Legends Magazine September 2019 Issue

L.

september 2019

CONTENTS *THE RECAP

001 Highlighting (Fashion and Interior) 002-004 What you should be WATCHing, READing, EATing & LISTENing *THE FEATURES 006 “For Our Demons” By Brittney Bonner 007-008 “A Day at the Museum” By Lena Hardy 009-010 Film Noir Presents: “Within Our Gates” By Ashlee Rouse *THE INTERVIEW 011-016 Meet the Legend: Gabriella Griffin

DESIGN HAS TO MAKE SENSE, ART DOES NOT.

YOU ARE MAGIC. YOU ARE LEGENDARY.

“Rise above normal to become the legend you were always meant to be.

This is a publication of freedom, expression and inspiration, a new home to belong, to create, to educate.�

This is Legends Magazine.

WELCOME

:001LENA’S LOST LETTERS

FASHION

The Power of a white t-shirt

Interior

The Rise of Tiny Homes

Tiny homes pack a big punch on benefits and advantages. according to the almost credible wikipedia, the tiny house movement which started with jay shafer in 1997 is an architectural and social movement that advocates living simply in small houses. they may be rented or owned, on wheels or set on a foundation. these low expense homes provide options of endless unigueness and originality when comes to layout and interior design. it also provides lower energy use, freedom of movement, easier maintenance and harmony with nature. what can beat those benefits? Is it a movement you are willing to try?

when it comes to my wardrobe, there’s nothing like a basic white t-shirt. when i’m unsure, when it’s extremely hot, when i want to look fresh and clean, a white t-shirt is my go-to pick every time. i’m the type of person that prefers to take more chances with my bottoms rather than my tops. therefore, most of my pants are statement pieces and i don’t like to clash with an equally funky top. i believe a white t-shirt pairs perfectly with any and everything. Fashion shouldn’t be difficult, it should be effortless and there’s nothing more effortless than a white t-shirt.

And not to mention, most white t-shirts are inexpensive. Bonus.

WATCH

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After one of my all time favorite shows, “Pretty Little Liars” ended, Freefrom Network was presented with the tough challenge of filling that particular time slot with a new show that would hold the attention of its viewers. They brillantly picked “The Bold Type” and obviously it’s bold if nothing else. The drama series is inspired by the life of longtime magazine editor Joanna Coles and focuses on three young women navigating life, career and love in New York City. The friendship between these women seems to be incredibly real, on and off the screen. It’s one of the best shows on television especially for the millenial woman. Season four of “The Bold Type” is already in the process and expected to return in Spring 2020.

“When the world tells you to shrink, expand.”

-Elaine Welteroth

READ

If you are a college student , young journalist, business woman or professional, Elaine Welteroth’s “More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) is a must read. I started following Welteroth on Instagram shortly after news broke that she would become the Editor In Chief of ”Teen Vogue” in April of 2016. This promotion made her the second person of African American heritage in Conde Nast’s history to hold such a title. She was also the youngest, being only 29 years old. Her story is inspiring, real, honest, funny, and thought provoking. It’s focus is career driven but also highlights mistakes and triumphs with relationships and friendships. You read the words and you can hear Elaine’s voice, it’s so beautifully written. This is the novel you read if you’re lost, if you’re struggling to find a voice of your own, if you’re unsure about a situation in your career, if you’re uncomfortable in your relationship, or if you need some motivation to keep going, know that “More Than Enough” is the book for you. It’s the book to bring you to an understanding that you are more than enough and you have every right to claim your space, claim your time and claim your life.

Thank you, Elaine.

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EAT

GRILLED CHICKEN BRUSCHETTA Recipe from delish.com

Are you looking to add a new, easy meal up your sleeve? Try this Grilled Chicken Bruschetta for your next weeknight dinner. Pair it with a caesar salad and garlic bread rolls to complete the meal.

INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast 1 tbsp. dried oregano 2 tsp. garlic powder kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 c. chopped tomatoes 1/2 shallot, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 c. Freshly Chopped Basil Shaved Parmesan, for garnish Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

DIRECTIONS

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil.

On a plate, season chicken with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Add chicken to skillet and cook until golden and no longer pink, 8 minutes per side.

In a large bowl, make bruschetta topping: Stir together tomatoes, olive oil, shallot, garlic, and basil and season generously with salt and pepper.

Top chicken with bruschetta topping and shaved Parmesan. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

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LISTEN Right off the bat, this album by Snoh Aalegra gives you exactly what you think it would based on the album title, “-Ugh, those feels again”, the slow, heart grabbing, emotional, “make you think about your ex” ballads are everything we want and need especially on a rainy day and all we want to do is cry and look out the window. But it’s also joyful and calming and makes you want to fall in love again, preferrably not with an ex though. Don’t do it. Press start and let it ride. Current favorites are “I Want You Around”, “Find Someone Like You”, and “Whoa”.

Next, we have “The Lost Boy” YBN Cordae who found a classic hit featuring Anderson.Paak called “RNP”. It’s one of those songs that comes on and stops you in your tracks. The beat grabs you and you can’t move because of the anticipation of what might come next.

Then both artists make their presence known, begin to rap, and you know at that moment you’re listening to Hip Hop history.

Can’t forget Miley Cyrus. Miley has told the world time and time again that she has left her sweet Disney Hannah Montana ways behind her but now she’s telling her husband Liam Hemsworth in her newest song, “Slide Away” and it appears to be the final straw for Liam. Hemsworth filed for divorce in late August 2019, sliding away from Miley more than we realized.

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FEATURES

For Our demons, I wish I could say, “It’s been a while”, But you visit every day I used to resent you, Felt bad that I had something you wanted Saw what you did to me and my people, A lot of pain and torment.

It’s constant change Constant loss and gain We’re in a weird space death by way of instagram fame We could turn a blind eye say you were the only to blame We stare you in the face What other choice do we have?

Cry less than I laugh Inevitable Like simple math Yet every day we face you, Smiling, Like “Yea, this God’s Grace fool” Like “Yea, you seen what I been through” Like “Yea, I’m not scared of you” So to cope we make our demons a necessity I know you’re here, but you won’t get the best of me Opposites attract You push out the best in me Fooled you 100 times over You can’t break us down We don’t cry any more We laugh at demons like clowns So we stood tall, every time we fell We know Heaven’s the reward We’ve walked gracefully through hell We find the beauty in it all Like a rose in the cement All the hard knocks made us stronger A letter for our demons.

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A Day at the Museum The paint hit the canvas, like a needle hits record, it connects to play the sound of a silent song.

As the paint seeps into the cloth, it’s welcomed home with open arms, gracefully allowing it to take its path, to create its way of life.

Beneath its colors, holds a lane of language, to speak the truth, the lyrics to the soul, the perfect body of work, an inspiration on its own.

-Lena Hardy

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Film Noir Presents: “ Within Our Gates”

Written By: Ashlee Michelle Rouse, J.D.

This article is entitled Within Our Gates, to commemorate, Oscar Micheaux, the first independent filmmaker in Hollywood. We honor those who came before us in the entertainment industry, and shine a light on their vast achievements within the gates of our community.

Film has the power to influence and shape the world through the gaze of the storyteller.

To experience the world through an African American’s eyes in the early 20th century is rare and precious. Micheaux used his voice to change the portrayal of African Americans within our country, and to uplift those who came after him.

A few weeks ago, I was listening to Nicole Byer’s podcast where she interviewed the creator, writer, and director of Netflix’s Dear White People, Justin Simien. While Simien was answering questions about what led him to make independent films, he gave credit to Oscar Micheaux, the first independent filmmaker. He made sure to reinforce that Micheaux was not the first black independent filmmaker, but the first one period. I could not believe that I had never heard of him!

Immediately, I began texting my friends and family to see if anyone was familiar with him. Without delay, my research into Oscar Micheaux began. It was perplexing to find that a black man who had accomplished such a feat was not more celebrated in film and history.

Many questions circled my mind.

Why had I never heard him mentioned on the Academy Awards?

Why have most of us never heard of him?

Similar to many young black children who dreamed of working in the entertainment industry, I have always been enthralled by film and the art of storytelling. Throughout my life I have enjoyed watching countless black and white films and have marveled at the beauty of classic Hollywood actors and actresses. The glitz, glamour, and romance of old Hollywood is captivating, however the severe lack in the presence of African Americans behind and on camera has always bothered me. Aside from Carmen Jones, Imitation of Life, and A Raisin in the Sun, I struggled to recall any classic films that focused on or highlighted our experience. The rare times we were presented in white films, we were shown fulfilling racist stereotypes and tropes.

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Film Noir Presents: “ Within Our Gates”

Written By: Ashlee Michelle Rouse, J.D.

Micheaux founded the Micheaux Film & Book Company in Sioux City, Chicago in 1918, and completed his first independent silent film, entitled Homesteader in 1919.

In 1920, he released his most prolific film entitled Within Our Gates.

The movie was a direct response to America’s first blockbuster film, Birth of a Nation. Birth of a Nation portrayed African Americans in a horrible light, and actually depicted the Ku Klux Klan as the heroes of the film. Micheaux was disgusted by this, and made his own film that depicted blacks in a more positive light and delves into issues of racial injustice not explored in the prior film. Within Our Gates is the oldest known surviving film made by an African American Director.

Reflective of Booker T. Washington’s philosophy concerning self-help amongst the African American race, Micheaux sought to create independent “race” films using his own resources and disseminating them to the masses. Micheaux stated that “. . . [i]t is only by presenting those portions of the race portrayed in [his] pictures, in the light and background of their true state, that we can raise our people to greater heights. I am too imbued with the spirit of Booker T. Washington to engraft false virtues upon ourselves, to make ourselves that which we are not.” He desired to remove the stereotypical roles of maids, domestic workers, and negative, uneducated portrayals of African Americans in Hollywood. Micheaux wanted to portray blacks as educators, professionals, and three-dimensional, emotional persons. The characters he created, and actresses he employed did exactly that in the forty-four films he wrote, produced, and directed between 1919 and 1948.

Unfortunately, majority of those films have been lost, and only a few have survived. Many of his beautiful, remaining films can be found on YouTube. I urge everyone to see Micheaux’s poignant films, and remember the strides made by a brilliant pioneer in Hollywood.

Thank you, Oscar Micheaux. We say your name, and remember your contributions to film, literature, and the art of independent filmmaking.

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MEET THE LEGEND:

GABRIELLA GRIFFIN :011

Photographer: Eric Jordan II, @jordanviision

Twenty-seven year old, Gabriella Griffin is an artist, expressing herself and the personality of others in the form of clothing. Born a Capricorn, the tenth astrological sign among the zodiac signs, Griffin matches the typical traits such as ambitious, disciplined, and persistent. These traits are useful qualities especially when it comes to her career as a published stylist and entrepreneur in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. She can be found out and about, achieving yet another milestone, wearing a statement print, and listening to her favorite song currently on her playlist, “Cartier Gucci Scarf ” by Young Thug featuring Drake. Gabriella Griffin is the legend of the month, I’ll allow her to explain why.

Who is Gabriella Griffin?

Gabriella is a budding visionary that is always humbled by reaching goals and creating her next best wardrobe artwork. I would also describe myself as gentle spirit who sees the beauty in humility and sensitivity at times, and the friend you confirm outfits with before going somewhere. I’m lowkey hilarious, but honestly only those close to me experience that. Last, but not least, I would say I am a forever student of life and the advancement of my people.

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Explain the Glamatic and Styled By Gab Experience It’s an upbeat and fun fashion experience first and foremost. I tailor each experience based on my clients’ personality and style. Glamatic and Styled by Gab are different experiences because with Glamatic you choose what you love, with Styled

by Gab, we choose what you love. Either way, you’ll love the outcome. I get an idea of what my customers want or what my clients like, and put my spin on it to make it pop. You can be styled, have a personal shopper or just purchase accessories.

Both experiences are followed by a call or a card to see how you enjoyed the experience.

Why did you want to become a published stylist?

I don’t think becoming published was one of my goals, but being my ultimate best is one of my goals and I accept what comes with reaching that. I just want to perfect my craft, inspire others and help people see themselves in a more fulfilling way through wardrobe. I will say, each time I reach a milestone such as getting published, it’s surreal. It gives me that reminder that I can do anything, just keep going.

What’s the process of creating a look for a client?

Photogapher: J. Monroe @monroe.media

The process is personalized for each client. Initially if time permits, I like to have conversations to get an idea of who they are and what they like. If necessary, we set specific color palettes, I ask questions about their personal style, their go-to for fashion inspiration, their body shape, etc. Next, I like to create mood boards to send to the client to confirm that I have a general understanding of what they’re looking for. I’ll then purchase or pull clothes, shoes and accessories depending on the service requested. After the looks are created, I like to follow up with my clients to ensure they had a great experience, or follow up with a better experience the next time.

Where do you find inspiration?

A variety of places. If you allow it, inspiration can be found just about anywhere. Pinterest is definitely a go-to for everything inspiration. Certain celebs/influencers are good because they’re either really creative, or they just get it right almost every time.

When I travel, I use locations as inspiration. You can create major looks just by visualizing it in a particular setting. I know this might sound weird but failures inspire me, when I wear something that’s not quite right, or I don’t like a look I create for a client, I think of what could’ve made it right and create again until I love it. Last thing I can think of is people-watching, just go to New York and observe the fashion, you’ll see.

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Photogapher: Ray Rich @rayjrich.photography

“IF YOU ALLOW IT, INSPIRATION CAN BE FOUND JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE.” :014

What’s one of your favorite styled looks thus far?

This is a tough one, just one? Okay, I would have to say the pin-striped blazer dress look I did with my client Nikelle. She showed me a pair of fire thigh-high boots that she’d never worn and asked me to create a look for them. I pulled several sources of inspiration to create that one look and I pulled it off very well. I think what makes it one of my favorites is the determination I had to get exactly what I wanted. I brought the sewing machine out for that one, and I make sure I tell everybody because costume designing is my next step.

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What are three items everyone needs in their wardrobe?

For the ladies I would say a black turtleneck (it will make you feel like a woman with intention that takes no BS), a great pair of jeans that accentuate your shape and one accessory that has an eye catching color. It could be a pair of earrings, a handbag, a pair of sunglasses, etc. For the guys I would say a tailored suit, a good pair of jeans that are subtle, yet fashionable and a good dress shoe/boot.

Who’s your style icon?

Photographer: Jade Novah for D. Adams @mr_dadams

Photographer: Stephon X @stephonx_

It’s a 3-way tie between June Ambrose, Law Roach and Dapper Dan. Their stories about their rise to fame is nothing short of amazing and working with either or all of them would complete my life.

What’s the ultimate dream?

The ultimate dream is looking back on my portfolio after years of consistent, amazing styling, knowing that I’ve positively impacted others, and visually seeing all the things that being a creative brought me and all the places it took me. Leaving behind a successful set of businesses and a blueprint for my future family, realizing that all of it started with me deciding to follow my passion.

What do you believe are the makings of a creative?

Sensitivity and logic. The ability to feel, and the knowledge to know how and when to execute what you feel. An open mind, allowing yourself to not follow the norms, just be and create. A [ t h i n k e r ], think for yourself and ask questions. Lastly, a respect for art itself, I personally believe the more you appreciate all types of art, the more creative you are. Being a creative is not easy at times, so knowing that and seeing how creative others can be in their respective fields is beautiful to me.

Name one person you would consider a legend and why?

I’m going to say Lizzo for sure. I consider her a legend for not only her outstanding talent, but the societal norms that she’s breaking. Even if her career flops tomorrow, she’s already impacted so many women with how she carries and believes in herself. It’s hard enough just to make it in her industry, but to also not be the standard of what we’re used to seeing in magazines AND make it, you just know she’s put her work in. I respect it all, including the fact that her flute has an Instagram with hundreds of thousands of followers. I consider quite a few people legends, but today I’m in the mood to speak about Lizzo, so there’s that.

“I CONSIDER QUITE A FEW PEOPLE LEGENDS, BUT TODAY I’M IN THE MOOD TO SPEAK ABOUT LIZZO, SO

THERE’S THAT.”

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L. ...And that’s a wrap.

See you next month.