to watch Netflix. The last movie which she stans for was lovebirds.

Besides

re-planning events due to COVID-19 she is staying as

her favorite phrase is "booked and busy". She also started a food page called @tspnoms which is a new venture and to reach more people and grow the Bethany brand. She wants to let women who were wanting to branch into the space to do the following; "be intentional with everything you do, put in the time in the effort because nothing happens overnight, and know your worth if it doesn’t feel right then is it in if you feel that you can’t counter or find a middle common value to agree on then think about it."

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@HEYCURLIE Romance Cox known as a heycurlie is a known blogger digital content creator on speaker and all-around beauty who is dominating the black space with providing hair product suggestions and styling options By: Erica Scott 15

Romance Cox @heycurlie

Romance has an experienced background in beauty and it was starting with nails then she moved to hair and then she pursued cosmetology where that love grew. This then started the route for her content creating and blogging she wants to reach every day women especially single moms. She wants to provide looks that anyone can do on an everyday basis.

Her favorite post was working with the brand “The Mane Choice'' for a new product called “Fro The Culture” in 2018.

She says, “ I loved it because it was for us and for black people as a whole and I got to have my son be a part of the project as well.” Romance’s day to day starts with prayer because she is a very spiritual person. Then getting her son ready for school, working on projects and content overall pacing herself. Her content style is easy-going and glamorous because she provides steps and also tutorials on how to accomplish a look. She loves connecting with people especially on this natural hair care journey which has definitely been a successful goal for her that she has met. Another big goal of hers and she wants to eventually take her brand to the next level creating her own hair products and being more visible on TV. One thing that she would do differently with her content creating is to be more vocal about things that she creates and also with products. Romance says her son is interested in following her footsteps with social media but taking on YouTube and tapping into gaming. Most of our plans have moved to 2021 and she is booking fast.During down time she been watching Netflix and shows like “Dead To Me”. 90 Day Fiancé on TLC, Lovebirds and other shows on television.

Overall ya girl heycurlie has a lot of good content coming this summer and big 16 things coming this fall.

BRITANNY B @THEBRITTANYB

The 9-5 Blogger By; Erica Scott Photgraphed by: visualbyk

Britany fell into the content creative space when she started a travel blog as an unknown passion. She calls herself a “fo- socialite” but she would be considered as an “Instasocialite” because she always gets invited to places and events. It wasn’t until two years ago when people began to DM her and ask her how she was able to work the nine to five and still be present on social media. With that being said she began to have the conversation for women especially women of color to ask more in the negotiation room, how to ask for it and what to expect. She also made a good point they’re having 9-to-5 shouldn’t be taboo or overrated, because most people who buy products or not are entrepreneurs. They work 9 to five. She wants to rid the connotation that you always should have a side hustle as well as disregarding the ongoing pressure to do so. What makes Brittany so unique is that she doesn’t do paid ads, brand collapse or sponsorships by choice. Blogging is just an outlet and something that she enjoys doing. She wants to overall create resources for people so they can advance in their careers if they want to.

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What's also great about Brittnay’s job is that they are aware of what she does outside of work with her blog and providing that transparency creates balance for both her at and outside of her work. Her media approach would be described as realistic and she overall wants other black women to see her lifestyle and that it is not out of reach.

Her dream goal would be a position that has both the strategy and a creative side to overall allow her to continue the lifestyle that she has. Her hobbies include cooking because she believes that food holds a strong emotional connection and also candle making. Two wishes that she would like to see amongst black and brown creators is to make sure you are getting paid your requested rate and calculate the cost to make sure your price is reflective for your work. Also if you are in the social media management or consulting space lend people your services. Brittany is a firm believer in helping others to be successful. She is even said if she is able to push the wall a little harder for the next person so that it’s easier for them then she has done her job. Another good thing that Britney does to make sure that she is actively helping the black community is to designate an amount of each check to purchase something from a black on business which we could all take a note from.

JEANNIE COOK

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by: Erica Scott From the education field Jeanie Cook always love books and reading. After leaving the teachers route and teaching alternative school she was looking for a new venture. That’s when Harriet bookstore was opened. With her being a writer creative in Entrepreneur where she need a quiet place to work. many people doubted the bookstore but it flourish into a unique place.She named the store Harriet After Harriet Tubman because she was a strong black woman who wore many hats and was selfless in every aspect of her life she was determined to make the next generation have a better life.

Jeanie is very passionate about how she feels about black women owing black businesses she says "black women restore order and have built this country supported our men and families and we’re going to lead and change the world".

When you enter Jeanie's bookstore it could be described as a secular sanctuary some say if black girl magic was a bookstore this would be it. What customer should expect at this bookstore is for the culture and gives earthy Erykah Badu vibes. Nother thing that makes this bookstore unique is that the books are curated and the selection changes monthly as well as having known and independent black women authors.

Her days are never the same she is an exclusive member of the 5 AM club and wears many hats with the store and as a mom. When Jeanie isn’t at work she still loves to write, is a dog lover and she loves any clip or video to do with master class. She has some great events coming up especially with author Kylie Reed overall when leaving her store she wants customers to feel empowered liberated and to think of freedom and to be able to create change.

JULY 2020

PROFILE

JEFF MANNING

by Erica Scott

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TOP TIPS FOR ASPIRING ARTISTS

Jeff is a Philadelphia-based Graphic Artist with 11 years of experience. In 2014, he received his Associates Degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Philadelphia.

Since graduating, he has worked with top clients and huge brand collaborators such as Adidas, 20th Century Fox, BET, Masego, University of Pittsburgh, Penguin Random Take a peek into a day House, and many more. HIs latest work was being featured in the May/June 2020 issue the life of budding of Essence Magazine. When asked about how he feels about more inblack and brown artist Stella Young, artists being recognized he said, "I feel like people are finally recognizing how talented how she improves and gifted we are. Even though people have already known this forand centuries."

Atypical craft day for Jeff is nothing ordinary sometimes his mind literally feels like it’sherrunning on 180 mph on the daily, but that just the average artist brain. That comes from things such as working on client projects, phone meetings, producing/shipping out orders from my online store, answering emails, and working on personal projects for the Jeff Manning Art brand. Jeff's art would describe as Afrofuturism and Abstractionism having a child, jeff's mission is for my audience to be inspired and to have their own personal connection with each piece. The 5 things that he would tell an aspiring artist, "is to ALWAYS stay true to who they are, never to be afraid to explore out of their comfort zone, never compare yourself to other artists, mistakes are a part of growth, and last but not least, ALWAYS work on your craft and sharpen your “sword”. We always have room for improvement". His overall career goal for the Jeff Manning brand is to have be able to travel the world to share my work with audiences internationally. I’ve accomplished that via social media. However, I would love to reach my international audience in person to give them a more personal and up-close experience. I also want to open up a large gallery and creative space that will operate as a safe haven for creatives (mainly Black creatives) to connect with each other and fully tap into their creative potentials without distractions. (Question 1a): I want to reach those who are searching for inspiration in my posts.

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BRIANAS EDITS @DISTURBRIANA Briana would describe herself as a proud black educated woman. She has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science & currently working on my Masters in Information Technology. She has a 9-5 working IT for a hospital and her after 5 is vlogging for myself. She had discovered a new love which is videography & film, which inspired her to provide media services for other people, Disturbriana Media!As she explores this new venture her purpose of vlogging is to “show people who I am and meet other people like me,as well as meet people that are different from me to learn other views on everyday topics. Do I think I'm the best communicator? No, not really. However, I believe the way I think and express myself is on the unique side because I'm an over-thinker. My YouTube channel is a visual diary of my over-thinking process, if that makes sense”. Her favorite post so far is my vacation to Jamaica that resulted in a 2-part vlog. Where she was immersed in Jamaican culture and having fun at the same time. She also confirms to me that when she travels, that her viewers increased on her channel! Now to business! She has completed her rebranding, but the purpose for her using Instagram is for promotional and insight reasons. Although she has done a paid promotion once, she knows that she uses it again to promote my videos or maybe a sponsorship video, or promoting my media services.

A typical day for Briana she says “comes from either a random activity, or a random topic that's been discussed with others.

If it's a planned vlog, I'll write down pin points so that when I record I won't go off topic (which sometimes happens). After recording, I'll edit the video, which may take me 2 days depending on my schedule with working and school. After exporting my video, I'll upload to YouTube, which depending on the length of the video it can take at most an hour. While the video is being uploaded to YouTube, I'll create a promo video to post on social media, along with creating an eye-catching thumbnail for YouTube. I'll also write my caption down ahead of time. That way, when the video is officially posted, I can post the promo for my content.”Briana has so many accomplishments under her belt already. She is, still I'm trying to figure out what an ultimate end goal is. Which alot of millennials are! However, she wanted people who subscribe and follow her to know that it's okay to be themselves. She also says “There's things that I might do or say that other YouTubers don't do or say...and that's okay. I don't feel like I need to trend in order to make a difference. If I get to that point, I'd be grateful, but that's not important for me”. When Briana isn't working she is doing homework or vlogging/doing media work, going on a trail walk She also loves to dance/create choreography, play video games, and dabble into design websites, and learning app development which she plans to make into a business venture.

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UZO NJOKU TOP TIPS FOR ASPIRING ARTISTS @UZO.ART

By Erica Scott

Uzo is a Nigerian contemporary African artist. Her art focuses and revolves around women on the diaspora ,retelling our stories in the form of art and color. She is a recent graduate from UVA and her inspiration was getting the courage and the push to take a chance with what makes her happy when she switched her major from statistics to art.

That was the best decision she could’ve made because she didn’t feel like she was bored anymore and really began to love learning again. She chose that piece to re-create because there aren’t a lot of women that paint this particular portrait only men and she wanted to be able to allow viewers to see the painting from a different point of view a black woman. Although Uzo day starts at 6 AM she still keeps a strict workday remaining from 9 to 5.

Between those times she checks her emails, has meetings, she meets with her art dealer, and other various tasks. After five she goes straight to the studio and paints and creates originals. Uzo describes her art as a figurative pattern base, compositionally strong, colorful and bright. Her favorite part about her job is when her customers are happy with their pieces. Three important elements when she creates her art is; composition, color scheme and pattern making. . For other black women who are wanting to be artists or just want to create, she gives you this piece of advice: create for the right reason the money will come later and also get critiques from other artists because they will give you honest feedback about whether they like it or not or what you could change. Another highlight for Uzo this year Is that she was featured on Beyoncé‘s website. This was a great deal to be acknowledged by a celebrity when I am just creating what I love and she was able to recognize that. Uzo has many pieces on her website and she has many new exciting ventures ahead.

More words from Uzo shares words of wisdom from her years of experience as a young painter.

EXPERIMENT

If you're undecided on which path to take, try several paths and then decide which one is the best fit.

“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”

HAVE A CLEAR IDEA OF WHAT YOU WANT.

“It's not hard to decide what you want your life to be about.

What's hard, she said, is figuring out what you're willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about.”

WORK ON PERSONAL PROJECTS. “I feel like every project I work on is a dream project, so long as I am learning.”

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EQUALLITY magazine JULY • 2020

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EVER BALANCED WITH WHITNEY @FLAVORANDFLOW

By Erica Scott

New york native Whitney moved to Dallas Texas with her college sweetheart now husband and was starting fresh. In her search for what she want to take on next she came to a crossroads with finding something to calm her stress. She has always been strong in her faith but wanted to find a more deeper spiritual connection. That's when she founded "Flow and Flavor" , a christian based yoga company.

Although she teaches woman of all ages her largest age audience is 25-34. What she wants her subscribers and followers to know is that she offers a safe space where women can let go of mental worries and a christian environment where which can help people really connect with God and their inner peace.

She wants to be a voice for black women to occupy and diversify the yoga spectrum. She would describe her content style as "relaxed and relatable" she want all women, especially women of color to be comfortable and seen. Her favorite type of yoga to teach is Vinyas, because its face pace and has a constant flow.

She already does so much as a content creator the hardest part about it she would say is planning the content and making sure she is getting out of her comfort zone.

What she has planned for the upcoming months is an Yoga Zoom Series so women can feel comfortable and do yoga at home. she says that "Being at home is where people feel the most safe and relaxed no matter where or the size of your home you know that its yours". For women who are wanting to enter the yoga space Whitney has these tips for you, "1. stay focused on your journey, meaning don't worry about the girl who can do every pose.

2.Don't get discouraged, and 3. take your time to find your connection".

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EQUALLITY magazine JULY • 2020

Travel

SELF DISCOVERY DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING

Story

By Erica Scott

During the time for social distancing it has been reiterated so many times to stay 6 feet when in stores. As we stay home we should be taking the time to get to know ourselves all over again! Self discovery gives us time to improve ourselves and become better humans. Being home I have realized that self care and self love/ discovery are two different things!Self love is more than doing workouts or taking bubble baths. It's being able to listen to your body and mind to take a break, get rest and be grateful for the physical features that you have without having negative comments towards yourself. For example instead of looking in the mirror poking and pulling, be confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Remember everyone has one thing that they don't have but you might have and vise versa. Self discovery is the things that you do that you never noticed before.

It's like a bad habbit or something that you do excessively. Remember to be grateful and understanding with yourself. It is not something you can change overnight, it can take time, so be patient with yourself. The fact that you have acknowledged it you can be able to create steps to do better or change if you are willing. This will only make you better in the long run!Social distancing and staying home is lonely whether you are home alone or with your family, but taking this time to slow down, analyze and reevaluate what's important. For example we as people are becoming more empathetic to others and not so quick to judge, but humbled, because we all are in the same boat. Take time to appreciate all of the good and bad. Check in with friends and family. Lastly indulge in self care; getting that extra sleep, putting on face masks, yoga and bubble baths. Even catching up on tv shows or scrolling or detoxing from social media. Don't ever be ashamed because you need time to yourself during this time and after this. These are uncertain times and can be stressful, just take time to relax.

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"One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals."

- Michelle Obama

@wafflebubble

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5 Black Mental Health Resources 1. Therapy For Black Girls is a podcast, community, and therapist directory started

by Joy Harden Bradford, a black psychologist, who hoped to bridge the gap between black women and therapy.

2.

Melanin & Mental Health was founded by two black women therapists to promote mental and emotional healing in black and Latinx communities through multi-city events, a therapist directory, and a podcast.

3. Open Path Collective, while not aimed specifically at people of color, helps to ease the financial burden that often comes with therapy. With sliding scale costs, Open Path Collective seeks to be a safe space for marginalized identities to receive therapy.

4. Ethel’s Club is a social and wellness club aimed at people of color. Because of covid now the club is providing virtual wellness events to members, and even more recently, free mental health resources to non-members.

5. Therapy For Black Men is aimed at helping black men find a therapist who is informed about the unique mental health issues that black men face

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BY: MENISHA RICHARDSON LOOK AT ME

What do you see when you look at me Do you see the hurt behind my eyes The fault lines in my smile The weakness in my knees All the hidden cuts The bruises all over my body Have you noticed the tremble in my voice as I try to act tough, try to sound strong, keep it together just a little bit longer Years of name calling, stone throwing and crushing spirits Hold on tight still more to come Stand tall, stay strong, have tough skin they say Not even the wind can move mountains Tell me what you see when you look at me Am I ordinary, am I extraordinary What I am is unapologetically me Deep wounds, beautiful soul Tossed aside elegance self-conscious doubter a silent fighter, a loud lover an expression of words Do you see me now, tell me 31

SUMMER BRUNSON

Summer is a Philly based artist and has been drawing since the young age of four. She has been deeply embedded into art since and got into painting during my college years and fell in love with it. She still create drawings and sketches, but painting has become my favorite medium to work with. A majority of her work consists of portraits; portraits of people of color to be more black people to be precise. She was inspired to create art about my own people, so she made sure to make my artwork reflect that. Summer wants to reach a wide variety of people, especially black artists. She says "I hope through my artwork I can inspire my fellow artists, no matter what type of art they are involved in.

Overall, I hope to bring love, being relatable, beauty and strength to people's minds as they see my artwork".

Going through social media, we see so many Black artists creating such great varieties of artwork. Art is not just about painting pretty pictures; it is also deeply involved in sharing messages and feelings, whether it's just dealing with the artist personally or what may be going on around them. With all of the protests, killings and brutalities that are happening now, it probably seems like Black art is more on the rise, but Summer has personally always felt that Black art and artists have always been rising trying to portray their feelings and messages through their artwork.

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With her art, she always wants viewers to just feel the personalities and visual depictions of my figures. She also says "growing up and taking art classes and going to art schools, it wasn't often that I saw or learned about artwork or artists that looked like me. I always had to find Black artists and artworks on my own. So, from there I made sure to create artwork about my own people. With every single artwork that I make, I hope to give inspiration and to show off the beauty, awesomeness and blessings of being Black."

Five tips that Summer would let new artist know is; One:" Research other artists, both master and local artists. It's good for inspiration." Two: "Practice and dabble in different mediums of art. I love doing oil paintings, but I have done printmaking, metal shop jewelry, watercolors, ceramics, graphic design, markers and many others. This is good to do so that you can discover what you love, like and don't like working with". Three:" Reach out to other artists. The art life is beautiful but it is not easy, and having a good artist friend or more can relax your mind and bring up great and relatable conversations." Four: " Art supplies can be very expensive, but do not feel discouraged if you don't have the coin for it. Inexpensive art supplies can be just as good. I've made art using both expensive and cheap art materials and have made good and bad art pieces with both. Art is first and foremost about your hard work, talent and skill. From there, you can understand different supplies you can make work for you. Five "Create as much as you can. Trust me, IÂ know life happens to us and can sometimes get in the way.

Don't feel discouraged if you haven't created for a while; you're still an artist, as long as you're thinking about art. But again, try to create as much as you can. Your artwork doesn't always have to be extravagant, even if it's only for 5 minutes, CREATE!" Summer has many artistic goals but the one that She wants the most is her own studio/personal space to create in. When she was at Temple University's Tyler School of Art,she had her own studio, which I loved.There she had so much inspiration and created so many great works from being in there. So yes, a studio is definitely my next goal.

Shaakira and Rudy Molisho 33

Recently married couple Rudy and Shaakira talk about being entrepreneurs and marriage

Black LUV

By: Erica Scott

Shaakira Molisho is a serial entrepreneur based in Ohio in the co-founder of "Be the light and inspire", an all-around music lover and a dog mom. Her husband Rudy is from the Congo is an entrepreneur also the co-founder of "Be The Light and Inspire" and has just written a book call "God's Creation".They met while working at Children’s Hospital. They started off his coworkers and even though he noticed her well before they decided to stay professional until she left. Their favorite dates involve traveling and going out to restaurants. Their most recent trip pre-pandemic was to Orlando Florida Stay. They enjoyed this trip because they did not go to Disney World and they were able to take advantage of the Florida nightlife. Shaakira loves to try new foods but our favorite food has been African food thanks to her husband. Rudy is all about the international food because he loves flavor.

As they were preparing to be husband and wife both Shaakira and Rudy had plenty of new traditions to embrace. One tradition that stood out to Shaakira was the difference between the Black American family and the African family and how they care for each other. She goes to explain that the African family are more accepting and more family oriented a trait that Rudy strongly displays.

She also mentioned that the African family helps a person from start to finish the while some Black American families are more independent and will help when needed. Both Rudy and Shaakira agree that being entrepreneur and spouses are not easy but this first year of marriage has allowed them to accept each other's viewpoint so that things can be resolved. Also when someone has a business meeting or any event to talk with one another to make sure that things can be worked around the schedules. Three things that make their relationship great and could help others is one keep God first to communication and three patience. A career goal for Shaakira is to continue to expand her companies,create her art and impact the world to spark change. Black love to them means respecting each other, being able to stay strong as a unit even though these times are tough.

Although the world looks at us different we have to be each others back bone and continue to push one another so we can make it through anything. To learn more about Shaakira and Rudy and their companies you can find them on all social media platforms @shaakiramolisho and @rudyvinmolisho.

MIKE MOORE Artist of the Month

Mike Moore the Producer is a music producer and beat-maker based in Philly.

He has been creating music since 2 years young after his parents bought me a Casio keyboard. He says, "growing up I taught myself how to play piano while being a marching drummer in my schools' bands, drum lines & drill teams, which helped me become the creative I am today." While studying Digital Media Production at The Art Institute of Philadelphia, he landed first job at Lil' Drummaboy Recordings (LDB), a full-service recording studio & audio production school. He is currently the assistant manager of LDB, where he engineers, teach & produce music full-time. With music he wants people to know "I create, I hope to reach any & every consumer of music, specifically music artists who are in need of original music production services." Over the last few years, he developed a hunger to be the one-stop-shop for artists who are looking for beats. Aside from that, he also want to reach those who enjoy easy-listening, soulful tracks to vibe to. Mike's favorite niches are Lofi, Hip-Hop & Electronic music, so to reach that crowd in mass varieties is always a desire. Mike says my "job doesn't feel like work. I literally wake up every day and create music, whether it's making a new instrumental from scratch or going into the studio to record someone.

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Even teaching audio is fun, as I get to lend a hand in helping people jump-start or further their careers in the music industry". Even when Mike was younger, he always wanted to make a living doing what he love to do, which brings peace and happiness to his life. It wasn't an easy journey, spent countless hours and days doing what he didn't want to do in hopes that it would have a huge permanent payoff. But he is happy to see that it has come into fruition and excited for the continous growth that's at hand. What he loves most about my job. He says. "I've always studied the work of famous musicians of almost every genre, developing a diverse skill-set & creative range for making beats. In my music, there are influences of sounds from Hip-Hop, Jazz, Dance, Pop, EDM, and so much more." Overall, Mike would describe my music as minimal, soulful, easylistening, vibey, dimension-challenging production that affects people on a metaphysical level. Which is why he labelled his music "Good Vibes". He has even reflected that concept in a 9-album instrumental Soundcloud series called "Good Vibes Only" from 2016-2019, along with a series of remixes & exclusive singles. Mike want his music to simply be enjoyed by anyone given any circumstance. His favorite 5 songs, out of thousands, would include the following: "Photosynthesis" by Saba & Jean Deaux, "Hello" by Ivan Ave, "Lile Really" by Oddisee, "Chill Pill" by Hawk House, & "Fly" by D Smoke & Davion Farris. Mike finds it cool that over the years I have collaborated with people by producing songs for their albums, producing the music for a commercial & even supplying instrumentals to a few independent films . A goal for him would be to work with at least one mainstream artist, whether a rapper or singer, & produce at least one track for them. He says " I would be satisfied with just one opportunity, as it can by itself lead to many open doors in the future. We'll see what happens, but I'm forever confident those things will happen, & I'm currently working to put myself in those positions."

@sonnystuyvesant

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@sonnystuyvesant

AN INTERVIEW WITH QUANDELL IGLESIA

BY ERICA SCOTT

@iquandell I had the pleasure of interviewing New Jersey’s Quandell Iglesia. He is a Gen Z trailblazer making moves at such a young age. With his consulting firm specializing in entrepreneurship, public speaking, and social media consulting and non-profit SNJ Millennials, he is really exposing people from all age groups to new resources and expanding the overall business playing field. He started his firm after realizing that working in fast food wasn’t going to expand his communication and networking skills the way he wanted. He has always been a go-getter starting in high school starting his own photography business. That gave him the jump start to pursue his future successful endeavors. His day starts with the basic am routine and as he said “being productive not only throughout the day and making sure that you are actually accomplishing realistic goals, but being prepared at the end of the day to have a plan for the next step”. His goal for his companies is to be even more heavily involved in his community and provide resources to people that they are able to tap in order to create a better life and work-life for themselves.

Also, he said he wanted to “develop a deeper impact within his community and make a difference”, which he is already doing with that his public speaking and community outreach. He also believes to make sure you reach your audience correctly, this stood out to me the most during our interview. He made it very clear when he is public speaking he reads the room and takes the time to get to know the people in a room so you can reach them properly and there can be a positive outcome. So, I’m sure you are wondering, what does Quandell do when he isn’t working his busy schedule???? He is an avid movie buff and sees movies three times a week. Since we are all home for the ongoing pandemic he has done some streaming as we all have and just finished the show “For Life” on ABC, which make me think he enjoys show that people find his purpose and use the resources available despite life’s obstacles, which seems to mirror his personality. He is a Seafood and Italian foodie, so he knows the best of the best in Jersey, and lastly, he wants to be an aspiring international traveler. Quandell will be attending many events once the pandemic has subsided, but he is really excited about his first annual “Spring into Wellness” event in New Jersey through his nonprofit, SNJ Millennials. It will be geared to beauty, health, and wellness. There will be plenty of activities for the whole family! Lastly, Quandell wants to tell anyone starting wanting to start a firm or business, “If it’s on your heart go for it! There will be plenty of people that will doubt and tell you why you can do it but appreciate the hard season and stay focused on what you want to achieve.”

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OMG LACEY

written by

Erica Scott 39

Lacey is a blogger and a stylist in the Nova/DC Area. We had the pleasure to interview him and how he is speaking up within the LGBTQ+ community of color.

EM: What does being black and in the LGBTQ+ community mean to you?

LH: “Being black and in the LGBTQ+ community,I feel a sense of pride because pride originated from queer Black people. But sometimes I feel discounted and ignored as a black person because this community is filled with racism. I also do not want to be used for clout or over-sexualized as a stereotype fetish.”

EM: What conversations are you having to spread awareness about the racial equality within this community?

LH: “I want to spark conversations about spreading awareness by dissecting the Black Lives Matter umbrella by orientation, gender, and colorism so that there is a more open and equal understanding.Breaking all of these components in media and real-life when accepted and recognized could piece together to overall improve the Black Lives Matter Movement.”

EM: How would you describe where you fit in within the LGBTQ community.

LM: “First of all I want people to stop cornering others into something they want them to be, meaning to force a false narrative on someone."

This goes into where he feels that I don't fit in and this is ok. I am accepting who I am and all of the traits from many distinct groups in the community”.

EM:What changes would you like to see within the community improved for people of color?

LH: “I want all media of all forms to do better with the representation of not only showcasing light skin black trans women, gay, and queer people. Also to reduce the streotypes for black and queer men being, ‘“the sassy black person” becuase we all do not act that way. Also to open the floor for more brown roles that don’t need to be supported by their lighter skin colleagues.”

EM:Who do want to reach through your post?

LH: I want people who are like minded like me. I know I am weird and different with my hobbies and interests, but there are people who like this too. I also want to reach out to people who can be inspired by me because I am saying what they are feeling and they can relate to me. So if you are a positive person and like what I post and genuinely f***** with me then continue to follow”.

EM: What are 3 things you would tell your 16 year old self.

LH: “Hmm lol ok so; one: leave the white boys alone (lol), two: pick up a sport, and three don’t worry about the small stuff because of the future there are many other important things you’ll have to worry about."

EM: For a person of color who is discovering who they are and are new to the community what would you tell them?

LH: “For people that are newly finding their identity and joining this community he gives you this advice," just be yourself and don’t try to impress others because you will end up hurting yourself and others within this community. Learn who you are first and allow people who are accepting of you in your circle.”

It factor @ITFACTOR_BOUTIQUE

By: Erica Photography by Shanita Drakeford

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THE STYLE SECTION

Shanita wears many hats. She is a full time worker for NASA, an entrepreneur of iT factor, a mother and a grandmother. I have always been fashionable at work and outside of work. She says that her fashion appeals to all ages but if I had to be specific I would like to appeal to the working women between the ages 22-58 to let them know it is totally ok to be cute and classy. When she joined Instagram, she thought this was a great opportunity to tell my fashion story through pictures. It's also a great way to connect with millennials which use social media a lot. A typical work day for me is working my 9 to 5 job and after work I work on my business which includes posting on my social media platforms, looking for new and fresh trends, going through inventory, updating my website, mailing orders and sending out emails to my mailing list for upcoming events.When asked to describe her fashion Shanita says; “I would describe my fashion as bold, bright edgy, and fun. Her favorite part about being the owner of iT Factor is that she makes people look and feel beautiful and the connections that we share.

The overall goal for her brand is to differentiate my product from those in my same field, build long-lasting relationships that go beyond fashion and create credibility and trust. Outside of her brand Shanita loves to travel and spend time with my grandson.

Shanita has noticed the rise of more African Americans being business owners and more people buying black and she is here for it however , she stated “I don’t want it just be a trend, supporting black businesses should be a lifestyle”.She has been very productive during the pandemic by hosting virtual Sip & Shops which helps her connect with my audience during such trying times.

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING @heyyymrsharris @vivid_duyna @heycurlie @twentysomethingplus @nayesnieche @shaakira molisho and@rudyvinmolisho @sonnystuyvesant @uzoart @itfactor_boutique @omglacey @iquandell @ flavorandflow @summertimeblues @disturbriana @jeffmanning @mikemooretheproducer @thebrittanyb @wafflebubble @harrietts__bookshop @bae.bybleu @janete_succuma @theemotionless society

EQUALLITY Â A magazine TO SHOWCASE POC BUSINESSES

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