"...I feel like our stories are still being written." My experience being a black man in America has been very great so far compared to the stereotypes and disfavored paths that have been given to us over the past decades. In early in Adulthood, I was presented with a shot in corporate America, which provided me the opportunity to learn about the importance of establishing credit and being independent. Purchasing a home at the age of 23 quickly made me a role model for my family and I hope that it promotes growth for our youth. My main mission is to help cultivate change in the sociopolitical norms of our community while celebrating the black culture. Celebrating black culture is not something that I do for the month, it is an everyday necessity for me. As a graphic designer for All-star Sports, a place where you can purchase licensed sports apparel and nostalgic movie jerseys, many of my projects are to develop designs for a lot of the notable tv shows and movies that we all love within our culture.
The black culture means a lot to me because I feel like our stories are still being written. There is a lot that we as a culture have done but there is also a lot that I would like to see from our people. Seeing color in the technology industry as an example is a step in the right direction for our people because it exposes a new lane for the black community as opposed to being only known as athletes or entertainers.
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Black Excellence originates from acknowledging one's dopeness, and doing dope sh*t. Black Excellence is a powerful state of mind that is responsible for some of the greatest accomplishments our world has seen. It is the acceptance of melanin as a divine and peculiar gift, that comes with a higher calling. A calling that demands excellence in the way one moves, thinks, and interacts with others. To put it simply, black excellence originates from acknowledging one’s dopeness, and doing dope shit.
As an Elementary Educator I see the importance of embracing Black Excellence daily. While I teach and encourage students of all races, I do take pride and privilege in helping my African American students realize their dopeness. To foster Nina Simone’s classic 1970’s hit song: Young, gifted and black We must begin to tell our young There's a world waiting for you This is a quest that's just begun There’s an entire world out here for the next generation of Black Excellence. I’m simply doing my part. LOCS❣For the culture🖤
I've always been looked at a certain way even among my other Black and Brown peers because of my complexion and the stereotype of being "bougie" or stuck up. I've learned over the years it's not always something that should HAVE 🤦to be spoken on but I also know how it shaped me into the woman I am today. I love my deeper melanated tones just as much. Unfortunately, part of growing and adapting, knowing what people do and how they label you, I've witnessed 1st hand how some caucasian people tend to look at me in public and don't really know whether to smile out of curiosity or ignore me, out of "fear" or discomfort. This is why I chose locs, because regardless if said persons were to speak or acknowledge me, I want there to be NO DOUBT where I stand. I'm not eager to smile on anyone's face, my articulation surprises most, but my crown lets you know what it is 🤷🏽♀️& I will always be me, unapologetically magic in the flesh. My name is Kayla but, I go by Kween. I am a 25-year-old artist who focuses my message solely on all positive aspects of African-American culture and the controversies of being Black in America.
"To me Black Excellence isn't just meaningful-it's also a mindset. It takes continuous action to remain consistent, excellent, and provide a helping hand to people inside and outside of our community." Kiese Nianda is an aspiring entrepreneur, turntabilist, and a visionary in both the 757 and RVA. As the founder of Nianda Express Enterprises & KAYYVYBE, he takes pride in upholding a standard of excellence to insure longevity in his craft so that it can turn into a profession. Hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nianda was often exposed to African culture, authentic African art and traditions, and also an overall appreciation for being African. His Congolese background plays a huge part in the foundation and values he posses and continues to strive for today. When I think about our culture and the impact it’s had on my life, I think of one word. Blessed. As a young African-American writer and speaker, I take my profession seriously. It is a passion that I want to develop as a career, lifestyle, and movement for generations to come. My experience began at the young age of eighteen. Ever since, I have been innovative and creative with the way I communicate. When I think about our culture and the impact it’s had on my life, I think of one word. Blessed.
I’m blessed to be apart of an ever-evolving culture. My character as a man is built on perseverance and progress. My hunger to grow, adapt, and learn stems from traveling, sports, and business. As a business owner, I’m constantly surrounded by positive, intelligent minds. As a former U.S National Paralympic soccer athlete, I learned about rich traditions around the globe that changed my perspective. On and off the field, I’m constantly challenged to contribute in a positive way. As a traveler, beautiful scenery has opened my mind to my professional aspirations. As a creative communicator, I value the essence of a innovative message that captivates an audience. I believe written dialogue speaks to the mind, visual dialogue resonates with the heart, audio dialogue embraces the soul. By saying this I mean there are forms of communication that allow us to call others to action. I live for the impact and opportunity to be a part of a purpose greater than myself. When people ask me what I do, I want to say, “change lives.” We all have the ability to do the impossible. Everything we need is inside of us. On a fundamental level, I see writing, rhetoric, and communication as a craft that I want to evolve into a lifelong passion. To do this, I must invest in my education and experience. As a result, my career will continue to evolve like the world around me. There are numerous ways that the Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication (WRTC) graduate program can help me reach my career goals and aspirations. I believe that research into the way we communicate will allow me to grow as a scholar. As a “disabled-writer,” I want to learn how to adapt to the different forms of technology. Writing with one hand has challenged me to shift the narrative. I intend to apply my academic research to my entrepreneurial experience and corporate aspirations. I want to enter the corporate world as an editor, author, or contributor to a major publication. I’m very passionate about learning the different cultures, “social-norms,” and different forms of rhetoric that allow us to communicate daily. There is something unique about the way we utilize written and verbal dialogue to advance our dreams. One question I’ve always challenged myself to answer with research is: “How can I convey a direct message in a creative format?” There are different styles of writing that allow us to answer the question above. The concern I want to address as a scholar is: “How do we communicate words that resonate?” As an entrepreneur, I’ve work with young professionals that have a message. Words seem to be the problem for young innovators of our generation. If I can study and conduct research on how young professionals between the ages of 18-30 communicate, I can build a platform that will allow them to bridge the gap in communication. I want to present case studies that create a new way of thinking. There are a lot of creative minds in this world that have a message. When they offer their message, they don’t put themselves in the shoes of the readers, viewers, or listeners. Valid research at your institution will allow me to address this problem. When young creators get caught up in their passion, they forget about the audience. This is a critical aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked! It should be discussed in a simple, clear way. My potential research at the WRTC graduate program will allow me to actively pursue solutions. Our culture has to communicate in a way that will allow us to overcome adversity and stay strong no matter what. This means creating change and impacting lives for our future generations. I’m thankful that I’m able to build today and think on my feet tomorrow. Some of my best experiences as a man have been challenges. I say challenges because in those moments of adversity, I become a better, forward-thinking man that is ready to communicate. I look forward to building a foundation for the future at your institution. |
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