THRIVE
crea tive theo ry
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CREATIVE THEORY AGENCY 2017
DEDICATED TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS PROOF, THAT STILL, WE THRIVE.
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WELCOME TO THRIVE
H E L L O… There is a need. There is a need to highlight young leaders of color who represent the spirit of a culture. This need led to THRIVE, a magazine dedicated to the visual storytelling of D.C. change makers. This magazine is a reflection of the future; a reflection of individuals who have pushed their respective craft to the point of no return. These are risk takers, people who have seen both peaks and troughs but maintain their sights on the horizon. As we journey through the concept of THRIVE, we recognize that success is a moving target. As we learned, interviewing and capturing images of these cultural leaders – we quickly found that the ideals of THRIVE change depending on who you ask. Our unique perspectives and experiences should compel us to find multiple definitions of THRIVE, but our desire to thrive should propel us in a singular direction – forward.
TA M O N G E O R G E CO - F O U N D E R - C R E AT I V E T H E O RY
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CONTENTS
ISSUE
01.
2017
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01
03
03
OTHELLO BANACI
DESIRÉE VEN FREDERIC
D AV I D I B ATA
Cinematographer + Director
Curator
Painter
@othellobanaci
@xodvf
@ibatapaints
09
11
13
MALISSA WILKINS
UPILE CHISALA
NKECHI NJAKA
Creative Director
Poet
Wellness Curator
@afrovelvet
@beingupile
@ndnlifestylist
16
17
18
VERONICA KING
CURRY HACKETT
ADRIEN RADFORD
Singer Songwriter
Designer + Architect
Photographer
@iamveronicaking
@hackreative
@adrienradford
20
21
PA R I S C O L E
K WA M E O N W UAC H I
Relationship Manager +
Chef
Events Curator
@bastedmind
@paris_cole
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OTHELLO B. T 1
his self-made photographer
humbling memories are of his
Othello’s struggle was not
and director has immersed
early production days, laying
glamorous. Speaking openly about
himself into the creative world. “I
on his bed taking photos of the
his shortcomings, he says” I used
fell into it” says Othello when asked
ceiling fan. “I didn’t even know
to beat myself up over work that
how he entered the artistic arena.
what creative obs loo ed li e;
didn’t meet my standards. I would
His talents of photograph and film
I didn’t know if anything I was
feel like it was the end of the
have pushed him beyond his initial
doing was great, but I felt it. I
world – I struggled with failure.” His
expectations even of himself.
knew I could be great.” Othello
passion was evident as he spoke,
often reflects on his ourne as a
“I had to stop looking at what
struggling creative and reckons
everyone else was doing, and focus
that his saving grace is that he
on myself”.
“I had to make mistakes. I hit a lot of walls, but at each wall I began to ask questions, and the more questions I asked the stronger my ideas became. I started to
understood that he had much to learn.
hile reflecting on where he has been and where he sees his career
work backwards, I would ask big
“From point A – surviving – to
going,
questions at the beginning and
point B – thriving – for me was a
half wa there; I have so much
those answers would move
change in mindset. I was having
more to learn ¬– that’s what truly
me forward”.
so many experiences when I
excites me”.
Othello, now producing photography and video across the globe, has a lot to offer when it comes to life lessons. His most
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‘almost’ did something or ‘almost’ got something – ‘almost’ became
thello is confident
Im
Othello the Creator.
my new benchmark. So now I knew everything I wanted in life I could get”
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2
“ I D I D N ’ T K N O W I F A N Y T H I N G I WA S D O I N G WA S G R E AT , B U T I F E L T I T. I K N E W I C O U L D B E G R E AT ”
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DESIRÉE VF.
3
THE WRITTEN WORD: R
eading is solitary intimacy. It's my belief
years, the characters on pages were, if nothing else,
that power lies wherein you can opt to learn
m friends
uring m time in solitar confinement
something new or expand understanding of the
in immigration detention in 2013, I read feverishly.
familiar by simply choosing to make the time. Time to
Anything I could get my hands on. Reading was a
be with myself, my mind and the oldest information
familiar companion to which I owe my sanity today.
technology - the written word.
There exists an osmotic relationship between reading
I disappeared into books when I was very young,
and doing The more I read, the more I find m mind
disappeared into them like someone running into the
ignited which then has a domino effect- leading to
wilderness. Being an only child during my formative
practical, informed action.
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4
MUST READ SERIES… THE IMAGE OF THE BLACK IN WESTERN ART: VOLUMES I - V
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DAVID I.
5
A
rt, at its simplest, is a form of
David Ibata, a Southeast D.C. self-taught
communication, often purposefully
painter and now teaching artist, has turned
disguised by the artist – meaning and
his passion into a profession. At the age of
subjectivity are hard to quantify into simple
2, David began drawing and doodling, but it
terms of good or bad art. For David Rasheed
was not until college that David really began
Ibata, art has always been about the craft
to take things more seriously. He took art
first and foremost, and nothing is more
classes to perfect his innate skills and claims,
important than that. “Creating imagery that
“No one was really there to teach me how
resonates with people, especially now in
to do anything, so I just kept on drawing
this day and age, as a black painter, where
and drawing – mostly years of practice and
the history of art really excludes a lot of
lots of failure – to get to a good spot.” While
us,” is vital to David. “[I’m] trying to break
he did attend Corcoran School of the Arts &
through and really get success by creating
Design, and New York Academy of Art, David
imagery that resonates with everyone.” It is
not only had to learn how to exhibit his work
this mindset that has contributed to David’s
independently post-grad, but he also had to
surviving and thriving in the art world.
figure out his own wa to brea into the art world as an African American artist.
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6
“I would work on a painting for months and
When asked if he is thriving, he replies
months and then realize it wasn’t going
modestly. “Not in the least – not yet. I would
to work and [I’d scrap] the whole thing.
say I’m probably more comfortable with my
This happened multiple times and then
abilities then I once was, and some people
you kind of close that loop.” When asked
say it’s talent or all of that stuff, and I just
how he’s been able to use his failures
say it’s hard work and lots of self-discovery.
to propel him forward,
You have breakthrough moments every
avid offers
“You have to learn your craft and learn
once in a while,” and that helps. He says
yourself...- everyone paints differently.
he’s thriving in a sense of self-awareness,
You have to fail. Failure is so important to
confidence and nowing where s he headed,
every process. You fail, you step-back, and
but these milestones may have eluded
then you will yourself to keep going, and
him without failure and studying. Years of
in painting that can be a very expensive
failure and figuring out what wor s and what
thing – painting ain’t cheap. When you’re
doesn’t work has landed him in a space of
learning, you’re just trying everything and
consciousness with the promise of progress
seeing what works and what doesn’t.”
with each brush stroke.
David never really attributes his success
He recognizes the difficult in ac nowledging
to his masterpieces, or his position at the
whether or not one is thriving, and perhaps
National Gallery of Art as a copyist, or
the immediate objective is a step in that
even as an art educator. His idea of success is based upon
direction. He
“ T H R I V I N G I S N OT A L WAY S B E I N G REGARDED AS A SUCCESS TO THE
the notion of constantly
OUTSIDE WORLD”
being aware
aspires to “create images that are thought provoking and visually sumptuous.
of how he got to where he is, whether it
Making masterpieces is the game of it all. You
is a masterpiece or a failure. It’s all about
have to get in to make a real impact in the
the process for David and never about the
industry,” he says.
finished pro ect Thriving is not alwa s being regarded as a success to the outside world. Thriving can be a personal victory on some random day that can help open up your consciousness or sense of self.”
“Painting is hard and it’s so easy to mess up and fall on your face,” says David who has also come to the hard realization that as an artist he may not receive recognition for years to come and perhaps, as is the case for most painters, may not receive any success
During the conversation with David, it
until after death. But David accepts this
becomes apparent that failing has been
reality. His heart is tied to the core of the
a part of his survival process as an artist.
creative process discover , challenge, failure,
“Through failure, you develop healthy
teaching, and creating, and to his ultimate
coping mechanisms that help you see
goal as a painter – to create images that can
past the failures and help you push
connect with a greater audience,
forward. He adds that, “Thriving comes from people who have had less and who have had to work with less,” and to David when you’re able to sit back to develop a perspective of success or failure, while also acknowledging the struggle to get there,
“My life is dedicated to making paintings. You’re just doing everything else to give back to the act of creation – and in this modern day and age and it’s never going to stop being a struggle It will alwa s be a fight
you’re thriving.
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MALISSA W. W
9
hen Malissa Wilkins says she
Malissa's steadfast conviction that all things
found her true love early in life –
good stem from self-love is what helps her
she means it. As a musician, stylist, and
thrive. “Loving self means to follow your
creative director, she lives each day with
passion. I cannot be happy in a space that isn’t
an appreciation for performance. Growing
contributing to my art – I had to run towards my
up in the church, it was not uncommon for
full potential.”
Malissa to spend four nights of the week sitting in a pew. When sitting transformed into singing, however, Malissa joined the choir and it was there she began to understand music and its effect on her.
“I never stop. – If I stop, it feels like I’m out of touch with myself,” she says as she describes her unrelenting desire to sharpen her creative craft. And she is unrelenting. To watch her in her passion to propel herself and her community’s
“The love of music and sound crept up on
culture is to watch dedication revisited. “I have
me. The point of music is to be a minister
to see things I like, or don’t like, or that I want to
in that space, when sound enters you, you
change - I have to continue to push the limits to
cannot deny it.”
learn these things.”
A purveyor or performance and all its
Not one to step back from creativity, Malissa
parts – she emotionally and effortlessly
sets goals that reach far beyond the borders
intertwines fashion, music, and art into
of Washington, D.C. An entire world of art and
her creative projects. “I communicate
inspiration awaits Malissa as she furthers her
through art,” says Malissa, who is known
ultimate goal of promoting and showcasing the
for her poignant and relevant fashion
culture of the African Diaspora through artistic
meets dance meets music collaborations.
impression and interpretation - her true love.
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“I NEVER STOP — IF I STOP, IT FEELS LIKE I’M OUT OF TOUCH WITH MYSELF”
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U P IL E C .
I AM FLAWED STILL, I AM WORTHY. STILL, I AM MIGHTY. STILL, I DESERVE GOOD. I AM DRIPPING MELANIN AND HONEY. I AM BLACK WITHOUT APOLOGY. CRY, LET THAT WATER GO. YOU WERE DROWNING.
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NKECHI NJAKA THRIVING > SURVIVING: FROM DOING TO BEING onsider these things
present when we are in survival
is who we are at our foundational
mode. Texting while walking,
elements. Being present is the
eating while watching TV, taking
practice of choosing to be rather
phones calls while simultaneously
than to simply do, and this is
sending emails. Those times we
what develops the unique self.
nod in agreement when we didn’t
Thriving starts with everything
hear what was said or when we
we love and are passionate
“MY MISSION IN LIFE IS NOT
reply, “Thanks, you too,” when
about; all things that matter to
MERELY TO SURVIVE, BUT
we get asked about our day
us, our interests, the way we
TO THRIVE; AND TO DO SO
show us that we can sometimes
contribute to our culture, and
WITH SOME PASSION, SOME
be passively participating in life
most importantly how we show
COMPASSION, SOME HUMOR,
exchanges. It shows us that we
up for ourselves and others.
AND SOME STYLE.”
should be more present and less
We must learn how to protect,
– MAYA ANGELOU
habitual.
preserve, and evolve the unique
There is a difference between
thrive
that you were designed for a reason, that the things you care about the most in life are why you are here, that is your light and your power.
going through the motions and living fully in the motions of your life. We can be asleep, or we can be awake. We can be conscious, or we can remain unaware. At the beginning and end of every day, we have a choice. Choose being over doing.
owning it for all its entirety is how
THr v
we move from doing to being.
verb
“OWNING OUR STORY CAN
1.
grow or develop well or vigorously. prosper; flourish
BE HARD BUT NOT NEARLY AS DIFFICULT AS SPENDING OUR LIVES RUNNING FROM IT. EMBRACING OUR VULNERABILITIES IS RISKY BUT
The goal is to thrive. Thriving is
NOT NEARLY AS DANGEROUS
shifting from being less habitual
AS GIVING UP ON LOVE AND
to being more present. It is less
BELONGING AND JOY—THE
ser v v
doing and more being.
EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE US
verb
Simply surviving does not support
sur•vive
13
self. Knowing the self and then
1.
continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger or hardship.
the soul. The soul does not expand when we are checked out. We have to do better. I know what ou are thin ing There isn t
THE MOST VULNERABLE. ONLY WHEN WE ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO EXPLORE THE DARKNESS WILL WE DISCOVER THE INFINITE POWER OF OUR LIGHT.” – BRENÉ BROWN
I believe that survival is a constant
enough time. We have too many
state of doing. I think of it as
responsibilities. Yes, existing is
When we follow this guidance,
continuous habits that keep us
hard. Yes, life is dangerous. And?
we shift from surviving to thriving.
alive, but not necessarily awake.
We must do more than simply
It re uires a real presence
survive. Who we are at our core
Experiencing. Showing up. Being
depends on it.
aware. That is your power. And it
But really, we are "asleep" anytime we are not present. Habits and patterns that we
Thriving is when we are fully in
perform without thinking too
our power, presently being our
much are examples of us being
unique self. The unique self is the
asleep throughout our day. For
entire composition of our human
instance, “multi-tasking” is a
being. It is equal parts light and
classic example of not being
dark, illumination and shadow. It
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is infinite
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VERONICA K.
“I THRIVE NOW BECAUSE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, I STOPPED RUNNING”
S
ome people run from their talents
Veronica sees herself as a liberator. “Music
all their life, Veronica King decided
is liberating; we all want to be free
early on that she would avoid being one of
finding m passion was m true liberation
those people. For some time in her adult
Her debut single - "Ice Cream Sundae" – has
life she tiptoed between her innate talent
garnered national attention across multiple
in music and the world of working a job
media outlets. She credits the song as being a
for survival.
true representation of self. Listen to the track.
The defining moment she decided to leave her survival career for her thriving career I wasn t ma ing an impact in this world”. This stark revelation challenged
16
or me,
The ease in which the song sits on the ear is immediately apparent – aptly echoing the ease of her genuine personality. hile reflecting on her time in survival mode,
here to deep dive into music in search of
she recalls, “My entire life I was surviving until I
her ultimate fulfillment It too me two
took a leap of faith. I thrive now because after
years to leave my job. I was comfortable,
all these years, I stopped running. Something
but I knew I had more to offer.”
was missing until I stopped running from what makes me whole.”
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CURRY H.
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“ AT T I M E S I F E E L L I K E I ’ M G R I N D I N G A L O N G , B U T I A L WAY S F E E L N E T P O S I T I V E ”
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ADRIEN A.
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18
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CURRY H.
L
ikely one of the youngest
Hackreative, the independent
whatever you want in life, you've
government contractors
design consultancy he founded
got to work hard for it, and it’s not
in Washington D.C., design is
in
about how smart you are, or how
in his blood. The son of an art
of his design skill and formal
much money you have, it’s about
teacher and engineer, Curry
technical CADD expertise. He
how bad you want it.”
Hackett found architecture to
abandoned his 9 to 5 after he
be the perfect amalgamation
realized his trajectory could be
of two talents that had been
greater not as an employee, but
cultivated within him since birth.
as an entrepreneur. “I took a
And for his resourcefulness, he
calculated risk, I told my employer
credits a “tough love pedagogy”
I was looking for opportunities to
experienced while studying at
branch out on my own without
Howard University .
knowing if those opportunities
The multi-disciplinary designer
, is a direct reflection
would be found.“
When speaking with Curry, it is easy to uncover his certain positivity and persistence. A defining moment for
urr
receiving his first chec in the mail as a contractor for D.C. Water. “I waited months for that check. I was on the elevator to my apartment by myself – just
says it all happened organically
Curry comes from humble
looking at it – I cried. It was
for him. He describes art as “a
beginnings and he acknowledges
a scene from 'The Pursuit of
two-dimensional canvas” and calls
his upbringing on his family
Happyness.'”
engineering “a three-dimensional
farm in Farmville, Virginia, as
experience.” He attributes his
the catalyst for his desire to
success to understanding how
thrive
those two components can
something about growing up on
interact with each other.
a farm, where you just know that
urr reflects, there s
Just like design, the desire to thrive is in his blood. “It’s a mindset; at times I feel li e I m grinding along, but I always feel net positive.”
ADRIEN A.
“M
usic helps me mentally
TOP TRACKS - Selections
and creatively. It's a part
by ADRIEN A.
of my everyday life. Honestly, without music, I dont know where I would be. There's days where I
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just roam the city or working on
Frank Ocean - Chanel Steve Lacey - Dark Red
private photo shoots listening
Andy Stott - Hatch the Plan
to m favorite pla list albums
John Coltrane - But Not for Me
I listen to all kinds of music ranging from experimental to jazz. I personally feel as though jazz keeps me in a mood, a vibe, a certain feeling that helps me think of my next plan. People are always surprised when I tell them I listen to jazz. They think I'm like 40 years old or something lol."
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Billie Holliday - Blue Moon Kendrick Lamar - The Heart Part 4 Yussef Kamaal - Yo Chavez Mac Demarco - Old Dog Sunni Colón - California Diamond
Dirty Projectors - Cool Your Heart Blood Orange - Augustine Oneohtrix Point Never - Nassau Cocteau Twins - Essence Helado Negro - It's My Brown Skin Soft Glas - Yoshi ft. Fishdoll The Courtneys - Silver Velvet Thundercat - Tokyo Actress - X22RME Thelonious Monk Septet - Ruby, My Dear
Migos - Slippery ft. Gucci Mane
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PARIS C.
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PARIS C.
P
aris Cole has the keys to the city. On any given day you
defining moment for aris, who
To know Paris, is to know that
entered the music and nightlife
she is never in the same place
can find her connecting with the
industry at 17, was when she
for long. Her phone rings with a
Mayor, or in a recording studio
was fired from her ob I was a
constant intensity, yet, she still
with D.C.’s fastest rising artists.
college student, and working full
manages to slow down. “I lay
Her personality has become her
time, but I felt most empowered
naked on my couch – the most
persona one of the most well
when I connected one piece of a
calming thing to me – to be free.”
connected millennials in the city.
creative puzzle to another.” Her
She is noticed wherever she goes.
network has expanded from arts
From opening D.C.’s newest and trendiest venues, to recently styling and touring with
and entertainment, to politics, to music industry A&Rs and restaurateurs.
Dreamville’s latest signee, Ari
Not one to stagnate, Paris is
Lennox, she has been able to
proud of the relationships she has
create a world where she is paid
made in her 25 years. “I’m proud
to be herself. Her strong suit, she
of my growth. I’m proud that
says, is “bridge building. I like
I’ve transformed over the past
being the nucleus for people. I
few years – I feel like I’m getting
connect creative visions.”
somewhere.”
While also being the source of her freedom, Paris attests her success to her ability to look to the horizon Her simple motto
ho
am I today, and who do I want to be tomorrow?”
KWAME O. “T 21
reat it like it’s yours, and
Kwame sensed an inherited
and thriving. “I think surviving is
one day it will be.” This
proclivity for culinary artistry
just doing what you need to do
piece of advice from Kwame
from a young age. “I grew up in
to keep your head above water.
Onwuachi encapsulates, in
the kitchen. [My mother] had
You’re learning how to swim.
simple terms, his own journey
a catering company that she
You’re just treading water to keep
from a state of raw survival to a
operated from the house. I was
your head above water. You do
life more fulfilling These are not
always there helping her by her
what you [have to] do to get to
empty words, but wise counsel
side when I was younger. But it
the next thing, as opposed to
substantiated by the speaker’s
was not until I got older that I
doing what you need [to do] to be
lifetime of experiences, from
started cooking and I started a
prepared for next year. In order to
being the son of a chef in the
catering company. When that
thrive, ou have to first survive
South Bronx to leading the
happened, I really fell in love with
disciplined, creative life of an
making people happy through
executive chef. We ask if he thinks
food.”
he’s thriving yet. “Nah,” he says, “I’m surviving. You should always be pushing yourself to work harder.”
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Kwame’s relentless desire to improve his craft and reach for more is truly his most inspiring
Hailing from the South Bronx,
trademark. Clearly, for him,
where he saw a great deal
success lives in the realization
of geographical and socio-
that there is always something
economical stagnation, this
else. “Because there’s always
millennial chef drew a clear
someone working harder than
distinction between surviving
you and you’ll know that when
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“ T R E AT I T L I K E I T ’ S Y O U R S , A N D O N E D AY I T W I L L B E ”
you meet them -- that this
people. To be that and practice
[she] go through? And she was a
person’s better than [you]. There’s
what you preach.”
woman in this industry. They have
always going to be someone better than you, prettier than you, more fit than ou
hatever
ut
it’s like ‘Do I want to be that?’ or ‘Do I want to feel insecure
When asked about methods for progress, he draws from personal experience. “I think it’s pretty simple in the sense that you look
it way worse than us. She’s a black woman in the industry. That’s when I’m like, ‘Suck it up. You’re good. You can make it.’”
at the people that have made
Some would venture to say that he
it, that have thrived. I was in an
already has made it, and though
So that’s how the chef is inspired
interview the other day on The
Kwame is likely to disagree, his
by the people around him to take
Dish and they [asked] ‘If you
advice remains sound. Those who
culinary risks. However, there's
could sit down with one person
are hungry to pursue life, rather
a balance in his being inspired
and have one last meal, who
than accept mere existence,
and his being an inspiration. He
would it be?’ I said Leah Chase.
are likely to embrace his parting
allows the sharpness of his peers
She’s a chef in New Orleans,
remar s
to refine him and also encourages
an African American chef. She
need to do to weasel your way into
his colleagues, drawing the best
has a restaurant called Dooky
your industry -- and give it 100%.
out of them. “I lead by example.
Chase. And it’s been around
Treat it like it’s yours, and one day
I work harder. I show up earlier
since the '60s and '70s. If I feel
it will be.”
than everyone else. I think that’s
like it’s hard for me [I have to
enough within itself to elevate
remind myself] what the f--- did
because of that?’”
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ou do whatever ou
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BECAUSE WE DESERVE TO THRIVE… e began this pro ect because there was a need a need derived from the social climate of our nation. There were protests and movements happening across the country – the heartbeat of solidarity. A simple question emerged – how do we contribute? We felt a need to highlight young people of color in a positive light. We believed the voices and talents of our community deserved preservation – an alternative narrative to a defeatist story too often told. What began as a personal project, originally intended to be shared with friends and famil , has now become something greater; this is a pro ect of a people During the interview process of the magazine, it was quickly realized that we all have different journeys and perspectives on what it takes to survive, but there is a common thread that helps us all THRIVE – that thread is evolution. It is clear that when our eyes are set on the future and not the past, progress is possible. The subjects of this magazine exemplify that moniker, they reach forward, pull upwards, never satisfied with their current position Evolution
the unif ing
principle of those who THRIVE. We are blessed to share the stories of people of color thriving with a larger audience. We aim to share hope and inspiration, not only to those navigating survival, but also to those who seek to enlighten their THRIVE. We stand with you. We celebrate you. We are inspired, encouraged, grateful, and determined – we will continue to THRIVE.
GARY WILLIAMS JR CO - F O U N D E R - C R E AT I V E T H E O RY
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SPECIAL THANKS A SPECIAL THANK YOU, TO THOSE WHO FOUND THE TIME, ENERGY, AND RESOURCES TO MAKE THRIVE POSSIBLE.
UNION MARKET
GREG FISK
DANARI WHITE
Photography location &
Grapic Design
Copy Writer
NKECHI NJAKA
PA M E L A D E C OT E AU
Copy Writer
Senior Editor
PA R I S C O L E
ZARIA GEORGE
Copy Writer
Associate Editor
Strategic Partner GOOGLE Strategic Partner
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THRIVE
POWERED BY UNION MARKET
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