3 minute read
ON THE COVER
Tony-nominated and Obie Award-winner Nikki Crawford graces our cover in this issue.
Tony Smith
Publisher
Rhonda Foster-Smith
Editor In Chief
Jo-Lynne Herbert
Associate Editor
Paulette Jackson
Contributing Editor
Keyanna Harper
Contributing Editor
Donnell Spencer, Jr
Photography Director
Advertising and Sales publisher@indieincognito com
Editorial Submissions publisher@indieincognito.com
Indie Incognito is published by Foster Smith Group, LLC
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Tony Smith
Publisher, Indie Incognito
The real cause for concern in America today isn't just one thing? It's a combination of accelerating crises that feed into each other. If you step back, the big picture looks like a system that's losing control of itself in multiple ways Here's what's truly alarming:
The Breakdown of Trust (In Everything)
People don't trust the government (too corrupt, too dysfunctional). They don't trust the media (too biased, too corporate). They don't trust elections (too influenced, too rigged). They don't trust AI and tech (too unregulated, too powerful). Without trust, democracy collapses into tribalism, conspiracy, and chaos
Economic Stratification (A New Feudalism) The wealth gap is at absurd levels. Billionaires and corporations are hoarding power, while most people are drowning in debt. Housing, healthcare, and education are becoming luxuries instead of rights. The American Dream is increasingly a myth unless you are born into the right circumstances.
These are a few things to think about. We all know there are so many more things we are concerned about daily.
Yet, we are a strong people. We will survive. We will still thrive.
A Black woman's place right now is wherever she wants to be—leading, innovating, creating, and shaping the world in powerful ways. Across industries, Black women are making strides in politics, business, technology, entertainment, and activism, often overcoming systemic barriers while paving the way for future generations. In Leadership and Politics, Black women are increasingly stepping into influential roles. From Vice President Kamala Harris breaking barriers to numerous Black women mayors, judges, and legislators, their voices are shaping policy and advocating for justice. In Business and Innovation, Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S. Despite facing funding disparities, they continue to launch successful businesses, invest in their communities, and build generational wealth. In Culture and Media, from music and film to literature and digital platforms, Black women are driving cultural conversations. Figures like Beyoncé, Issa Rae, and Ava DuVernay use their platforms to empower and redefine narratives. In Activism and Social Change, Black women have always been at the forefront of social movements, from the Civil Rights era to Black Lives Matter. They continue to fight for equality, reproductive rights, and economic justice. Challenges and Resilience Despite their successes, Black women still face racial and gender disparities in pay, healthcare, and leadership opportunities. Yet, they continue to thrive, organize, and uplift each other through sisterhood and community. The Bottom Line: A Black woman’s place is wherever she claims it. The world is watching, and more importantly, it’s being transformed by the brilliance, resilience, and power of Black women every day. Would you like to highlight any specific areas where Black women are making an impact? Black women's place right now is wherever they want. to be—leading, innovating, creating, and shaping the world in powerful ways. Across industries, Black women are making strides in politics, business, technology, entertainment, and activism, often overcoming systemic barriers while paving the way for future generations. Jo-Lynn Herbert is the Associate Editor of Indie Incognito magazine and founder of jo-lynns-expressions.com
