Nyota Issue 25 by NYOTA Magazine

featuring

Nik Dodani Issue 25

CONTENTS Music

Culture

Empowerment Playlist 07

Nik Dodani 35

AVIV 09

Eliza Butterworth 39

Emma G 13

Lauren Patel 43

Molly Moore 17

Julian Lerner 47

Brandy Haze 19

Avantika Vandanapu 51

Flo Gallop 21

EJ Williams 55

Words of Wisdom: Ricky Duran

Words of Wisdom: Anna Sweet

Words of Wisdom: Hattie Thomas Whitehead

Fashion Robbi Jan

Abby Wren

THE

TEAM

Editor in Chief Carol Wright is a recent graduate of American University. At a young age, she became interested in telling stories through photography which eventually led her down the path of creating Nyota. Now, her passion for storytelling has given her the opportunity to pick the brains of musicians, actors, and influencers across the world.

Art Director Nicole Cox is a recent American University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. She has always enjoyed the arts, from making pottery to painting and sketching in her free time. Thanks to her wonderful professors at school, she was able to explore her passion for the arts and further implement her skills in her professional career and hobbies.

FEATURES AVIV

Nik Dodani

Emma G

Eliza Butterworth

Molly Moore

Lauren Patel

Brandy Haze

Julian Lerner

Flo Gallop

Avantika Vandanapu

Ricky Duran

EJ Williams

Robbi Jan

Anna Sweet

Abby Wren

Hattie Thomas Whitehead

CONTRIBUTORS Sophie Sachar

EDITOR’S LETTER Empowerment: authority or power given to someone to do something or the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights. With the current state of our world it only seemed fitting to shift the focus of our September issue to empowerment. A lot of things feel out of our control right now and throughout this year I’m sure many of us have felt hopeless or unsure of how to gain that control back. In this issue we are highlighting musicians, actors, creatives, and activists who use their influence to create positive change each day. After working on this issue one thing that rings true is that we do have control over what we say, do, and how we impact others. I hope this issue reminds you of that. With Love, Carol Wright Editor in Chief @_carol_wright

The Boss - 12” Remix // Diana Ross, James Simpson, Mike Hutchinson

Woman // Angel Olsen

Head Cheerleader // Pom Pom Squad

Empowerment Playlist curated by Sophie Sachar

#NYOTAmusic

Stuck in the Mud // Isaiah Rashad ft. SZA

True Love // Hovvdy

breadwinner // Kacey Musgraves

Crushed Velvet // Yves Tumor

Secrets from a Girl (Who’s Seen it All) // Lorde

Little Things // Big Thief

Hold U // Indigo De Souza

#NYOTAmusic

AVIV

Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Nick Merzetti

AVIV uses music to express herself and share the unique experiences of being a teenager during these turbulent times. She talked to NYOTA about collaborating with OCTAVIO the Dweeb on “Black Coffee” and drawing inspiration from movies for her visuals. Growing up did music play a large role in your life? Music has played a significant purpose in my life, especially in my early years. I’m a very private person, I tend to keep a lot of things bottled up. I never felt comfortable expressing my emotions. Music helped me pinpoint the thoughts I had and was an outlet. I use music as the friend I tell my upsets to, and it helps me cope. Being a teenager you have such a unique perspective on the world. How do you think this period of your life has influenced your music? Growing up in these times is weird!! Often I get asked by adults, how do I find the inspiration behind my songs? My generation has gone through conflicts like none before them. We are faced with experiences that hadn’t existed in prior centuries. Being a teenager in today’s society comes with a lot of baggage, young. This “baggage” inspires and conveys the music I create. What was the writing process like for your song “Black Coffee?” I wrote it on zoom with my friend Kristina Sarro. We bonded on the feeling of “running in place,” because of the pandemic. We chose to portray this with “Black Coffee;” the memories that could’ve happened yet they were poured down the drain. You collaborated with OCTAVIO the Dweeb on the “Black Coffee” remix. What was that collaborative process like? Octavio is incredible! I was so thrilled when I found out he would feature on “Black Coffee.” I was in Los Angeles as the process was being pursued and got to visit the studio on the day of his recording. I wanted to give him complete power over his verse, this way it was authentic to his sound. I arrived at the studio after he had composed and recorded everything. The first time I heard what he had done, it just felt so right. When it came to the music video did you create moodboards or storyboards to get your vision across? I’m drawn to the visuals. When I was younger I wanted to be a director and I have always been a huge film nerd. It’s important to me that my visuals are strong. I love to draw inspiration from older movies; the colors, clothes, angles, etc. 10

Who are some of your musical inspirations? I adore the sound of live instruments. I believe this is because I listen to several bands. My musical inspirations include; Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, Black Box Recorder, etc. You have been coming out with a steady stream of singles. Has the pandemic given you time to truly hone in on your sound and focus on creating new music? For sure! There was some good the pandemic brought. Time was one of them. Lots of new material is coming soon. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? I would say to be authentic. It’s easy to get caught up in what others like instead of creating something you are passionate about. Music is subjective and people’s opinions are versatile, create something you enjoy, and keeps you loving it.

#NYOTAmusic

Emma G Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Emma G

Emma G is a multi-talented artist, activist and author who believes that music allows people to express their “true-selves.” She talked to NYOTA about starting the Capitol Groove Collective, her album Born In Crisis, and how the pandemic helped her to show up more authentically. What or who initially sparked your interest in music? My mother tells me I was born singing and making up songs. I think part of it has to do with the fact that I was born with a rare condition called hydrocephalus [water on the brain] which meant I had my first brain surgery when I was just four months old. Music was the methodology that I leaned into in order to express myself. I often like music to a superhero costume: because it’s such a creative outlet that allows people to express themselves and be their “true selves” without having to feel completely vulnerable. For that reason, I’ve always found it easiest to write my truth in my lyrics. I’m far less likely to have a conversation than I am to just write a song. DC has a great music and arts scene. Does the city often inspire you? Absolutely. DC is such a vibrant and rich area culturally. Obviously, we’re the home of Black punk [with the likes of The Bad Brains], but DC is also the home of Go-Go music. Present-day; DC has a hugely diverse range of genres - from Americana and folk to pop, RnB, soul, country, hip-hop... the list continues. Having venues like 9:30 Club, The Anthem, Songbyrd, The Pie Shop, and Pearl Street Warehouse as well... there’s so much support for local music. It’s beautiful. Born In Crisis covers some pretty dark points in your life. Were there moments when it was difficult to work on the album or was the process therapeutic? That’s a great question! Honestly: looking back at some of the songs that I wrote during my write-a-song-a-day challenge in February [which was how BORN IN CRISIS became a thing in the first place]: I don’t even remember writing some of the lyrics! Which I think is a sign of how therapeutic writing this album was and still is. I truly believe that when you’re in alignment with your truth: magic happens. And healing happens.

#NYOTAmusic Tell us about your song “Faith In You.” What inspired the lyrics? This was another one of those songs that I didn’t expect to write. I remember sitting at my piano and playing chords.... then next thing I know: I’d written this song for my partner that - surprise surprise - was everything I wanted to tell him, but didn’t know how to. “Faith in You” is the recognition that in order for me to show up as an equal in our relationship, and as a whole human; I needed to let go of past traumas, past abuses, past shitty experiences, and remember that - at the end of the day - he’s a new teammate. And if I want this partnership to work: I need to self actualize it, and show up. Have faith. What is The Capitol Groove Collective’s mission and what motivated you to start it? The CGC was born out of a desire to recognize the diversity of the DC music scene, but develop a mindset of cooperation over competition. We tend to be so in love with this concept of being the underdog, and doing it all... we glamorize the grind. But there’s so much power in collaboration, teamwork and diversity - so the Capitol Groove Collective really operates from that space these days: with an emphasis on education, empowerment and entertainment, of course. You also wrote a book titled: Songwriting for Teenagers - A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Stressed or Anxious Kid. What are some of the benefits of songwriting when it comes to coping with stress or anxiety? Yes! The book isn’t available publicly yet, but it’s the follow up to my first book: My Life, My Songs, My Healing: Turning Struggle into Song, which highlights much of my musical catalog over the years, and how each song I wrote, recorded and released helped me to understand, heal from and overcome the challenges I was going through at the time. Songwriting is such a powerful tool - especially for teenagers - as it helps the writer to simplify the overwhelm, making it easier to work through and overcome. One of the things I focus on heavily in the book - and in the coaching that I do with my teenage clients - is not only to simplify the overwhelm, but then also alchemize the perceived negative into something empowering and positive. I believe that every struggle we go through is an opportunity to grow: so to be able to write this growth into a personal anthem of overcoming, healing and achieving gives the writer the opportunity to remember and hold onto these life lessons.

Has the pandemic and all of the past years major events given you even more ideas for songs to create? Yes and no... I think the pandemic forced us all to slow down and really take time to analyze our lives, and where we’ve been mucking up as a collective - for the environment, for the community and for ourselves. Many cultures glorify the grind so much that we haven’t honored our mental, physical, spiritual or social health at all. I think quarantine really forced us to face these neglected parts of ourselves. So that’s what I’ve been writing about, predominantly! However, the pandemic also gave me lots of ideas about how I most want to show up for the world: not just as a musician, but as a difference maker. This is why I started the #REALTALK with Emma G podcast [available on a new podcasting platform called Podopolo]. It’s why I really started Y.E.S Youth Empowerment through Songwriting coaching and the subsequent books, and it’s how I lost forty five pounds, and joined forces with my partner: DJ Stephens: who started online health coaching in conjunction with teaching Krav Maga. All in all: the pandemic simply drove me to do more for myself, and show up more authentically for the world. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? Break EVERY barrier people try to place on your shoulders, refuse to fit into anyone’s box, lead with radical love, empathy and truth, and remember that you’re far more powerful than you can ever imagine.

Molly Moore Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Nas Bogado

Molly Moore has worked behind the scenes in the music industry as a songwriter for artists like Jesse McCartney and Lea Michele and is now putting her talents toward creating her own work as a solo artist. Moore talked to NYOTA about her single “Do They?” — off her upcoming EP Escapism, Part 1 — and her advice for aspiring musicians. Has music always been the way you’ve felt most comfortable expressing yourself? Yes! For as long as I can remember I’ve felt like through music I’m allowed to be exactly who I am, flaws and all. It also gives me a safe space to understand myself.

Did it take a lot of experimentation before you found your sound? Honestly yes and I still feel like I’m finding my sound. It’s taken years of trying different things and I’m still doing that, but I will say I think I’ve found a confidence in using my voice to tell my story that I’ve just come into recently.

Does your songwriting process change when you’re writing music for other artists versus for yourself? So much! I feel like when I’m making music for other artists I become a therapist of sorts, and when I’m making music for myself I’m in therapy. I also really love helping others express themselves to their fullest, and it takes a completely different part of your brain and skill set to do that. When I’m the artist in the session, I think my best songs have come about when I’m really clear on what I need to say and how I want to say it. It requires a certain dominance that I don’t always have as much when I’m co-writing with other artists.

What have you learned through collaborating with other artists on their music? I’ve learned that everyone goes through relatively similar things but just in very different ways. That’s the most exciting part about collaboration to me. You and I can be living in starkly different worlds and yet there will almost always be an overarching concept that we can relate deeply on.

Tell our readers about your song “Do They?” What inspired the lyrics?

“Do They?” was written about being in love with somebody that is seeing multiple people at once. It came about from a place of realizing that I wanted depth for that person in their interactions with others, even if I wasn’t a part of that.

Your debut album Voice on the Internet touched on very personal moments. Are you ever nervous when you share intimate parts of your life with your listeners? At the time, I think I was leaning so heavily on writing music to get through the day that I wasn’t super concerned with how the aftermath would affect me or the people I was writing about. Now, I realize the impact art can have and how vulnerable it can make you to allow others closely into your world. I still love to take that risk because I believe that’s what art is meant to do, but I definitely have a bit of a different perspective now than I did when I was writing my first album.

How did your collaboration with NoMBe for “Marco Polo” come about? NoMBe is an incredibly good friend of mine. I’ve always really loved his music and when we started hanging out, I was simultaneously beginning to write another body of work. He co-produced another song that I wrote on this record and I’d been sending him all the songs I was making at the time. When I sent him “Marco Polo,” he didn’t even respond with a text, he immediately added guitar, his voice to the hook and sent back the file. It was such an exciting moment that I’ll never forget.

Tell our readers about your upcoming EP. With this project did you purposefully pivot or try to go to new places with your music? I definitely wanted to explore some new themes of optimism and passion while still continuing to tell my story, and dive deeper into where I’m at in my own personal development. Sonically I wanted to do something a bit more soulful, funky and experimental which to me really matched the themes of “Escapism” on the project.

What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? You have to give yourself time to explore and make things you don’t necessarily like in order to find what feels right. Sometimes it can be frustrating but the best music comes when you least expect it. Also just practice! If you want to write better songs, you have to write more songs!

#NYOTAmusic

Brandy Haze Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Brandy Haze

Brandy Haze is a multi talented singer/songwriter hailing from California whose latest EP That’s Unfortunate delves into her “tragic love life.” Haze talked to NYOTA about her musical inspirations and working different jobs to support her dream. What initially sparked your interest in writing and creating music? I always knew singing was what I wanted to do. I have video tapes of me singing at 2 years old so I think it was something that was bound to happen. Before being able to work on music 100% you worked a few different jobs to support your dream. How did you keep yourself motivated during that time to keep pushing forward toward your goal? I think I’m an extremely driven person naturally. I’d never let anything stop me. I’ve quit a job or two for music before because I know it’s what I’m supposed to be doing. Who are some of your musical inspirations? Frank Ocean is my all time favorite artist. His lyrics and unique songs always inspire me to keep going. When working on your EP That’s Unfortunate did you write each song specifically for the EP or did you bring together new and older work? Most of the songs I wrote for the EP. The only song I had was a song called “Waiting.” That song I’ve had for a few months before I started working on the EP. Tell our readers about your song “Unfortunate.” What inspired the lyrics? That song was inspired by someone I dated that I shouldn’t have. That’s Unfortunate chronicles your tragic love life, as you put it. Do you often pull from personal experiences when creating songs? Yes, most of my songs are personal. I think it makes the songs more authentic. Is there a song on the EP that was particularly rewarding to work on? The song “No Reply” was rewarding. It was definitely written from a moment of realization in the relationship saga I was going through at that time. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? My advice would be to be consistent and keep pushing forward. 20

Flo Gallop Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Mike Massaro

Singer/songwriter Flo Gallop grew up around music so it’s no surprise she is flourishing in her own career. Gallop talked to NYOTA about being interested in songwriting from a young age and her song “Up.” Did you grow up in a family where music was at the center of everyone’s day to day routine? Yes! My Dad was in bands when my sisters and I were growing up. He just loves anything musical and that has really rubbed off on me. I remember when I was younger we would spend pretty much the entire Saturday in the music shop near our house. I genuinely think being surrounded by it gets in your veins and you just can’t help but get involved. We are just a musical family, any sort of family party/dinner the guitar will be coming out! Before you started to write music did you have any interest in poetry or writing original stories? I’ve always enjoyed writing things down, things I see etc. I was just always interested in songwriting as that’s what my dad was doing. I do have a memory of writing a song when I was 6/7 but I didn’t properly write until I was about 18. Maybe that was down to wanting to be honest but never wanting to write that down on paper in case someone found it. There was just a point where I got over that and decided I was ready to share what I wanted to say. Also learning to play the guitar helped with being able to just sing what came out and then writing it down quickly before I forgot it! Who are some of your musical inspirations? It’s such a mix, I love indie music, I’m really into bands and rock music. My favourite band is Oasis and although it may not come out in my music I think it’s very clear to see when I’m on stage. I just adored Liam Gallagher’s stage presence and what he is all about. Billy Joel is another big inspiration for me, lyrically I just think he’s stunning. I love the stories told and what his songs make me picture/think about. Also of course Lily Allen, Kate Nash, Eliza Doolittle, Tom Grennan. There’s FAR too many but that is a little insight into my brain. Tell our readers about “Up.” What inspired the lyrics? “Up” is all about being a bit different and loving that. It celebrates individuality, weirdness and just generally not really giving a thought about fitting in. People have sometimes said that I am a bit “too” much and I used to try to tone it down in order to fit in but not anymore! I wanted a song that is a joyful summer track for the ones who are wonderfully quirky, funky and yeah, just a little weird (but in the best way).

#NYOTAmusic

“Up” touches on individuality and staying true to yourself. As a musician were there times where you felt you had to do things a certain way to fit the industry mold or have you never been afraid to push past the status quo? It’s interesting because there’s so many people doing what I do and so much going on and you see people doing something and you’re like ‘wow should I do that too.’ However, you need to do your thing, be yourself and be creative so sometimes you’ve just gotta stick the blinkers on and not look at what others are doing and just follow your journey. I do have to say though I’m not afraid to push past the status quo, I wanna do it all, whatever I can do and just have as much fun on the way! Positivity is a big part of your music and personality as a whole. How have you kept your spirits up during these strange times? Put a positive spin on everything you do, smile lots and do what makes you happy. I know that if I’m feeling a bit lower than normal I probably just need a dance and a singsong to one of my favourite songs. Sounds ridiculous but it’s true (I often film myself when this happens and post it on my insta story lol). As the world slowly opens back up are you excited to be getting back in front of a live audience? I have never said a bigger YES in my life. I played on the BBC stage at a festival in my hometown the other day and it was amazing. We are all so grateful to be hearing live music again so to be able to play to such a good crowd was just so exciting and fun. I am now thinking about the next gig and I’m gonna announce something big on this VERY soon. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? Have fun, don’t take yourself too seriously and enjoy every second of what you’re doing. Write as much as you can, gig as much as you can, sing and dance as much as you can and just enjoy what you’re doing. Everything else will follow. 24

#NYOTAmusic

Words of Wisdom

Ricky Duran Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Angelea

Ricky Duran has never had to second-guess pursuing a career in music as it has been his passion from the start. Duran talked to NYOTA about his time on The Voice, partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and his single “Waiting On You.” Was there a specific moment when music went from a hobby to a passion for you? Music has always been a passion of mine. From day one I remember thinking I wanted to do this professionally. I used to perform for family and friends growing up. I always looked at it as more than a hobby. What did you learn about yourself as a performer during your time on The Voice? Before The Voice, I had never been on a stage that size or in that setting. It allowed me to explore performing and putting on a show. I had never performed without a guitar or piano before The Voice! It was challenging for me to be on stage with just a microphone and have to ‘wow’ the audience with just my voice and stage presence. But I realized that I really enjoy working the stage and I’m no longer relying on an instrument to carry me through a performance. How did your partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention come to be? After I lost my dad and my best friend to suicide, I was looking into organizations that deal with suicide prevention. I found the AFSP and put together a benefit concert in 2015. I’ve had my song “Waiting On You” written for years but never felt like it was the right time to release it. We reached out to the AFSP to see if they would be interested in partnering up for not only this release, but Suicide Awareness Month as a whole, and I’m so happy it worked out. I can’t think of a more appropriate way for the song and message to be heard. You’re organizing two benefits for the AFSP. Tell our readers a bit about them and how rewarding it has been to bring those projects to life. I put together a benefit concert at Antone’s Night Club in Austin, TX where all proceeds were donated to the AFSP. I’m so happy Antone’s welcomed the concept.

It’s a legendary club here in Austin. I also put together a team for the annual Out Of Darkness walk in Worcester, MA and spoke at the event. It means so much to me to see how many people are getting involved and standing by me and the cause. 50% of the “Waiting On You” song sales will be going to the organization now through September 26. You wrote a very personal song called “Waiting on You.” What story are you telling through the song? “Waiting On You” is a song I wrote from my dad’s perspective. When he passed there were a ton of questions left unanswered and a lot of feelings that lingered on. Writing this song was a way for me to cope with the loss and tell myself what I think he would have told me looking back. It’s an extremely personal song but it also pertains to a universal struggle of depression and overcoming hard times. Was it difficult to write “Waiting on You” or did you find working on the song to be cathartic? It was difficult for me to finish “Waiting On You.” It took a lot out of me to capture the emotion of the song. But it definitely was cathartic for me and I think it will be for many people. Do you think that music can be used as a tool to help people who are struggling with mental illness? Music and art is definitely a useful tool for anyone struggling with mental illness. I’m a firm believer that a song can change someone’s life. There are songs that have helped me through dark times, and I hope people listen to my music and feel that way also. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? My advice to aspiring singers is to stay true to yourself. There are so many people out here trying to make it in the industry. Don’t try to be like anyone but yourself and create music that will last past your time.

Robbi Jan Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Ben Cope

Robbi Jan is a model and content creator who uses her platform to inspire and share tips for maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Jan talked to NYOTA about her podcast Miracle Mindset and being authentic online. If you weren’t a content creator what other career would you be pursuing? If I wasn’t working as a content creator, I would be using my university degree and practicing dentistry! OHT is a job that I absolutely love, and transforming people’s smiles is my passion. I practiced dentistry full time for three years, before pursuing social media full time, and I loved seeing people’s faces when they left their appointment with a new understanding that the dentist isn’t as bad as they thought it was. A big part of how I got into social media was posting before and afters of my patients! What motivated you to create your interview series Miracle Mindset? There’s so many platforms and so many different types of content that we are inundated with every single day, so I decided to create a series that would showcase the same powerful creators, just presenting a different side of them. Miracle Mindset allows creators to share their journeys, hardships and will hopefully encourage my audience, and provide them with tips that may enable them to live life to their fullest capacity. Miracle Mindset will cover topics ranging from fashion to mental health. Were there ever any vulnerable moments you were afraid to share in the series? I’m a firm believer that to have genuine, deep conversations you have to be vulnerable and open (not always easy)! So of course, there’s topics that I may not be entirely comfortable with, for example, opening up about my divorce was something that was obviously uncomfortable to speak about- but if it helps my audience understand that they’re not alone, then that’s a win. Of course the same goes for many other topics we discuss, including mental health, relationships with food, relationships, and careers etc. Life is messy and unpredictable, so although these conversations are hard, they’re all a part of life. Getting healthy or staying healthy is a top priority for a lot of people during the pandemic. What are some of your health and wellness tips and tricks that our readers could try? My message is simple; create a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Have you ever fallen into the trap of yo-yo dieting, or saying you’re going to do a fitness goal, then failed? When we set unsustainable goals, we get burned out, and to me that’s not health. 27

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#NYOTAfashion Being consistent, being realistic and setting long and short term goals is important, but the biggest tip that I have is to SHARE YOUR GOALS with somebody. Somebody who can keep you accountable and help motivate you. Exercise and health doesn’t have to be a tedious job, it can be fun, especially when it becomes a lifestyle. You feel better physically, your mood improves, and when that happens, your quality of life increases. You may be surprised, but you’ll start to crave the endorphins that you get during a workout, as well as the feeling of satisfaction you get after a workout. Along with that, are there fashion trends you’re loving that our readers should be aware of?

time with my boyfriend Alex, and we were actually surprisingly productive, we both worked a lot! My biggest keys for keeping positive during quarantine (and in everyday life) is to get outside, get some sunshine, look away from the screen and indulge in self-care. What advice do you have for aspiring content creators? My advice to other content creators is to be consistent! Create original content, that is either inspiring or entertaining and whatever you do, don’t compare your chapter 1 to someone else’s chapter 10! Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t click entirely at first, just find your niche and stay in your lane. You got this!

Over the last two years, there has been a huge shift in the fashion space- largely due to the pandemic and quarantine! Many of us started wearing looser fitting, comfier clothing and this transitioned into the real world even after quarantine ended. It’s been really interesting to see how brands are embracing this. We’re seeing lots of influence of 90’s style, loose clothing, low rise, bucket hats, and vibrant colors/ patterns. Something I always say is that your wardrobe should comprise of about 70% of pieces you love (basics), and 30% current trends. Social media can make everything seem perfect but nowadays people want to follow others who are real and raw. Is being your authentic self online a trend you hope to see continue this year? I think this is one of the most positive things we’ve seen as a result of Tik Tok, is a wave of new social media creators who are showing a less curated life, more in the moment (less filtered) and I think that this is something that we’re all ready for. Something I speak about consistently on my channels is TO BE CAREFUL WHO YOU FOLLOW! So often social media is purely the highlight reel of creators and celebrities, so I encourage you to follow creators who talk about their highs AND lows, who keep it real with their audience. This is going to be one of the most positive things you can do for your mental health. During the early days of the pandemic how did you keep yourself feeling good mentally? Like anything, there were highs and lows. This was a particularly hard time for me because I had moved to Los Angeles only two months prior to quarantine. I was away from my family who is in Australia and I didn’t have a large network here, so it was very isolating. It was a period I was able to spend a lot of 30

Abby Wren Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Abby Wren / Shandrew PR

Abby Wren is a celebrity makeup artist and inclusive beauty advocate who proves that you can turn even your darkest moments into something beautiful. Wren talked to NYOTA about expressing herself through makeup and inclusivity in the beauty industry. Growing up did you always envision yourself working in a creative industry? I actually got my degree in clinical psychology prior to becoming a makeup artist, and back then my goal was to become an Art Therapist. I’ve always been really drawn to art and creative makeup for as long as I can remember, but I don’t think that I ever really knew that it could be a real career. I first started experimenting with a few makeup products back in middle school, and I can remember the very first eyeshadow that I ever used: a small purple eyeshadow quad from L’Oréal that my friend’s mom bought for me back in the early 2000’s. I remember being really excited when I got that first eyeshadow. The rest is history! I guess in a weird full circle way I’m kind of doing my own version of Art Therapy these days. Tell our readers about your journey with alopecia and how that led you to makeup. When my hair fell out for the first time in high school, I was really searching for a way to express my femininity so I really turned to makeup as a way to express myself through color and creativity. I was always obsessed with makeup, and learned as much as I could on my own and through reading lots of books, but eventually I realized that if I wanted to take it seriously, I needed to train professionally. I saved up money for makeup school and moved to Vancouver, B.C. Canada to study fashion and beauty makeup artistry at John Casablancas Institute, which changed everything. I think that was the first time in my life I saw others around me really doing makeup seriously, and it gave me so much hope that I could really do this full time. The rest just evolved from there over time. I worked at MAC while I was going to school, and had a job bartending nights on the side to pay my bills until my freelancing really gained enough momentum. Now I use my own bald head as my canvas, and use my artistry as advocacy for Alopecia awareness. When you first decided to share your makeup looks and discuss your alopecia online were you nervous to take that step? I’m a firm believer that to have genuine, deep conversations you have to be vulnerable and open (not always easy)! So of course, there’s topics that I may not be entirely comfortable with, for example, opening up about my divorce was something that was obviously uncomfortable to speak about- but if it helps my audience understand that they’re not alone, then that’s a win. Of course the same goes for many other topics 31

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#NYOTAfashion we discuss, including mental health, relationships with food, relationships, and careers etc. Life is messy and unpredictable, so although these conversations are hard, they’re all a part of life.

set the makeup with a light layer of powder, then with a setting spray. The best setting spray of all time is the Kryolan ultra settings spray, it keeps my makeup on for over 16 hours, even underneath a mask!

The makeup looks you create are unique and intricate. What was one of the first makeup looks you created that pushed the boundaries of what makeup “should” or “could” be?

Is the beauty standard changing within the cosmetics industry to become more inclusive to all types of beauty?

I think I really started to realize the limitless nature of makeup artistry when I started experimenting with body paint, instead of just eyeshadow. The first look that I created with body paint was a neon pink skeleton for Halloween back in the day, and I was in LOVE with how it transformed me into a whole different character. I guess I’ve just never stopped since then! I think a lot of people see makeup as just something to enhance beauty, and while that’s true, I really see it as more of a creative tool that allows us to blend the rules of self expression. Another major part of your life is traveling the country with your partner. Does traveling and seeing all types of people serve as inspiration for your makeup looks? My inspiration definitely comes from all over the place. I draw a lot of creativity from nature and being outdoors, as well as different geographic locations that inspire me. When I’m in an urban setting like here in Los Angeles, I’m definitely inspired by the colorful graffiti, all of the different cultures swirling around one another, and the whole California vibe in general. Any time I’m traveling around to other places, I certainly pick up inspiration from bright colors that juxtapose a bold difference from more monochromatic scenery or landscapes too. I’m so grateful to be able to travel the world with my partner Wade doing what we love, and every adventure absolutely inspires me from the inside out.

I think that we’re definitely starting to see more inclusivity in the beauty industry in general, but we still have a long way to go. Society’s standard of beauty has been a certain way for so long, and I do think that that’s beginning to change. My message is that “DIFFERENT IS DOPE” and I want to shout it from the rooftops, until people are sick of hearing it haha! But really that’s how I feel. I want to really encourage others to not just accept their differences, but be proud and loud about it! For far too long beauty standards have been one dimensional in my opinion, and I’m SO ready to see more imperfection, creativity and diversity throughout the industry. What advice do you have for aspiring makeup artists? I think that anyone starting out in the industry should learn as much as they possibly can, and get their hands dirty with every piece of the industry. I found it really helpful to work on lots of different kinds of clients when I first started out. I made myself business cards and walked around dropping them off at bridal shops, quinceanera shops and photography studios in hopes that someone would hire me to do makeup. And eventually they did! My advice would be to work hard, practice a lot, be humble and kind, and always make other people feel more beautiful having left your company than they did before.

The world is opening back up and people now have a reason to put makeup on. What are some makeup tips or products our readers should try as they get back into the world? I’m so excited for a world where we don’t have to wear masks anymore, but until then I definitely have some great tips for makeup that will last all day underneath a mask. I always start with skincare and SPF, then follow with a gripping makeup primer. My current favorite is the Urban Decay All Nighter primer, because it grips the foundation and smooths and blurs pores on the skin at the same time. I also like to 34

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Nik Dodani Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Kim Newmoney

Multifaceted actor Nik Dodani is continuing to cement himself as an emerging talent to watch in Hollywood with roles in projects such as Atypical and Dear Evan Hanson. Dodani talked to NYOTA about co-creating a space to uplift South Asian artists, being a part of projects that lead to larger conversations, and where he sees Zahid’s story going in the future. Growing up was it clear to your family that you had an interest in performing or was that something you didn’t share right away? I don’t have typical Indian parents… My dad didn’t care what I wanted to do as long as it made me happy, and my mom actively encouraged me to pursue acting and entertainment. She’s always had grandiose dreams of stardom for me, and by extension, for herself. Who are some actors you look to for inspiration? I look up to the actors who said “fuck you” to the system in this industry and created their own way. Michaela Coel, Lena Waithe, Issa Rae, Aziz Ansari, Riz Ahmed, and Mindy Kaling. They don’t know it, but they’re all my mentors. What drew you to the show Atypical and what did you do to step into Zahid’s shoes? When I first booked the role of Zahid, I was on cloud nine. I was drawn to the show because it was cozy and comfy and familiar and centered characters that don’t often get centered on TV. But once the reality of what I signed up for settled in, so did the anxiety. There was one detail about the job that I was wholly unprepared for: the character I’d be playing was straight. I felt a lot of pressure, because you know, my parents are straight, tons of my close friends are straight. I just didn’t want to disappoint them. And so I went online looking for advice, but I couldn’t find a thing. Which was weird to me, because some fabulous queer actors have been playing straight for years. I figured one of them would have written something. But alas, I had to go in blind. So I did my own research. I went to straight bars, asked my trusted straight friends the awkward questions I had, and watched some popular straight movies. “American Pie: Band Camp” and “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” were tremendous study aids for me. The result was four seasons of Zahid. I’m proud of what I did, but ultimately it’s up to the straight community to decide if I did them justice or not.

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By the end of Atypical Zahid has gone through a lot of personal growth due to his diagnosis. Although the show has ended, in your mind, where do you see Zahid’s story going after the final episode? By the end of the series, Zahid finally starts to look inward and critically examine himself and his relationship to sex and romance. My bet is that this journey eventually lands him in therapy, where he realizes that the reason he’s only dated white women is because of deep-seated, unaddressed internalized racism. He dumps Honey and ends up with a nice Black or Brown girl who doesn’t put up with his nonsense. That’s what I hope at least… Tell our readers about The Salon. What motivated you to help start this program? The Salon is a forum for South Asian artists and executives in entertainment to connect, collaborate, and build community. I co-founded the group a couple years ago with my friends Bash Naran and Vinny Chhibber because we saw a need that wasn’t being met. We believed that our community needed a group that brought together South Asian people in positions of power with the explicit goal of uplifting other South Asians, much like the Black and Latinx communities in Hollywood have done.

In recent years have you seen a shift in the projects you’re being offered? Are casting directors starting to see beyond stereotypes? Generally speaking, not really. The projects are getting bigger, but I feel like I’m stuck in the funny Asian friend box. The acting jobs you take on often underscore the work you do. Whether that’s being on a show like Atypical where the lead character is on the autism spectrum or being a part of a movie such as Dear Evan Hansen that focuses on mental health. Do you try to seek out roles that start a larger conversation? I love stories about outsiders and outcasts and misfits. Whenever I get a script like Atypical or DEH, the effort and energy I put into my auditions is just different, and I think that’s why I’ve ended up on such meaningful projects. What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Take as many classes as you can! It’ll help you sharpen your skills and make friends who are going through the same bullshit you are. That, and get a good therapist.

The Salon’s mentorship program proves that there is diverse talent out there. What do you think it will take for Hollywood to start seeking out talent of color within the industry? Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t know what more we can do — we’re forcing the conversations, we’re developing pipelines of talent, we’re making it easy to hire people of color. Some folks and companies in the industry are responding thank goodness — my success is predicated on that fact — but it doesn’t feel like there’s been a massive, industry-wide shift in action that matches the dialogue. I hope I’m wrong. You’ll next be seen in Dear Evan Hansen. What do you hope audiences take away from the film? I’m so excited for folks to see Dear Evan Hansen! I hope people are able to see it in theaters with other people and feel a little less alone. I hope people walk away internalizing that it’s okay to not be okay. To talk more freely about mental health, about medication, about suicide, about loss. And hopefully, I can make some people laugh along the way. 38

The North Water is available now on AMC+ and BBC iPlayer 39

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Eliza Butterworth Interview by Carol Wright Photography: David Reiss Styling: Olga Timofejeva Makeup: Jacinta Spencer Hair: David Wadlow

Eliza Butterworth trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art at the age of 18 and since then has become a recognizable face on our television screens after acting in projects such as The Last Kingdom and The North Water. Butterworth talked to NYOTA about how the landscape of roles for women has changed and how she stayed motivated during the early days of the pandemic. Has performing always been the way you felt you could best express yourself? Absolutely! It’s quite hard to believe, but I was a very shy child growing up! Performing and acting helped me become a lot more confident. Getting to be different characters, having fun with my friends and exploring comedic sides of myself was so liberating and acting really helped me express my personality. What did you learn during your time as a student at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art that you take with you in your career today? I was honoured to be able to train at RADA when I was 18 and I grew up there in many ways! The training was incredible, and I wouldn’t be able to do the work I’m doing now without it. I especially learnt how important the voice is as a performer. Accents and vocal expressions have always been a passion for me, and I believe a character can be created and shaped through an actor’s voice. RADA gave me such a strong understanding of how vital this skill is amongst so many others and I have carried this into every job I have done. Throughout the early days of the pandemic when filming and live performances were shut down. What kept you feeling creative and motivated? I was very lucky that I got to spend a lot of time with my family during the beginning of the pandemic and having that time to reflect really made me think about other skills I could offer as an actor with the limited circumstances we had at the time. I worked as a tutor for ‘The Actor’s Community’ which is an online teaching platform created by my super talented friends Mark Rowley and James Northcote from The Last Kingdom. Teaching with the AC during the pandemic was such a lovely way of actor’s sharing their skills and experiences to other creatives throughout a time where it felt as though creativity and connection was being diminished. I mainly taught accents and dialects and worked with incredible actors from all around the world! 40

The Last Kingdom will soon be in its final season. What will you miss most about playing Queen Aelswith? The Last Kingdom is my second family and it has been the joy of my life getting to play Lady Aelswith through all the seasons of the show. I have been very fortunate to play a character that I have been able to grow alongside of! Over the years, the character of Lady Aelswith has built up many different emotional layers and I have been able to find hidden depths to her through the magnificent writing and being a part of this truly special cast! I will miss playing such an interesting woman with so much complexity and gravitas. It has been a very empowering experience! What initially drew you to The Windsor’s Endgame and how does it feel to be able to perform in front of an audience again after this tumultuous year? It has been wonderful being a part of The Windsors Endgame! The show is a hilarious, fun and ridiculous spectacle that is a spinoff of the Channel 4 satirical comedy The Windsors which I have always been a huge fan of! It is fabulous getting to delve back into my theatre and comedy skills and being in front of a live audience again connecting and sharing in the same fun experience! I play Princess Eugenie and have had a fantastic time getting to watch and learn from comedy legends such as Harry Enfield who plays Prince Charles and Tracy Ann Oberman as Camilla! The North Water had incredibly unique shooting conditions. Tell us a bit about the project and how the shooting environment influenced your acting choices? Being involved in The North Water was such a thrilling experience and I had a brilliant time filming my scenes as Hester. Hester is a promiscuous and wild lady of the night who seduces drunken sailors frequenting the dark docks of Hull. I filmed my scenes in Budapest which was so much fun! However, the core cast of the show had amazing adventures filming the majority of the project in the arctic! It was unbelievable getting to hear their epic stories from shooting and it’s a visually captivating piece with astonishing acting!

You seem to gravitate towards roles that portray strong and/or complex women. Do you feel that in recent years casting directors have been offering actresses less stereotypical or “safe” roles? The landscape of roles for women has luckily changed in recent years which is so wonderful and important. We are now seeing female characters who truly represent the women of our world in every single facet. It is inspiring and uplifting to see the phenomenal surge of unbelievably talented female writers, producers and directors who are telling the diverse and fascinating stories of women. These characters are breaking the stereotypes and confines that have existed in our industry. It is an extremely exciting time to be a female creative! What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Never let rejection or criticism steer you away from having confidence in your abilities. The most important thing to remember about acting is that there is no one way of doing anything and the talent you possess is so unique. It is very easy to compare yourself to others in this industry and the daunting pressure from social media certainly doesn’t help. You need to have the freedom to grow, make mistakes and find out what kind of work you feel most comfortable doing. Having passion in your craft is so important. Take classes, do workshops and continue to learn! Also, just because you might be facing rejection at this moment doesn’t mean that it will always be this way. Having the resilience to keep pushing even through the toughest times will reward you down the line. Finding other activities that you care about takes the intense focus off of acting which is vital for your mental health and will in turn make you a better actor! And remember to have fun doing the job that you love!

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Lauren Patel Interview by Carol Wright Photography: David Reiss Styling: Emily Tighe Hair & Makeup: Charlotte Yeomans using Sisley Paris

Lauren Patel got inspired to start acting after seeing Wicked at the age of 12 and since then has not shied away from any and all opportunities to perform. Patel talked to NYOTA about making her screen debut in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and stepping into the shoes of Pritti Pasha. Is there a particular play, television show, or movie that sparked your interest in acting? I went to watch Kerry Ellis’s last show in Wicked on the West End when I was 12 by accident. It was absolutely electric and I fell in love with the idea of being on a stage like that and the idea of doing this professionally, but honestly it still felt like just a pipe dream until I got my first acting job. Once you became interested, was acting an interest you kept to yourself or were you very open about your ambitions from the beginning? I definitely didn’t keep it to myself – I was in every play, musical, concert. Any opportunity to get up on a stage. I was there. It was very much a “if you enjoy it – then do it!” atmosphere from everyone around me which I was lucky to have. Tell us a bit about Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. What drew you to the project? Everybody’s Talking About Jamie follows a 16 year old boy from Sheffield who dreams of being a Drag queen, the film follows him as he navigates attempting to announce this new career path by going to prom in drag. I came across the audition when I was putting off doing my homework one night. I watched the show whilst I was auditioning and just remember thinking about how joyful it was and how much fun it looked to be a part of – and it certainly was! In the film you play Pritti Pasha. Are there similarities between you and Pritti? I think there are a lot of similarities between us. I was very much a teacher’s pet at school and tried to stay out of trouble as much as possible, but I am nowhere near as clever as her! I remember reading books about physics on set and just thinking “I have no idea what any of these words mean.” 43

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Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is available to stream now on Amazon Prime

#NYOTAculture What did you do to step into her shoes? I was lucky to be surrounded by such a wonderful team for my first job, who helped me feel as prepared as they could. I worked with an amazing acting coach and a great team of choreographers for the dancing as well as singing and accent coaches. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is your screen debut. What did you learn about yourself and your acting process through working on the film? I feel like I really grew up while making this movie. I started auditioning for this when I was 17 and I’m 20 now! I learnt so much about myself from the experience I had on and off set, even little things like living on my own for the first time while we were shooting. I learnt so much about acting from watching and working with the other amazing actors on set and about how filmmaking works from our incredible crew. It has been so satisfying to be able to apply everything I learnt to the other jobs I have done after Jamie. What do you hope audiences learn or take away from the film? I hope they leave with a little bit of joy, and a bit of Jamie’s courage – I hope people leave feeling like they’re 16 years old again and the whole world is at their fingertips. What advice do you have for aspiring actors? I’d say, don’t wait until you feel like a “proper actor” to start taking yourself and your work seriously. Start making stuff now! Get a monologue off the internet and learn it, film a short film with your friends, take part in your school plays. Just go for it!

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Julian Lerner Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Darian DiCianno

Julian Lerner envisioned himself competing in the Olympics before a chance encounter at a dinner party changed his career trajectory. Lerner talked to NYOTA about his acting inspirations, working on a podcast over Zoom and being cast in The Wonder Years. Was there a TV show or movie that sparked your interest in acting early on? I didn’t come to acting on a traditional path. I was in the Junior Olympic Development program and lived at the gym like 20 hours a week. I loved gymnastics and I loved my team, and I was all about shooting for the Olympics. My parents had a dinner party, and each guest brought a friend. Part way through the evening, one of the new friends said to my parents, you should bring Julian to my office tomorrow. My parents couldn’t figure out why, but it turned out that he was a senior VP at Wilhelmina, a big agency. They didn’t think much of it, but the next morning my dad got a text from him asking what time I would be coming in, so my mom picked me up from school and asked if I wanted to go have a meeting about acting and singing and dancing?” I had always sung a lot, so I was really excited and said, “YES!” That was the day that I met my awesome manager Teri Bostaji -- and that was the day that my life totally changed. Teri and I talked and read some sides together, and then I sang a song for her. It all made me so happy that I did back handsprings all the way down the hallway in the office! I was 7 years old and just a few months later booked a national commercial and was hooked. I love acting and I am super blessed to get to do what I love! Who are some of your acting inspirations? I loved Leonardo DiCaprio from the first time that I saw him in Titanic, but then I saw him in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and was totally blown away, and then Wolf of Wall Street and Django Unchained (my dad let me watch some of the scenes from “Wolf” and ”Django” but not the whole movies…yet!) and I was like “WOW! I want to do that!” So working with and learning from him would be a dream come true. I am also a musician (I have sung and played guitar forever) and Stevie Wonder is my musical idol. It would be incredible to work with and learn from a musician who has written and performed and been so brave and brilliant even since before he was my age. 48

What about The Wonder Years interested you? The Wonder Years is an iconic show that has heart and emotion. The show is set in 1968 which is historically significant and powerful. But it is the nuanced moments of growing up that really drew me to the show. Getting to play my age with kids my age, and together immerse ourselves in situations that are real to us right now – and are truly timeless -- is really rewarding: Navigating junior high, getting a first kiss, playing team sports and spending time with my best friends – what kid wouldn’t want to do that?! Can you relate to your character Brad Hitman? Anyone who knows me knows that I love to smile, laugh, and spend time with my friends. Brad is the same way! I think we both have big hearts, are super open and eager to know other people and see the best in them. Did you watch episodes of the original The Wonder Years to prepare or did you not want that version in your head as you worked on the reboot? I immediately dove right in, streamed the original and was hooked. I binge watched all of it! So amazing. One of the wonderful things about this new version of The Wonder Years is that it doesn’t try to imitate the characters from the original – we are all just as close as that crew but we are very different as individuals. This has been a big year for you as you starred in Yes Day and are now in Wonder Years. Do you feel as though you’ve grown as an actor this year? I have had amazing teachers and worked with unbelievably talented performers and mentors. Every lesson, every rehearsal, and every performance, whether they go well or poorly, provides an opportunity to learn something new and become better both at this craft and as a human being. I have learned how to be a good person, how to get up when I fall down; when to be tough on myself and when to be kind; how to play better with others; how to focus on the things that I love, even in the moments that I don’t love those things; to try not to worry about being the best, but rather the best that I can be. And maybe most importantly, that there is always more to learn.

You had the unique opportunity to work on the podcast From Now. Did you prepare for your role in that project the same way you would for a TV show or film? Working on From Now was a great experience. I prepared the same way because I felt fully embracing the character the way I would on camera while recording the voice over would come through the microphone and really bring the character to life. We recorded during quarantine, and the actor playing my brother was in London while I was in NYC, so the equipment was shipped to our homes and then we were all on Zoom – technology is amazing! What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Surround yourself with people who challenge you and be a sponge soaking up all the knowledge of those people. Mentors and teachers are so important and make all the difference. Know that you are going to get rejected, you are going to be rejected a LOT, and that it’s not always about you. Practice, Practice, Practice and never stop trying.

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Avantika Vandanapu Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Drake Hackney

Avantika Vandanapu has felt connected to the arts from a young age and grew up expressing herself through dance. Her love of performing led her to find a passion for acting and now she is going full steam ahead. Vandanapu talked to NYOTA about the importance of representation and training to play a DJ in Disney’s SPIN. You’ve been acting from a young age. What initially sparked your interest in performing? Since a young age, I have always felt drawn towards the performing arts and entertaining. I grew up being a dancer and I always felt most compelled towards the expressional aspects of the art. My experimentation throughout my childhood within various performing arts led me to discover my passion for drama and acting. What drew you to the movie SPIN and how did it feel to book the lead role? Rhea’s loyalty; the script’s authenticity; and the film’s overall themes of family, dreams, and passion - drew me to SPIN. I also felt drawn to Rhea’s experiences since they were quite similar to my own journey. The opportunity to showcase such a dynamic character intrigued me immensely. It felt absolutely surreal to land the lead role - truly so amazing. Can you relate to your character Rhea? I can relate to Rhea’s perseverance, ambition, and loyalty to her family and friends. I also connected with her struggle to juggle multiple responsibilities and passions at once. I hope her character inspires the viewers, so that they can take a leap of faith when it comes to pursuing their dreams! What did you do to step into Rhea’s shoes? Preceding this film, I had absolutely no experience of DJ’ing. However I had the opportunity of receiving 1.5 months of training for this movie from our wonderful music composer Marius and our on set DJ coach - VJ. The classes really helped me understand the fundamentals of beat-matching, song-selection, and gave me a much needed insight into a DJs mind. In the film Rhea discovers she has a passion for creating beats and it sends her on a journey of self-discovery. What do you hope audiences learn from watching the film? Rhea’s journey was a self-discovery path that can guide many and be a torch-bearer in that aspect. I hope young minds find inspiration from her and understand how important it is to experiment and find themselves through trial and error. 51

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SPIN is Disney Channel’s first movie with an Indian American lead. How does it feel to be a part of that history and give other Indian Americans the chance to see themselves on screen? Representation is very important to me. It feels incredibly humbling to have been cast in SPIN. I hope that my role becomes a step towards something big and revolutionary, and ushers others to follow in similar footsteps. Though we have a long way to go, it is still important to acknowledge the small differences we make towards a bigger goal. Are there other parts of the industry you would like to work in outside of acting? I would love to work in production - I have currently optioned a New York Times bestseller to make into a movie - so hopefully, my journey will allow me to continue on that path. What advice do you have for aspiring actors? My advice for aspiring actors would be to believe in yourself and work extremely hard. I am not of the belief that actors are born with an innate talent for drama; most talented actors have spent years working on their craft skills. Do not be disappointed with your initial performance - it gets better with you working hard. I promise!

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EJ Williams Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Jesse Volk Stylist: Toye Adedipe Groomer: Camille Ariane

EJ Williams became interested in acting because of his older sister but before pursuing a career he had to put in the work and prove to his parents he was ready. Now, that hard work has paid off as he is making history as the youngest Black male lead of a network TV show in decades. Williams talked to NYOTA about preparing for his role in The Wonder Years and his advice for aspiring actors. What initially sparked your interest in acting? My initial interest in acting was because of my big sister, Kiara. I look up to her. She wanted to get into the business, so my mom and dad gave her a challenge. That challenge was to get into a performing arts school. They told her if she really wanted it, they wanted to see her put in the work to get accepted into a performing arts school. My dad and mom believe that if you really want it, you have to go after it. When Kiara got accepted, I was like what about me? Lol I had a school play coming up called, “A Life Cycle Musical” when I got the lead role my dad started taking me more seriously. Then my three year old brother, CJ, wanted to follow me and Kiara. My dad started making us slate over and over until he thought we were ready, because when you walk into an audition your parents aren’t with you. He would boo us if we were bad lol. He’d say “boo boo boo next!” Mom would boo as well. CJ then got on the show Little Big Shots and my dad said you guys are almost ready. We were like “wait, what?!” He said now we have to get you ready for PR training. We looked at him like, are you serious? After weeks of that he and my mom said now you’re ready! You’ve only been acting for three years and have already landed an incredible lead role in The Wonder Years. Did it feel like all of your hard work was paying off when you got the role? I’ve been acting for four years and have definitely been working hard so yes, I feel like it’s finally paying off. To land a role on ABC, I’m truly grateful. Do you see yourself in your character Dean Williams? I see myself a lot in Dean. One thing that stands out to me the most is that he is a uniter. Now, his reasons for uniting are different from mine, because of the time period. But we both love to see people come together. The Wonder Years takes place in 1968. Did you do a lot of research of the time period to prepare for the role? To be honest, no. I didn’t have to research because the research was in my house. My parents had many stories, and for people who aren’t living with me, like my grandmother, both my great-grandmothers, and my grandfather, they already told me a lot of stuff as well. Working on The Wonder Years just added more knowledge. 56

Reimagining a classic show such as The Wonder Years is no small feat. How did the show go about paying tribute to the original while still paving its own path? The biggest way it pays tribute to the original is the way it sticks to the universal coming of age theme, but this one also has its own path. The struggles that Kevin and his family went through are different from Dean and his family. The way it paves its own path is the way you can vividly see the culture difference. You’re the youngest Black male lead of a network TV show in decades which is a huge milestone. Can you feel the gravity of the moment or do you think it still hasn’t sunk in yet? I know it is a big milestone, but I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I try to stay in the moment to get what we need done, because you can never get too comfortable. But it’s always good to take time and smell the roses. Tell our readers about Harlem Dreams. What was the motivation behind starting the apparel company? The Harlem Dreams is actually a world renown basketball entertainment team that my dad and uncle co-founded. Their goal is to bridge the gaps in communities around the world by partnering with civic groups. Although they have decided to make the gear the players wore available to fans, they are doing so much more than just clothing our communities. What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Something I’d say to young readers is that it’s never too late to dare2dream. It’s like truth or dare. I dare you to dream. My mom and dad told me that as a kid and still do today. As long as you remember that, you will always reach your goals.

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Words of Wisdom

Anna Sweet Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Anna Sweet

Anna Sweet is a world-renowned photographer and director who was introduced to art at a young age through her mother, a gallerist and painter. Sweet talked to NYOTA about what led her to photography and facing her anxiety head on in order to continue her work. You grew up in the attic of an antique store and your mother was a painter which seems like the perfect combination for you to end up as an artist. Growing up do you remember feeling inspired by the art your mother would create? I remember being inspired by the fashion magazines I would come across at Barnes & Nobles. I grew up very sheltered in a religious setting. I was never exposed to anything other than the classic pairings my parents bought and sold and the traditional style that my mother painted in. Although I believe this had a huge influence on my vision as an artist, it wasn’t what excited me as a young creative. I’ll never forget first seeing a Roberto Cavalli advertisement in Vogue. My life was never the same after that. I plastered the walls of my room with cutouts from any magazine I could get my hands on. It’s always been my dream to create imagery that evokes such strong emotions as fashion advertisements. Although your mother was a painter you ended up pursuing photography. What led you down that path? I remember watching my mother paint for days and even weeks when I was a child. At that young age, I never imagined I would have the patience for such a long process. I gravitated towards the instant gratification of photography and I fell in love with creating something exactly how I saw it. Your photography is incredibly unique and for it you often take photos underwater. Did anything or anyone in particular inspire you to shoot underwater? Alice in Wonderland was my favorite movie growing up. I loved the idea of an alternate reality, it was so imaginative. I wanted to capture a woman falling like Alice. I came across an advertisement for a Chanel fashion show of a woman levitating and I was immediately inspired to capture something similar thinking of Alice down the rabbit hole. As I worked out how I was going to capture this in my mind, water seemed like the best opportunity to capture weightlessness. I photographed my younger sister in the community pool and my first ever piece named “Alice” was born. 10 years later I had my first daughter. Her name is Alice. 59

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#NYOTAculture During a scuba diving trip you unfortunately had a near death experience that led to you understandably becoming anxious to shoot underwater. How did you end up persevering through this to continue your work? I stopped getting in the water for a long time. When I did finally jump back in, it was protected in pools and places I could mostly control the elements. I learned how to meditate underwater and practice non reactivity but I didn’t really find peace until I learned how to face my anxiety. I realized the more you fight the feelings of anxiety, the worse they become. Not fearing the fear itself set me free. When I’m on set, I coach my models on how to relax underwater. It’s by letting go of your control that you actually gain leverage. By letting all of your air out, you are able to move freely, up and down without resistance. It’s a tricky situation when what you love to do is at the root of your anxiety and that’s something we’re seeing discussed a lot more, specifically when it comes to athletes such as Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka. Do you think having these conversations will lead to people becoming more aware of what triggers their anxiety? I’ve read that 80% of people deal with some sort of anxiety. The moment we stop fearing the conversation, we will begin to find comfort. What advice do you have for aspiring Photographers? Never stop creating. Don’t make excuses to not follow your dreams. Whether that be time, money, or confidence. You don’t need much more than a smartphone these days to get started, you can shoot anytime anywhere, and you are your own worst critic. Believe in yourself and it will shine through your work.

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Words of Wisdom

Hattie Thomas Whitehead Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Hattie Thomas Whitehead

Hattie Thomas Whitehead is an author and activist who has been advocating for reparations for the historic Black community called ‘Linnentown,’ which was destroyed through urban renewal in the 1960s. As the President and Community Outreach Coordinator for the Linnentown Project, she assisted in writing the Linnentown Resolution for Recognition and Redress which put a strategy in place to raise community awareness and lobbied her mayor and commissioners. Whitehead talked to NYOTA about Bill HR 40 and what she hopes readers learn from her book Giving Voice to Linnentown. Growing up was it normal for your family and others in your community to discuss reparations? We did not talk about civil rights or reparations. I believe it was always on our minds. But, safety was first. I was born in 1948. I grew up in the Deep South in Athens, Georgia in a small Black community called ‘Linnentown.’ The City of Athens and the state of Georgia were completely segregated at that time. Everyone in Linnentown focused on keeping family members and community children safe. We were taught to walk together when we left the community, only speak to whites if there was a need to do so— even if they were rude or ugly to us. We had to resist the temptations to retaliate. Avoid trouble of any kind by walking away. The risk of being beaten or worse was too high. But, in my young mind, our city and state could one day be a better place to live. This is why I got involved in the “Civil Rights” movement, which led me to being jailed at the age of 14 years old. Tell our readers about The Linnentown Project and what motivated you to start this initiative? In the Fall of 2018, Dr. Joseph Carter was researching how the University of Georgia vastly expanded in previous decades and its impact on Black homeowners in our city. Dr. Carter is a UGA employee and local labor organizer. He found the archived “urban renewal” data of our erased Black community named Linnentown. Then he located the first descendants, and we organized as, The Linnentown Project. I was elected President and Community Outreach Leader of the project. I assisted in writing the Linnentown Resolution for Recognition and Redress, putting a strategy in place to raise community awareness, and lobbying our mayor and commissioners. This historic

legislation was unanimously approved in February 2021. It is also the first official legislative call for reparations in the state of Georgia. I am also co-chair of the resident led Justice and Memory Project, which is a governmental committee that our Mayor Kelly Girtz assembled to enact the resolution’s demands. Has your book Giving Voice to Linnentown been able to educate others? What do you hope readers learn from it? I hope readers will understand the dark roles UGA and the City of Athens played to gain access to the twenty-two acres of land in Linnentown. These two institutions were powerful and had the support of local businesses, state legislators, and federal officials at that time. Acquiring land was done under the names of expansion, improvement, and new development. The property owners did not have any knowledge of the harm these institutions would cause since there were no notifications of any kind and not a single meeting with representatives from the city or university. Once property acquisitions started, houses were burned or demolished. Streets were closed, and construction equipment like bulldozers started up at midnight. I remember hearing the equipment run all night, and it completely terrorized families. All the activities caused tremendous stress to adults and children. Market values were not paid for these properties, and the amount paid was not enough to buy another property. The property owners mostly affected were the elderly and those on fixed incomes. This negative impact continued for years after being kicked out. Property owners had been “red-lined” for Public Housing. Although affordable housing was unreachable for most, a few families were able 64

Hattie is second from the right in the back row. She is pictured with her father and siblings

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to purchase another property. When institutions are allowed to erase communities, the aftermath of what occurred follows for years or even generations. Congressional Bill HR 40 focuses on establishing a commission to study and consider a national apology and proposal for reparations for slavery. With the current administration do you see anyone taking true actions to make reparations happen? Our mayor issued a formal proclamation which included an apology for families displaced by urban renewal projects in Athens. When I read this the night it was issued, and when he read it on the steps of city hall, the words resonated within my spirit and I was brought to tears in both instances. I personally thought of family members that were no longer alive to hear the apology. An apology was the first demand listed in our resolution. So, a national apology is needed for the horrendous, unspoken suffering, tragedies and deaths that occurred to men, women and children as a result of slavery. This would be an avenue to healing for our country. HR 40, when passed, will create federal commission to explore avenues for direct repayments to descendants of slavery and other historic forms of racial harm. Has the Bill been helpful to you within your own work? Not directly. While it references the destructive urban renewal federal projects that occurred throughout this country, it needs to include more specific provisions about racial harm that occurred after slavery. With these changes I’m hopeful this legislation will get enough support to be voted into law. Do you hope to see The Linnentown Project inspire others to advocate for reparations within their own communities?

The Linnentown Project will assist other cities with putting strategies in place to search for archived data, writing legislation, and assisting with political lobbying efforts. We will be able to inspire by sharing the successes we’ve had. Our lobbying work continues at the local and state level to get the gratuity clause in Georgia’s constitution amended to allow for direct repayments to individuals and communities who experienced racial discrimination. One of the Linnentown Project’s long term goals is to testify before the United States Congress on the impact of urban renewal and eminent domain as utilized by public institutions of higher education. Our small group will continue to seek justice. Our voices and actions moved local politicians to approve legislation which is a step in the right direction for healing. Our new experience will allow us to help other communities throughout the state. If someone wanted to get involved in the work you do, what would be the best way for them to help? While Athens-Clarke County officials have taken steps to begin the healing process with us and have acknowledged their involvement, the University of Georgia refuses to recognize us and take responsibility. We need them to come to the table and work with the Justice and Memory Committee. But, UGA continues to hide its head in the sand. We would appreciate it if people would directly contact President Jere Morehead (president@uga.edu) to encourage UGA to come to the table. We also can be contacted at thelinnentownproject@gmail.com for direct questions and ideas. What is something about reparations that you wish the general public knew more about? In the state of Georgia, officially sanctioned reparations—that is, direct repayments to individuals and communities who experienced historic racial discrimination—is technically illegal. Georgia’s constitution has a “gratuity clause” (Article III.3.6) which restricts state agencies from issuing direct payments to private individuals. As a result, this prevents elected leaders across the state from issuing repayments to descendants. We plan to introduce new legislation at the state level that will allow Georgia General Assembly to establish a statewide authority on recognition & redress and allow for statesanctioned direct repayments to descendants of racial discrimination.

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Nyota Issue 25

Articles inside

Nik Dodani