BREA JONES Storyteller
Journalist
Breajournalism.news.blog
PORTFOLIO
Artist
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Portfolio
About Brea
“I believe beyond being a journalist, I am a storyteller.” -Brea J.
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ince high school, Brea worked on her abilities as a journalist. It wasn’t until her final year in college Brea considered her role as a storyteller. Now she realizes storytelling has always been her niche. Brea graduated a semester early in Dec. 2020 from Florida International University, where she studied journalism and psychology. At the time, her portfolio included over sixty published articles, twenty video packages, working as a social media manager, and radio and podcast features. In 2016-17, during her time as editor-in-chief of the Seminole Newspaper, Brea was in charge of a staff of 16 students. Together the staff published many articles and photo galleries; produced the first print publications for the paper after being fully online for several years. Brea’s freshman year at FIU she joined FIU Student Media as
an opinion writer. Her first year on staff she published over 20 articles, appeared twice as a guest on radio show The Claw and Growl, and interviewed Charlamagne Tha God and T.I. She was awarded “2018 FIUSM Best Opinion Writer” at the end of her first year on staff. During her second year on staff, Brea was promoted to FIUSM promotions and recruitment director. Having held the position of promotions and recruitment director for two years, Brea interviewed new applicants applying for a staff role, hosted events on FIU campuses and virtually (during COVID-19), conducted classroom visits to recruit for the paper and created a new social media team for FIUSM’s social media accounts. While working with the 2020 Eppy-winning publication the South Florida Media Network, Brea was able to pitch articles, schedule and conduct all interviews required for articles, and learn how to produce
shows. Several of her articles have exceeded 100 likes. She has held several positions of leadership including executive producer of the South Florida Media Network show South Florida Access and chapter president of Phi Gamma chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. As a leader, she makes sure everyone has a role and feels valued while keeping everyone working efficiently. Brea has collaborated with FIU Honors College on several occasions such as being panelist for the Honors College event Learning to Lead and guest and stand-in host for the Honors College podcast More Than a Major. Brea’s goal has always been to share the important unheard stories of people of color. To help do that Brea created her own show, Seminole Scholars. The positions Brea has held allowed her to get comfortable using her voice while contributing to discussions that benefit others.
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Visit Brea’s online portfolio where you can find all of her articles here.
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Table of Contents
Brea’s Time As A... JOURNALIST
03
PHOTOGRAPHER
22
PRODUCER
41
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
57
HOW TO READ THIS PORTFOLIO While working as a journalist for the past six years, Brea has accomplished many things including writing over 60 published articles, producing several videos, and managing multiple social media accounts. This book contents some of her best and most recent work as of early 2021.
PORTFOLIO CONTAINS CLICKABLE LINKS If you are viewing this online or on a mobile device, you will be able to open links directly from a page, starting on page 5. Examples of where the links on each page can be found are shown to the right.
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Visit Brea’s online portfolio where you can find all of her articles here.
Portfolio
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Journalist
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BREA’S BYLINE IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING PUBLICATIONS
ARTBURST BREA’S BUZZ FIU NEWS VISUALIZATION
BREA’S TOP ARTICLES
NONPROFIT FEEDS 10 TIMES AS MANY NEEDY PEOPLE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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SYBRINA FULTON, TRAYVON MARTIN’S MOM, REFLECTS ON A NARROWLY LOST ELECTION
19
FIU STUDENT MEDIA INSPICIO ORLANDO SENTINAL
THE WOLFSONIAN DIGITALLY THRIVING DURING A PANDEMIC
27
SALAMAGUNDI SEMINOLE NEWSPAPER SOUTH FLORIDA MEDIA NETWORK
THE DIFFERENT CULTURES OF MIAMI ALLOW FOR UNIQUE EVENTS, TALENT, ART
31
THE MIAMI TIMES COVID-19 DATA INFOGRAPHIC
35
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Journalist
Personal Achievement
BREA JONES CELEBRITY INTERVIEW WORK
Charlamagne tha God, Radio Personality
T.I., Rapper and Actor
Notty, Witch and Rootworker Social Media Influencer
Sybrina Fulton, Founder of The Trayvon Martin Foundation and Circle of Mothers
Ruban Roberts, Miami-Dade NAACP President
The Wolfsoniani-FIU staff members: Isabel Brador, Digital Assets and Collection Data Manager Shoshana Resnikoff, Curator Yucef Merhi, Digital Curator
Visit Brea’s online portfolio where you can find all interviews here.
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Journalist
SN | First Article
DYLAN GARDNER RELEASES NEW ALBUM Rising star, Dylan Gardner has created his debut album and is receiving positive reviews. (Photo by: Brea Jones)
Dylan Gardner recently released his debut album, Adventures In Real Time, on May 13, 2014. Gardner expressed that the album is a “big vision of how great life can be.” Gardner’s album originally contained 100 songs before being narrowed down to 10. When asked how he started with so many songs, Gardner explained, “I started writing songs in 2010, and [John Dragonetti] finally picked a selection in 2012. So, I had this giant arsenal of songs.” Gardner is currently 18-years-old, and has been involved with music since the age of 4. Those who are familiar with Gardner’s work see his album’s success as a no-brainer because of his natural talent. Junior Andre Samaroo says, “I think he’s a pretty good artist, I really like his one song ‘The Actor’.” “Let’s Get Started” is the first song on Gardner’s album. The song is his first single and has received almost 3 million plays on Spotify. When Gardner explained the meaning of the song, he said, “It’s me saying ‘Lets get going, let’s do this.’ I’ve been writing songs in my bedroom […] I wanted it to be my first hello to everyone who listens to music.”
The chorus of “Let’s Get Started” is very catchy and could remind the listener of a relationship by saying, “Just don’t leave me broken-hearted/ Oh, come on, let’s get started/ You are my love, come on, let’s get started,” with the pop and bouncy type of beat, the song makes you want to get up and dance around. Junior Samantha Ecker says, “I really like the song, it has a good beat that makes you feel happy.” Gardner was trying to create an album with the feel of the famous band, The Beatles, and emulate that smooth sound that made their music so popular. Before his album release, Gardner became popular through his YouTube channel, which was dedicated to the break-up of The Beatles. People who have reviewed the album say that it has a similar feeling to The Beatles‘ albums.
Gardner wrote, “I want to leave behind this little place/And take you with me to the state of grace that I only wish/ was a reality.” The lyrics of the song make listeners remember their first crush and think about all the daydreams they wish were real. The song has a happy beat to it, which makes it fun for people to listen to.Sophomore Emma Torregrosa says, “I think Dylan is a good musician. He seems like he has a good musical background for this to be his first album.” Although it’s Gardner’s first album, his songs are very relatable to teenagers. The light-heartedness of the songs help make the album enjoyable and entertaining.
Another song on the album, “I Think I’m Falling For Something,” has received over 48,000 plays on Soundcloud. The song is about how one may feel when they begin to develop feelings for someone, and all they can do is think about that person.
This article was originally published in The Seminole Newspaper. | March 10, 2015
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SN | News
Students in violation of school dresscode. (Photo by: Brea Jones)
Dress code is a policy all schools in Seminole County (and all over the United States) have established. It was created to keep students dressed modestly while in a learning environment. Some of the common ‘do not wears’ include but are not limited to: spaghetti straps or tank tops, sagging or baggy pants, and overall immodest attire. But now students feel that dress code is over-sexualizing female students. Even though there are rules that apply to male students, most of the dress code regulations can solely apply to females. In the Seminole County Student Appearance and Dress Code under the ‘Upper Garment’ section, most banned clothing can only apply to female students (i.e. halter tops, tube tops, backless dresses/tops, spaghetti straps, and tank tops. Cut off necklines must be modest, and shirts must touch the top portion of lower garments at all times). The only aspect that could apply to male students under the ‘Upper Garment’ section is: “Garments that are distracting or inappropriate are prohibited, including but not limited to … printed profanity, or language, symbols, styles that promote the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, gang-related or other illegal activities.” It is being said by students and others on social media that causing a female student to leave school, or change her clothes because it is a distraction to male students,
DRESS CODE UPROAR: THE REVOLT OF THE RULES is putting a male student’s education before the female’s. Sophomore Rosie Water comments, “I often get dress coded for things that aren’t that big of a deal. I’m 5’10 so everything is generally smaller on me. When a male teacher dress codes me it makes me feel like they are looking at me wrong. I was dress coded once for a shirt without sleeves, and to me that is not a big deal. I shouldn’t have to change my entire look just because my shoulders are out.” Many female students have openly complained about the harsh dress code. Parents and students often use social media to voice their opinion about dress code via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and by creating blogs or petitions. If a male student were to be walking down the hallway with his pants sagging and his boxers showing, he probably only would get a warning such as ‘pull up those pants’. However, if a female were to be wearing shorts and a tank top, she would be asked to either put on a jacket or leave school entirely with a phone call home to her parent or guardian explaining the situation. Although it may seem to be pointless in the eyes of the students, there is a reason behind dress code. Everything has its limits, including what is appropriate to wear to school. Every
school in Seminole County and all over the United States is required to have some form of dress code. Principal Dr. Connie Collins says, “The dress code was established by our School Board as a standard of appropriate attire for schools across our county. Like every workplace, schools have expectations regarding attire. The most important aspect of the code, in my opinion, is that it provides a guideline of what is reasonable and appropriate [to] wear on a school campus. For me, that means that undergarments should not be seen and clothing that is immodest or distracting should not be worn. We count on professionals to look and behave professionally. Although students are not professionals, students are certainly in their ‘workplace’ and in process of preparing for important roles. I think that it’s a good practice to dress appropriately for where we are. I wouldn’t wear a suit to the beach, and I wouldn’t expect to wear swimwear to school.”
To read the rest of Brea’s interview with Dr. Collins about dress code, click here.
This article was originally published in The Seminole Newspaper. | Oct. 9, 2015
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SN | News
FIRE SET IN RENEGADE, STUDENTS DISPLACED
Faculty worked to efficiently clean the effects of a fire that was set inside of a trashcan in Renegade. (Photo by: Brea Jones)
On Feb. 10, a fire started in the downstairs Renegade bathroom. As a result, the entire building was evacuated and students were not let back in for just over half of their 6th period blocks. Junior Cassie Krall, who was in the building at the time, says, “[The] fire alarm went off, so I thought it was a fire, but then again I also thought that it wasn’t anything, because sometimes it rings and it doesn’t really matter.” The fire started towards the end of second lunch. At first, students assumed it was a drill, as there rarely is a real fire at Seminole. Both students and administrators shortly found out that the fire was real through word of mouth and walkie-talkies. Smoke filled the hall and poured out the back doors as Mr. Nelson Hilerio, security guard at Seminole and former policeman, carried the melted trash can from the building. Hilerio says, “Automatically, I went to the fire station then I turned it [on], then I got…the trashcan, I assumed the fire was gone, I grabbed onto the trash can and put it outside, in a safer place.” This event was not only a shock to administrators and security at Seminole, but to the students, as well. Krall comments, “It was scary because they were just telling us you know, you need to get out of the building and you really don’t know what to expect. You’re kinda like, ‘Oh what’s going on,’
and a thousand things are running through your head until finally somebody comes out and tells you what’s happening.” This is not the first time Seminole High has experienced something like this; starting in September of 2015, students began lighting fires in the trash cans of Warrior and Tribe after school. This led to the rule that students are not permitted to be in the buildings after school, even if they are trying to access their lockers. However, this is the first time that a trash can has been lit on fire during the school day. Senior David Jones says, “ I was just coming from senior lunch when the alarms went off. I am really upset that someone would do this because now the school will place stricter rules and that will suck for the students that aren’t doing anything wrong.”
Lighting trash cans on fire is a federal offence since it is destruction of government property. The punishment for this crime, when the damage exceeds $100, is “a fine of up to $250,000, ten years imprisonment, or both.” Hilerio says “My reaction [was] ‘Hey Nelson, we’ve got to do something.’ Remember, I’m a retired policeman. That’s why…when I’m on the [job]: nothing surprises me. At all. Anything can happen, and it can be possible, so we’ve got to be ready all the time. You never know.” The students who continuously pulled fire alarms in the 20142015 school year were caught and punished for their actions after thorough investigation of the matter, and it is likely the student who started this fire will be, too.
A fire was set in a trashcan in downstairs Renegade, displacing students temporarily. (Photo by: Brea Jones)
This article was originally published in The Seminole Newspaper. | Feb. 17, 2016
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Journalist
FIUSM | PantherNOW | Opinion
MILLENNIALS HAVE A VOICE THAT WON’T BE SILENCED FIU student shown in image. (Photo by: Brea Jones)
From an early age, millennials have been told not to speak when it was deemed inappropriate. Most parents nowadays shove a smart device in front of their child to distract them and keep them quiet. This results in older adults limiting our ability to express our views and opinions just because they don’t like what we’re saying. So, the question is, when is it okay to use our voice? Often identified as the “Crybaby Generation,” the “Generation of Complainers” or my personal favorite, “Generation Snowflake,” millennials receive a lot of backlash for using their voices. These labels are unnecessary, but when we speak out about it, we are met with more criticism. Despite all the name calling and criticism, millennials aren’t having any trouble speaking out against the social injustices of the world. Millennials, ranging between the ages of 18-30, are likely to have gone to a protest than any other age group, according to a HuffPost/YouGov poll.
“I think it is all just a misunderstanding of both the way society and technology have changed,” said Clark. “Baby Boomers didn’t grow up with that, they don’t understand that [smart phones] change the way people think. It doesn’t stop them from thinking.” It appears that because we are younger, millennials are supposed to accept the labels. Although the comments are meant to be offensive, it really isn’t. We speak out because being labeled as a “complainer” when we just want our voices to be heard and respected is simply unfair. Regardless of how many attempts older generations make to silence millennials, it isn’t going to work. Millennials will continue to voice their opinion. A little bit of criticism isn’t going to stop us from standing up and speaking out.
While Ann-Renee Clark, a social science instructor at FIU, believes that every generation is going to complain about the next, she also thinks that millennials had it worse so far.
This article was originally published in FIU Student Media’s publication PantherNOW. | Sept. 27, 2017
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FIUSM | PantherNOW | Opinion
COMMUNICATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH IS NECESSARY
Photo by Finn on Unsplash.
Societies’ lack of care and empathy With mental health awareness on the rise it is important for everyone to know the basics of mental health and how to help those who are dealing with it. It is unrealistic and naive to think that everyone has to know how to handle every situation involving mental illnesses because of not every person is the same. People cannot expect others to walk on eggshells for them, that is not the world we live in. While people without mental illnesses need to educate themselves about mental health, people with mental disorders have to learn how to casually educate others who don’t take the time to educate themselves. The world is cruel and unforgiving. As harsh as it may sound, generally, no one cares about people with mental health problems unless they are a celebrity, someone they know, or attempts to harm themselves. Life is too quick to constantly have to tiptoe around someone because you aren’t sure what will set them off. This may seem sad for some but if it doesn’t we don’t speak up and explain to people what is bothering us who can we truly blame other than ourselves.
People that we interact with on a daily basis may do things that affect us and yet we choose to suffer in silence to avoid seeming problematic.
with some form of mental illness, according to Nami.org, and in most cases you wouldn’t even be able to notice it.
It is not fair to blame and guilt trip someone, silently or otherwise, because you have a mental illness that they are uneducated about. We have to learn and respect ourselves enough to speak up and inform those we are close to when they do or say outlandish things.
Each person with mental health issues handles situations differently and has different triggers.
Sometimes people do and say things that may not be okay simply because they don’t know it is affecting someone. It is important that we began to educate people who may not know better. At the same time, those who notice they make someone uncomfortable when they do or say things should take initiative and ask that person if what they did bothered them.
Triggers are often subtle and diverse. I think people forget that mental illness is an internal battle. Small avoidable things may trigger someone. We have to learn the difference between ignorance and uneducated because there is a difference in this aspect. Educating those who are unaware of how they may be hurting someone is the first step. It’s important we learn how to coincide without blaming each other for problems that we could solve on our own.
If you have the slightest relationship with, a coworker, distant relative, or someone you have to regular interactions with you shouldn’t want that person to be uncomfortable around you when it could be avoided. Depending on the severity of the disorder, I don’t believe that people with mental health problems should be treated any differently. Out of the 43.8 million U.S adults live
This article was originally published in FIU Student Media’s publication PantherNOW. | Jan. 4, 2019
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FIUSM | PantherNOW | Opinion
A PERSON’S NATIONALITY SHOULD NOT DETERMINE THEIR VALUE Photo by Nicole Malanga/ PantherNow.
People have had preferences about their significant other from the beginning of time. How people communicate their preferences, however, tends to change every so often. One of the more current ways is the term “if it ain’t foreign, it’s borin.” While the “it” of this phrase is subject to change, most of the time it is in reference to women. This saying is if the female is not from another country then she is basic or boring. Repeated in songs, interviews and on a daily basis by well-known celebrities and influencers it wasn’t long before this phrase caught fire. People blindly began to mimic their idols without regards to how unflattering the saying is. Granted I do think this saying was intended to be a compliment to international women but when rappers like Kodak Black say this it’s actually a little confusing. The meaning of the phrase seems pretty clear but it has never fully been outright explained. When a person says this they are talking about the exotic nature of the person or object.
Someone’s nationality should not determine their value. Some may argue that this is just a goofy way of explaining a person’s preferences. There is nothing wrong with having preferences but you don’t need to tear down another group of women while expressing them. Sophomore Jada Booker is someone who personally does agree with the saying but can still feel how it can be offensive. “ I feel like when most people say this it is only in reference to lighter women, said Booker. “ I feel like when people say this it is never in reference to Ethiopian or Caribbean women.” While nationality is a part of who a person is, it is not all they are composed of. There are a lot of other factors that should be considered. This saying, or at least when it is in reference to people, should be retired. There are other ways that someone can express their interest in someone of a different nationality.
Implying that foreign objects are more beautiful and valuable than their American counterpart.
This article was originally published in FIU Student Media’s publication PantherNOW. | Feb. 26, 2019
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FIUSM | PantherNOW | Opinion
SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS DESERVE TO BE TREATED BETTER Societies’ lack of care and empathy for victims of sexual assault not only shocks me, but also disgusts me. Case after case it is proven that the judges and the lawmakers have chosen a side, and they would rather not be on the side of the victim. Jacob Walter Anderson was accused of raping a 19-year-old virgin in 2016. Dec. 10 Anderson was allowed to accept a plea deal for a lesser charge and completely avoided jail time. Prosecutor Hilary Laborde emailed the victim saying, “Our jurors aren’t ready to blame rapists when there isn’t concrete proof of more than one victim.” This statement, if true, is not only tragic but also careless. Excusing the act of a criminal simply because it is their first time breaking the law poses an extreme danger to society. I constantly see stories of a student not receiving his deserved punishment even though he is definitely guilty and each time it is a slap in the face not only to the person assaulted but to everyone who has ever been sexually assaulted, It seems as though there is a ‘boys will be boys’ mentality around rape and that needs to end. Anderson took a plea deal and was given a slap on the wrist. Counseling, a $400 fine, and no criminal record after serving three years probation. Looking back; Anderson’s victim may only think that she is worth $400 when this is not something that you can put on a tab. Stories of sexual assault are becoming so common that everyday people are becoming more desensitized to how serious the issue is. This past week alone I’ve heard tons of sexual assault jokes.
No matter how light-hearted the joke may seem, it always makes me cringe on the inside. Maybe society has always been this way and I am just starting to pay attention. Regardless of when the desensitization began it is way past time to reevaluate your dialect and realize that not everything should be portrayed as a joke. These are no situations where someone can say “you are being too sensitive.” Crimes like these should be taken seriously. Too many lives are impacted by sexual assault. An estimated 17.7 million American women are victims of sexual assault since 1998, according to rainn.org. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The 17.7 million does not include unreported cases, cases involving male victims, nor cases involving women from other countries.
On several occasions, I have seen situations where someone will say, “John Doe sexually assaulted me” as a joke and expect the response to be a laugh. There is nothing funny about the so-called joke. This shouldn’t be something that needs to be explained but I have heard these words come out of several people’s mouths. You never know how the things you say may make someone feel. I’m not saying treat everyone as if they are a bubble that can’t be poked by a feather. I am saying I want everyone to take responsibility for themselves and take the time to acknowledge how they treat others and think before they speak. All things we should have learned to do before we even left grade school. Stop turning a blind eye to problems that are so desperately in need of a solution.
Of course, cases where someone has been falsely accused also have a huge impact on lives. All these things need to change. The number of cases of assault must lower, people should not be afraid to speak out when they are assaulted; and people who falsely accuse someone else should be punished.
Photo by Liam on Unsplash.
It is way past time to put an end to the epidemic. The best thing that we can do to stop the judges and petty careless policies is to vote and petition. We have to start voting for people who actually want to make a change and improve the lives of people who are repeatedly being overlooked by those we expect to keep us safe. One thing I have learned, although it seems like common sense, not everyone grasps the concept that words and actions affect other people.
This article was originally published in FIU Student Media’s publication PantherNOW. | Dec. 21, 2018
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SFMN | News
SEMINOLE’S CLASS OF 2020 MAY YET HAVE AN IN-PERSON GRADUATION Class of 2019 during their graduation at the UCF Arena. Provided by Seminole High School.
Seminole High School, along with eight other public high schools in the county just north of Orlando, has postponed a scheduled June in-person graduation, citing safety concerns. But unlike many South Florida schools, it has rescheduled — on July 17. School officials cautioned that even the later date is tentative. According to the school board website, the graduation will be held at 8:20 pm. (In military time, that is 20:20, symbolic of the graduation year.) The school, the largest in Seminole County, has a graduation class of 850 students. Each senior attending can bring up to four guests, though an overflow area will be available after the seating area is full. Michelle Backel, assistant principal of Seminole High School, is working on the plan. “Normally we are at the University of Central Florida Arena, but now we are on our football field in a much smaller and very different space,” she said. “We have to figure out the sound because it’s different acoustics, we need a portable stage, and we have to find a way to safely get people in and out of the area. It’s a lot different and a lot of work.”
he believes the July heat will help protect against COVID-19. Still, he said that he will watch from afar, hoping that those with health issues take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. Val Jackson, the parent of a graduating senior, said that if there is graduation, she will definitely attend to support her son. Graduate Serra Sowers said she believes that the outdoor graduation will be a special and beautiful event, though she is concerned about how things will work. “I am waiting to hear how they will organize us at the outdoor graduation because I am nervous with the current health guidelines,” said Sowers. As of June 4, there have been 512 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Seminole County and 12 deaths. In addition to the planned outdoor graduation, school officials have arranged a virtual graduation to celebrate and honor the class of 2020.
Principal Jordan Rodriguez said if county and state guidelines allow for the July graduation, guests will be encouraged to wear masks, though he said it is unlikely people will be asked to be six feet apart. He added that he hopes to have hand sanitizer widely available at the ceremony. The president of the academic and athletic booster club, Patrick Austin, said he isn’t concerned because
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | June 5, 2020
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SFMN | News
NONPROFIT FEEDS 10 TIMES AS MANY NEEDY PEOPLE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Michelle Wilson and a Midway Coalition volunteer at Midway Safe Harbor giving away boxes of food to residents living in Seminole County food desert. (Photo by: Brea Jones /SFMN)
Seminole County, just north of Orlando, has the state’s eighth highest per capita income. Yet there are more than 1,200 homeless students and 30,000 students in low-income households, according to The Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools, a charitable organization connected to the district. Recognizing the rise in need in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a nonprofit has increased its delivery of free meals to struggling families. Running on grants and private donations, Hearts, Hands and Hope Inc. has been able to distribute more than 30,000 meals since April 7, said the group’s founder and president, Michelle Wilson. She said the group is now helping to feed 10 times as many people as it was prior to the pandemic, with the high possibility of doubling that due to newly added distribution sites. For four years, the group has provided meals to struggling families and children around Seminole County.
The nonprofit works as a community partner to the school district, focusing on areas the school district may be unable to reach.
“Since COVID-19 began, we have kicked our programs into high gear to help feed children while they are out of school and not able to get to meal sites at schools,” said Wilson.
‘Seminole County has three food desert census tracts. They are near the cities of Sanford, Altamonte Springs and Oviedo, according to the Seminole County 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment Report. Many of those areas overlap with census tracts where a high proportion of residents receive public food assistance.
The food comes via Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, a warehouse that collects food from a variety of community sources at little to no cost. The food collected may otherwise rot, but instead is redistributed to community centers and after school programs using the food bank’s custom trailers.
According to the report, a food desert is an area where at least 500 people have low access to a supermarket or large grocery store. So residents often turn to fast food and convenience stores. Bags of nonperishable items are packed for children to bring home. They contain enough breakfast, lunch, or dinner items to feed a family of four to six people. Before COVID-19, Hearts, Hands and Hope would prepare 100 to 200 bags feeding 600 to 1,200 people in Seminole County. These were passed out one day a week during long school breaks.
According to the food bank’s director of philanthropy, Daniel Samuels, collection sources typically include grocery stores, manufacturers, United States Department of Agriculture commodities, farmers and food drives. The nonprofits work to put together the hot meal boxes, also called “congregate boxes”, that are delivered to the community by Hearts, Hands and Hope. Thursdays at 10 a.m., volunteers from another local nonprofit called Midway Coalition help Hearts, Hands and Hope distribute sevenday boxes to Midway Safe Harbor, a community learning center. From there, it reaches Seminole County members in need.
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | June 17, 2020
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SFMN | News
Emory Green Jr., president of Midway Coalition, said the Midway Safe Harbor is a building owned by Seminole County Public Schools and run by Quinnrecus Byrd, the site facilitator according to their website, as a location for after school programs. It is very well known in the community for being a safe place mostly for kids with free and reduced lunch. Wilson said that families come early or line up at 9 a.m. to make sure they are able to get food. “Once we run out of food, that’s it,” said Wilson. Wilson said that Hearts, Hands and Hope started “with kids helping kids.” While her son was a student at Heathrow Elementary, Wilson, who was working with the PTA, heard from a teacher that the students at another school lacked pencils, notebooks and more. Starting a program called Heathrow Hearts, Wilson and the PTA hosted toilet paper drives and other events in which students would help collect necessary items to help underprivileged students.
Volunteers giving food to Seminole County residents prior to the start of the distribution. (Photo by: Brea Jones /SFMN)
Every day there are over 36,000 kids in Seminole County who struggle to find consistent nutritious meals. Bonnye Deese is interim executive director of Rescue Outreach Mission, which helps to house and feed homeless individuals and families. She says Hearts, Hands and Hope was a major help.
To find out more about Hearts, Hands and Hope visit their website here.
“There is no way we could have gotten through COVID-19 without them,” said Deese “They reached out to us and helped us feed all of our children and families.”
“No family should ever have to wonder where the next meal is coming from,” said Wilson. “It’s a terrible feeling.” It’s personal for her as well. Years ago when her husband lost his job, Wilson’s family struggled. Friends and family provided meals.
Volunteers working together to provide for community residents. (Photo by: Brea Jones / SFMN)
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | June 17, 2020
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SFMN | News
The Midway Safe Harbor Center in Midway, FL partnered with Heart, Hands and Hope to host weekly food drives giving free food of community members in Seminole County. (Photo by: Brea Jones / SFMN)
Several gallons of milk were prepped to be handed out to Seminole County residents during COVID-19. (Photo by: Brea Jones / SFMN)
NONPROFIT FEEDS 10 TIMES AS MANY NEEDY PEOPLE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC EXTRA PHOTOGRAPHY Hearts, Hands and Hope working in partnership with the Midway Coalition and the Midway Safe Harbor Center to give free food to the local food desert. (Photo by: Brea Jones / SFMN)
After SFMN published the article, Hearts, Hands and Hope shared a screenshot of it on their website.
This content was originally produced for The South Florida Media Network.
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ACTIVISTS WORKED TO REGISTER FLORIDA’S FORMER FELONS TO VOTE With the general election just weeks away, Florida’s ex-felons may well be the swing votes that never materialize, said activists. Until yesterday’s Oct. 5 deadline to register, they worked overtime to get that population to the polls.
Repeated calls to state and MiamiDade County Republican officials were not returned.
Controversy erupted almost immediately after the passage of Amendment 4, with conservative lawmakers arguing that “completion Prior to the passage of Amendment of the sentence” not only included 4 in 2018, people who had been prison, parole and probation, but convicted of a felony permanently also the repayment of any fines lost their right to vote. The law and fees related to the case. In July restored those rights, though it 2019, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed this excluded those convicted of murder requirement, titled SB 7066, into law. or rape, following the completion of their sentences. In response, the Brennan Center of Justice, Southern Poverty Law Center Following the passage of and other law organizations filed a Amendment 4, 85,000 ex-felons series of suits that claimed this was registered to vote. But a slew of unconstitutional. But in January, the court decisions has put those rights Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor and hundreds of thousands of others of the law. in limbo. This, in turn, was appealed to the “Making Florida voters pay to 11th District Court of Appeals in vote — it’s essentially a poll tax Atlanta. That court, in a 6-to-4 and we should be well beyond decision on Sept. 11, upheld the that in our society by now,” said Florida Supreme Court’s decision. Patricia Brigham, the president of the League of Women Voters of Brigham said the decision was Florida. essentially a slap in the face to hundreds of thousands of people According to the National who thought they had regained a Association for the Advancement constitutional right. of Colored People, Blacks are incarcerated at more than five times “This has been a complicated process the rate of Whites; Black women made much more confusing by the are twice as likely to be jailed as twists and turns as we have moved White women. through the court systems which could have been avoided altogether Ruban Roberts, president of the if the legislature had not passed SB NAACP Miami-Dade branch, said 7066 have the governor not signed he believes the current rulings are it,” said Brigham. “Clearly the part of a Republican strategy for state of Florida is going against the voter suppression. will of the people which is really outrageous.” “When you have 1.5 million voters who are eligible to enter the polls Organizations such as the Florida again, we knew there was going to Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), be voter suppression because those American Civil Liberties Union people who are eligible to vote are (ACLU) and League of Women not likely to vote for the parties in Voters of Florida have committed power right now,” said Roberts. to helping the returning citizens pay their financial obligations. As of August, more than 79% of Florida’s Black voters are “We are working with lawyers to help Democrats, compared to 37% for returning citizens get trained on how the state overall. they can pay their fines if they owe money or help them find out if they do if they don’t know. We are also
partnered with ACLU Florida to send out 80,000 postcards to returning citizens who to the best of our knowledge don’t owe fines and fees to notify them to register to vote,” said Brigham. And shortly after the appellate court’s decision, former New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg raised more than $16 million to help ex-felons register to vote in Florida. The FRRC states the money has already paid off fines and fees for 32,000 convicted felons. But Florida’s Republican attorney general, Ashley Moody has called for an investigation, claiming that the donations could be considered bribes. Still, Miami-Dade Public Defender Carlos J. Martinez said it is a good thing that donors such as Bloomberg have stepped up to help poor people pay their financial debts to the courts. “It’s a great thing for the state for Florida because we are now getting voters who are able to vote and also a transfer of money into the court systems of Florida when we are getting budget cuts at 6%,” said Martinez. “It’s none of the government’s business how they obtain the money if it is done legally, we should be welcoming the donations not investigating them.” In parts of South Florida, including MiamiDade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, prosecutors have made it easier for exfelons to clear any outstanding obligations. According to the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s website, which is similar to the other counties: “Individuals who can afford to pay all or some of their fines should do so. However, those who are indigent or do not have the ability to pay their fines in full may request a modification of their sentence by filing a motion with the Court. Upon proper request, the Court may modify the sentence and deem it completed for purposes of allowing the movant to vote. All other financial obligations remain in place and the Clerk of Courts may enforce them in the usual manner.” “The rules in Miami-Dade are complex because the rules for the state of Florida are complex,” said Martinez. “We have hired a group of lawyers to help teach returning citizens about their options.”
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Oct. 6, 2020
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PREGNANCY DURING A PANDEMIC: A DIFFICULT TIME FOR DOULAS April Dawn, a Central Florida doula, has been coaching pregnant women through childbirth since high school. She remembers back to the beginning of COVID-19 this way: “I’d go into these places all the time and I could just tell that things were different,” said the founder of The Mothered Momma, a pregnancy care center. In February, Dawn had a client who was a patient at AdventHealth Medical. The day she went into labor, the facility stopped letting anyone but partners or babies’ fathers or mothers into the delivery room. “We went into triage, and it was the first time that I have ever been asked for credentials. They were harassing me asking if I was really a doula,” said Dawn. “I had to show them paperwork, my website and all of these things and then everything seemed fine. When they finally got ready to take my client back, the nurse told us that I wasn’t allowed to go back with them. The father of the baby had to get slightly nasty with the nurse just so I can be there.” Doulas like Dawn say the pandemic has caused a major shift in the way mothers experience the process of bringing new life into the world. Although all birthing locations follow the national CDC safety guidelines in place to protect against COVID-19, each hospital and midwife-birthing location is allowed to implement additional rules and guidelines as they see fit to help keep women and newborns safe.
April Dawn holding her client’s newborn. (Photo courtesy of April Dawn)
One major change put in place limits visitors an expectant mother is allowed to bring during appointments and labor. Each facility website can specify individual rules, but count a hired midwife or doula as a visitor, potentially leaving others out and setting up difficult decisions. Doulas act as guides and provide emotional and physical support before, during and after childbirth. Unlike doctors and certified midwives, doulas require no formal training — though they often have significant backgrounds. DONA International published a toolkit for doulas to help them navigate working during the pandemic. Dawn has helped deliver 10 babies since February, noting several of her clients were not able to have the birth they had planned due to COVID-19. Two days after the February incident at Advent Health, another of Dawn’s clients went into labor and went to the hospital. “We were at Oviedo Medical which is a very relaxed and small place. Everyone loves this fairly new hospital so I didn’t anticipate any problems,” said Dawn. “My client is in her delivery room, I am in the waiting room waiting to be admitted up and at that moment the rules were changed everywhere and I couldn’t go up. My client was in full-on labor begging and pleading for them to let me up and they said, ‘absolutely not’.”
Dawn recalls being in the waiting room demanding nurses let her speak to a supervisor. When the supervisor came, Dawn tried to explain that her services were already paid for, but it didn’t matter. “I walked back to my car, threw off my mask and just cried,” she said. “It was so heartbreaking for me. My clients felt so unsupported and she ended up changing her whole birthing plan, and she didn’t get the birth that she wanted.” Arissa Holland, a mother who gave birth to her first child recently, said she was scared throughout her pregnancy. “I was pregnant and I have asthma, my little brother has asthma and at the time we were also taking care of our grandparents who are very elderly. We all did what we needed to stay safe,” said Holland. Holland decided to leave her job as a server at a Texas Road House in Central Florida after the location announced it would stay open for food delivery and curbside pickup. She also said she decided not to have a gender reveal party or baby shower. “As soon as things with COVID-19 started, I decided to stay home for my safety because I didn’t want to catch it, I didn’t know if I could give it to the baby and I didn’t know if I could lose the baby. I even depended on my mom to get groceries,” said Holland.
Many places began conducting some appointments over the phone or virtually. “At first the baby’s father was able to come to the doctor appointments with me but then around March I had to start going alone,” said Holland. “Eventually some
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Nov. 10, 2020
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April Dawn applying an acupressure technique to reduce pain levels as the mother works through the transition phase of labor, just before “pushing.” (Photo courtesy of April Dawn)
appointments they were able to do with me over the phone so I didn’t have to go in as much. Thankfully during my baby’s birth, his father and my mom were allowed to be with me.” Since February, Dawn said 95% of her clientele who had previously planned to deliver in a hospital transitioned to planning home births. “Not a lot of people felt ‘brave enough’ to do what they were planning to do before. I had a lot of people who were scared to go into a hospital,” said Dawn. “Now, I have clients who I have never actually met. Everything is virtual.” Dawn believes that COVID-19 has allowed people to be more aware of their own bodies and their health. BUt it has made her job a bit more difficult. “Through COVID, I have seen more dads or partners catch their own babies. With one of my clients who was at the hospital, the doctor actually let the father catch his own baby. This experience is becoming more intimate for families,” she said. “For me being there virtually,
I can’t do most of the things I normally would to give comfort and assistance to the mother.” Working during COVID-19 has drastically limited Dawn’s ability to interact with mothers in person. In order to help mothers prepare for their babies’ births, Dawn normally acts as a nutritionist delivering beneficial fruit water or making organic foods that benefit mom and baby. “When you’re doing virtual support in birth, you can’t hold an acupoint or massage the lower back or put a cold or hot pack where it needs to go or provide aromatherapy,” she said. “There are so many things you cannot do to comfort a person this way. This is not conducive to what humanity really is. We need touch.” It has been four weeks since Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted most of the COVID-19 safety guidelines, moving Florida into Phase 3 of the reopening plan. Despite the lift, most hospitals and birthing centers are continuing to limit the number of visitors and requiring everyone to wear masks while in the doctor’s office or delivery room.
According to CDC data, pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to die than infected nonpregnant women. There is still not a lot of information on COVID-19, but the CDC also states they are “supporting multiple efforts to better understand the impact of COVID-19 during pregnancy on both the mother and infant.” Although the changes make an already difficult time more challenging, doulas are being as accommodating and accessible as ever for mothers who are doing all they need to keep their newborns safe. “I think as we move forward, we are going to continue to become more aware that our own health is our own responsibility and the same is true for birth,” said Dawn. “If you want a specific birth, well, you have to take responsibility for that.”
On Oct 9, the CDC updated its website saying, “Based on what we know at this time, pregnant people might be at an increased risk for severe illness for COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant people.”
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Nov. 10, 2020
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SYBRINA FULTON, TRAYVON MARTIN’S MOM, REFLECTS ON A NARROWLY LOST ELECTION
Following a loss by only 331 votes in the race for Miami-Dade County Commissioner District 1 against former Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert, Sybrina Fulton said she is continuing to advocate for change within the community. As an activist and government worker, Fulton said she was an active part of the community her entire life before deciding to run. Now, three months after the heartbreaking loss and just days before another election, Fulton said she is looking forward. “Right now I can’t tell you if I’m looking at another seat or if I will be a candidate for that seat again,” said Fulton. “I told myself I would take a break and go on vacation so once I get to go on vacation and come back I can decide what I want to do.” Along with writing her second book, Fulton is working with her organizations, The Trayvon Martin Foundations and Circle of Mothers, to fight against gun violence and provide support for grieving mothers. Along with writing her second book, Fulton is working with her organizations, The Trayvon Martin Foundations and Circle of Mothers, to fight against gun violence and provide support for grieving mothers.
Sybrina Fulton with the community during a peaceful unity march that ended at a voter registration site. (Photo courtesy of Gregory Reed, MFA)
“I’m going to continue working with them and that is going to never stop because that is my passion and that is what I am about,” she said.
Brown said both act as safe spaces, though the Circle of Mothers is a private, more personal group, while the Trayvon Martin Foundation is more for the larger community.
The groups were founded following the death of her son Trayvon Martin who, at 17-years-old, was shot and killed by George Zimmerman in 2012.
“I have never missed a Circle of Mothers. I find working with her to truly be a blessing,” said Brown. “It’s tragic, but from the time she lost her son she has brought a different level of strength into this family, we are in now with the Circle of Mothers. She seems to bring us hope.”
Queen Brown, a member of the Circle of Mothers and volunteer with the Trayvon Martin Foundation, has been working with Fulton since then. “Whether it’s marches or meetings, whenever I leave her I always leave feeling more empowered,” said Brown.
Brown said that during meetings Fulton has presented laws and policies to the group and explained how they will affect the community.
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Oct. 26, 2020
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Sybrina Fulton wearing purple for Circle of Mothers. (Photo courtesy of Gregory Reed, MFA)
“She is a no-nonsense person — very serious. If you were listening to her talk to us you would think that she was the oldest person in the room because of the level of wisdom she brings and she is younger than I am,” said Brown. “She has a unique way of seeing both sides of issues with laws and presenting them to us.” And Hope Buchanan, the principle consultant of the Travyon Martin Foundation, said Fulton gives her a sense of purpose. “Watching her strength as she leaves a footprint for generations to come gives me immense pride and joy,” she said. Fulton had more than 20 years of experience in five different Miami-Dade County departments, prior to her retirement. “A lot of people think I just dropped out from somewhere and was JUST Trayvon Martin’s mom,” said Fulton. “I have another son Javarious Fulton who is doing really well and I have my own work I do.” Fulton’s first position was when she worked as a console security specialist with the General Service Administration monitoring building security systems with properties in the
county. Fulton continued working with the government when she worked for Miami-Dade Health, Safety and Environment for several years tasked with writing policy and procedures for the housing agencies. “I was a hearing officer for public officers in Section 8,” she said. “I learned a great deal about writing policies and procedures and now I am enforcing those same policies and procedures that were written.”
She then joined a management intern program, working in aviation and learning about budgets, human resources and other departments. She said her experience influenced her campaign focal points: economic development, affordable housing and reducing gun violence. She announced her campaign via social media in May. “It actually was a rumor that was out about a year before I even decided to run. When I heard the rumor, I wasn’t even interested,” said Fulton.
Fulton began to work with the Public Housing and Community Development department, working with the family self-sufficiency program helping residents with low to no income become more selfsufficient.
“The reason why I felt like Commissioner for District 1 was a better fit for me is because I knew Miami-Dade County from the inside as an employee, and I also knew it from the outside as a resident,” she said. “I knew that this was the right community for me.”
“I saw that most people felt that it was generational because their grandparents and parents lived in public housing. They don’t know that there is a different life where they can be much more profitable,” she said.
Fulton, is a product of Miami-Dade’s education system from kindergarten through college, receiving her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in communication from Florida Memorial University.
As a code enforcer for Miami-Dade County, Fulton said she improved things less so by issuing citations than by giving information about the relevant law and working with residents.
“With that particular degree it rounds you out for anything that you are going into and allows you to be versatile,” said Fulton. During her time at Florida Memorial, Fulton pledged to the Zealous Zeta Tau
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Oct. 26, 2020
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Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., a historically Black sorority. “We do our fundraisers and our fun events, but at the end of the day it’s about our business – making the community better and our sorority stronger,” she said. “The women that I have encountered are very phenomenal women. They’re very strong and powerful women and I identify with them. I wanted to keep that same level of strength.”
“For me, it was, not only is she a Black woman, but she also is an activist who brings a unique perspective and life experiences that would have been really valuable to a place like Miami,” said Weatherspoon. “I did see she has a lot of experience in the government fields which is very valuable to the position.” Weatherspoon, who was disappointed by Fulton’s loss, said that the issues on her platform are all issues that still need to be addressed.
There’s a lot that goes on in campaigns and there’s a lot of things that are being said, but I just remained on my course — the straight and narrow. I was very direct that I wanted to put people over profit. I see a lot of times people get in these positions and they forget about the people and become selfserving,” she said. I wanted to make sure that people put their trust back in politicians,” said Fulton. “That was my intention for running.” Since her loss, Fulton has participated in recent events like Souls to the Polls and has been featured in TIME100 Talks.
Fulton said she felt she was the best fit for Delta Sigma Theta, but she did do research on other sororities prior to officially pledging.
“I don’t just invite myself into things, things “Even before come to me and I I decided to decide I want to pledge, a lot attend. Every time of people were people see me telling me ‘do somewhere or they Sybrina Fulton marching with the Miami community during the Unity In The your research, see me speaking do your research’ and Community Peace March held in June. (Photo courtesy of Gregory Reed, MFA) or connecting you really don’t know with the family, “With affordable housing in a place what that means, well to me that someone that’s meant to research other sororities,” like South Florida, there are so many connected to ridiculous obstacles put in place that make the family or from the organization said Fulton. “I couldn’t go any it hard for people to even have a place to other way, it’s in my bloodline. I invited me in. I never go just on a have an aunt who has been a Delta sleep for them or their families even if whim, I have to be invited before they work full time,” she said. “It’s way for over 50 years, I knew so much I leave my home. My life is so past time for a change.” about sisterhood and community average, people think that I’m service, that was the only way to someone else and I just am who I Following the news of her loss, Fulton go.” am.” took to social media to express her gratitude to her supporters, saying positive Miami Gardens resident Shaura change will come in time. Phillip, said she was happy that Fulton was running. “331 votes – that’s like a couple of streets. It could have easily been a different “It’s not easy to put yourself out there but she did it anyway because outcome if people had easier access to the polls,” said Weatherspoon. “It’s funny she actually wants to make a difference for her community,” said because I think people get overwhelmed with the number of things that there are Phillips. “The fact that she lost by such a small margin tells me people to vote for on both the national and local resonated with her message and are levels, but situations like this serve as a reminder that your vote does count.” ready for change.” Broward County resident Jessica Weatherspoon, who follows Fulton on social media, agreed that it was exciting to see Fulton was running.
Fulton said she learned a lot during her campaign and experienced a lot of dirty politics that she didn’t involve herself in. “I stayed away from the dirty politics.
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Oct. 26, 2020
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FIU Biscayne Bay Campus faculty and staff participating in the annual FIU Black Out event for Black History Month. (Photo by: Brea Jones)
Student filling out her activity sheet to participate in the annual FIU Black Out event. (Photo by: Brea Jones)
FIU Students gather to attend the Black Out event with activities and games. (Photo by: Brea Jones)
This content was originally produced for FIU Student Media.
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AFRICAN SPIRITUALITY: PROVIDING A SAFE SPACE IN TROUBLING TIMES (INCLUDES VIDEO AND AUDIO) To watch Brea’s interview with Notty, a witch and rootworker, or listen to any of the audio clips below, click on the item.
African spiritual practices, such as Hoodoo or Voodoo, have been around for centuries. Although often painted in a negative light today by mainstream media, these practices are resources for anyone of African descent to form connections to ancestors and leading individuals to obtain answers they seek. Notty, a witch and rootworker, does her work to heal herself and others with the goal of helping people learn that they can create their own path, or “reality,” as she says. She focuses on ATR (African traditional religions) and Hoodoo. “I’m basically a spiritual advisor or healer. I want to help others walk the path they are supposed to walk down, learn how to heal from traumas and be happy within themselves and who they are as a person.” Between dealing with a health pandemic, racism and heightened racial tension, 2020 has proven itself to be a quite trying time for African
Americans. Many are turning back to ancestors’ traditions to find healing and peace of mind.
Notty, who feels like the Black sheep in her family, said that a need for change is what led her on this path. “I wanted to break out of the cycle that my family has been in for years and years. When I said, ‘I wanted to break that cycle,’ that’s when my ancestors were like ‘Ok, it’s time to show her the way. I’m really grateful for figuring out this path,” she said.
The History According to “Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones” by Stephanie Rose Bird, the hybrids of ancient African-based religion are now thriving all over the world.
Map showing five different African based religions and where they are now active in the world. By Brea Jones
Hoodoo is known to be distinctly American formed after the African
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Jan. 5, 2020
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List of rules for free or enslaved Blacks during 1770s.
A new beginning: How to learn more slave trade to America. They needed to alter their homeland beliefs to continue practicing in secret without the knowledge of the slave owners for fear of punishment as severe as death. Zora Neale Hurston was well-known as a Black author, anthropologist, filmmaker and a prominent voice during the Harlem Renaissance, a period starting in the 1920s were African American culture and creative arts blossomed. Hurston become the first African American to chronicle Negro folklore and hoodoo at the request of Charlotte Osgood Mason, an American socialite and philanthropist. Although a Florida native, Hurston traveled all across America for her work. She talks of finding herself in New Orleans in Aug. of 1928 in what she called “the kingdom of Marie Laveau,” aka the Hoodoo Queen, in a letter she wrote to a leader of the Harlem Renaissance Langston Hughes, an American poet, novelist, social activist and playwright. Here she spent her time getting to know the Black community in Louisiana and working to immerse herself in Hoodoo with Marie Laveau. Hurston’s experiences are published in her book Mules and Men. Notty, who has an interest in Hoodoo, noted that it’s important to research and learn about the religion you plan to practice and said “if you are not of African descent you are strongly advised against following any of the practices” because it’s a closed practice and would upset African spirits. She gives a brief disclaimer during one of her YouTube videos titled, “the basics of hoodoo.”
Pictured here are different stones used during meditation. (Photo by: Brea Jones / SFMN reporter)
This reporter implemented some practices of Hoodoo into her everyday life. Through reading books, researching on websites and watching videos, she has started on her journey into a new practice. Three things that she has learned on her journey are: (1) how to meditate and manifest. (Meditate is defined as thinking deeply or to focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of changing, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation. Manifest is defined as a public display of emotion or feeling, or something theoretical made real.) (2) She has started communicating with her inner child and (3) the importance of journaling. For those looking to expand their knowledge, here are recommended resources: For text: “Sticks, Stones, Roots and Bones” by Stephanie Rose Bird, Websites: Spirit Roots, Video: Notty Designs YouTube, Shops: Google metaphysical shops in your area. Tip: The first thing to learn in practicing Hoodoo is that all you need is yourself. Notty encourages all those who are learning about Hoodoo to learn about protection spells.
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Jan. 5, 2020
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The Miami Times | News Black voices being heard
As of Oct. 1, Democratic nominee Joe Biden holds a two point lead over Trump in Florida, according to online media news company FiveThirtyEight. To increase that gap, Biden’s campaign has been appealing to the state’s diverse population.
ALL-OUT PUSH FOR BLACK VOTE: DEMS COMING OUT FOR BIDEN Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex on Monday in Miami. AP Photo/ Andrew Harnik.
As Election Day approaches, the Miami-Dade Democratic Party is redoubling its efforts to capture and turn out the Black vote. Miami-Dade chair Steve Simeonidis said it will implement a large-scale campaign to include more than 50 community organizers stationed at its office in Miami Gardens – one of the largest Black communities in the U.S. – and at other offices located throughout the county. Four are in the predominantly Black neighborhoods of Liberty City and Miami Gardens; offices in Homestead and North Miami were opened on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4. Simeonidis believes the party is working to earn the Black vote by being accessible to the community and standing with it on issues of racial injustice and gun violence, as well as supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. Party secretary Robert Dempster said that, as a Black man, supporting Black Lives Matter is very important to him on a personal level. “Along with participating in the Miami-Dade protests [following the death of George Floyd], we drove up to Washington, D.C., to participate in the protests happening there with some of our staff,” he said.
On Oct. 3 the group also hosted a youth-led virtual roundtable on gun violence and safety featuring Black and Latinx activists and students involved in the March For Our Lives group, which itself stemmed from the Parkland tragedy in February 2018. It’s just one step being taken to educate area residents on the threat to their voting rights.
In major swing states including Florida, over 80% of college-educated Black voters favor Biden while 14% favor Trump, according to an online survey of more than 10,000 people conducted by Morning Consult, a global data intelligence company. Dwight Bullard, political director of New Florida Majority, said recognition of the Black contribution to the American story is important, but tackling the critical issues that have plagued the country and Black communities in particular is critical. “I’m cautiously optimistic that Vice President Biden and Senator Harris will continue to meet with members of the Black community,” said Bullard. “Moreover, my hope is that they will look to address issues like criminal justice reform and systemic racism.” There are a number of Black voters who associate Biden with his tenure in the Obama administration; others look at his time in the U.S. Senate.
A report published in the Guardian on Sept. 28 shows that in 2016, the Trump campaign tried to suppress the vote of 3.5 million Black voters. “In both instances, you have Black voters who are looking for Biden That investigation showed the to make greater commitments to a campaign used an election prosperous future and not to rely on or database with records from 16 make the same mistakes as in the past,” swing states, divided into eight said Bullard. different categories. A category marked “deterrence” was made of Biden and wife, Dr. Jill Biden, predominantly Black Americans who campaigned in Miami on Oct. 3 for the were considered likely to vote for first time since his nomination, where Hillary Clinton or not at all. Those he participated in a town hall event people were targeted on Facebook moderated by NBC “Nightly News” with advertisements claiming anchor Lester Holt and answered Clinton lacked sympathy for African questions from undecided Florida Americans, aiming to dissuade them voters. from voting. Prior to that, Biden spent time at the “We at the Miami-Dade Democratic Little Haiti Cultural Center and pledged Party office find it utterly appalling his commitment to Haitian Americans, and disgusting that this has saying the South Florida Haitian happened,” said Simeonidis. “On community is resilient and could our side, we fight and believe in determine the outcome of the election. easier access to the polls, while the Republican side appears to be all “Wouldn’t it be an irony, the irony of all about repressing it, especially for ironies, if on election eve it turned out people of color.” Haitians delivered the coup de grâce in
This article was originally published in The Miami Times (on front page / online). | Oct. 7, 2020
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this election,” he said.
The fight to preserve civil rights
country.
Haitian community members played music, waved Haitian flags and held Creole “Biden Harris 2020” signs in support during the visit.
According to an online survey of 2,546 Americans conducted by Harvard University Institute of Politics, 18- to 29-year-olds prefer Biden over Trump by 30%. Seventy-three percent of people with a college degree believe this election will make a difference in their lives, compared to 64% of college students and 55% of respondents with no college experience. And two-thirds of
“It should come as no surprise that he continually uses Black pain and Black progress as a prop, giving no real credence to its significance,” he said. Roberts said his organization is more focused on engaging with the community through concentrating on voter education, registration and mobilization, with a goal of getting as many people registered to vote as possible. He stated that people should do their research on candidates before voting on both presidential and local levels, and stressed the importance of Black people to “vote our interests” due to broken promises and the lack of progression in solving crucial issues faced by their communities.
“We are thrilled that the Haitian community is a priority for Biden’s team as it campaigns throughout South Florida,” said Sandy Dorsainvil, manager of the Little Haiti Cultural Center, during the event. Biden then stopped in Little Havana to talk about building the economy and bringing jobs to the Black and Hispanic communities stating, “It’s time to make bold investments to build better than we were before COVID-19.” He also urged Trump to follow math and science and implement mask mandates as a protective measure against the disease. Biden is scheduled to be back in Miami on Oct. 15 for the second presidential debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, which is now in jeopardy due to Trump testing positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 1. The visit came several weeks after Harris arrived in South Florida on Sept. 10 on Biden’s behalf. During her stop the senator met with community leaders after hosting a forum on issues faced by Black Americans, held at Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens. Miami-Dade NAACP president Ruban Roberts was happy to see her there. “This is the first time I am seeing something like that on the presidential level,” said Roberts. “Sometimes our vote is taken for granted, which cannot continue.”
those surveyed disapprove of Trump’s job performance as president. The survey included participants from every state, with 1,399 participants definitely planning to vote in the upcoming election and 89% having a high school diploma or higher. Roberts believes young people understand the power of their vote and are starting to “leverage it as much as possible.”
“
We need more of a unified voice so that we are not asking these folks “what are you going to do for us,” but telling them what they need to do for us, which we need to be more cognizant of,” Roberts said. “We need to have a list of demands that is supported on both a national and a regional level.
”
“If nothing else we need to do it for John Lewis and all those who lost blood on Bloody Sunday or Harry T. and Harriette Moore, along with countless others. They sacrificed so much for our civil rights and part of that is having the right to vote,” said Roberts. As of August, 79.1% of Black voters in Florida are registered Democrats, while 16.8% are Independent, and 3.5% Republican. A tiny 1.2% belong to alternative parties, such as the Green and Reform parties. Bullard said Black Americans should understand that Trump has no regard for their history or contributions to the
Article seen on front page of The Miami Times.
This article was originally published in The Miami Times (on front page / online). | Oct. 7, 2020
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THE WOLFSONIAN DIGITALLY THRIVING DURING A PANDEMIC
Still image from Art of Illumination. Credit: Still from Live Inventory, Art of Illumination video, 2019, © Leo Castañeda.
Just like the rest of the world, COVID-19 has caused many art spaces to close their doors to the public for the foreseeable future. Top Miami art venues like The Wolfsonian have increased their digital presence with weekly virtual shows that focus on a wide range of topics as a way to connect with their audience. FIU Wolfsonian Museum Curator, Shoshana Resnikoff, says The Wolfsonian is lucky with having Yucef Merhi, digital curator, already on staff prior to the start of COVID-19.
“I started developing what we call net.art, which is art made for the Internet in the late 1990s. Since then I’ve seen how the world has evolved into an extension of this digital world,” said Merhi. “Everything has been positive. We are all evolving as a team and it’s becoming part of our
“Oh my god! I think I have five times the responsibilities that I used to have before COVID-19,” said Merhi. “ Mostly because we had to create a robust detailed infrastructure for our experiences.” The Wolfsonian has been trailblazing it’s way into the digital world with weekly virtual events that are available on Zoom and Facebook Live, partnering with Google Arts and Culture to have online exhibitions. “Right now we really do need to have content that’s accessible, easily understood and engaging,” said Isabel Brador, digital assets and collection data manager with The Wolfsonian— FIU.
Each week The Wolfsonian has been “We were hosting virtual DigiBooks is a part of The Wolfsonian—FIU‘s new digital experiences. already events that range adjusting our from a focus on thinking about culture. We are very analog culture 3D animation, protest art with the relationship between the and now digital is creating a new design activism, architecture with in-gallery experience, the inconnection with the world and our the Jewish Museum of Florida museum experience, and the audience because our audience is and much more. online realm,” said Resnikoff. now digital.” “We don’t want to overwhelm Yucef Merhi, digital curator Prior to COVID-19, in-person people, we don’t want to at The Wolfsonian said that exhibitions were prioritized over just do programs around the COVID-19 has brought digital projects planned by Merhi pandemics and depress people awareness to the digital realm and and the team. Now that galleries but we also don’t want to how institutions can engage with are closed, those digital projects are pretend it’s not happening,” said their audience using different taking focus. Resnikoff. “Finding the right tools specifically for online news. This article was originally published in ArtBurst Miami. | Sept. 15, 2020
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balance to be a resource that is both educational and also enlightening and not overwhelming in this moment is a very fine line to walk. We’re constantly reassessing if what we are doing is in line with our mission.”
“I shared those with my family,” laughed Resnikoff. “One of my cousins mentioned she didn’t want her co-workers seeing her house and now my cousin in San Antonio uses our backdrops.”
The Wolfsonian — FIU staff agree that one of the biggest challenges is being away from the building, but Merhi believes that has allowed for some freedom of thinking in a different way for events and engagement.
Adapting to a new reality has involved all of The Wolfsonian departments. In light of the increase in remote work, the marketing department created Zoom backgrounds- 16 of which are available for public use on The Wolfsonian—FIU website.
Although the experience may be different than normal, The Wolfsonian is working diligently to adopt new digital trends while engaging their audience.
“We now see our website as something more integrated to According to the our physical site, these curated space,” he said. selections of “We started Wolfsonian artworks, One of 16 Zoom backgrounds offered by The Wolfsonian—FIU. Credits: Norris experimenting from scenes serene Theatre window grille, Norristown, Pennsylvania,1929. XX1989.429. with all of these to social, is tailordifferent [virtual] made to jazz up your realities and technologies in order to conference calls, provide a more powerful and relevant Although The Wolfsonian has had great check-ins, and digital experience to our audience.” success in transferring to the digital family FaceTime world, Merhi has noted some technology — because being struggles he has faced during the housebound doesn’t mean pandemic like struggling to access large you can’t stand out. files of photos on his home computer. The Wolfsonian–FIU Head “I think the major challenge was keeping of Marketing + PR, Meg a pace where we can deliver content Floryan, said the idea came and new experience based on these from The Wolfsonian— technologies,” he said. “I also learned FIU acting director, Casey that not everyone has the same Internet Steadman, who was inspired speed or the same smartphone or the same by a LinkedIn post to computer. All these projects have to adapt draw from the Wolfsonian or be scalable to be experienced correctly, collection, which is full of which has been a very important lesson graphic artworks, murals, for all of us.” and other pieces that are perfect as virtual backdrops. Brea Jones is part of our first Artburst Although The Wolfsonian has been Miami Arts Journalism Mentoring able to adapt to the new way of life “We see the Wolfsonian Cohort for 2020. Learn more about during COVID-19, there have still been Zoom virtual backgrounds this initiative here. challenges. as a great way to share our images with the world during “I am an object person and to me one the pandemic,” she said. “ of the things I care most about in the It’s partly a marketing tool, museums is facilitating the interaction naturally, but it also speaks between a visitor and a thing,” said to a deeper need among Resnikoff. “For me, it was a mental the staff to feel close to the process and I had to accept that the thing collection while working I love most about museums just wasn’t remotely.” going to happen for a while.”
This article was originally published in ArtBurst Miami. | Sept. 15, 2020
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Bass player – Nicky Orta at a recording session for The Betsy’s Ninth Annual Overture To Overtown Festival – brought virtual in September 2020 – in partnership with FIU.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FIGHTING DIGITAL FATIGUE Now more than ever, content creators and art institutions are connecting in digital ways. Online work meetings and virtual events have become the repetitive schedule for many as we wade into the seventh month of the pandemic. We engage in work, school and entertainment through screens from the confines of our homes. How is this constant onslaught of screen time impacting us psychologically? According to psychreg.org, digital fatigue can occur because we have to pay extra attention to the behavior of others during online meetings. During these digital interactions, we aren’t able to use our full set of social cues and nonverbal communication skills, so we focus more to “monitor social interactions effectively.” So how do we combat this fate, still live our lives and engage with others? The Betsy Hotel, one of South Beach’s most notable art spaces, closed its doors on March 17, but they have still been hosting a variety of events that guests can participate in from their homes.
Deborah Plutzik Briggs, Vice President of Betsy’s PACE (Philanthropy, Arts, Culture and Education) program, is planning the ninth Annual Overture to Overtown Festival which will now be virtual to accommodate the times. “We have been able to continue to bring out consistent and dedicated programs and place it into people’s homes,” she says. “There is a community of jazz musicians who depend on us to really look at history and why it is relevant to us now.” Briggs, who shares that the hotel has been able to use this as an opportunity to build its audience to a more widespread level, will account for things like audience engagements and digital fatigue during virtual events, by making the offerings as interactive as possible. “We rarely have someone just sitting there. There will be talking, photos, music, question and answers at the end,” said Briggs. “I think of it as a teaching and learning tool for the audience.” The increase in screen usage for many has also created a concern about digital fatigue for creative workers.
Many writers who are creating their content from endless hours of editing on a screen and zoom interviews have experienced this fatigue. For three months, FIU senior Laura Antunez interned with The Miami Herald writing obituaries for victims of COVID-19. Antunez recalls experiencing waves of digital fatigue while researching victims and their families, saying the requirement of producing at least one story a week was both mentally and physically exhausting. “I would have to go through name after name just to maybe find information on 5 just to get only one person willing to tell you their story,” said Antunez. “It’s really hard to be such an active part in recording these stories of death and listening to people cry about their lost loved ones but it is rewarding being able to share stories.” The digital fatigue that many may be experiencing could be attributed to us overworking and over-scheduling ourselves because we believe we have more time. “I know I spent at least 12 hours researching one person,” said Antunez. “I remember I spent most of daylight going
This article was originally published in ArtBurst Miami. | Sept. 21, 2020
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Jazz songstress -Leesa Richards, Pianist – Jim Gasrior, and Bass player – Nicky Orta, in the Lobby @ thebetsyhotel, at a recording session for Overture To Overtown, COVID-19 edition.
through online white pages, looking through Facebook and more.” Andy Pham, an associate psychology professor at FIU said that online art shows and concerts are beneficial because they are accessible to anyone and serve as a global exhibition by bringing history and culture in everyone’s home while also supporting the artists who still yearn for expression. “The arts are needed now to remind us that we can escape our current reality at times, and become hopeful for a brighter future,” said Palm. “It inspires us to be imaginative while also reducing stress and anxiety stemming from the challenges we are facing this year.” Pham suggests that people combat digital fatigue by incorporating short breaks when on virtual meetings. “When listening to conversations through virtual meetings, often there is no need to stare at the screen, so it is fine to look away from the screen every now and then,” he said. “People can also dedicate scheduled time away from the computer such as during
longer breaks to stretch or exercise.” As we continue with virtual meetings and being fully online into the foreseeable future, it’s important to protect our mental health by implementing steps to prevent digital fatigue.
This blog item is presented as part of the Artburst Miami Mentorship Program.
If you want to attendWhat: The Betsy Hotel’s Annual Overture to Overtown Festival Where: virtual event When: 4 Mondays in September at 7 pm Cost: Free For more info: visit https://www. thebetsyhotel.com/overture-toovertown
This article was originally published in ArtBurst Miami. | Sept. 21, 2020
Brea Jones is part of our first Artburst Miami Arts Journalism Mentoring Cohort for 2020. Learn more about this initiative here.
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THE DIFFERENT CULTURES OF MIAMI ALLOW FOR UNIQUE EVENTS, TALENT, ART
In 1972 Carole Ann Taylor made her first trip to Miami Beach when she traveled there as a delegate to attend both the Democratic and Republican Conventions. “On Miami Beach and Ocean Drive all you could see were senior citizens sitting on porches where all the hotels and restaurants are now,” said Taylor whose first Miami encounter left her unanxious for her second trip eight years later. In 1980, Taylor was traveling the country for the Small Business Administration on disaster duty and was assigned to Miami when it was declared a disaster in the aftermath of the McDuffie where white officers were acquitted of killing black motorist, leading to riots and looting that hurt a lot of small businesses. “During my trip in 1980 that’s when I fell in love with Miami,” said Taylor who became fascinated with the communities that make up Miami. “The major reason was the people. The beauty of so many different people in one space -Haitians, Jamaican, Cuban, Trinidadian, Latin American – to me I thought of it as a melting pot, though even it isn’t,” she said. While there is a wide range of diversity in Miami, Taylor feels as though the area has always been segregated, now than it has ever been.
Singer Carole Carole Ann Taylor photographed by Leesa Richards.
“I find it interesting that the pockets in Miami are becoming more prevalent in these days that we are seeing now. It’s a challenge that I try to spend my time fixing by bringing different people together, which you can do through the arts and through music,” said Taylor. “That’s what I want to continue to do.” Born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania but raised in New York where her father, a civil rights activist, and her mother, an active community volunteer exposed her to the arts, a passion that drives her to this day. “We grew up around the arts. As a little girl my parents always took us to museums and living around Harlem we were able to travel all around New York and my parents would expose us to music, art and performances,” she said. Taylor has used her business acumen and love of the arts to develop spaces to to bring people together. She is president and co-owner with her son, Jaesyn Mixon, of Miami To Go, Little Havana To Go and Cultures To Go – all locations people can go to celebrate the cultures of Miami through retail. “I like to create retail settings that speak to the location of the store.
For Little Havana To Go in Little Havana it was a store that sold Cuban memorability and spoke to celebrating what Cuban culture is in a retail setting,” said Taylor. “I was always looking for things that I could create and/or sell that represented the different cultures of Miami.” Along with having her own business, Taylor serves on the board of several art organizations including the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre, WDNA Jazz Radio and Viernes Culturales. “I have really served on Viernes Culturales’s board since the beginning. We brought the vendors and store owners all together in Little Havana on the last Friday of every month to celebrate what Little Havana was,” she said. “ Even though we aren’t able to do it at the moment we would always hold it every last Friday of the month and people from all over would come and celebrate the culture.” The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the closure and shut down of businesses, institutions and events worldwide, but Taylor is optimistic about what the future of the arts holds.
This article was originally published in ArtBurst Miami. | Sept. 29, 2020
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“I think it will be bigger and better than ever because people have been forced to sit in their homes with the ability to take the time to watch online and listen to countless visual arts and performing arts,” said Taylor. “I think it will pique a curiosity within people who will be looking to pursue and see what they can come out and play what they have been seeing online. All these online presentations are so very powerful.”
Like Taylor, we should take time to appreciate the various cultures that flock to Miami naming it home. The people, flavor and style that make up those cultures cause a unique blend of creations like music or art that reflect the culture and speak to the South Florida environment.
Taylor has also participated in and helped host several virtual events during the pandemic including Overture to Overtown with The Betsy Hotel and Zen and the Art of Making Presenting: Carole-Ann Taylor.
Miami icon Carole Ann Taylor photographed by Leesa Richards.
This blog item is presented as part of the Artburst Miami Mentorship Program. Brea Jones is part of our first Artburst Miami Arts Journalism Mentoring Cohort for 2020. Learn more about this initiative here.
This article was originally published in ArtBurst Miami. | Sept. 29, 2020
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Mickalene Thomas, b.1971, Camden, New Jersey, lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. A Moment’s Pleasure in Black and White Chromogenic print 2006 14 x 17 inches Collection of Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz.
in the U.S Supreme Court. November’s 2020 election also marks the 100th year anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, making this exhibition quite timely.
FROST ART MUSEUM FIU OFFERS EXHIBITIONS FOR VIEWING IN PERSON OR VIRTUALLY The Frost Art Museum FIU debuted a new exhibition on Sept. 26 titled, “House to House: Women, Politics, and Place.” It runs through Feb. 7, 2021.
“I ended up focusing quite a bit on the complexities of the domestic
“There is a moment in the exhibition where portraits of political figures are presented. You will find pictures of Sandra Day O’Connor, Patsy Mink, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, among others,” said Galpin. “Some time ago, I had decided to present a promotional poster from the documentary, RBG, in the exhibition. As a result of Justice Ginsburg’s passing, we ended up giving the poster a bit more prominence.” The exhibition includes work from Aurora Molina, Catherine Opie, Martha Rosler, Wendy Red Star, Laurie Simmons, Mickalene Thomas, and Deborah Willis, among others and was supported by the Funding Arts Network.
“House to House” examines the transitional period of the 20th century where women became more active outside the home and involved in social justice reform by demanding equal One special representation component of Leonard Suryajaya, b. 1988 Indonesia, lives and works in Chicago, Illinois including in this exhibition’s Musing Chromogenic print, edition 1 of 5 plus 3 Artist Proofs, 2015 36 x 45 the U.S House of virtual opening (held inches Courtesy of the artist Representatives, on Saturday, Sept. where there are 26), included a taped now 100 women serving as space because I believe there is message and music videos by Representatives. ample ground to cover. Home can Grammy award-winning producer evoke nostalgia, freedom, and/or DJ Tracy Young. Young, who is Amy Galpin, curator for Frost oppression, among other complex owner of Ferosh Records, has Art Museum FIU, said the show concepts,” said Galpin. worked with over 100 artists theme came about as a suggestion including Beyonce, Katy Perry, from the Frost director who was The exhibition debuts one short week Demi Lovato and Madonna. thinking about the election and the following the passing of Justice Ruth anniversary of the passing of the Bader Ginsburg who successfully “I’m thrilled to be involved with 19th amendment. fought against gender discrimination this event at Frost Art Museum This article was originally published in ArtBurst Miami. | Sept. 29, 2020
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FIU. As the first woman to be nominated and win a Grammy in the remix recording category, I know what it means to shatter the glass ceiling and I can imagine many of the female artists featured in this exhibition can relate,” said Young. “I’m honored to be associated, and know that House to House will spark important dialogue about women, politics and place.” The Frost Art Museum FIU will eventually make the House to House exhibit to be viewable virtually, however another exhibition on display at the museum, “Otros Lados: Itzel Alexis Basualdo, Hugo Crosthwaite, and Judithe Hernández,” is available virtually. All the Museum’s virtual and digital experiences can be found here.
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having much family outside of Mexico or Argentina. So throughout my childhood every other year my parents planned these almost “pilgrimages” to both countries. And in visiting both Mexico and Argentina it was being surrounded by so much love, warmth, excitement, and feelings of belonging? But the latter was always
Guests who wish to view these new exhibitions in person at The Frost Art Museum FIU are more than welcome as long as they follow the new safety guidelines put in place to protect against COVID-19. All visitors not a part of the FIU community must make an appointment. “House to House and Otros Lados launch our fall programming at a moment of seismic shifts in the world of culture,” said Jordana Pomeroy, director of the Frost. “Social inequality frequently inspires visual and written narratives that can be unsettling and yet intellectually gratifying at the same time.”
Wendy Red Star, b. 1981, Billings, Montana, lives and works in Portland, Oregon Apsáalooke Feminist #4 Photograph, 2016 42 x 55 inches Courtesy of the artist.
“Otros Lados”, which opened on Aug. 22, and will be running through Dec. 13, 2020, looks at Mexican and Mexican American experiences from three different generations of artists. The works by the three main artists were inspired by the novel “A Dream Called Home” by Reyna Grande, offering a shared view of Grande’s text. The title of the exhibition “Otros Lados” comes from a phrase used in Mexico “Al Otro lado” referring to the shared space populated with many Mexican immigrants at the other side of the Mexico/ U.S. Border. Itzel Alexis Basualdo said the title, and the show hits home on so many levels. “I was born in Miami to a Mexican mother and Argentine father. Both my parents left home for the U.S. in their early twenties practically solo, not
complicated by the fact that I was too gringa to be Mexican, never Argentinian enough because I lacked the accent and was born in the U.S. to a Mexican mother. And back in the U.S., I’ve never quite been American enough for everything that makes me me. I think I’ll always spend my days longing for these otros lados.” The show has been on display for a little over a month, and according to Basualdo, the response has been good. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive. COVID has obviously made it very difficult for a lot of my close friends to visit the exhibition, but those who have seen it have commented on the nuance of the exhibition,” said Basualdo. “One of my mentors, the Cuban-American photographer Mirta Gomez,whom I owe so much too, commented on how having us three [Judithe, Hugo, and Basualdo] in the space was a beautiful blend of innovation and tradition and how it was refreshing to see the experiences of Mexican, Mexican-Americans on view here in Miami. She said, and I quote, “muy requete bueno.” I think that’s good enough for me.”
IF YOU GO WHAT: House to House Women, Politics, and Place WHEN: Through Sun., Feb. 7, 2021 WHERE: Frost Art Museum FIU COST: Free FOR MORE INFO: https://frost.fiu.edu/exhibitions-events/ events/2020/09/house-to-house.html
This blog item is presented as part of the Artburst Miami Mentorship Program. Brea Jones is part of our first Artburst Miami Arts Journalism Mentoring Cohort for 2020. Learn more about this initiative here.
This article was originally published in ArtBurst Miami. | Sept. 29, 2020
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FIU News Visualization | News / Data
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COVID-19 DATA INFOGRAPHIC
This article was originally published with FIU News Visualization. | Oct. 3, 2020
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As the world continues into the seventh month of the pandemic, statistics from Covidtracker.com show that people of color, mostly Black and Hispanic people, are contracting COVID-19 at higher rates compared to white people nationwide. The CDC states there are social determinants of health that put minority groups at risk of catching and dying from COVID-19 which include: discrimination, healthcare access and utilization, occupation, educational status, and income as well as housing. People of color and women disproportionately account for a large percentage of essential workers. According to a study from the Center for Economic and Policy Research, Black workers make up about one in six front-line-industry workers. ‘‘These positions often have low wages and poor health care options, leaving workers vulnerable and unable to defend themselves or their families against COVID-19. In Florida, there are 663,994 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with the impact hitting Black Floridians the hardest.
Using data from Statista.com detailing Florida’s population by race and data from Covidtracker. com, I calculated the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Florida per 100,000 people by race. There are 2978 per 100,000 Black Floridians compared to 1264 White Floridians. One solution for essentials workers, according to the Economic Policy Institute, would be to join a union to receive benefits such as higher pay, better access to sick leave, healthcare and more. The CDC believes that community and faith-based organization’s play a role in promoting access to healthcare, stating we must work together to ensure “that people have resources to maintain and manage their physical and mental health, including easy access to information, affordable testing, and medical and mental health care.” Data Source: https://covidtracking.com/race Data Chart: https://covidtracking.com/race/ about#download-the-data
This article was originally published with FIU News Visualization. | Oct. 3, 2020
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2020 Election Data Visualization There are several factors experts believe will determine the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. One of those factors is African American voters. To see how the African American vote may affect the election The African American Research Collaborative created The American University Black Swing Voter Project.
According to data from The New York Times, all six states included in the survey voted for Trump in the 2016 presidential election against Hillary Clinton. The swing voter project consisted of about 20 questions on several overarching topics including vote choice, attitudes toward candidates, motivation to vote, attitudes towards
For the project, they surveyed a sample of 1,215 Black respondents from the 2020 electoral battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. The sample is weighted to the population of Black/African American adults in each state, and by gender, age, and education.
the parties, attitudes toward elected officials and police and the criminal justice system. Survey respondents were asked how welcoming they feel the Democratic and Republican parties are towards African Americans. The Republican Party was rated as most unwelcoming across all age groups surveyed.
This article was originally published with FIU News Visualization. | Nov. 1, 2020
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Survey respondents were asked questions related to their attitudes towards specific elected officials. One question asked if the individual felt as though President Trump were racist.
As shown by the chart above, the majority of respondents agree that Trump is racist. Black respondents 60 years of age or older agreed the most with the statement while Black respondents age 18–29 disagreed the most.
including Little Hati.
According to a recently published Miami Times article, the Miami Dade Democratic party has been working hard to acquire the Black vote.
The African American Research Collaborative asked respondents who they planned to vote for in the 2020 presidential election.
President Trump has made three several day-long trips to Florida since Oct. to hold rallies for his campaign.
On Oct. 3 presidential candidate Joe Biden held a campaign rally in Miami visiting several local areas
The African American Research Collaborative asked respondents what they felt was the most effective way to bring about change in America. The highest response for Black voters age 60 and up was voting while respondents age 18–29 said to join a protest. Election day is quickly approaching and thousands across the United States have already made their way to polls for early voting.
Due to a high level of registered mail-in ballots, many believe it may take a few extra days possibly even weeks to calculate all of the 2020 electoral votes. Link: https://www.american.edu/spa/ccps/upload/blackswing-voter-fact-sheet-final-7-29.pdf Link: https://docs.google.com/ spreadsheets/d/1EfYp2eltoXU7g5RmCrWzhFzeGjbLGtFYgDNzi5J9_U/ edit?usp=sharing
According to NBC News, the results from Oct. 29 in Florida put Biden ahead of Trump at 51 percent versus 47 percent. This article was originally published with FIU News Visualization. | Nov. 1, 2020
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UPDATED CDC DATA TO HELP UNDERSTAND HOW COVID-19 AFFECTS PREGNANCY For this assignment, Brea created two moving data animations in Adobe Premiere using data from the CDC about pregnant women with COVID-19. Interview with Gonzalez conducted by Gabriella Genao.
COVID-19 has been spreading rapidly for at least eight months and there is much that remains unknown. Those who have pre-existing medical conditions are at a higher risk of catching and being severely impacted by this deadly virus. Pregnant women are among those at a heightened risk for severe illness from COVID-19 according to an MMWR study and should take extra safety precautions to protect themselves and their unborn baby. A recent article published in early December by the National Institutes of Health claims that a vast majority of pregnant women who contract COVID-19 would not have complications. Although this new information is relieving to some, many are still being very precocious and doing all they can to protect themselves and their families from the virus.
To learn more about how this virus may affect pregnant women, the CDC has collected and studied data on pregnant women who have tested positive for COVID-19 from now since January 22. According to the CDC there have been 39,857 positive COVID-19 cases amongst pregnant women with 53 of those cases resulting in death who was pregnant during COVID-19, said there was a lot of confusion throughout her pregnancy. Although Gonzalez took a lot of safety precautions to protect herself and her family from the virus, her husband, who works at a hospital, got sick and tested positive for COVID-19 during her pregnancy. Months later Gonzalez’s child has been born and her family, including her husband, is healthy. To hear how COVID-19 impacted Gonzalez’s life listen to her share her story.
This article was originally published with FIU News Visualization. | Dec. 6, 2020
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CHARTS SHOWN IN VIDEO Animated chart 1 The image to the left shows the first of two animated charts Brea made in Adobe Premiere for this assignment. To watch the animation click on the image.
This was a two-person assignment to interview one source and create a moving chart animation using data on COVID-19. Gabriella Genao interviewed source, Monica Gonzalez. Brea Jones edited the video together, finding the b-roll, cutting together the interview, and creating/editing the moving graphics and charts.
Animated chart 2 Gabriella Genao, Brea’s partner for this assignment, created the first draft of the pie chart featured as the second animation in their video. The two images above with the yellow background are of the draft animation. The image to the right shows the final version edited by Brea. To see the full animation, click on the image to the right.
This article was originally published with FIU News Visualization. | Dec. 6, 2020
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SFMN
P
roducer
PUBLICATIONS
INSPICIO
[een-spee-cho] is a publication that focuses on the best of Miami arts.
WORK IN PUBLICATIONS While working with the awardwinning show South Florida Access, Brea produced 12 packages apart of the six total episodes produced during the 2020 season.
RADIO/PODCAST
During her time with Inspicio from January - April 2020, Brea produced four video interviews (Iké Udé, Michael Spring. Mitchell “Micky” Wolfson, Gregory Reed) containing over 67 clips. Brea was able to interview photographer Gregory Reed and curator Ludlow Bailey. Using Adobe InDesign, Brea was able to create 13 spreads for the e-magazine– Volume 6. The cover of volume 6 is shown to the left.
Brea has worked on air with several publications doing both live radio shows and recorded podcasts.
SEMINOLE SCHOLARS This show was created to highlight the accomplishments and talents of people in Seminole County titled Seminole Scholars.
SOUTH FLORIDA ACCESS An award-winning show attatched with The South Florida Media Network focused on news and entertainment in South Florida.
While interning with The Wolfsonian-FIU Brea was able to work with several different departments, Brea was able to work with FIU Honor’s College podcast More Than a Major. She attended the show first as a guest, then as a host the following week. This experience taught me a lot about podcasts.
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Producer
Radio
RADIO HOST / GUEST The Claw and Growl Radio Show As a repeated guest on PantherNOW student radio The Roar’s show The Claw and Growl, Brea spoke about articles she published with PantherNOW. Shown to the left aired on Nov. 3, 2017. This two-part special was recorded on 95.3FM in Miami, 96.9FM in North Miami, and 88.1 in Kendall/ Homestead. It also streamed at www.theroar.miami. com. The Claw & Growl, live news & opinion radio talk show, aired every Monday and Friday from 1011 a.m. only on The Roar.
More Than A Major Podcast Show
As the storytelling intern with The Wolfsonian-FIU, Brea was able to work on her skills as both a podcast guest and host. While working with Enrique Rosell, the host of FIU’s Honors College podcast More Than a Major, she was able to learn many things like how to come up with an intro, conceiving interview questions, booking podcast guests, and how to edit audio. To listen to either episode click the respective image.
Content on page was published for multiple publications (Links on photo).
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Personal | Photography
During an impromptu photoshoot, Brea took several photos of her grandparents on a sunny day during the Summer of 2020. This series titled “Generational Love” was featured in the HEARTS/Frost Afrofuturism Art show held on March 4. The flyer for the event is shown in the bottom right.
All photography on page was originally done for the personal use of Brea Jones.
Photographer
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Producer
Seminole Scholars
SEMINOLE SCHOLARS EPISODE 1
Angelica Witherspoon - Cassanova, Author
EPISODE 2
Ishmael Harris, Vietnam War Veteran and Electrician
EPISODE 3
Chris Downs, Producer
The first episode of Seminole Scholars is with published author Angelica Witherspoon-Cassanova, who also gave an exclusive feature.
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The second episode features Ishmael Harris, who tells of growing up in a different era of Seminole County with segregated school systems.
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The third episode of Seminole Scholars is a Zoom discussion with Christopher Downs, a news producer with WPBF-25.
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Click here or image(s) above to view more of Seminole Scholars, the original YouTube series created by Jones.
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SFMN | South Florida Access | Full Ep. 1
Producer
SFA EP.1: FROM FASHION TO HELPING COVID-19 AT-RISK POPULATION (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY)
By Monica Sofia Lebro, Brea Jones, Julissa Mederos, Cristina Feliciano, Kevin Gonzalez, Taknighis Beauvoir, Valeria Venturini, Ana Soler, Andrea V. Gonzalez, Paola Marcano-Bolivar and Dave J. Fair.
Welcome back to South Florida Access! Our first-ever at-home episode, hosted by Monica Lebro, takes you through South Florida in the age of the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing. SFA reporter Valeria Venturini talked to the founder of MODE Revolution, Cindy Hassan, about using social media to reach consumers, spread the message about sustainability and tell quarantine stories. Orlando J. Addison, an Afro-Latino leader and founder of the Ernesto Gamboa Project and the Afro-Latino Excellence Summit, spoke with SFA reporter Paola Marcano-Bolívar about his work on increasing the representation of the Afro-Latino community as the
Black Lives Matter movement continues to impact society. Oncologist Dr. Raul Storey and Venezuelan fashion designer Katherine Cordero sat with SFA reporter Andrea V. Gonzalez to talk about giving back to the community, as well as working with Cordero on We Are Goddess Society to give cancer patients just another reason to smile. To finish off, SFA features the non-profit organization Buddy System MIA, which delivers aid to those who need help when they’re sick. SFA reporter Yuselys Solis spoke to co-founders Kristen Guerin and Jessica Gutierrez. They started the nonprofit after Guerin fell ill with COVID-19.
As Featured on Instagram.
This video was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | July 31, 2020
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SFMN | South Florida Access | Ep. 1 packages
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DR. RAUL STOREY AND DESIGNER KATHERINE CORDERO EMPOWER CANCER PATIENTS (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY) Department at the University of Texas. He currently works in the Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute in Vero Beach, Florida. Storey has also partnered with Venezuelan fashion designer Katherine Cordero to create the We are Goddess Society. They shared their passion, talent, and energy creating this project in hopes of inspiring women to connect with their internal beauty and feel empowered. Storey and Cordero are striving to create a community of “goddesses” that are concentrated in life and pushing themselves forward to achieve anything they want to conquer. By Brea Jones, Paola Marcano-Bolivar, Cristina Feliciano and Monica Sofia Lebro. Oncologist Dr. Raul Storey’s passion, dedication and generosity have brightened up the life of many cancer patients. When Storey received news that his father had been diagnosed with prostate cancer years ago, he was only in high school. Part of a unique program, he had also been accepted into medical school. His family and peers immediately began to look up to him as if he was already a doctor. From this moment on, he took the lead in action and research to provide his father with the best treatment. Since then, Storey has served as the research project coordinator for an oncology group in Houston. Also, during his residency he gained experience with the MD Anderson Cancer Center Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
South Florida Access reporter Andrea V. Gonzalez talked to Storey about giving back to the community and the “We are Goddess Society.” During the pandemic, Storey has incorporated routines and activities to keep his patients positive in these difficult times. Storey’s healing arts project includes more than a dozen people specializing in a variety of fields of liberal arts to keep patients positive during difficult times. To provide this service to his patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, Storey has created a way for patients to access the healing programs virtually. “It has been so powerful…the way the art is able to bring so much joy and positive impact and feelings to the patients while they are going through this treatment,” Storey said. “It has helped them with anxiety, depression, and has served as a sense of hope in achieving a coping skill when dealing with this disease.”
AFRO-LATINOS MUST JOIN BLACK LIVES MATTER (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY) Over the years the community has increased its visibility by sparking conversation about what it means to be Afro-Latino. A Pew Research Center study has shown that Afro-Latinos make up a quarter of the Hispanic population, yet not all are convinced that BLM concerns them.
By Andrea V. Gonzalez, Kevin Gonzalez, Brea Jones and Monica Sofia Lebro.
During the peak of COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has taken the world by storm as people have continued protesting police brutality and systematic racism for weeks. Afro-Latinos are among those most affected by systemic racism. They have been underrepresented in history books, corporate board rooms, and media for years. According to the 2017 U.S. census, there were more than 3 million Afro-Latinos living in the United States.
South Florida Access reporter Paola Marcano-Bolívar talked to Orlando J. Addison, an Afro-Latino leader and founder of the Ernesto Gamboa Project and the Afro-Latino Excellence Summit. He works on increasing the representation of his community. People who think Black Lives Matter doesn’t affect them are “living in a bubble.” Many constantly feel the pain of discrimination. The Afro-Latino Excellence Summit recently cited Univision journalist Tony Dandrades. He expressed excitement about being the first Afro-Latino awarded at the summit. This has allowed him to inspire younger members of his community. Dandradres said he constantly advocates for more Afro-Latino inclusion in the Hispanic television and film industry. Addison and Dandrades agreed that education is vital if society is to move forward on this issue.
These videos were originally published in The South Florida Media Network.
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SFMN | South Florida Access | Full Ep. 2
Producer
SFA EP.2: THE BANTERHEADS PODCAST, DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATERS, INTERNET EXPLORER AND MORE (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY) By Monica Sofia Lebro, Brea Jones, Julissa Mederos, Cristina Feliciano, Kevin Gonzalez, Ana Soler, Taknighis Beauvoir, Paola Marcano-Bolivar, Yuselys Solis, Valeria Venturini, Andrea V. Gonzalez and Dave J. Fair.
South Florida Access kicks off its second at-home episode with Valeria Venturini and Monica Lebro hosting “The Hot Minute.” They talk about trending topics on social media, from Internet Explorer’s upcoming farewell to Disney Channel’s first bisexual lead character to Instagram’s newest attempt at competing with Tik Tok. The Access takes you on a journey through virtual education amid the pandemic. Its reporters visit South
Florida drive-in movie theaters and discuss defunding the police with former Florida senator Dwight Bullard. In an exclusive interview, reporter Yuselys Solis sits down with the members of ‘The Banterheads Podcast’, Lantz Martin, Anthony “Beanz” Martin and Nick Alatriste. The Banterheads tell Solis about their podcast and Solis quizzes them on all things Miami.
As Featured on Facebook.
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Aug. 25, 2020
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SFMN | South Florida Access | Ep. 2 packages
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DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATERS MAKE A COMEBACK (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY) drive-in came to be and how operators made sure their
facilities would provide a fun and safe space for everyone involved. Allison Goodman, a Miami resident who attended the Hard Rock Stadium drive-in, described the experience as “bringing the feel of the old drive-ins.” She said she would recommend it to friends.
By Brea Jones, Paola Marcano-Bolivar, Cristina Feliciano and Monica Sofia Lebro.
Drive-in movie theaters, a sensation in the late ’50’s, have popped up all around South Florida from North Miami to Florida City in the last few months. They’ve made a comeback as the safe alternative to shuttered movie theaters during COVID-19. South Florida Access reporter Paola Marcano-Bolívar interviewed representatives of the Hard Rock Stadium drive-in and the Florida City Cinema as well as a movie attendee to find out how things are operating. Sam Coghill, vice president of stadium operations for the Miami Dolphins, offered some insight into how the
Due to the need to prepare for the 2021 football season, the Hard Rock finished with its drive-in earlier a few weeks ago, but the outside plaza theater option will continue offering a socially distant way of going to the movies. Tonight the James Bond movie “Goldfinger” will play at 6:45. On Saturday, the superhero movie “Shazam!” will show, also at 6:45 p.m. Tickets cost $12 to $19. Meal packages are available. During the pandemic, Donald Groh, a Miami student from Duke University, became the co-creator and owner of Florida City Cinema. It also offers food. For a fun and safe time, find a drive-in near you! Here is a short list: Dezerland Park Drive-In, North Miami Swap Shop (Fort Lauderdale) 3 Feo Drive-In at the Fair (Southwest Dade) Carpool Cinema Wynwood Florida City Cinema
WORKING TOWARDS EDUCATION, MID-PANDEMIC (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY) A group of panelists recently participated in an educational summit where they described overcoming struggles with homeschooling. Two of these mentors and teachers shared their stories to help people overcome their fears and embrace this change.
By Andrea V. Gonzalez, Kevin Gonzalez, Brea Jones and Monica Sofia Lebro.
The pandemic has changed the way we live our lives and caused everyone to adjust to a new normal. The biggest question is how will students be able to safely and efficiently get their education? Following the latest announcements, students can continue their education online or go back to school on a hybrid schedule. Many parents who are concerned about the rising number of coronavirus cases are questioning if sending their children back to school is the best option. Both parents and students wonder how effective virtual education will actually be.
South Florida Access reporter Andrea V. Gonzalez talked to Sonia Wignall, discussion moderator for the online educational summit, who was a single mom when she homeschooled her son Emmanuel S. Wignall. He has now become the CEO and founder of Vitrio Technology. He has also become a seasoned robotics instructor and was once a Lego competitive team member and coach. Panelist Sonia Ray had a different journey. She has dedicated her time to homeschooling her children with disabilities. Both stories are examples of hard work and dedication. They teach us that we are capable of doing anything that we set our mind to no matter what the circumstances. Their journey shows the importance of a positive mindset and discipline. To find out more about future educational summits, check out their website WWW.DIASPORAGLOBALPR.COM
These videos were originally published in The South Florida Media Network.
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SFMN | South Florida Access | Full Ep. 3
Producer
SFA EP.3: SPOOKY VIBES, LOS WIZZARDS, AND MIAMI SPORTS (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY)
By Monica Sofia Lebro, Brea Jones, Julissa Mederos, Kevin Gonzalez, Cristina Feliciano, Andrea V. Gonzalez, Ana Soler, Valeria Venturini, Yuselys Solis, Taknighis Beauvoir and Paola Marcano-Bolivar.
South Florida Access is back with its third at-home episode. Valeria Venturini and Monica Lebro host “The Hot Minute,” which touches base on the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Miami politics are also part of the conversation, as Esteban “Steve” Bovo debates Daniella Levine-Cava ahead of the November 3 elections. Today is the last day to register to vote. Then we move to internships. Many have transitioned remote as the coronavirus has spread. Reporter Andrea Gonzalez talked to interns and E.W. Scripps emerging talent leader Chip Mahaney about virtual internships and how transferring to remote operations has changed recruiters’ and students’ reality.
Overture to Overtown Festival will be hosted virtually this year by The Betsy Hotel. Reporter Paola Marcano talked to hosts and curators Carole Ann Taylor and Deborah Briggs, about this local festival dedicated to honoring the neighborhood’s history and legacy. Swarm Inc hosted its first Not So Spooky Halloween Drive-Thru. The event included a harvest market with pumpkin patches to take pictures for Instagram, and a trick or treating alley. SFA reporter Valeria Venturini attended the event and talked with vice-president of operations Sarah Porter as well as attendees. To close the episode, reporter Yuselys Solis sits down with the members of local Latin group ‘Los Wizzards,’ who talked about innovations such as mixing reggaeton with freestyle and using the Venezuelan cuatro and the trombone.
As Featured on Facebook.
This video was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Oct. 5, 2020
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SFMN | South Florida Access | Ep. 3 packages
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COLLEGE STUDENTS ADAPT TO VIRTUAL INTERNSHIPS (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY)
By Andrea V. Gonzalez, Kevin Gonzalez, Brea Jones and Monica Sofia Lebro.
During the pandemic, most college students are stuck when it comes to internships. However, some companies have adjusted to the new reality and allowed undergraduates to work remotely. The biggest challenge has been adapting. Nearpod social media intern Carol Chinea is an FIU senior who has been working with the company for almost two years. Her role didn’t change much after COVID-19. “If anything, now there is a lot more work,” Chinea said. “Our social media channels have just been growing so much.” Even though she misses having one-on-one moments with her coworkers and small talk after work, she loves not having to deal with traffic and being able to make her own schedule.
Working from home has been one of the biggest perks for some of these students. Even though the experience has been a positive one, it has been a learning experience adjusting to the new normal. “Whenever you have a problem with something, instead of going to someone to ask them for a question, you have to take it upon yourself to do your own research and find that answer yourself,” Chinea says. This has made her take ownership of her work and she hopes that she can continue being challenged while learning new skills that can help her while working remotely. Working remotely isn’t a learning experience just for students. Recruiters have also had to adapt to this new reality. E.W Scripps Company Emerging Talent Leader Chip Mahaney spoke about how his routine has changed and how much he misses not being able to meet people and visit classrooms. He also encourages students to network on LinkedIn and scour the internet for internships — even though there might not be much out there. These have been uncertain times for everyone. However, one thing is certain: This has been a learning experience for everyone, and we are all trying to make the best of it.
OVERTURE TO OVERTOWN: MIAMI’S HISTORICAL JAZZ AND BLUES SCENE (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY) Carole Anne Taylor, festival curator and performer, said it all started when artists and other black personalities that were performing on the beach had to go Overtown as a result of segregation laws. She describes Overtown as a “culture hub for Black people.”
By Brea Jones, Paola Marcano-Bolivar, Cristina Feliciano and Monica Sofia Lebro.
Overtown was once the core of the Miami jazz and blues scene, but the “Harlem of the South” is now just a memory for those who got to experience it. The “Overture to Overtown” festival has been hosted annually by the Betsy hotel for the last nine years. It aims to protect and share the heritage of Overtown through carefully curated performances and presentations.
Because of COVID-19, the festival transitioned to virtual this year. It was hosted throughout September on Zoom in four sessions discussing the past, present and future of Overtown. South Florida Access reporter Paola Marcano-Bolívar interviewed performers and curators of the festival to learn more about it and their process transitioning into virtual. One of the performers, Argentinian singer Roxana Amed, said the time in quarantine has allowed the audience to take the time to really listen and develop their awareness. Overtown has far more history than many know. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about it. Recordings of the event are available on the Betsy Hotel’s Youtube channel.
These videos were originally published in The South Florida Media Network.
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SFMN | South Florida Access | Full Ep. 4
Producer
SFA EP.4: BIDEN OR TRUMP? THE SOCIAL DILEMMA, MODELS, DJ’S AND ARTS (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY) By Monica Sofia Lebro, Brea Jones, Julissa Mederos, Kevin Gonzalez, Cristina Feliciano, Andrea V. Gonzalez, Ana Soler, Valeria Venturini, Yuselys Solis, Taknighis Beauvoir and Paola Marcano-Bolivar.
South Florida Access is back with its fourth at-home episode. Valeria Venturini and Monica Lebro host “The Hot Minute,” early-voting edition. The duo asked a round of quick questions to voters about the upcoming election. The modeling industry is not the same, according to model Gabriella Bongiovanni. From castings to interacting with models and agencies, Bongiovanni reflects on her career and how it has changed. DJ Juice and DJ Epps talk about the hardships DJ’s have faced while dealing with COVID-19. While nightclubs
and bars have yet to return to full operations and capacity in Miami, these DJ’s can’t wait to get back on stage and get the party going in the 305. Michael Spring, director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, touched base on the importance of artists. President and CEO of the Art & Business Council of Miami Laura Bruney mentioned the financial uncertainty. She also suggests the pandemic is an opportunity to reevaluate. The “Social Dilemma,” a Netflix documentary, exposes and analyzes how social media affects society. Do you wonder about the damage scrolling and being on social media can do to you? Ixamar Palumbo, a social media specialist of the Latin Grammys and Dr. Samantha Mackson, a mental health expert at South Miami Psychology Group, give their opinions.
As Featured on Instagram.
This video was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Oct. 27, 2020
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SFMN | South Florida Access | Ep. 4 packages
Producer
FUNDING ART DURING THE PANDEMIC ISN’T EASY IN MIAMI (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY) Like almost every other enterprise in Miami, art organizations are trying to manage between the lack of funding and the wellbeing of artists. Michael Spring, director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, touched base on the importance of artists, as well as the hardships they have recently faced. He highlighted how many artists suffered through canceled exhibitions where they might have sold their artwork.
By Andrea V. Gonzalez, Kevin Gonzalez, Brea Jones and Monica Sofia Lebro.
President and CEO of the Art & Business Council of Miami Laura Bruney discussed the financial uncertainty. For Bruney, going through these challenging times has created the opportunity to analyze and reevaluate a variety of things. For the full episode of South Florida Access, click here.
“THIS IS REALLY CHALLENGING, IT’S A TOUGH TIME RIGHT NOW” (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY) How much longer will it be until the streets of Brickell and Wynwood fill up with groups of people going from bar to club, piling up paper wristbands on their wrists and standing in long lines to enter a club or bar? COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the United States., making us question if this pandemic will cease any time soon and will allow us to return to normal. Miami, pretty well known for its party spirit, wonders how long this will take.
By Brea Jones, Paola Marcano-Bolivar, Cristina Feliciano and Monica Sofia Lebro.
Miami music artists DJ Juice and DJ Epps talk about the hardships DJ’s have faced while dealing with COVID-19. While nightclubs and bars have yet to return to full capacity in the city, these DJ’s can’t wait to get back on stage and get the party going in the 305. South Florida Access talked to these Miami influencers about their yet-to-happen full return to the party scene.
These videos were originally published in The South Florida Media Network.
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SFMN | South Florida Access | Full Ep. 5
Producer
SFA EP.5: BIDEN ADDRESSES NATION, ANIMAL PARKS & STRESS RELIEF DURING COVID (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY)
By Monica Sofia Lebro, Brea Jones, Julissa Mederos, Kevin Gonzalez, Cristina Feliciano, Andrea V. Gonzalez, Ana Soler, Valeria Venturini, Yuselys Solis, Taknighis Beauvoir and Paola Marcano-Bolivar.
South Florida Access is back just as the 2020 election concludes and Joe Biden is announced president-elect. Andrea V. Gonzalez brings you back home to South Florida, interviewing voters on election day about why they waited for the last minute to cast their ballots. Then we move onto Jungle Island and another animal sanctuary, which were closed for months because of the pandemic. What do all those critters do when there are no visitors around? Valeria Venturini gives the scoop.
All these closures and election controversies after months of the pandemic have probably stressed you out. So you need to relax. But how? Reporter Paola Marcano-Bolivar introduces you to the Five Sisters store where you can get connected to yourself and the world through meditation, crystal healing and spirit guides. Finally, Yuselys Solis interviews designer Stephanie Navarrete about high fashion and the environment. Who thought sustainability could be so beautiful?
As Featured on Instagram.
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Nov. 9, 2020
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SFMN | South Florida Access | Full Ep. 6
Producer
SFA EP.6: JOURNEY OF A BRAID, YOUNG VOTERS, AND WHAT TO DO IN MIAMI (INCLUDES VIDEO STORY)
By Monica Sofia Lebro, Brea Jones, Julissa Mederos, Kevin Gonzalez, Cristina Feliciano, Taknighis Beauvoir, Paola Marcano-Bolivar, Yuselys Solis, Valeria Venturini, Andrea V. Gonzalez, Shane Brown, Alejandra Garcia Elcoro, Nicolle Capdevielle and Ana Soler.
South Florida Access kicks off with Valeria Venturini and Monica Lebro in “The Hot Minute” discussing the surge of coronavirus cases in Florida and the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, which looks in poor shape entering the Big Apple. Danié Gómez-Ortigoza is an influencer and artist who spoke to reporter Yuselys Solis about her platform, Journey of a Braid. For Gómez-Ortigoza, braiding hair goes way beyond styling it. Discover its deep meaning.
What’s going on in Miami ’til the end of the year? Reporter Valeria Venturini describes doings at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the Perez Art Museum and Zoo Miami. Although the presidential election still isn’t officially over, local government positions have been filled. Miami’s young Republicans and Democrats still have a strong message to send. Reporter Andrea V. Gonzalez has the story.
Reporter Paola Marcano spoke with South Floridians about the upcoming holidays. What end end-of-the-year activities will be affected?
As Featured on Instagram.
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Nov. 21, 2020
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Inspicio | Video interviews
Producer
INSPICIO
Mitchell “Micky”
Gregory Reed:
Wolfson: Preservationist
Photographer
Video editing & production: Brea Jones. 20 part video series.
Interview with 20 Inspicio students. Editing & Production: Brea Jones. 40 part video series.
Iké Udé:
Michael Spring: Director
Artist/Photographer
of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
Video editing & production: Brea Jones. 17 part video series.
Videography: Layra Gonzalez + Brea Jones. Production: Brea Jones. 26 part video series.
This content was originally published in Inspicio during 2020.
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Inspicio | Magazine Pages
Using Adobe InDesign Brea was able to create 13 spreads for the e-magazine–Volume 6. Brea helped edit pages for 6,7,10,11,13,15 & 16 Inspicio Magazine.
This content was originally published in Inspicio during 2020.
Producer
Marketing Journalist
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SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING Brea connected with over 6,000 people daily. Tasks - Developing new strategies successfully used to increase audience and page attraction. - Designing flyers and social media templates. - Posting content daily to engage with audience on multiple platforms. - Hosting live virtual events via Zoom, Instagram Live and more.
Accounts Managed @PantherNOW @Cadaonline
@Fiu_gammas @theroarfiu
Visit my website where you can view some of my social media work here.
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FIU Student Media | Promotions and Recruitment Director
P
roducer
Marketing
Throughout 2018-2019, Brea was able to promote FIU Student Media. Her job was to advertise during or host events that would increase the audience for FIUSM’s print consumers. She had to create new ways to promote the paper including campus tablings, classroom visits with relating majors, hosting events, and more.
During her time as promotions and recruitment director for FIU Student Media, Brea promoted the paper in person and online while increasing Instagram interactions to over 1,951 a month. She sent over 10 weekly newsletters via MailChimp, increasing the audience to nearly 2,000 newsletter recipients and much more. Photos of her work can be seen through the next few pages.
To the right is a screenshot of several posts on the @Panthernow Instagram account. The posts used several templates created with Brea’s approval. The templates follow the social media plan Brea created to promote FIU Student Media content better during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
This content was created to promote FIU Student Media via social media and in person events.
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Marketing
FIU Student Media | Promotions and Recruitment Director
As promotion and recruitment director, Brea was responsible for updating the PantherNOW Facebook account with all recent articles. Screenshots of posts are shown above. Click posts to view more.
To the left is a screenshot of a PantherNOW photo series posted to Instagram using a template that Brea designed. Click post to view more.
During the Summer of 2020, Brea experimented with different templates that would be used to post articles and content for FIU Student Media’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
This content was created to promote FIU Student Media via social media and in person events.
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FIU Student Media | Promotions and Recruitment Director
Marketing
For two and a half years as promotions and recruitment direction for FIU Student Media, Brea was responsible for receiving and organizing all applications. Above is a screenshot of a document Brea created in 2018 to easily organize all applicants to be forwarded to section directors via Excel. The document was so successful it has been used for two years and has been taught to Brea’s successor, Jenny Fernandez. To the left is a job call Brea designed to attract students to join the 2020 Student Media staff. Below is a social media template Brea designed to highlight the 2020 PantherNOW staff at the beginning of the semester.
This content was created to promote FIU Student Media via social media and in person events.
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FIU Student Media | Promotions and Recruitment Director
FIUSM NEWSLETTER
Marketing
In previous years the FIUSM newsletter was curated by the paper’s editor-in-chief. During the Fall 2020 school year, after stopping production of weekly newsletters for almost over a year, it became Brea’s responsibility to curate the newsletter for the paper’s 1,600+ MailChimp subscribers. During the 16-week semester, Brea created over 10 newsletters and increased the number of subscribers. Examples of the newsletter are shown throughout the spread. Each newsletter is linked to its’ respective title.
This content was created to promote FIU Student Media via social media and in person events.
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FIU Student Media | Promotions and Recruitment Director
9/30/20
11/19/20 This content was created to promote FIU Student Media via social media and in person events.
Marketing
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Marketing
The Wolfsonian–FIU | Storyteller Intern
From Aug. 2020 to Dec. 2020, Brea worked with three mentors weekly with The Wolfsonian–FIU. She was tasked with many assignments as the storyteller intern. While working with one of her mentors, Meg Floryan the Wolfsonain’s Assistant Director of Content + Student Engagement, Brea was able to write text for several event promotion copies (drafting text for both social media and email blasts). Examples of event promotion text are shown and linked below.
01 01 This is event promotion text Brea wrote for The Wolfsonain-- FIU event covering The Scottsboro Boys print work.
02 The second event promotion text Brea created for The Wolfsonian--FIU event of The Scottsboro Boys.
03 Post shows event text Brea wrote for one of The Wolfsonain’s collaborative event titled On The Avenue.
04 The Wolfsonian--FIU’s On The Avenue collaborative event text promotion by Brea .
02 This content was created to promote events for The Wolfsonian–FIU.
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The Wolfsonian–FIU | Storyteller Intern
Brea wrote an article that was featured on the Wolfsonain blog about the museum’s planned expansion and collaboration with Playard Studios to create the video “An Artful Future.” Article features video and photos that show Playard’s editing process for video.
03
04 This content was created to promote events for The Wolfsonian–FIU.
Marketing
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Photographer
FROLIC IN FLOWERS With Brea’s creative eye she can not resist taking pictures of nature. Here are some images captured by Brea.
PHOTOGRAPHER Brea’s love for journalism started with photography. Following in her father’s footsteps, Brea picked up a camera quite early and has been shooting ever since. Since high school, Brea has loved to capture images of all things. The next few pages shows some photography all done by Brea Jones. To the right are images Brea captured mostly in her grandma’s garden (all but one flower - 2 images) throughout thw 2020 calender year.
Visit my website where you can view some of my social media work here.
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Personal | Photography
Visit my website where you can view some of my social media work here.
Photographer
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FIUSM | Sports Photography
Photographer
FIU WOMEN’S SWIM MEET Photos were taken by Brea Jones during a 2019 Women’s Swim Meet held at FIU.
All photography on page was originally taken for FIUSM and originally published on Brea’s website. | Jan. 12, 2019
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Personal | Photography
Photographer
BABY BIRDS While visiting her grandparents one morning, Brea found baby birds waiting for their mom in a nest. Here are a few images she captured from that moment.
All photography on page was originally on Brea’s social media accounts and website. | Aug. 08, 2020
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High School Highlights | Photography
Photographer
02
01 HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS During high school, while serving as a member of The Seminole Newspaper staff, Brea photographed over 20 separate sporting events, several club events, and more on behalf of the paper. Images are shown on the spread.
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04 05 06 Seminole high School cheerleaders preforming a stunt at a pep rally.
All photography on page was originally published with The Seminole Newspaper. | 2015 - 2017
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High School Highlights | Photography
01 Seminole High school’s mascot at a Friday night football grame.
02 Seminole High school Dazzlers preforming on the field at a school pep rally.
07
03 Seminole High School football players celebrating a win at a Friday night game. Photo featured in Orlando Sentinel.
04 Seminole High School student acting as a streaker during the middle of the school pep rally.
05 Seminole High School Dazzlers preforming at a football game.
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07 Football players for Seminole High School preparing for the next play.
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09
Seminole High School’s step team preforming a routine during a school pep rally.
Band members dancing during the band’s war chant with the lyrics “We Get Down.”.
All photography on page was originally published with The Seminole Newspaper. | 2015 - 2017
Photographer
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Photographer
Personal | Campus Life Photography
BAY LIFE PT.1: STUDENT LIVING
These photos were taken during the Bayview Student Living event “Pie an RA,” where students and Bayview employees could donate money to pie an RA. The money was donated to breast cancer research.
01 Bayview Student Living’s manager Kristie Zapata pie’s her fellow co-worker Derrick, the building maintenance man.
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01
Derrick giving Kristie a thumbs up for a “Pie well done.”
03 A RA who was just pied is wiping the shaving cream off of his face.
04 Bayview Student Living resident participates in the event by pieing an RA after donating.
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03
04
All photography on page was originally taken for FIUSM and originally published on Brea’s website. | 2020
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FIUSM | Campus Life Photography
Photographer
BAY LIFE PT.2: BAY CAFE VIP OPENING Brea was invited to photograph the VIP opening of FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus’s new student dining hall on behalf of FIUSM. Here are some of the images she captured.
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01 A sign showcasing the newly opened Roary’s Bay Cafe a student dining at at the Biscayne Bay Campus.
02 One of the food options that will be served to students and faculty at the FIU Biscayne Bay Campus.
03 An FIU student enjoying the food prepared for the VIP dining opening.
04 A student grabing a refreshing drink from the flavored water stations.
All photography on page was originally taken for FIUSM and originally published on Brea’s website. | 2020
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Awards
Brea Jones | Awards
AWARDS, ACCOLADES & RECOGNITION
During her years of working as a journalist, Brea has worked with several award winning publications and she has recieved many awards and recognition for her work.
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03 01 Brea was presented this plaque upon completion of serving as senior editorin-chief of The Seminole Newspaper.
02 As a freshman at FIU, Brea was awarded best opinion writer award during her first year on the staff of FIU Student Media.
03 In 2020, the South Florida Media Network won an EPPY for the best college produced community or nich site.
04 Digital Director of the South Florida Media Network, Chuck Strouse, compliments Brea’s article on African Spirituality (p. 23.)
04 To find out more about honors and awards giving to Brea, click here.
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Brea Jones | Awards
FIU DEAN’S LIST RECIPIENT
From freshman to senior year at FIU, Brea was a consistent recipient of the FIU Dean’s List awards. While participating in several extracurricular activities, maintaining a job and more, Brea held high grades.
To find out more about honors and awards giving to Brea, click here.
Awards
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Awards
Phi Gamma Awards
2020 PERSONAL PHI GAMMA AWARDS
A ‘Getting To Know You’ video edited by Brea Jones to allow Phi Gamma interests to learn more about the organization’s national history. Click the image to see more.
As the 2020 president of the Phi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc. Brea held many responsibilities to help the chapter thrive during the global pandemic. With a chapter of five, at the time, some of the things we were able to successfully include: • Market chapter through event flyers and social media posts to an audience of 4000+ on Instagram and Twitter. • Host 10 virtual events via Zoom and Instagram Live during COVID-19 streaming to large audience. • Raise over $750 in community service and philanthropy. • Ensure the continued success of chapter through promotion sorority principles • Drop a Fall 2020 line of three.
To find out more about honors and awards giving to Brea, click here.
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Awards
Phi Gamma Awards
2020 PHI GAMMA CHAPTER AWARDS At the end of the Fall 2020 semester our chapter was presented with two chapter awards, including 2020 Chapter of the Year (pictured to the left). The chapter also recieved 4 stars on there 2020 preformance by FIU FSL.
Photo of the Fall 2019 Phi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority Inc.
To find out more about honors and awards giving to Phi Gamma, click here.
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ArtBurst Miami | Blog
ARTBURST ARTS JOURNALISM MENTORING PROJECT KICKS OFF By Josie Gulliksen write 2 or 3 articles for Artburst with input and review by their mentor. Artburst writer and arts professional, Rebekah Lanae Lengel was matched with Brea Jones. An accomplished journalist and playwright, Lanae Lengel has been published in three languages and has appeared in publications including The Miami Herald, The Miami New Times, ArtBurst Miami, and onstage at the Hippodrome Theater. She is also an accomplished arts professional working with some of Miami’s top nonprofits. Pictured here, Brea Jones.
Artburst is impacting the future of arts journalism. The Artburst Arts Journalism Mentoring Project was conceived as an opportunity to connect some of the programs superstar writers with top students. Laura Bruney, CEO of the Arts & Business Council, is excited about the potential of the program. “The Artburst Mentoring Project is a program dedicated to fostering the next generation of arts journalists. The mentors, writers from our Artburst cohort, are matched with a student journalist for one semester. Student stories will be posted in our blog salon. It’s a wonderful opportunity for up-and-coming journalists to work with a professional that can advise them not only on how to improve their writing and process but on their career path” she said. Several Artburst writers expressed interest in serving as mentors. The pilot program kicked off in July with two outstanding student
Brea Jones is a senior at Florida International University with experience in writing, videography and photography. Jones currently works as Executive Producer for the South Florida Media Network show on South Florida Access. She also works as Promotion and Recruitment Director for FIU Student Media. Her love of the arts started in elementary school when she took art classes and had her work exhibited as early as third grade. In high school, she was house director for her school’s theater Pictured here, Marialexia Hernandez. productions.
journalists. Applicants were invited from some of the top local journalism schools. The Artburst team selected two candidates from a group of
dynamic and inspiring students. The Artburst director hosted a zoom meeting to introduce the mentors and mentees. It was originally scheduled as a fun networking opportunity with café con leche at their Calle Ocho office but with pandemic restrictions in place they went virtual. At the kick-off meeting they discussed program goals, meeting schedules and ideas. Each of the mentees will
She’s well prepared for the mentoring program, having worked with several publications and published over 30 articles. She was also selected to participate in Inspicio, an arts publication platform sponsored by FIU’s College of Communication, Architecture + the Arts. Through Inspicio, she produced four video stories for the platform featuring arts leaders including Iké Udé, Michael Spring, Mitchell “Micky” Wolfson and Gregory Reed. While editing
This article was originally published in ArtBurst Miami. | Aug. 12, 2020
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ArtBurst Miami | Blog
the interviews/videos on the arts leaders “I listened to their experiences and what they were working on at the moment.” Ray Elman, founding managing editor of Inspicio, introduced Jones to the Artburst mentoring program and encouraged her to apply. “He is great about connecting students interested in arts journalism with opportunities and other outlets,” Jones said. “I was so grateful to be selected for Artburst. Due to the pandemic I lost two internship opportunities so I was thrilled when I got the notice about the mentorship. I’m busy again. It’s truly a blessing.” she said. Lanae Lengel knows the importance of mentoring saying, “throughout my career, I have had mentors guiding and supporting me and my work; I wouldn’t be where I am today without that network to lean on.” At their first meeting, Jones and Lanae Lengel quickly began brainstorming ideas on future articles for Artburst Miami. “I want to learn more about Miami arts, becoming a better arts journalist and in the process, make more connections.” “I think one of the most critical aspects of mentorship is the back and forth of different ideas between people,” said Lanae Lengel. “I’m just as excited to receive new ideas and insights as I am to share my hard-fought lessons and experiences.” In addition to writing for Artburst, Michelle F. Solomon is the editor of miamiartzine. com, theater critic for Florida Theater On Stage, and digital
journalist and podcast reporter/ producer for Miami’s Local 10 ABC News. Michelle has a master’s of arts degree from SUNY Empire State College with an emphasis on arts writing. She is a member of the American Theater Critics Association and the Florida Film Critics Circle. She was matched with Marialexia Hernandez, an actress and choreographer who shares and creates mixed media content, that records different forms of artistic expression in South Florida. She is very passionate about the arts and the diverse voices in our community. She graduated from Florida International University with Bachelor Degrees in Communications – Broadcast Television and Theatre Arts. Marialexia’s work as videographer for Inspicio led her to apply for the Artburst Mentoring Project. Her communications professor, Ray Elman, nominated her for the program. Her background in broadcast journalism, theatre and dance plus her writing credits made her an ideal candidate for the program. “I was so grateful to get nominated and then chosen. I felt like I was at the right place and right time. I definitely was meant to be here and it feels very special. I’m excited to be a part of a team who seeks to cover the arts while allowing their writers a platform with an accessible path for growth,” said Hernandez. “I also hope my experience will help contribute to covering our vibrant cultural community.” Born in Miami, Hernandez was raised in the Dominican Republic, training in dance since she was three years old, but returned to Miami for high school. Upon her return to Miami, she began to “trickle into theater and dance” she said. FIU professor Michael Yawney helped her explore new opportunities. The theater bug stuck halfway through college and she switched her major to theater. “I really like the storytelling aspect of theater and the arts. I’ve seen the potential and it’s helped me discover parts of myself and helped me heal,” she said.
very open, and it felt great,” she said. “We immediately spoke about what was going to be happening during the program. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this relationship takes us and how we can use all that we’re passionate about. I know I am going to learn a lot from her.” Solomon is energized to be involved with the program saying, “while the advent of the internet has created a space for everyone to be a critic, the mentorship program will teach the next generation of arts journalists the importance of knowledge and context” she said. Michelle has a deep appreciation of her personal mentoring experience. “Having a mentor when I first started my journalism career was one of the greatest impacts in shaping not only my writing, but how I approach interviews, stories and reviews,” said Solomon, “In fact, I still keep in touch with my mentor and tell her how grateful I am that she was able to share her experience and knowledge with me. It was an unforgettable start to a great journey.” Marialexia Hernandez and Brea Jones are two up and comers to watch. The fulfilling and impactful experience with the Artburst Arts Journalism Mentoring Program will help jump start their careers and help them focus on their future dreams and paths.
Brea Jones is part of our first Artburst Miami Arts Journalism Mentoring Cohort for 2020. Learn more about this initiative here.
ArtburstMiami.com is a nonprofit source of theater, dance, visual arts, music and performing arts news. Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a story.
Michelle and Marialexia had an immediate connection and are meeting virtually weekly. “Michelle was immediately accessible to me, she was
This article was originally published in ArtBurst Miami. | Aug. 12, 2020
FIU News | Profile
Page 79 Pictured Marialexia Hernandez.
Recognition Pictured Brea Jones.
NEW MENTORSHIP PROGRAM TRAINS STUDENTS IN ART JOURNALISM By Tatianna Basanta Marialexia Hernandez and Brea Jones dove deep into Miami’s art scene after being chosen as the first two student journalists to kick off the Artburst Arts Journalism Mentorship program. Artburst, a multi-media platform covering arts, culture, entertainment, dance, music and theatre in MiamiDade, is giving student journalists the opportunity to connect with the organization’s best writers and publish articles in the digital publication. The program, which officially launched in June, allows mentees to write and publish two to three articles during a three-month period; participants are paid per article. While originally intended to be carried out in person, the mentorship program is being conducted remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic. The kick-off meeting was held over Zoom, where Hernandez and Jones got to virtually meet their mentors and discuss program goals, meeting schedules and ideas. Hernandez and Jones were selected from dozens of interested applicants and described the experience of working with their mentors and covering local art news as “incredible.” “My mentor and I clicked right from the start,” says Hernandez. “I feel like I can learn so much from her and talk to her about anything. There are so many steps that you learn along the
way with the mentorship process that you don’t necessarily learn in class.” Hernandez has long been a lover of the arts. She is an actress, choreographer and journalist who shares and creates mixed-media content that combines different forms of artistic expression. She graduated this past summer with a bachelor’s in theatre and journalism. While at FIU, she also worked as the videographer for Inspicio, a digital arts publication, sponsored by the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA). According to the Artburst team, Hernandez’s background in broadcast journalism, theatre, dance and writing credentials made her “an ideal candidate for the program.” Hernandez matched with Michelle F. Soloman, editor of miamiartzine. com, theater critic for Florida Theater on Stage and digital journalist and podcast reporter/producer for Miami’s Local 10 ABC News. Hernandez and Solomon met virtually once and week to go over potential stories, ideas and goals. Hernandez’s last story centered around how local artists adapted to the pandemic – particularly in immersive theatre. One local performer, June Romero, starred in a worldwide, virtual, theatrical event, Long Distance Affair and in covering the event, Hernandez got the opportunity to interview Romero,
and discover how she went about preparing for the role, breaking the fourth wall and interacting with the audience all through a computer screen. “It’s been really cool to see where theatre can go and since Artburst is really passionate about covering the local arts scene, it’s an honor and privilege to get to write a piece like this,” Hernandez adds. Jones is a current senior at FIU majoring in journalism. Like Hernandez, Jones is involved with Inspicio and she also works for FIU’s South Florida Media Network (SFMN), executive producer of South Florida Access and as the promotion and recruitment director for PantherNow. The Artburst team says Jone’s experience in writing, photography, videography and more than 45 published articles made her well prepared for the mentoring program. Jones first discovered her love for the arts in elementary school. She had her work exhibited as early as third grade and served as the director for her high school’s various theater productions. “I’m really invested in the arts, and I think I would definitely pursue arts journalism as a career,” says Jones. “I’ve been painting since I was a little girl and first discovered what paint was. This experience has been a great
This article was originally published in FIU News. | Sept. 29, 2020
FIU News | Profile
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way to connect with different art spaces in Miami and get my foot in the door.” Jones was paired up with Rebekah Lanae Lengel, a journalist and playwright. She’s been published in three languages and has also appeared in publications including the Miami Herald, Miami New Times, Artburst and onstage at the Hippodrome Theater. Jones says the two work really well together and Lengel played a huge role in helping her refine her journalism and interviewing skills. For her first Artburst article, Jones covered how different Miami art spaces, like The Wolfsonian-FIU, have been able to cope and operate under coronavirus restrictions. In writing her article, she was able to connect with The Wolfsonian museum curator, the digital curator and the museum’s head of marketing and public relations, which helped her land her next new adventure – interning with The Wolfsonian. While both Hernandez and Jones felt that completing the mentorship program virtually was a bit bittersweet, they still believe the program was a success and really helped them grow. “I definitely think if anyone gets the chance to have a mentor, regardless of what profession they want to go into, that they should take it,” adds Hernandez. “If you’re confused about something or have a question about the industry, you can go to your mentor and that’s your leg up in the industry, especially when you’re first starting out.”
For more information on the Artburst Arts Journalism Mentorship program, visit https://www.artburstmiami.com/.
This article was originally published in FIU News. | Sept. 29, 2020
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SFMN | News
Group Image of Nova’s Xi Zeta Chapter (Photo From: Celine Loh/Xi Zeta President)
SOUTH FLORIDA GREEK LIFE By Ana Soler. ADAPTING DURING THE PANDEMIC For more than 6,000 students at South Florida universities, fraternities and sororities mean friends, parties and being a part of a community. Or at least that’s the way it’s supposed to be. But the coronavirus pandemic has made the usual fall mixers and recruiting events all but impossible. Still, members of the Greek system in South Florida have been having events virtually, mailing out T-shirts, raising money for charity, and have even gathered members to attend Black Lives Matter protests. At FIU, there are two options: virtual events or none at all. One multicultural sorority chapter, the Phi Gamma chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma, is not letting that stop them, and has held numerous events since the summer. “We halted everything we did in the spring semester and… did multiple events in the summer, like informationals, socials, and events to get closer to the FIU community as a whole,” said chapter Vice President Jade Acevedo. One of those events was hosting a fundraiser and attending the Black Lives Matter protest held at FIU in June after the murder of George Floyd in collaboration with the two students that hosted. “We raised $600 for supplies for
Caption: Zoom Meeting Image of FIU Phi Gamma Chapter (Photo From: Brea Jones/Phi Gamma President)
Miami Dream Defenders and one of our no longer active chapter sisters is a registered nurse, so she provided medical attention for anyone suffering with heat stroke or any injuries when the police showed up,” said chapter President Brea Jones. As for the University of Miami the rules are more lenient, with limitedcapacity in-person events allowed outside according to Sofia Hamilton, the student chair for the Association of Greek Letter Organizations. Both Nova Southeastern University and Florida Atlantic University also restrict events to 10 people, require attendees to be socially distanced and wear masks. Two chapters from Nova, the Xi Zeta chapter of the Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority, a Unified Greek sorority, and Pi Phi chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, a
historically Black fraternity, have had different experiences with this mostly online hybrid model of events. “With our events, we have been wanting to plan a good mix of inperson and virtual events to make sure we are engaging with the student population. For example, we held a self-care fundraiser, giving pre-packaged items with a pre-order type system so people can come to pick them up. 20 people came out and it helped us raise money for our chapter,” said Celine Loh, the sorority’s vice president. Loh found the virtual experience to be mostly positive, saying that “it gave us a different perspective to how events should be conducted in the future… With that, we are able to enhance our engagement where it is more personalized now instead of having to be a large-scale event at a specific time and place.”
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Oct. 23, 2020
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SFMN | News
Chart done by Ana Soler.
However, the Pi Phi chapter can’t say the same due to the uniqueness of their fraternity and the events they are known for, which includes strolling, a type of synchronized dance similar to stepping, performances, something that cannot be transitioned virtually.
“Even though that’s not all we do, those performances are a part of our history and have a meaning behind it. Those shows are also how we garner interest and showcase us and what we do. We feel the difference much more than other fraternities and sororities who don’t do them,” said Naby Exceus, the fraternity’s leader.
At FAU, according to Elaine Jodat, the associate director of Fraternity and Sorority Life, most Greek councils have maintained the virtual format even using money saved from canceling spring events to mail out items to the students. “Before this virtual format, we were very limited in resources, but now the possibilities are endless and our reach is way more than we ever thought it would be,” said Jodat.
Group Image of Nova Chapter Pi Phi Nupes (Photo from: Pi Phi Nupes/ Instagram)
This article was originally published in The South Florida Media Network. | Oct. 23, 2020
Brea’s Next Step Following the end of her internship with The Wolfsonian –FIU in Arpil 2021, Brea continued her journalism career with University of Pennsylvania’s publication FactCheck.org for one year as she participated in the (NABJ) National Association of Black Journalists x Facebook Journalism Project fellowship.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Her Family Natalie Lauber-Galed Ginger Schmaus Francesca Rosario
Natalie Lauber-Galed Veronica Sarmiento-Kelly Robert Jaross
Alfred Soto
Dr. Anthony DeSantis
Laura Bruney
Raymond Elman
Charles Strouse Laura Kurtzberg
Daniel Evans Meg Floryan
Those who allowed her to share their story.
& Thank you for viewing.