BLACK ART
THE BLACKPRINT
BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES
Many of you have asked me what my reason was for starting this magazine. Unfortunately, the story is neither exciting nor groundbreaking. I started this magazine to combine my passions of advocacy, relationship building, and organization For years I’ve been a part of other people’s Black History Month initiatives, but this year, I selfishly wanted to be a part of my own Though I didn’t realize what that fully entailed until I began, I am both proud and relieved to have turned my impulsive idea into this reality.
For me, providing this platform is a form of liberation. It's an opportunity to encourage Black creatives to share their gifts with the world. Liberation to me is being released from the social and historical pressures that have made me feel that me, and people who look like me, are less beautiful, less intelligent or less than.
Most of my life, I’ve struggled to make connections with others in the Black community, and that primarily stems from my inability to truly embrace who I am. Now, finding myself involves exploring all of my intersecting identities, and developing my own sense of community.
So maybe I am overcompensating for the years I was made to feel that I wasn’t “Black enough,” but regardless of the rhyme or reason, I am so grateful to have come to realize that no one can take away my race, culture, or history.
Creating this magazine has required me to do the internal work, by recognizing that I have the voice and the power to elevate others in my community, which is a privilege that many of my ancestors were not afforded. I believe that one of the reasons God has called me on this earth is to take up space, and to share it with others. And with that, I give you Midnight Magazine.
So much of my praise and gratitude goes to my amazing designer Hannah Lewis, for dedicating a substantial amount of her own time, and energy, into this project; it wouldn’t have been Midnight without you.
To my amazing models, thank you for trusting in me to share parts of you with my audience. Learning more about each of you in this process has truly been such a blessing
A special shoutout to the beautiful ladies on the cover, all of whom have inspired and empowered me to live out this passion project.
Last but not least, to all my supporters I am immensely grateful for each of you that have subscribed to this magazine, whether digital or print, and who have followed me on my journey to creating this magazine.
HAVING BLACK ROLE MODELS, ANYONE FROM MY MOM TO PEOPLE IN THE MEDIA, HELPED ME SEE MY IDENTITY AS SOMETHING SPECIAL AND BEAUTIFUL. MY ROLE MODELS SHOWED ME THAT YOU CAN BE SUCCESSFUL AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK, DESPITE WHAT THE MAJORITY SAYS.
I am Cameroonian and Canadian. My culture impacts how I present myself through language and my hair. My mom is from the francophone part of Cameroon, so I speak French and English. I also believe culture has an impact on how I present myself socially, through my morals and values.
The hairstyles in my culture, and African culture in general, are so diverse. It’s a constant source of inspiration for styling my natural hair, and for trying out new protective styles. I often wear my natural hair out in an afro. For a long period of time my hair was relaxed, but now that I am more comfortable and confident with my hair, I am proud to wear it naturally. I also express myself through my clothing choices. Cameroonian patterns and textiles can come in many different forms, whether in formal or casual wear, and I look forward to incorporating more traditional wear into my style in the future.
I’ve struggled with my identity as a mixed-Black woman. Growing up and working in predominantly white spaces, I was often overlooked and put into boxes based on what others thought I was supposed to be. As a result, I was often teased and bullied for my hair, and I found myself constantly wishing I could look differently than I did. A major part in overcoming this was surrounding myself with Black people and learning more about African culture. This was so important for me because I started to feel a great sense of pride in my identity.
Ever since I was child, I was surrounded with music, film, and art from various parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Having parents from different tribes (Luba and Hutu), I was able to be exposed to the beauty that exists across Congo. I am grateful my parents did not shy away from proudly sharing my heritage and cultural history with me. Although such history has been tainted with colonialism and white violence, the resilience of my people is a testament to how important it is for me to proudly present myself in any space I exist in.
Seeing people that look like me, who live unapologetically, empowers me. Being yourself is one of the hardest, yet most important things you can do. I believe that some of the greatest artists have experienced considerable loss, and individuals who are young, queer, and Black, also empower me, as they speak to this concept of loss with such intimacy. I feel that the people I know that exist at these intersections, are talented in the most brilliant, cutting-edge, and raw ways.
Growing up in a predominantly white town, I often felt that my identity was diminished, and I had a fear of taking up too much space, voicing my opinions, or standing my ground. Because of this, silence frequently grew within me. I am grateful that this is something I have been able to overcome, and heal from. Everytime I choose to accept myself radically, I let go of this struggle with my identity and make room for peace.
Being able to express myself authentically hasn’t always been the easiest, especially considering how restricted I feel in white heteronormative environments. However, as I grow older and continue to insert myself into safe spaces, expressing myself has been fun, expansive, and liberating. God has blessed me with so many gifts, why limit myself?
SURROUNDING MYSELF WITH BLACK PEOPLE HAS BEEN OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO ME AS I AM ABLE TO EXIST FREELY WITHIN SPACES THAT NORMALLY DO NOT CELEBRATE ME. HAVING COMMUNITY IS A PRIVILEGE AND IS SOMETHING THAT IS ESSENTIAL TO BLACK CULTURES ACROSS THE DIASPORA.
I was born and raised in the Bahamas, surrounded by a community that was predominantly Black. However, for a long time, this had a negative impact on how I both presented and expressed myself. My mom is white, and my dad is Black, and I often felt criticized for not fully resonating with either side. Growing up in Nassau, being light skinned with 2a hair didn’t make me feel any less Black. But after moving to Canada for university, I noticed a shift in how I was perceived, and how I perceived myself.
Back home, I am part of the dominant racial group, so I’ve never felt like the minority. But here, I quickly noticed that the standards are more whitecentric, which means I fall into the marginalized group. I don’t fully understand why, but I feel like Black people in Canada see me as more white, or at least racially ambiguous, which has made me feel like I’m not fully accepted, and has made it difficult for me to find a sense of community here.
One thing I’m beginning to realize is that creating the narrative in my head that I don’t belong in the Black community, has been a barrier for me to finding my place here, and where I fit in best. I would like to believe that Canada is as inclusive of all races as it seems to be, but so far I feel like since moving here I’ve been ‘othered,’ and I don’t quite know how to escape this. Regardless of these experiences, I was raised to be proud of my culture and my race, and that's something that I carry with me everywhere I go.
I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT MY EXPERIENCES AS A LIGHT SKIN ARE NOT NEARLY AS MARGINALIZING AS THOSE WITH DARKER SKIN BUT I STILL EXPERIENCE LIFE AS A BLACK WOMAN NO MATTER WHERE I AM, AND THAT'S NOT SOMETHING ANYONE CAN TAKE AWAY FROM ME
LEARNING HOW TO OVERCOME MY STRUGGLE WITH MY IDENTITY HAS HELPED ME GROW INTO MY SKIN, AND SEE THE BEAUTY THAT IS BEING BLACK.
My culture, as a Cameroonian, is a huge part of my identity which has shaped how I perceive myself and the world around me. It has an impact on my confidence, attitude, and behaviour. My culture has so much beauty and range to it. It has built my system of values which influences me in my everyday life. I love to appreciate and celebrate all that God has given me. I’ve inherited those values which makes me proud of where I come from - this boosts my confidence.
I best express myself through hair. I LOVE trying out new hairstyles and I’m constantly switching it up! When I get my hair done or when I do my own hair, I feel like I’m at my best self. The versatility of Black hair is a blessing, and I try to use every chance I get to express my creativity and style through it.
Outside of my home, I found myself being the only Black girl, and at times the only Black person. Growing up, the lack of Black representation in the media was damaging to my self-esteem, and my identity as a young Black girl. I’m grateful, however, that my mom did a really good job at surrounding me with my community. When I surround myself with other Black people, I feel the most myself. In these spaces, I am able to share my experiences with people who understand my struggles, and who uplift me to be who I want to be.
Seeing other Black people succeed is very empowering and inspiring, especially Black women. As Issa Rae said: “I’m rooting for everybody Black”. It’s amazing to see Black people excelling in literally everything, and it helps motivate me to reach my goals and dream bigger. As well, being immersed into Black culture, and seeing Black people celebrated and portrayed in a positive light, has made me more comfortable and confident in who I am.
We met in church, and remained acquaintances for the first couple years of knowing each other. We ended up forming a friendship when we started working together, and grew into the same friend group. At the time, I formed a crush on Xavon, but didn’t want anything to come out of it, as I felt like there were a lot of things working against him liking me back. Xavon on the other hand, had just got out of another relationship, so he wasn’t looking for a relationship either. What’s interesting is that we both told God that the next person we were gonna be with had to be our life long partner, and that’s what he gave us. Eventually, we couldn’t deny our feelings, so our feelings fostered into a deeper connection. From there, it was basically history. The last three years, we have been blessed to experience our lives together.
When we look at our romantic relationship, and take the titles away, at the core, we are two friends that are on fire for Jesus. Under all circumstances, we commit to giving each other 100% of ourselves. Although our journey has had its difficult times, we always support each other. In the days that I can only give 30%, Xavon is there to be the remaining 70%, and vice versa. Race was never a consideration for us. We were attracted to each other's personalities and hearts, and how well we complemented each other. Xavon saw my beauty in addition to my skin, not because of it. Honestly, neither of us had dated a Black person prior to our relationship, but we see now how refreshing it is to have the ability to relate to one another in our success and struggles. For us, Black love is a collaboration between modern love and Black history.
ONE THING ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP IS THAT WE’VE ALWAYS SEEMED TO FULFILL EXACTLY WHAT THE OTHER HAS NEEDED, AND THAT’S A PART OF WHAT MAKES OUR CONNECTION SO IRREPLACEABLE
We met at a time in our lives when both of us were trying to figure out ourselves as individuals. So what started as a casual new friendship turned out to be much more. Looking back at that time now, almost three and a half years ago, we realize that it was the moment that everything started to fall into place; and we don’t mean that in the cinderella story, love at first sight type of way, more so that God had put us in each others lives at a time where we needed each other the most. Our beautiful and complex journey together began when we were introduced by mutual friends. At the beginning, it didn’t seem like it was “meant to be,” because there were many factors that tried to draw us apart, and at times they worked. But what we’re both extremely grateful for, is that our paths crossed again, and we’ve been exploring our connection going on three years now.
Growing up, neither of our parents forced us to date within our culture, which has allowed us to identify what we wanted in our partners If this was pre-determined for us, we simply wouldn’t be together today (shoutout to our parents).
Destiny: Going into the relationship, I was at a stage in my early adulthood where I was looking to be more in touch with my race and my community, and that meant intentionally surrounding myself with more Black people. For this reason, I felt like in order to learn more about my identity as a Black woman, and to share my lived experiences with someone else, I was trying to exclusively look for a partner within my race.
Will: Since I didn’t know what I was looking for, I was more focused on the individual and our connection, rather than what they looked like, or where they came from; race was never really a top consideration for me. To be completely honest, I didn’t fully understand the benefits of dating within my race until I met Destiny.
Reflecting on our story now has shown us that our experiences as a Black couple have given us the freedom to be unapologetically ourselves. Our outlooks on life may be different, primarily from the perspectives of gender and ethnicity. But when it comes to race and religion, dating another Black person has empowered and united us.
TO US, BLACK LOVE IS CELEBRATING AND APPRECIATING ONE ANOTHER IN OUR SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES. BLACK LOVE IS A CELEBRATION AND APPRECIATION OF THE THINGS THAT MAKE UP OUR BLACKNESS AND EXPERIENCES THAT THE WORLD SOMETIMES CHOOSES TO HATE.
Our love story isn't what you typically hear from people. They meet, fall in love, and from there, it's history. Darius and I grew up together, but we didn't necessarily know each other. Our families both went to the same church, and we had mutual friends, but it wasn't until our early teenage years that we started becoming friends. From there, our friendship grew. We became best friends and all the things we wanted in a partner we found in each other. We firmly believe in the importance of friendship because that is where our love story starts, from strangers to friends, to best friends, to lovers. Being teenagers, where our love story began, and wanting to do things the right way, according to our faith in Jesus, and respect for our families, a long journey, six years of waiting to date one another began. Then, on Darius' 22nd birthday, he proposed to me, and a few months later, we said I do. We have been married for five months, living out everything we spoke about, and dreamt of as kids.
To be truthful, race was not a consideration when we started to date because the main thing that mattered the most to us was each other's faith in Jesus. We knew that if we shared that same foundation, our union would be one built on the firm foundation of Christ. With that being said, being married to someone with a similar background, culture, and experience is a blessing.
Darius and I always say we are each other's balance. One thing about our relationship is that we are very different, but our differences complement each other in ways we need them to. Our balance enables us to be centered on our faith, keeping ourselves focused on what matters the most. As Christians, one thing we believe that is fundamental in our lives is serving not only in life but also in our relationship. We commit to putting one another's needs and desires above our own. Whether it would be as simple as preparing a meal for one another, or setting aside our wants and goals for the sake of the other person, we orient our lives to put the needs of each other first so that no one's needs are ever unmet.
Modelling allows me to use my body as a canvas to showcase clothing and accessories, or to portray visually compelling messages. Wearing my natural hair or protective styles is part of my lifestyle as a Black woman, and I am proud to represent that part of my identity as a Black model. Something I look forward to is finding ways to integrate new elements of my race and culture in creative photoshoots and collaborations.
Being new to the modelling industry, one thing I’ve realized is that Black models seem to struggle to stand out, as we receive fewer job opportunities, contrary to white models. Less work leads to inexperience, making it difficult to advance in the industry. It is also unfavourable to a model's career because it limits exposure to future opportunities. This lack of visibility can make it difficult for any Black model.
After being a model for about one year, I am proud of the accomplishments I have achieved to date. I’ve signed with two agencies, landed magazine publications, walked in fashion shows, and worked on numerous collaborations with talented photographers. As a full-time university student and a small-content creator, managing school, social media, modelling, and other life aspects is challenging, but it’s not impossible! I hope to take more time to advance in my modelling career, after I obtain my degree. My mother’s grace and poise in everything she does is what inspires me the most. Admiring her from childhood led me to draw further inspiration from the timeless entertainment icons Dorothy Dandridge, Josephine Baker and Audrey Hepburn; and the elegant supermodels Naomi Campbell and Yasmeen Ghauri. My mother has always encouraged and supported me to pursue my passions, and for that I am tremendously grateful.
I BELIEVE IN ADVOCATING FOR THE PROMOTION OF BLACK PEOPLE IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY, TO DISPLAY THEM IN ALL OF THEIR BEAUTY AND DIVERSITY. DIVERSIFYING THIS INDUSTRY WITH MODELS WHO HAVE VARIOUS FACIAL FEATURES, BODY TYPES AND SKIN TONES, IS THE WAY TO FURTHER ENCOURAGE POSITIVE CHANGE.
C H A R Y D A T S H I K A N G U
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I’d have to describe my art as storytelling. Visual art, creative writing, and photography are all mediums I use to express stories that I want to bring to life. Art allows me to communicate my perspective and experiences in a way that allows my creativity to flourish. As a Black artist, these forms of creative expression allow me to explore and express my identity, and the experiences of my community. Through photography, I am able to highlight the beauty, resilience, and diversity of Blackness. My drawings and writing allow me to depict Black representation and Black characters in other ways.
I believe in the importance of uplifting and representing the Black experience in what I do, and I definitely seek to capture this in most, if not all of my work. My experiences of trauma and oppression are also integrated into my art, because they have become a part of my experiences as a Black man.
I’d say the biggest challenge I’ve faced thus far as a growing photographer, is being seen for my art and photography beyond just being Black art. While I try my best to portray and channel Black experiences within my work, I don’t want it to be, “just another ethnic project.” I believe that the best way to combat this is by displaying Blackness in unconventional ways.
Black artists have, and continue to struggle with getting the same recognition and opportunities as our non-Black counterparts. However, I don’t see it as a competition. For me, it's less about being recognized and standing out, and more so about the fact I am gaining opportunities to share my art with others. I take a lot of inspiration from other Black photographers that I follow and look up to, and someday I hope my art gets to the level where it can inspire people, like others’ art inspires me.
AS I GET OLDER, I AM ACTIVELY MAKING THE DECISION TO FREE MYSELF FROM THE EXPECTATIONS OTHERS HAVE IMPOSED ON ME AND GIVE MYSELF THE GRACE TO BE WHO I AM DESTINED TO BE
I’d have to describe my art as storytelling. Visual art, creative writing, and photography are all mediums I use to express stories that I want to bring to life. Art allows me to communicate my perspective and experiences in a way that allows my creativity to flourish. As a Black artist, these forms of creative expression allow me to explore and express my identity, and the experiences of my community. Through photography, I am able to highlight the beauty, resilience, and diversity of Blackness. My drawings and writing allow me to depict Black representation and Black characters in other ways.
I believe in the importance of uplifting and representing the Black experience in what I do, and I definitely seek to capture this in most, if not all of my work. My experiences of trauma and oppression are also integrated into my art, because they have beArt has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in an artistic household, I was always encouraged to express myself in unique and creative ways. The performing arts, mainly music, was my first encounter with art at a very young age. From waking up to Gospel music and a day of cleaning on Saturday mornings to hearing Reggae classics at family BBQs, music has been there for me through every phase, emotion, and memory. Music allows me to feel connected to the rich history, cultures, talents, and stories that intertwined to make me who I am; It is for this reason that I consider music to be my “first love”.
In my preteen years, poetry became my favourite literary medium and an art form that I love so dearly. Having an outlet that allows me to speak my truth, nurture my inner child, and reflect on my experiences as a Black woman is something I will never take for granted. I really love that throughout my life, art has always afforded me the freedom to define my Blackness in a way that feels personal to me. The ability to create free from monolithic stereotypes, expectations, and who the world thinks I am or believes I should be; is truly a privilege.
Growing up as a Black artist, I always felt pressure to work twice as hard as my non-Black counterparts, convince others of my talent, or prove someone wrong. Being Black meant my performance couldn’t simply be good, I had to be extraordinary. Often being one of few Black women in the many realms of my art, my struggle to stand out mainly stemmed from the urge to break free from this pressure and challenge the idea that my art has to look a certain way or draw attention to social issues, simply because I am a Black artist. I continue to overcome these challenges daily by choosing to be my authentic self, unapologetically. I often remind myself that the gifts I possess are valuable, and as long as I continue to create from a place of passion and authenticity, I’m staying true to myself; which has always been the ultimate goal. The beautiful thing about being unique is that just as nobody can be me, I would never wish to be anyone else, and that is my power.
In 2020, I created and launched my online poetry portfolio and business, “Poetry by Kimberly Daniella'' (www.poetrybykd.com) PbyKD is one of my most fulfilling milestones to date because it’s completely mine and allows me to share my craft and accomplishments freely which is something that will have a place in my heart forever.
When the white people love you back
I always struggle to describe what it was like To grow up Black In a white world
Your skin is the blank board kids use for target practice. You nose is the one-way waterslide to harassment
Ridicule ricochets of our plump lips and sits in the tangled naps of our hairs Embarrassment is an emotion often felt
On growing up Black in a white world
The most revolutionary thing you can do Is be happy
Because
When the white people love you back it is a selfish love You can’t claim to love clam by trying to squeeze all the jewels out of it
They get spray tans
Attempt to breakdance Wear Black masks
Mimic syntax
They copy and paste our features Onto themselves and try to teach us
About freedom of speech
ET HPreach to us about their Freedom to leech themselves onto Our backbones
When the white people love you back Being Black becomes a social currency
And we’re the only ones that can’t seem to cash out Only ones not given hand outs
Our beauty doesn’t belong to us
They want a Black face on white bodied mannequins
They want Blackness but only after repackaging
Only after creating a Patchwork quilt of facial features With Black additives
But they almost always start panicking
Because their mosaic of Black limbs doesn’t turn into Beyoncé
Won’t make them sing like Aaliyah won’t give them legs like James Brown
Won’t Grow them arms like Kobe
They will never be Marsha P Johnson
Never dance like Michael Jackson
Our very existence is deviance
Our very joy is disobedience
Our persistence is deviant
They won’t stop until they have burned off our skin
Ripped us apart from limb to limb
Puppeteered our talents
All so they can have it
When the white people love you back They want to take from you everything you have Want to melt you down to Until you can’t even act anymore
Until you crack
Until your body is a mangled sheet of cookie cutter pieces
The most revolutionary thing you can do As a Black person Is to be happy Is smile
In the face of plagerism
And mimicry
Cause no matter how hard they try to be they will never be Us
Javon Johnson once said
“You cannot kill Blackness.
Too much of it is wrapped in an unshakable joy”
And that’s why they think we magic in the first place
F a u z i a A g b o n h i n
Cause “despite every reason not to, we still smile, we still laugh, we still love, we still Black”
We’re still The Blackprint
B L A
I believe in the importance of giving back to my community with every opportunity that I get.
I have personally purchased from each of these businesses, and connected with each business owner, all of whom have been wonderful.
Not only do I highly recommend each business, but I encourage you to inquire about their products/services, from one friend to another.
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B L A C KO W N E D B U S I N E S S E S
