CONTENTS
Page 2: Shop The Brand (Virtuoso)
Page 10: "We Been Rockin' Crowns" Page 12: Summer Haze Page 20: May Reign Page 22: Summer Fashion Lookbook Page 26: Prom Glam Page 33: Short Girl Problems Page 38: Culture, Junkanoo Commandos Page 40: The Well Groomed Man Page 48: Black is Beautiful
SHOP THE BRAND WWW.VIRTUOSOMAGAZINE.COM/
This page, "Virtuoso Cover" T-Shirt Photography: Belinda Vickerson Model: Jashuna Jones Opposite page, Legend Series T-Shirt "Ladona" Model: Asia Davis
This page, Legend Series T-Shirt "Marlissa" Model: Asia Davis Opposite page page, "Virtuoso Logo" T-Shirt Photography: Belinda Vickerson Model: Jashuna Jones
"WE BEEN ROCKIN’ CROWNS"
by: Patrice Jeffries (@shewriteslife)
Khailiah and Quesi Campfield, a mother-son duo from New York, have started a clothing brand to brilliantly inspire and spread an upbeat and motivational reminder to all of us: "We Been Rockin’ Crowns." This message is paired on apparel with images of crowned icons like Nina Simone, who were champions for civil rights and pioneers in the modern history of African Americans. Ms. Campfield is the principal of Life Christian Academy School of Performing Arts. Her message speaks to a larger spectrum of ideas that we must continue to fight for control of our own narrative. She says, “One of the most important parts of my life’s work is to teach students who they are in the world. Make sure they know of James Baldwin and Frederick Douglass. We have to educate our students on what it was like for us not to have the right to vote, I want them to know that hundreds of African Americans businesses were burned down on black Wall Street. Learning our history is important because it tells us exactly who we are and how we evolved.” Khaliah says she wanted something her son and his friends could wear to teach them the royalty in their roots. Their goal is to generate conversation around the negative cultural representations in mass media and its effects on our youth’s behavior, self -esteem and social development. To truly understand the rescued consciousness that their message delivers, we must take a closer look at the social circumstances that made it necessary for such a movement to be born. From preschool to high school black students are being disproportionately criminalized all around the country by what has come to be known as the “school-to-prison pipeline. Also, let us not forget text book authors are out here in these streets trying to put a “positive” spin on slavery while vandalizing our ancestry. Jesus be a history book or my bail money because I am EXHAUSTED. For years, we have continued to side-eye the media and music industry for their representations of African Americans on television and in music lyrics. The quantity of African American images on television has increased, yet sadly the quality of these images has not. Boring and repetitive ass stereotypes seem to keep resurface in our sitcoms, newscasts and on the big screen. As for the fall of black leadership within the music world… different clown; different circus. Okay, you want to know the American equation for the internalized oppression of an entire a race of people? Take a deep breath, and get out your reading glasses. Here it is: You must first try to alter or erase the history of that particular nation. Next, you attempt to rewrite their past. Spend millions destroying everything that represented their glorious culture. Then disconnect them from their past and manipulated their mind to control them efficiently in present. Now how deep is that? Nevertheless we brown people naturally possess an air of unbotherness toward our adversaries. We have always been royalty. We will continue to pass down our stories from the right to own land to the right to vote. The Atlanta based brand is only offering online options for purchases but has plans to be in stores over the next year.
SUMMER HAZE Photographed by Belinda Vickerson Styled by Charlie Hill-Henderson Makeup by Charlene Dunlap Hair Stylist Elnora Foggy Hair Provided by Hair Like Cashmere Model Ladona J. Taylor
MAY REIGN
May Reign is a prolific author, spoken word artist, entrepreneur, motivational speaker and candle maker. Her interest in poetry was initially sparked in 2nd grade, when a teacher from her Elementary school had her to memorize and recite "In The Morning" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Through that teacher, she was exposed to the poetry of Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou and many others. Deeply moved by the art form, it wouldn't be long before her interest grew from reading to writing poetry of her own.
Today, May Reign is still whipping soy candles in her kitchen, and also known as one of South Florida's most powerful female poets in the game. She has published two books and a writing journal. Her performances have caught International attention and has afforded her the opportunity to share her work abroad and in several venues across the United States, to include being featured at New York's prestigious Nuyorican Cafe, as well as opening for Activist Dr. Angela Davis. Her fans are enormous in number, but testimonials are concurrent that she touches each fan on a very personal level.
Website: mayreign.com Facebook: May Reign IG: themoonflowerco
Dear Sir (Juneteenth)
by May Reign
I imagine there be no proper way to untie a noose. I reckon there be no dignified way for you to turn me loose. I bleeve yo sheets need turnin down Yo pillows need a fluffin I speck by mo'nin time, you be lookin fu' your favorite muffins. I gather yo dishes gone be piled And tears from yo chile. I imagine Mrs milk done dried up. She ain't nursed her own in quite awhile. I imagine dis place get dusty In bout a week or so, Base boards gone need a washin Ret long with them flo's. I gather round bout midnight when Mrs. fast asleep You be stirrin wit frustration When you come to look fuh me. Never quite did understand why you hates my colored skin But when de' clock done struck on 12, my bed you climbin in. I been hidin some kinda pain suh, behind this humble grin, Wonder what you do now suh when yo mind fill up wit sin. Mrs best be learning to cook fuh you, No time to learn her how, I reckon she gone scrub dis place, Guess she be yo' nigga now. They tells me that I'm free today I don't know what that means See I was born into this slavery, Only free inside my dreams. Suh, I'se gone take up my rags, Tho I gots no place to go, Waited long time just to say I don't b'longs to you nomore. Der's a stirin in my spirit, a joy I can't make out. I best be on my way to see what this freedom is all about!!! I'm goin to the Southern tree, Where they hung my Willie Joe. I want him to be the first to see, I ain't nobody slave no mo' A long road up ahead, Wont be easy days for me, I ant never asked God for nothing, Only prayed that I be free. Aint never asked God fuh nuthin. Only prayed that I be free.
STYLE
Summer Fashion Lookbook Where Fashion Lives: Bold Colors, Patterns & Accessories Photographer: DStewy DSoul Fotography MUA: Jillian Quartimon Model/Fashion Stylist: Chenise Peterson
PROM GLAM!
Every year, high school prom season gets more and more extravagant. From exotic cars to celebrity appearances, these teens and parents pull out all the stops to make this an experience to remember. Gone are the days of department store dresses, makeup from mom and borrowing dad's car. Now, parents are awarding their fashion forward teens with custom or designer gowns, professional makeup, hair and the best photographers to document their special day. Prom season has become a chance for kids to show their creativity and style while making a statement on the red carpet. Photographed by www.s5designs.com Photographed by www.s5designs.com
Jada Franklin
T Morris
Jonazia Johnson
Jalen Bynum
Mari Hines
SHORT GIRL PROBLEMS
Short Girl Problems is a fun, casual, and vibrant lounge wear clothing line created by model and designer Kemrya Londyn to empower women who are short in stature. In the modeling world, shorter models are typically limited to certain lines of work because they do not meet the industry "height requirement". As an individual, Kembrya never placed limits on herself so she thought, "why should anyone else?" Tall models have always dominated the modeling world and plus size models are breaking barriers, creating a lane for themselves. Now S.G.P plans to do the same for all women that are 5'6 and under! There's a lot in store coming from S.G.P! Be on the look out for more sexy, fun, and casual wear coming soon!
Photographer: Belinda Vickerson Makeup: Lexis Jaid Stylist: Kembrya Londyn
Photographer: Belinda Vickerson Makeup: Lexis Jaid Stylist: Kembrya Londyn Model: Jayla Paris
Photographer: Belinda Vickerson Makeup: Lexis Jaid Stylist: Kembrya Londyn Model: Marlissa Clark
Photographer: Belinda Vickerson Makeup: Lexis Jaid Stylist: Kembrya Londyn Model: KariiDoll
Photographer: Belinda Vickerson Makeup: Lexis Jaid Stylist: Kembrya Londyn Model: Alexus Gervin
CULTURE
JUNKANOO COMMANDOS by: Belinda Vickerson
According to Wikipedia, "Junkanoo is a street parade with music, dance, and costumes of Akan origin in many towns across the Bahamas every Boxing Day and New Year's Day, the same as "Kakamotobi" or the Fancy Dress Festival." Junkanoo troupes create their own costumes, music and choreography. They perform during Carnivals, festivals and private events all over the world. I had the opportunity to experience the Junkanoo recently with the Junkanoo Commandos as they traveled from the Bahamas to Cordele, Georgia to perform at the Indigo Life Women's Empowerment Conference and Expo. Their performance is electric! Colorful and intricate handmade costumes, rhythmic music and an infectious energy that makes any crowd move to the beat. They bring a taste of the rich history and culture of the Caribbean with them where ever they go. The largest Junkanoo party parades takes place in Nassau, so book your flight or cruise and get ready for the greatest show on earth!
THE WELL GROOMED MAN PHOTOGRAPHY: BELINDA VICKERSON HAIR: BRANDON BRACY MODEL: QUIN BIVENS
SOUTH GEORGIA FASHION WEEK SEPTEMBER 29TH, 2017 ALBANY, GEORGIA
WWW.SOUTHGEORGIAFASHIONWEEK.COM
BLACK IS
BEAUTIFUL
Photography: Belinda Vickerson Hair: Marq Bee Makeup: @Fabuxtwo
Photography: Belinda Vickerson Hair: Marq Bee Makeup: @Fabuxtwo Model: Lashawnda Benefield
Photography: Belinda Vickerson Hair: Marq Bee Makeup: @Fabuxtwo Model: Toni Gayle
Photography: Belinda Vickerson Hair: Marq Bee Makeup: @Fabuxtwo Model: Mimi Newbill