Issue 16: Where Do We Go From Here?

SUMMER/FALL 2020 // NO. 16

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SIXTEEN

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? FEATURING NADIYAH JOHNSON // CARRIE’S COUNTDOWN // AFRO ARTS MILWAUKEE. // UNREST W/ IMANI ORTIZ

CONTENTS

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reality from our editor

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i s s u e 1 6 : w h e r e d o w e g o f r o m h e r e?

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ex f a b u l a s t o r i e s : N i c o l e A c o s t a & M i c h a e l a L a c y

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speaking in code: a social-tech conversation w/ Nadiyah Johnson

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c a r r i e ’s c o u n t d o w n

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a f r o a r t s m i l w a u ke e

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unrest: a personal perspective of protest

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m a s ke d g l a m

“ TO G E T H E R W E R I S E ” A B O U T O U R F E AT U R E D C O V E R A R T I S T ––

C R E AT E D BY R YA N E DWA R D B U T T S A R T O R I G I N A L LY C R E AT E D F O R V I N O T H I R D WA R D F E AT U R E D I N A F R O A R T S M I LWAU K E E . P O P - U P S H O W. B OT T L E S O F W I N E S O L D W E N T TO S U P P O R T I N G B LO C BY B LO C .

F O L LOW V I N O @ V I N OT H I R DWA R D & R YA N ’ S A R T @ A L L DAY _ A R T I S T READ MORE ABOUT AFRO A R T S M I LWAU K E E O N PAG E 3 1

CONTRIBUTORS

E D I TO R - I N - C H I E F / L E X I S . B R U N S O N C O N T E N T E D I TO R / L AU R E N “ H O N E Y ” G R A N I E L A FA S H I O N E D I TO R / VATO V E R G A R A JOURNALIST / CARRIE NONI MAHONE INTERN JOURNALIST / IMANI ORTIZ & WE COULDN’T MAKE THIS ISSUE POSSIBLE WITHOUT / T I F FA N Y B E A N

B A R D E R I E S H A M P TO N

E X FA B U L A

LAZEF MASON

N I C O L E AC O S TA

JA Z M Y N W I L L I A M S

M I C H A E L A L ACY

PAT R I C K C H AV E S

N A D I YA H J O H N S O N

D E S T I N E D V I S UA L S

BRIT NICOLE

ASHLIETHEARTSIT

TA E S P E A R S

B R A S S R O O S T E R H AT C O M PA N Y

K AY LO N R A P S

J O H N M C L AU G H L I N

D O N JAY L I V E

D I S T I N C T I V E D E S I G N S BY TO M I R A

LIANNA DUNAE

TO M I R A W H I T E

CAM WILL

M O M E N T S E XOT I C

PA P E R S TAC K S

E XC A I L L E E S M E E

V I N O T H I R D WA R D

GG COLLECTION

ALEXIS ALEXANDER

DEBORAH RENDER

R YA N E D WA R D B U T T S

8 8 N I N E R A D I O M I LWAU K E E

AMINAH GREEN

NICOLE ESCHE F E AT U R E D M O D E L S

B L AC K L I V E S M AT T E R

CopyWrite Magazine Media & Design, LLC currently runs as a Milwaukee-based organization. All images are not licensed or owned by CopyWrite. For any questions regarding photos, future advertisements, future employment, or any information about any featured artist, producers, or creators, please contact us at copywrite.mke@gmail.com.

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“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.”

- Frida Kahlo

@THRUDIRTYEYES MASK BY @BRASSROOSTER

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

I S S U E

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REALITY FROM OUR EDITOR. Before my words get all flavorful and you start trying to decipher what my normal metaphorical rhetoric is saying, let me make one thing clear:

BLACK LIVES MATTER. We all said that 2020 would be a vision but nobody ever mentioned that the vision would be a nightmare none of us could wake up from. We were all sure that there would be clarity but it seems like some of us still can’t stomach the truth and unfortunately for many of us, we are not allowed to breathe it either.

8 MINUTES & 46 SECONDS. I don’t have to point fingers or name names. I don’t have to analyze this using theories that I have found in textbooks, thoughts reflected in lectures, or even the debates that for ages have been bubbling from the living rooms—of our friends and our foes—into the crevices of our smart technology, and rooted in our shiesty past of “fairness” and New World Order of social media. No longer can ignorance of any kind be seen as blissful. This is not a drill.

We are living in a pandemic. We are experiencing a national declaration of systemic racism. We are at risk of dying every time we leave our homes for health and social reasons. But still, we’re just all soooooo ready to get back to normal . . .

Like “normal” wasn’t problematic in the first place?

As if this was not exactly what we needed to see?

We are all uncomfortable. Some of us more than others, and that’s where reality becomes the difference in the truths that I will now share with you, and the representations of humanity that other media platforms, peoples of power, politicians, and the predatory public are trying to project.

I’m not trying to go back to normal.

I’m progressing in the real.

I’m not going back to being politically correct because somebody is not ready to come to terms with their mortality, morality, or moronity. Not when my people are dying. Not when my people are suffering. Not when my people are afraid. Not the year after I decided to bring another human into this world [“For HER I Will”]. Not in the moment where I could not walk across the stage to get the Master’s degree I worked so hard on so I could make change [“Put that MA behind my name”]. Not when I have the knowledge to use my skills for good [“Cultivating creative community is my superpower”].

Not when there are forces that would hate to see an independent Black Woman rise to the occasion, forgo assimilation, and press on with dedication.

This must be what they meant when they said the revolution will not be televised. Because even with everything that’s going on in the world playing out right there on the screen . . .

They will have to get up close, personal and in the flesh, to see what’s next and well, we’re still practicing social distancing around here.

So I’ma need at least six feet. /Lexi

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INTRO

There is no easy way to start this conversation.

There is no simple way to describe the aura of this issue. There is no one driving force. No pièce de résistance. No oh là là. Naw, none of that.

Of course, we could finesse you about how we came up with this theme in the positive light of all that is going on in the world but we would be lying through our teeth. Smiling to save face, knowing that this issue had intended to be something way different in a time that was supposed to be an epic arrival for our city.

But we all know that’s not the story.

2020 has unearthed some tensions that WE have been prepared for (peep our vibes in Issue 10: The Surge and Issue 13: Rebellion). As the COVID-19 Pandemic has made some of us question our mortality, in the same toxic breathe the recent protest for anti-racist social systems has made many others question the definition of freedom and humanity.

And clearly we don’t all agree.

In these pages, you will find an attempt to give disenfranchised creatives room for representation. You will find political nuances that are characterized by personal interpretations of social responsibility, glamour triggered by our health crises, discussions of how tech is helping to save our current state of emergency, and content that was created through the cracks of social distancing.

This is what we call “Lé Struglé”.

Navigating these uncharted territories, we keep in mind where we have come from, the reason why we exist as a company, and how we plan on continuing our support for the local creative community. As we put our lives on the line, our feet to these streets, our true voices on blast in these [virtual] board rooms, and systemic inequality on notice, the only question that is on our mind is . . .

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

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EX FABULA STORIES

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On the first day of 2020, I wrote a letter to myself. It was the beginning of the new year and for the first time in my adult life, I was ready to dive into my art practice. I had begun a portrait project in the summer of 2019 called Hoops: Culture Reclaimed. And I was receiving a significant response to it, it had even gone viral all over the world. So, what started off as a small personal project turned into a real gallery-worthy exhibition.

In my letter, I wrote out some goals. I had heard of people creating vision boards and whatnot, but I never really found interest in making one myself. 2020 felt different, though. I had been experiencing some difficulties in 2019 and I desperately wanted to change the narrative. I figured since many things weren’t working out in other areas of my life, I would focus on my art. I wrote out the following goals in my letter:

out of state. o art residencies in or tw st lea at to ply ap go.

1. I wanted to ct in Milwaukee and Chica oje pr ait rtr po S OP HO e 2. I wanted to show th Within a few weeks, I secured an art residency at Barderies, MKE

a local gallery where I could focus on my HOOPS portrait project, and a Chicago curator found a gallery location to exhibit my work. The day after I shot the Chicago extension of the project, the world shut down because of COVID -19. Nobody could have guessed just how much our lives would change.

My project had gained huge momentum around the world, and I had been in talks with some major names to fly out to New York and Los Angeles by June. To me, everything I had worked so hard for up to this point seemed fleeting.

It was discouraging and heartbreaking to see my hopes for this project disappear in the blink of an eye. For the first few months of the pandemic, I worked on editing the collection, fine-tuned my statements, and kept my dreams in conversation. The gallery and curator reached back out in May with some good news that both shows were back on! I worked around the clock for two months, preparing for both shows. In July, I hung the Milwaukee and Chicago shows within a week of each other, and both had August openings.

The exhibit openings were different, though. The Milwaukee show was virtual, so I could not enjoy the experience with my closest friends and supporters in person. But this didn’t lessen the excitement and joy this project brought to so many people. My Chicago show has received so much love and word on the street is I might have even sold a piece!

What I learned through all of this is how important it is to remain committed to your vision. It’s easy to give up when things seem to keep standing in your way. But if you’re passionate about your work and you truly believe in yourself, the possibilities are endless. I need to revisit my letter but I’m positive I accomplished everything I said I would. Where do I go from here? Hopefully, in 2021 I would have published my first book with Milwaukee, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles HOOPS chapters.

Nicole Acosta, Marketing & Communications & Ex Fabula Radio Host | @atsocanic

EX FABULA STORIES

Desiree, MKE

Sasha, MKE

Tristan, MKE

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EX FABULA STORIES

Keeping Up with COVID Please allow me to be the first one to say that Miss Rona came and turned everything around. If the phrase “Yeah aight” was a globally dangerous illness, COVID-19 certainly would be it. Coronavirus had no interest in hearing what I thought I was going to do this year. COVID-19 came in my room louder than my mama after seeing a bad report card and told me to sit my butt down. What was I to do but listen?

I spent the first week of quarantine in protest. I was convinced that “Black people couldn’t get COVID.” It wasn’t until the love of my imaginary life (Idris Elba) got diagnosed with this crazy virus that I started to stop sharing memes and started doing research. Many of my family members also had cases of it, and slowly but surely, I started to humble myself and stop playing games. I decided this would be the perfect time to focus on my craft and take my writing seriously.

In the beginning, writing was a drag. I would stare at the keyboard and watch the cursor blink, trying to make a metaphor out of a blinking cursor. I would spend hours at a time just staring at the screen hoping inspiration would jump out at me. The entire time all I could think about was how much I wanted a nap, so then I’d take a nap.

My biggest dilemma was, should I take advantage of this time and be creative knowing I’ll never get this time again? Or should I take advantage of this time and rest knowing I’ll never get this time again? I decided to choose the latter. I figured inspiration would come to me.

Inspiration assuredly came to me. I thought to myself if all I can think about is COVID, why not write about COVID? I’ve always been an expressionist, so why do I keep trying to imagine something cool to talk about when my heart wants to write what I see? I decided to

Ex Fabula is thrilled to partner with CopyWrite Magazine. This partnership will combine different forms of expression and produce a space for community members’ true, personal stories in written and visual form. By connecting the stage to the page, both Ex Fabula and CopyWrite will reach new audiences, connect with new storytellers, and build community.

EX FABULA STORIES

move in alignment with the feeling. I wrote poems and articles that centered the emotions of Black people in the midst of this pandemic. I was able to document some amazing observations that will remain a powerful part of history. These findings stimulated a project that has kept me busy ever since.

I decided to document every significant moment in my life and the lives of the people around me. I thought to myself “During great moments in history, we often hear about the struggle of Black people and all the things we went through, but we rarely hear things about how we felt and what we did”.

It made me realize our ancestors had to have had more than what our history books give us. Our ancestors told jokes and

laughed from their bellies. Our ancestors had favorite foods and played games and came up with witty catchphrases. My latest project is called “Humanizing History”, that consists of a series of poems, articles, and photos of my loved ones during this interesting time. I’m so glad that even in the midst of all the crazy, Miss Rona was able to bring me a small tidbit of good.

MICHAELA LACY, Community Connector & Ex Fabula Radio Host Follow Michaela’s blog, Black Wounds & Aloe Vera at https://www.facebook.com/BWAAV2019 10

SPEAKING

IN CODE:

A SOCIAL-TECH CONVERSATION W/ NADIYAH JOHNSON

TECH

Technology is at the forefront of first-world civilization. It’s behind the social media platforms where we post our favorite selfies, the food delivery apps that allow us to get our snack on, and even the virtual meeting spaces that allow us to work from home. However, the identity of the people who create these spaces is usually foreign to the average user. Who are these creative “geniuses” who code our existence into something tangible, something convenient, and sometimes revolutionary? They are people like Nadiyah Johnson.

Nadiyah’s name has been buzzing around the city in many different circles, from community cultivators, educators, podcasters, artists, developers, media, and of course those who dabble in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). As a founder of Jet Constellations and The Milky Way Tech Hub, her voice has become pertinent to the advocacy of diversity in STEM, a conversation that can’t come soon enough. With quite a boom onto our radar, our digging for insight on this seemingly young African American Woman in Tech led us to questions only the source would be able to answer.

As Jet Constellations has launched a $50 million fund to invest in tech companies created by Black and the gamut of underrepresented peoples, in partnership with IP Zone Co., there are some non-monetary contributions that we would like to recognize. CopyWrite took a virtual sit down with Nadiyah to see what makes Tech another way to support the local.

Living the Tech life was not Nadiyah’s childhood dream. It wasn’t her plan, her trajectory, or even her first option. She started her college career in International Politics, but uncertain where she wanted to take it. Her father—a computer engineer—suggested she change majors and that is when she discovered her interest in Technology and all the possibilities that it offered.

NJ: “I think that it really speaks to how representation matters because I didn’t have anyone except for my father to provide that level of exposure to me. He introduced me to the field of Technology, specifically Computer Science and Programming.”

Once she jumped into her new major, Computer Science, she felt as if she had opened up a whole new world, with new tools and of course new obstacles to champion.

CW: “What about it interested you when you switched your major? What part of it made you feel like this was a good fit?”

NJ: “To start it didn’t feel like a good fit. I’m always transparent with people about that. It was a huge struggle. My first computer science intro to programming I was the only Black person, and I think I was the only women [there]. I always describe it

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as feeling as though I had been dropped in a foreign country where everybody knew the language and everybody had somewhere to go but I was just trying to flag somebody down to help me. It took a lot of effort to get the wheels turning, but once I was able to sort of hit my stride things sort of took off from there.”

She claims that the true love for Computer Science and the field of Technology came when she started to see the intersectionality between tech, programming, and other things she had an interest in, like medicine and helping people.

But how does Nadiyah use her tech skills to help people in a world where those same skills can be used for decisive personal gain?

Her attempts to challenge that narrative lies in her companies and their missions.

NJ: “I formed Jet Constellations because I was hearing that there was a lot of effort being put toward creating this narrative that Milwaukee was a tech hub. At that time I had already graduated with my master’s in Computational Science.

Of course, I was interested in this but I was very displeased to find that there was very little diversity, and very few Black people, and if at all any Black people, and very few women in this room shaping this narrative. So being at the intersection of Black Woman and Computer Scientists, I was like ahhhh!

I’m also aware that there is another narrative being spun on

nationally, you know that Milwaukee is the worst place for Black people to live [and so on].”

The launch of Jet Constellations was initially as a consulting firm to consult under-represented founders in the tech space, to take their ideas to the next level and refine their business model to make headway in the budding start-up space Milwaukee is urging to become. However, it has morphed itself into a software company due to a need for start-ups to get their product to market even after acquiring the funds to do so.

If it sounds like we’re speaking in “code” it’s because we are. Nadiya’s rhetoric of start-up enterprise is a layered system of business savvy, technical skills, social capital, venture capitalist, and the like. These are the conversations we have been missing out on. Not because we don’t have the wherewithal to compute their meaning, but because systemically we have for long been written out of the equation.

As Nadiyah explained, Jet Constellations is a custom software company where a person with a good idea can reach out and get help going from the ideation phase to the more technical steps of building out the software and getting it to the app store. *Hmmm, maybe it’s time for CopyWrite to get an app.

As amazing as creating software sounds Nadiyah has taken it a step further creating a social impact arm of her company

known as The Milky Way Tech Hub. NJ: “The goal of that is to create a reality that Milwaukee is not just a tech hub but is the most diverse and inclusive tech hub where Black people have next, and people of color can thrive in our tech ecosystem. So what it requires is for us to make as many partnerships as possible in the city to build out this ecosystem that is supportive of Black Techies and underrepresentative Techies and entrepreneurs.”

The Milky Way Tech Hub focuses on STEM education, entrepreneurship, and community building. Their STEM education efforts have allowed her to partner and align with other businesses like American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact and Sherman Phoenix where community building is also a major tool in placing Milwaukee on the map.

As a form of community leverage, Nadiyah has also partnered with other locals like Oby Nwabuzor on a development project in the Sherman Park area. The plan is to take the current business office and reimagine it into a coworking space, a place where tech events and pitch workshops can happen.

NJ: “I really do believe that everybody’s dreams intersect with everyone else. That’s why it’s so important to pursue your dreams because our dreams are dependent on each other. So with me pursuing my dream of making Milwaukee a tech hub, it intersected with Oby’s interest in being a real estate developer.

So I pulled her in as soon as I understood what her interest was. That’s how we ended up partnering to raise funds for the redevelopment of that.”

Nadiyah stressed that the overall success of the project will be dependent on being well connected with individuals who have a wealth of experience in the space of development, and understand how to raise funds, and put the pieces together, since they are both fairly new to the “Development” world.

NJ: “So far with what we have been able to learn is that it’s really about being able to connect the puzzle pieces. From raising the funds, finding the contractors, finding the architects, and making it happen. That’s really what the developer does, connect the pieces. It’s really space I would love to see more diversity in especially here in Milwaukee. I am glad to share that space.”

She continued to mention that since the plans of the development have gone public she has noted an outreach of other women of color expressing interest in the space which proves that pursuing some passions may inspire others, may

TECH

help others, and of course, may further the narratives you are already trying to shape. What the capabilities of this space will be post COVID all depends on what society looks like when the time comes.

Beyond the creative functions of tech and being community driven, what makes Nadiyah fall under our major pillars is that she also typically introduces herself as an artist who uses both acrylic and digital illustration as her mediums of choice.

Since we are still navigating a pandemic there are more pressing matters that have burdened our community, which Nadiyah’s company has made a priority in their more recent agenda.

NJ: “Since COVID-19 we recognize that this is a very difficult time for everybody, especially start-ups that are already in a space where they are trying to grow and get the wheels turning. Now a lot of that has been pulled from under them.

Understanding that, my company has formed several grant opportunities and partnerships with different organizations around the city. This most recent one is a partnership with American Family Social Impact Institute [https://www. amfaminstitute.com/]. It’s also powered by Uncrowd [https:// uncrowd.io/], which is a local start-up that functions to facilitate the connectivity between investors and underrepresented founders . . . It’s definitely a great opportunity.

If maximized it would be a $1500 grant opportunity for local start-ups right here in Milwaukee.”

So let’s make it clear, there is money to be had but getting to it is not always easy. If you’re looking to tap into those resources we would advise you try networking these ways.

Nadiyah seems to have some insight on creating some traction in the start-up investment realm.

CW: “Obviously technology has been one of the saving graces of being in a pandemic in 2020. The ability to meet online, share ideas, and navigate different platforms has probably been maximized at this point because everybody [even those who have in the past been reluctant] are using them. What do you think the next phase of tech might go into, addressing what is going on in our society right now?”

NJ: “One way to predict how the technology industry is trending is to tune in to what’s happening today and what’s relevant today. Obviously COVID-19 is affecting the entire world, and to sort of tune in to how it’s impacting other fields like education comes to mind. The fact that we are having a difficult time meeting in person means that there are certain educational models and formats that just won’t work anymore. Not just thinking about classrooms, but think of Med students that need to have a really hands-on experience. So technology is going to play a huge part into that role, creating augmented reality and virtual reality for budding surgeons to open up 3D renderings of bodies and such. So I think that will accelerate the AR [augmented 14

TECH

reality] and virtual reality segment of the tech space . . . [think] automated autonomous driving is going to be a very hot space in the near future. I think COVID-19 will accelerate that as well given there is a need for being able to be in a car or in a vehicle without having to be with a stranger. I mean Uber has an amazing model but who wants to be in a vehicle with a stranger who you don’t know has been protecting themselves at this point?”

Self-driving cars are sounding more and more appealing when you put it like that.

But let’s think about the big picture. Even with a world of possibilities there are still social disparities that can make all these technological elevations cogs in the discussion of equality and equity, which must be addressed.

NJ: “We are educating students on how to program with Python, and introducing them to the basics of coding, graphics, and gaming. It’s something that’s very much needed right now where there is such a huge gap in the tech industry of who has access, and connectivity to who has access to educational platforms.”

CW: “You touch upon being one of the only women and Black women when you first entered the tech field. Now that you are independently creating and have your own company do you still feel like you are facing any of those hardships or having to address any of those things? Especially right now when race is a hot subject?”

NJ: Always! Racism lives in America so I feel it’s always going to be a constant battle. These most recent uprisings have sort of shaped the industry a

little bit . . . I think people are willing to lean in a bit more. So I’m grateful for that. I mean we have been screaming at the top of our lungs that there needs to be more Black people in tech. Also, that there needs to be more Black people and diversity in the venture capital space. Still people were turning their heads away from that fact. It’s unfortunate that a man has to be murdered for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. It’s unfortunate that there had to be back-to-back murders of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor for there to be more of an awakening. Now that it’s here, I’m not going to turn people away, but I guess it can be a bit frustrating.”

It’s a frustration many of us feel but it’s continuing to step up to the plate: doing the work we have already been doing when the world sees us as “trendy”, that identifies one’s true intentions.

“It’s really about learning what your interests are and what you’re curious about. Follow that curiosity and you will find that technology is there helping that industry to thrive.”

CW: “If you were not doing tech, is there something else you would be doing with your life right now?”

NJ: “I think it’s my life’s purpose to liberate Black people and technology is the vehicle in which I am doing that right now. I feel like sometimes people’s purposes carry on for a lifetime. Sometimes they have a season and they might change. This is my life purpose, and technology is the vehicle that I’m pushing it in for this season. I don’t know what I would be doing if I hadn’t found tech other than helping uplift the Black voice.”

Though Black people have systematically been kept out of the tech space, learning its ins and outs can be difficult, and it takes a lot of team effort and collaboration, it can be just as fulfilling. At the end of our talk, Nadiyah spoke fondly of her field in terms that reflected its more positive aura, imagination, and magic, which reassured us that the next steps of tech may be hope. Which is something we could all use right now.

NJ: “I truly have a love for it because anything you can imagine, you can bring to life with code. Imagine your wildest dreams. If you can imagine a unicorn, you could build a unicorn. It’s amazing. You can do whatever you want.”

Well, we are dreaming of a place where Black Women are respected, Black Children are invested in, and Equality comes in the form of Social Equity. Hey Nadiyah, let’s code it! /CW

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COUNTDOWN

Carrie's

On occasion I get asked why I want to be a broadcast journalist/media personality and one of the main reasons why is because of 106&Park. I grew up watching that show faithfully at my grandma’s house after school everyday and seeing the hosts AJ and Free, then Terrence and Rocsi, make such an impact on our generation over the years was inspiring. It has always been my dream to be a host of that show, but I used to think I had to be in New York or Cali to do so. Then I realized, why can’t I do it here in my own hometown? We have talented artists here with some dope ass videos. And the only way we’re going to improve the city is if we keep creating in the city and help put each other on. That’s how my baby, Carrie’s Countdown was born! It feels amazing to start with an idea and then see it come to fruition. Thank you to everyone who supported the vision and helped me see it through.

All the winners who made the top 5 countdown for my first episode were rewarded with a feature in our next CopyWrite Magazine issue (ya know...the one you’re reading right now LOL). I didn’t get a hold of all 5 artists, but I did get to talk to the ones from the #414 so check ‘em out!

MUSIC

ROOTED SOCIETY CATCH US IF YOU CAN FT. COLLIER #

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Rooted Society is a collective of amazingly dynamic artists based in Milwaukee. They take pride in being rooted in faith, authenticity, and similar to a Tribe Called Quest, who’s music will easily last 20+ years, they are timeless. Individually and collectively, they pull from personal experiences as a way of connecting with the world. That’s what makes them so relatable because they remain true to self and true to the art.

“So many times we get so far away from what real art is. Art changes, it shifts, and I think as long as you stay true to who you are, you’ll be the one to create that shift. Rooted Society does that really well in their music,” said their manager, Brit Nicole, speaking so highly of the group.

The group is made up of 3 rappers, Tae Spears, Kaylon Raps, & Don Jay Live and 1 vocalist, Lianna Dunae. Rooted Society is the umbrella, but they are all creatives with their own entities and their own artistic journey. “Catch Us If You Can” is the first video where most of the group are together and gives you a little snippet of each artist. The authenticity is so natural between 18

MUSIC

During quarantine, Rooted was involved with the community as well. They held a FB live zoom that reached over 1K views, to check in with people to ask them how the pandemic and the protests had been affecting them. They wanted to speak to the human in them because that comes first. We have to be there for one another.

Brit and I chopped it up about some of the mainstream music that’s out now and how it lacks substance sometimes. There’s no nourishment in it, and that can be disheartening. For example, with artists like Erykah Badu, they gave us some food for thought...something you can savor.

them, no one sounds the same. Everyone’s verse is a true testament to who they are so you know what you’re going to get from each artist when you listen to them individually.

“Imagine your favorite soup or gumbo and everybody has their own spice,” said Brit. “You don’t have to do this and I don’t have to do that, but when we mix all their amazing flavors together and someone gets a whiff or a taste of it, it’s like “Whoaa, what yall got going here.” The song gives you a taste of who they are.”

Even though they are individuals, they are very like minded and operate on the same brain. You can feel the comradery and familial dynamic within the group.

But it’s way more than music, they make sure they hold each other accountable because they make each other better that way. There is no competition between them, they just want to pull out each other’s potential.

“It’s not about becoming superstars, it’s about sustaining quality artistry,” Brit said.

“Everytime I hear it, it hits me in a different way. That’s what makes the art itself long lasting, because no matter where we are, 5, 10, 20 years from now, someone will be able to resonate with that. Music always meets you where you’re at. That’s what we have in our Indie artists and that’s what I would consider Rooted to be” Brit said.

I asked Brit if she had anything else she wanted people to know about Rooted Society. After an admittedly long-winded (LOL) but extremely inspiring answer, about how we need to recognize how amazing and talented our homegrown artists are, and how we give so much praise and clout to people who don’t even know we exist, yet our own homegrown folks are people who we went to school with and labor in the community with, etc., which are all FACTS btw...she decided to end it with this: “I can not wait for you and the rest of the world to experience what I already know. Something good and full of substance and nourishment. And that’s how I’m ending it.”

Follow the group on IG: @Rooted_Society_ Individually: @Tae_Spears, @KaylonRaps, @DonJay_Live and @DunaeJackson

PAPERSTACKS

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HI-C

What started off with a song called “I’m so tight” at 9-years-old, has turned into a full-blown music career. The young PaperStacks was rapping the song to the friends within his age group and they went crazy! However, the adults he rapped it to thought it was terrible.

“My Aunt told me to just stop haha, now she’s my biggest fan,” said the rapper.

That feeling his friends gave him, the feeling of being on a pedestal, gave him all the push he needed to continue pursuing his curiosity in the craft.

Luckily the criticism from his elders didn’t stop him because he’s been writing ever since. (And I mean, what do adults know anyway, right? LOL).

From 9 until about 15-years-old PaperStacks was mostly just writing, and at 16 he made his first solo tape.

Shortly after that, he formed the group “PaperSoldiers” and if you’re REALLY from Milwaukee you’d remember their song “Holy Ghost Remix.”

“It’s crazy ‘cause I didn’t even wanna hop on the song, jack/party music wasn’t my thing,” said Stacks while laughing.

Now it’s a Milwaukee classic. Stacks said to this day that song still gets about 1K plays a month on Soundcloud.

One of PaperStacks favorite places is the stage because he loves performing, but he wasn’t always the best at it.

The first show where he performed by himself was definitely one to remember.

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This was the first show his Grandma went to and he dropped the mic six times and was having sound issues.

“I remember hearing this lady say “WE CAN’T HEAR YOU!” in a chanting tone,” Stacks said. “I was destroyed, like man, this is the first show my Grandma came to see me and she had to endure all of this. and this is what she has to put up with?”

That performance only pushed him to go harder and get better s an artist.

The first official album PaperStacks dropped was in 2018 titled “Lil Sum Sum” which his song “Hi-C” is on. I asked Stacks what inspired him to create Hi-C and he said it happened randomly while playing the beat and writing in the...shower? He definitely needed to elaborate on that one.

“Haha I didn’t actually write it in the shower with paper, but mentally in my head I wrote the hook, memorized it and then kept adding on to it. It sounded good!” Paperstacks said.

He knew Hi-C was a hit. While thinking of the concept for the video, he wanted it to be bright and fun, so he took everyday things that you’d see and replaced it with Hi-C. For example, one character in the video was holding Hi-C up like it’s money, another guy had it in his jacket like it was a valuable thing. Stacks’ goal was to put a higher value to Hi-C, and it worked for me! I legit wanted some Hi-C after I saw the video!

Likeeee, is he sponsored by them or what? Haha.

“I actually emailed them and they were nice but they were like nah LOL”. PaperStacks said.

They pretty much hit him with a thanks but no thanks lmao. But that’s cool, because when he blows up they’re gonna regret it. We’re making sure Stacks keeps those receipts, okay!

Now I had to ask him what’s up with all the food references LOL. His songs “Fried Chicken,” “Hi-C”, and his latest album “Greedy”...alright, what’s up?

“Everyone has an addiction, mine is food. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink, I just enjoy food.”

And fried chicken is in fact his favorite.

I asked PaperStacks what’s his overall message and he had a lot to say: “When you listen to my music, I glorify being “fat” and I’m not saying that’s what people should be, but I also think people should be happy with the skin they’re in. That’s a topic where people say it’s self inflicted, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t love yourself. That doesn’t mean you shouldnt be happy with who you are. So I make it grand! I just make it bigger than life. I think everyone should feel that way about themselves. No matter who you are, you are the star of your own movie.”

Follow PaperStacks on IG: @BigDog_Stacks and check out his album “Lil Sum Sum” and his latest project “Greedy” on all streaming platforms.

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TAE SPEARS

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NIGHT CAP

Tae Spears’ approach to music is different from what we usually get from artists today.

While most artists talk about what’s popular, Tae talks about what’s real.

2002 was around the time of the unexpected start to Tae Spears’ rap career. Tae was visiting a detention center with the youth from Christian Faith Fellowship Church. After the youth pastor finished, the detention center kids started rapping, so Tae started rapping with them, but he was rapping the stuff the youth pastor was just talking about.

“I noticed how easy it was for them to understand it in rap form,” said Tae. “It started as a chance for me to express my faith and the gospel.”

In 2018 Tae came out with his first official project (although he says there’s a 2014 Christian mixtape floating around that he’s tryna get rid of). Tae transitioned from making traditional Christian music when he realized he had more to say and never wanted to be fake in his music. He expressed that with a lot of people in the gospel genre, their music sounds one way but their life is totally different from what

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they talk about. Tae wanted his music to be honest and transparent...basically just him.

“I can sound gospel at times, street sometimes, ratchet at times...whatever I’m feeling. It shows who I am,” Tae said.

Authenticity is a huge value for Tae. As a “very flawed” individual, as he likes to call it, Tae takes pride in those flaws and loves putting it on display because of all the lessons that come with them. If he can take people on the journey of him learning life so others don’t have to make the same mistakes, that’s an accomplishment. In fact, Tae’s song “Night Cap” is actually a true story about his infidelity with his [now] ex-wife.

“If I can be honest [Tae’s 2018 EP] talks about the whole process about how my marriage failed,” Tae said.

Tae believes his infidelity had a lot to do with his upbringing. Growing up on 27th and Melvina in Milwaukee, WI, Tae’s parents did what they could to shield him, however, their protection could only go so far. Hanging around certain family members, Tae was exposed to sex with grown women at just the young age of 11-years-old, which ultimately led to him dealing with a lot of depression from constantly putting on a front to play the part in front those family members. The experience was traumatizing.

“I realized the poor decisions I made was rooted from ideas placed in me when I was younger,” Tae said.

However, Tae would say his upbringing made him a better father and how he raises his kids. He doesn’t try to shield them, but instead exposes them to things verbally so when they’re put in situations they know how to navigate through them.

Aside from being a rapper, writer, public speaker, and a complete family man, Tae Spears is an avid Karaoke... player? (not sure what you would call it LOL). But no forreal, Tae loves Karaoke and takes it VERY seriously... they don’t call him the “Karaoke King” for nothing! I’m convinced the passion he has for Karaoke stems from his love for performing.

“I love it,” Tae said. “If I can take one thing away from music that I’d continue to do, it would be the performing aspect of it. I love being able to connect with the crowd and tell my story in a way that impacts them.”

Tae’s overall message is authenticity. He says it’s okay to be you, however that looks.

“Just imagine if every artist just spoke from their own point of view from where they are, think of how colorful and different music would be. That’d be dope!,” He said.

I asked Tae if we should be expecting another Christian tape from him in the near future. He let it be known that all of his music is Christian because he’s Christian. He doesn’t say anything that’s opposed to his faith. However if we’re talkin’ about him making traditional Christian music again...possibly, it all depends on how he feels in that moment.

So lookout y’all, a Tae Spears (traditional) Christian mixtape could be in the works, coming in 2022! Just kidding. But in the meantime, check out his music on all streaming platforms.

FOLLOW HIM ON IG: @Tae_Spears.

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CAM WILL DOWN

If you haven’t heard about Cam Will, trust me, the time will come soon. As a Spring 2020 Backline Milwaukee participant, Cam and his team are currently working on and strategically planning the rollout for his upcoming projects.

But before the whole world gets a hold of him, CopyWrite Magazine got the exclusive! So. . . who is Cam Will?

“Cam Will is indecisive, but when his mind is made up, puts 100% into it. He’s determined, loyal and shy. . . but not shy when he needs to be,” Cam said.

Cam has a “bad habit” of cutting everything off to put his all into one thing. For example, all his life he’s been involved with sports. He played basketball, football and soccer but when he got to high school, he decided to focus solely on soccer and cut off all the other sports. Cam put his all into it and his skills grew so much, it led him to a D1 full tuition offer from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee the summer of his senior year at Brown Deer.

Once he got to college he started thinking about what he wanted to do with his life and he knew he wanted to be influential and touch lives.

Ultimately, soccer wasn’t going to be it because it’s not that big here in the U.S. Music was always in his mind but he knew the backlash he’d get from everyone around him if he dropped out for it, especially from his parents.

They wanted Cam to do at least 1 year of school and told him to stick it out because dropping out wouldn’t be financially smart (you know, parents being parents).

“I was almost kicked out of the house.

That’s how bad it was getting, because of my decision to leave school,” Cam said.

“It was a long battle, but the more success I have, the easier it gets for them to understand.”

But Cam had a vision and once his mind was made up, he knew he had to cut off soccer and school to put all his focus into the music. Shortly after leaving school, Cam got a job and was waking up at 5:00 in the morning everyday, and he recalls the moment he wrote “Down.”

“I wrote “Down” kinda when I was really indecisive and still going back and forth about what I wanted to do. I went to a parking garage downtown and I took a picture of the Fiserv Forum and wrote “sold out” over it cause I was like, from this point on, I’m doing this [music] 100%. I went and wrote “Down” a couple days later, saying I know where I’m going so it’s either you’re down or you’re not...either way I’m going to get there so it’s up to you if you wanna be there when I’m there,” Cam said.

Growing up Cam was always absorbing music, from Church, band class playing the recorder, oboe and sax, to his uncle teaching him piano, he has always been around it. He wrote his first song when he was 6-years-old and would write stories with his friends in 2nd grade, making comic book stories and magazine rollouts for shoes. Cam has always been in the creative 24

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zone for writing, but the craft got more serious for him after a poetry unit during Marquette’s summer school in 4th grade. Even while doing soccer, Cam has always used writing and poetry as his outlet.

“Cam Will is Cameron William’s real inner thoughts that he can’t say all the time,” he said. “They’re not exaggerated because they’re actually things I’ve been through or want to say but haven’t gotten a chance to.”

Ever since then, Cam continued to write and dropped his first project “November” shortly after leaving school.

February of 2020 Cam applied to the Backline Milwaukee program. Out of around 290 people who applied, he made the top 50. Cam said it felt like a competition every time to get to the next level, as they kept narrowing it down, but he didn’t allow himself to even think about not making it. Good thing he kept a positive mind because he made it into the final Spring 2020 cohort.

“I think everything happens for a reason so if I wasn’t there at [Backline] I might not be the artist that I am and have the confidence in my music that I do right now,” Cam said.

The Backline Milwaukee program has definitely been a big help in boosting Cam’s music career. He used to struggle with networking before, because it kind of always felt fake to him. Now he knows that consistency and being your self is the most important thing. Being consistent in general opens more doors. Before Backline, Cam thought of his music like a hobby. Now it’s a business.

“Backline made me feel like I’m a full artist now,” he claimed. “Being able to spend more time on music, knowing we have the financial backing and connections.”

One of the biggest connections he has formed from the program is with Grammy-Nominated Producer, Bizness Boi. Fun fact: Cam used to DM him all the time before Backline, asking him about his beats and wanting to collaborate. Now he has the man on speed dial...crazy!

(I don’t think he literally has him on speed dial...but he could if he wanted to right?).

His inspiration stems from wanting to be able to change his family’s lifestyle and future generations. But it also stems from him wanting to prove people wrong. All the doubts definitely give him that drive, which he says comes from his competitive athletic side.

“I’m so competitive, I’ll have a competition to see who can drink water faster,” he declaired.

His comment about proving people wrong made me ask him if he still cares about other people’s opinions.

“As a musician we put out our music for people’s opinion kind of, so I care about that. But opinions outside of what I’m asking for opinions on don’t bother me,” his answer suggested.

He has realized that haters are going to hate regardless, for doing what you want or doing what they want but not doing it right, so you might as well do what you want and let them hate. Period.

Although Cam has only been doing music consistently for about a year and a half, he’s already thinking ahead towards his long term goal of being the artist of the decade. Short term he’s focused on building a dope fan base and team around him that allows him to continue to do music full-time. Within a couple years (possibly sooner), Cam plans on moving out of Milwaukee, and coming back once he makes some shit shake. Which is so dope to me because that’s exactly what the city needs.

Again, this has been an amazing journey and I can’t wait to do it again. If you’re interested in submitting your music video for your chance of making the next countdown, follow me on IG: @CarrieNoni_ for updates on future deadlines! <3 /Carrie for CW

Quick Q&A: CW: Favorite Artists?

CAM: Ryan Trey, Drake and Frank Ocean, but it always switches.

CW: If you could collab with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

CAM: Frank Ocean. He makes different music. If I could be Jay-Z on biking, like take his verse and let me do it, that’ll be the best collab. That song is tough!

CW: What’s your message?

CAM: Just live. Do what you wanna do. Push people to be themselves and always work on them. You gotta put the work in to make dreams happen.

CW: Anything else you want the people to know about you?

CAM: Nah, everything comes through the music. People will get me eventually… (*drops mic*) Big congratulations to Cam Will for winning the #1 spot on the countdown and officially taking the title of “King of the Mil.” Make sure you’re following Cam Will on IG: @_camwill for more info on his upcoming projects and check out “Down” on all streaming platforms now!

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AFRO ARTS MILWAUKEE Here at CopyWrite, we love a good “Art” show. From the selection of artists to the curation of work shown, the aura of a venue, and everything in between. Of course, since the pandemic started there has been a halt on visiting spaces that are bursting at the seams with work that may inspire us, trigger a conversation, or even spark up our interest enough to become our next featured artist.

As we flipped through our mental Rolodex of visual creatives that might be a fit for this “multi-themed” issue, we were invited to an Arts Pop-Up show being hosted at Vino Third Ward. As the flyer hit our inbox adorned with a simple illustration of a woman’s silhouette with large coiled hair and the words: “Afro Arts Milwaukee.”, we exhaled with excitement to see some sort of representation we all too often miss out on, and realized this had been the first time in a long time that we would be able to see work in the flesh. With masks on we decided to accept this invitation and step into what we feel is a great example of how social distancing and art can merge in a pandemic where social equity is on all of our minds.

As the event was meant to “support local creatives and the Black Lives Matter movement through creativity” and the proceeds were donated to BLOC by BLOC MKE, we thought we might do our part by using our platform to keep the narrative going. That is why we are honored to share these next few pages with snapshots of some of the amazing work we saw, the talented Black Artists who made them, the curator who made it all possible, the venue where this moment was held and, a few tips we picked up about doing a pop-up in a pandemic.

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ur experience of Afro Arts Milwaukee. started before we even entered Vino Third Ward, “An Urban Tasting Room” (219 East Erie Street, Milwaukee, WI). With accepting the invitation for the event we were asked to reserve a time slot for our visit to ensure that there would be ample space between us and other attendees while we viewed the art. As we approached the building there were people sitting in different pockets of tables scattered near the front, and artists Aminah Green and Lazef Mason (both whose work was featured) were curbside with easels doing live paintings. Entering, we were greeted at the counter, checked in, and offered a glass of wine to enjoy while we explored an arrow trail walk through of the vibrant art, walls of wine, and a true essence of inclusivity. People walked through wearing their masks, following the path, conversing with the artist that was around, purchasing the art pieces that spoke to them and aesthetically called for further exploration. Others purchased bottles of Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Sauvignon that featured the “Together We Rise” design by Ryan Edward Butts, which was also displayed in the storefront [and is the cover art for this issue of CopyWrite Magazine]. “Vino Third Ward sought out an artist to display a welcoming environment of all through art” read the intimate press release we received from event curator Alexis Alexander.

“Also Vino is featuring Black winemakers from across the country such as Maison Noir Wines and more to come”.

With proceeds from the sale and the Afro Arts Milwaukee giving support to Milwaukee charity BLOC BY BLOC, CopyWrite purchased four bottles of wine (Cheers!) and a nostalgic piece by Barderies Hampton, that will soon hang in our “flagship” office.

The art and styles varied from digital illustrations, handrendered drawings, abstractions, and more realistic paintings and portraits. Some work was more refined, while others seemed experimental and playful. We could critique the work with our opinions of color theory, placement, and technical practices, but those analyses are unneeded here because what stood out the most was that we were experiencing Black creativity, representation, and hommage without limitation.

As we lingered outside of Vino sipping our wine and watching the artist paint with symbolism we recognized as Black creatives, we discussed how safe we felt in the moment, both from the exposure of COVID (with masks required, one door for entry, guided path, and another door for exiting) and also from the normal racial displacement that certain places in Milwaukee (including the Third Ward) can have. We also had many thoughts on the iconography of Black faces, hairstyles, melanated skin tones, and reimagination of characters that were never meant for us but we still aligned with them. It was refreshing to see that spectrum of elements naturally appear in the work of these artists. As natural as fair skin and light eyes to its suitable counterparts.

“THE CULTURE” WAS IN THE BUILDING AND WE ARE HERE FOR IT! “It’s a much-needed change for the area. There are not many instances of Black Culture around here and reflections of that through art and business”, suggested our Local Art Consultant, Vedale Hill, who also attended the event. “It reminds me of small pockets of Peachtree Street in Atlanta, where the essence of Black Culture is present but that’s not a substitution for the refinement. It still feels like this event is for US but not just for us. This may be an Art show featuring Black artists but it’s not just for Black people. These are the types of steps that I want to see as a Fine Artist. We want to be a part of the full narrative. We want our work to be held to the same standard and we want to be allotted the same value.”

With good quality of work, a thorough exploration of tangible mediums, a safe welcoming environment, tasty wine, and all the other details we look for in a pop-up art show, we must tip our hats off to Afro Arts Milwaukee. for making a lasting impression. We also hope that this inspires more events like this to happen in our city until it’s no longer an anomaly and “Together We Rise”. /CW

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CHECK OUT THESE PROFILES ON AFRO ARTS MILWAUKEE FEATURED ARTISTS, CURATOR, AND VENUE!

VINO THIRD WARD Vino Third Ward is an urban tasting room, wine bar, and store in Milwaukeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Third Ward. The atmosphere is warm, sophisticated, and embraces all, with the option of shopping for over 150 bottles of wine or enjoying wine-by-theglass picked by their experienced Sommeliers. Vino enjoys helping guests in the exploration of a wide variety of wines during visits to the shop. They also offer wine classes, tastings, events, and more. @VINOTHIRDWARD

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ALEXIS ALEXANDER (CURATOR)

Alexis Alexander is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Once she moved to Milwaukee 5 years ago from Illinois, the connection she felt made her actively involved in the community. Alexis began working at Vino Third Ward as the Marketing Coordinator in February 2020. As COVID-19 hit the world, Alexis felt it was a force to slow down and focus on the more important things in life. Social activism has always been at the forefront of her mind. Co-owners of Vino Third Ward, Paul Monigal, and Julie Peck gave Alexis the freedom and support to uplift Black creatives in the community. There was no room for error knowing she had to keep everyone engaged yet safe at an event during these times. Now, Alexis hopes to plan more events to support other under-represented artists to grow their platforms and show their art to more. She also knows sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not done learning because there is still room for growth when it comes to activism. @AALXNDRO9

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RYAN EDWARD BUTTS

Ryan, also known as @ryghteous graduated from Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and was featured in CopyWrite Magazine Issue 6: Behind The Scenes. He specializes in fashion, painting, graphic design, and more. He has expressed the difficulty and pressure of being a Black designer as the fashion industry is increasingly influenced by Black culture. Along with the pressure, Ryan believes it is important for Black artists to represent and be represented.

Spending time with his creative friends gives him a push, while playing basketball gives him a much-needed release. @ALLDAY_ARTIST

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AMINAH GREEN

Aminah Green is a Milwaukee born and raised artist and currently a student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Aminah reflects her personality and who she is through her art, as well as activism, energy, and the aesthetic fixations of beauty which she surrounds herself with. Inspired by revolutionary Black activists and artists such as Erykah Badu, James Baldwin, Angela Davis, and Gil Scott-Heron, these figures and more motivate her to cultivate and invest in her talent. She is proud of her skin, melanin, and culture. @ADALAH555

BARDERIES HAMPTON

Barderies Hampton is a Milwaukee freelance illustrator.

She is a Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design graduate who describes her work as whimsical and edgy.

Barderies inspirations are pop culture, comic books, and personal style. With the creative industry being multifaceted, she loves adding representation in her work. As a Black female artist, Barderies reflects herself into her work as a voice for representation. Recently she had the opportunity to create a mural with LIT. The mural depicts a mother, child, and the headline â&#x20AC;&#x153;save our public schoolsâ&#x20AC;?. One day she hopes to own a comic company. @beehampton 32

LAZEF MASON

Lazef Mason is an illustrator, painter, father and husband. Lazef believes art has always been a major staple in his life; drawing comics at 4-years-old to painting portraits, abstracts, and now freelance art. As his talent develops, he connects to his audience through his work. “Don’t think, feel” inspired by Bruce Lee, Lazef believes creativity can be blocked by our thoughts which can hold us from being truly expressive. Lazef says “the main key to being successful is to be confident and be yourself.” @MASONS_CREATION

*INFORMATION PROVIDED

BY ALEXIS ALEXANDER

JAZMYN WILLIAMS Jazmyn Williams is an aspiring female artist currently attending Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, majoring in Communication Design. She specializes in cartoons, portraits, and paint pours. Jazmyn’s most popular painting at the art show was a canvas painting of Black cartoon characters. Taking pride in creating a Black experience as a young woman is what motivates Jazmyn. Her inspirations are creating art that opposes racism and toxic masculinity. @ART_BY_THE_MELANINQUEEN

VINOTHIRDWARD.COM | 219 E. ERIE ST. MILWAUKEE, WI 53202 | (414)277-8466

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UNR

REST A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE OF PROTEST I’ve never thought of myself as an activist. I will be the first to say that I don’t indulge my life in politics or drown everyone else around me in waves of political agenda dissertations. I’m simply not interested. I’m not a politician. I’m none of those things. I’m simply a black woman with a voice and few different platforms. When you have a platform or even if you don’t, you should always speak up when you disagree with actions or decisions of your government whether that is locally or at the national level. I’ve been doing that now for about four years now, but I don’t think that makes me an activist, I think that just means I’m a citizen with common sense.

I remember the moment Trump was elected in 2016. I was a college freshman at UW-Milwaukee. Being at a predominately white institution during a time like this was nothing short of a nightmare. Within hours of his election, some people were celebrating with their haunting Trump 2016 signs and posters while others took matters into the street. I was a part of those who took matters into the streets.

There were hundreds of us. This is a screen shot from a video that I recorded from that day.

November 9th, 2016 was the day he was elected, and we marched November 10th. There were so many different types people standing in solidarity against the United States’ fascist, racist, sexist and criminal president and with the #BLACKLIVESMATTER movement.

This was my very first protest that I can remember. I remember feeling awkward shouting at seemingly nobody. I remember feeling discouraged by older family members who couldn’t understand what the hell protesting was going to change. I remember rumors of KKK members being present and attempting to clash with protestors. I remember feeling emotional and angry while I carried a 15-foot banner stating boldly, “FUCK TRUMP.” The message hasn’t changed.

I remember playing back in my head the civil rights footage of protestors being beaten and killed by police. I remember feeling courageous and also terrified chanting on the front lines against the police because I knew what they could do to me would be much more awful than what I could do to them. It’s not that I planned on using violence against the police that night but just the mere thought of police contact as a young black woman was terrifying in itself. I remember trusting complete strangers to mean what they said and show how much they meant it. Obviously, I don’t remember every face that was there but I’m hoping they kept that fire they had that night.

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UNREST

FEATURED IMAGES PROVIDE BY LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER PATRICK CHAVES (@activecapture_)

@activecapture_

I was terrified that night. I was one of the only people I knew but I knew I had to be there. I had to use my voice to be a part of the change I wanted, and I think that’s where it all started. That’s when the fire was born. That’s when I knew that I will always risk whatever for my people.

I was eighteen when I became enlightened or “woke” and it’s been an interesting journey ever since.

If you’ve been tuned to America’s shitshow of a Black Mirror episode, you should be just as outraged at the racist and unsafe environment that y’alls president normalized as myself and everyone else is. In case you also don’t know the year we are in, it’s 2020. Trump has served pretty much a full term of presidency and the protests are still happening. The fight has never stopped.

George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many more have lost their lives to police brutality. Police brutality in the United States has always disproportionately affected black people with little to no justice in the circumstance that it’s brought to national attention.

For example, Breonna Taylor, a twenty-six-year-old black woman and EMT, was fatally shot in her bed by the Louisville Police department on March 13th of this year. Her murders STILL have yet to be arrested 5 months later. She was sleeping. In her own bed. In her own house. And was killed. Yet no one has been arrested when we know the names of her killers. Oh, maybe you need to be reminded. Her murders names are Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison, and Myles Cosgrove.

@activecapture_

ARREST BREONNA TAYLOR’S KILLERS.

George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, lost his life on May 25th of this year to a Minnesota police officer by the name of Derek Chauvin.

Derek and his cult friends decided that it was necessary to kneel on Mr. Floyd’s neck for a complete eight minutes, two of which Mr. Floyd was dead. Mr. Floyd lost his life because the clerk at Cup Foods decided that his twenty-dollar bill was counterfeit. When footage of this incident hit the internet, this sparked a huge wave of protest across the United States concerning police brutality and the #BLACKLIVESMATTER movement including our very own, Milwaukee.

Four years later, in one of the most segregated cities in the country, we found ourselves marching—again. For another black man. For another black woman. For another black child. For another black LGBT+ member. We found ourselves passionately marching again for us, black people.

I remember calling my friends up and telling them that I was going to go protest this year. About three or four of us packed into the truck and made our way towards downtown to find the protestors. And on another occasion, I let my nieces join me.

We walked into the crowd with our signs and shouted their names: BREONNA TAYLOR GEORGE FLOYD TRAYVON MARTIN FREDDIE GRAY

… there are thousands of names. Matter of fact there are so many names, there’s a chant dedicated to that very issue. It goes, “Say their names!” and the crowd would respond, “Which one?!”

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According to The Washington Post’s Fatal Force database, 118 black people have been killed by the police in 2020 alone.

118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118.

118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118.

118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118. 118 black people did not go home to their families. Does that not outrage you?

I protested about 10 times throughout the months of May and June. Every single one being more intense than the last. It was honestly the most overwhelming series of experiences I’ve had in my life. There were clashes with the police, there were tanks here, the national guard there and just recently the federal government sent undercover agents to Portland (and later to Milwaukee) to arrest protestors and peaceful demonstrators. These undercover agents were allegedly kidnapping, arresting citizens and driving them to undisclosed locations. Not only is that unconstitutional but that’s down right f*cked up. You cannot be serious if you think any of this is normal. You’re absolutely insane.

I SAID WHAT I SAID.

Every protest I experienced was completely different from the last one. Sometimes I was walking 15 miles in the sun shouting for justice hours at a time. Other times, I was merely a bystander. Some protest I lead, with a blow horn and all.

Some protest I was out on assignment as official media.

Sometimes I was cleaning up the neighborhoods (Martin Luther King Jr Drive) where protests were after civil unrest. All of those times, I made sure that I was on the frontlines and if not, I made my stance known.

BLACK LIVES HAVE ALWAYS MATTERS. ALL LIVES CAN’T MATTER UNTIL BLACK LIVES MATTER. DASSSIT, DASSSALL. I am a black/multiracial woman, fresh out of college, marching for the same thing I was marching for before in 2016.

Marching for the same reason my great uncles, my great aunts and grandparents were marching for in the 60’s. We are here again. But like I mentioned before, this experience was different. I was more knowledgeable about the truth in it all. I was more aware of the ugliness and I was living in real time.

I was taken aback by the overwhelming number of protestors that showed up. There were thousands and thousands of protestors for days. There were multiple protests a day at different locations around the city. We made national news but it’s not about being covered on TV. It’s bigger.

We are still protesting right here in Milwaukee.

Protesting for almost 80+ days.

This is not a trend.

This is not something to do when there’s nothing to do.

This is not a game.

Black people are being murdered by the police like savages.

We aren’t pissed off because it’s cool to be pissed off. We are pissed off because we are the people under attack by the police in every state in this country.

This is not normal.

We will not stop talking about it.

We don’t get tired.

We are unstoppable.

You can stand by and watch as history happens right before your eyes. That’s your propagative. It’s not a very good one but you do you boo. I’m judging you but I ain’t noooobody. I won’t guilt trip you into being on the right side of history but what I will tell you to do is be responsible. #SOCIALLYRESPONSIBLE

Be aware of what’s happening around you. These are real people being killed. These are real children being choked out by police and dying at 12 years old. These are real women being shot to death in front of their children, in their beds, in their sleep.

Just because it doesn’t affect you personally doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care about it. That doesn’t make you smarter or stress-free. It makes you an incompetent human being incapable of compassion, respect and dignity. It makes you a shitty person. It makes you apart of the problem. But of course, this doesn’t apply to the person reading this because if you so happen to stumble across this article in a local Black Women owned magazine, you’re already informed, ready to live freely and pushing for a more equal tomorrow.

WEAR YOUR MASKS, STAY WOKE AND STAY SAFE. VOTE. /Imani for CW Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/ investigations/police-shootings-database/

@activecapture_

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Masked Glam

m

There comes a time where you have to

understand how to be prepared for adversity, switch up the norm, and adapt for survival. There are so many scenarios in life that we must learn from and use as the tools needed to navigate this world successfully.

Okay . . . that’s enough!

We were going to take y’all on a rant through the obvious.

Common sense on why new fashion trends are to die for, or more like to live for, but instead we will let the impact of 2020 speak for itself.

We don’t have control over what has already happened, but we can adapt. To our team at CopyWrite, that means to blend, to construct, and to alter. We will look different, we will change, and we will transcend in due time.

Why not represent the beauty and glamour of this current time.

Masked Glam;

WE CALL IT,

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TRAGEDY. /Vato Vergara (Fashion Editor)

In collaboration with Destined Visuals, Ashlietheartist, Brass Roster Hat Company, Distinctive Designs by Tomira, Moments Exotic, GG Collections.

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@shiennegh

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@queensoleil22

@ortizus

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MASK BY @myddbt

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MASK BY @deborahrender

MASK BY @momentsexotic *this style is not recommended for saftey use

MASK BY @brassrooster

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@bon.marie7

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