New Interns. Who Dis? | Welcome our 2023 "Teen" Summer Interns to the /CW Fam!

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Did someone say new interns? YES WE DID!

This summer we have the pleasure four “Teen” interns at CopyWrite Mag and we can’t be more excited. With our hopes of staying intune with community and the pulse of change, we love to have young people around to teach us a few things. Where we will be sharing our wisdom in the creative fields we also will be given them an opportunity to “make” what speaks to them. Stay tune for their summer coverage, events, and more! Shout out to Lead 2 Change for sponsoring this programming.

[& if you see them in the field drop some gems on them. “It takes a village”.]

2023 SUMMER INTERNS

Cameron Barker

Summer Intern | Fashion Focused

Cameron is a senior at Golda Meir High School aspiring to be a fashion designer and director of his own fashion label. Through his open mind and unique perspective, he aims to pull inspiration from all aspects of life to create innovative and meaningful pieces. He believes that through fashion, everybody is able to express their individual perspectives and all should be open to understanding them.

Nahsialis Vang

Summer Intern | Creative Operations

Nahsialis is an upcoming freshman at UW-Whitewater. Just like her major, life is always undecided as to what it wants her to do. Interested in Business and Fashion, she wants to expand her creativity to the max! Heavy on community, she hopes to shine the light on the hidden talents all around and that's what CopyWrite plans to do!

Frederick Calhoun

Summer Intern | Art

Frederick is a creative soul, and yearns to pursue a career in art education. They’re enhanced, creative, and sharp! Especially when it comes to the arts.

Jazale Hill

Summer Intern | Music & Community

Jazale is a sophomore at St. Thomas More High School. Her roots have been deeply cultivate by heavy hitters in the Milwaukee creative scene. Her ear for great music of all genres and appreciation for community makes her just the right person to navigate the media scene. Her time at CopyWrite will be spent absorbing real world knowledge and perspectives she can apply to her future endeavors.

Message: You are LOVED! | Happy V-Day from your /CW Fam

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Add us to your group chat, we got all the love you need!

But really tho, on a day when it’s all about they “display” of love just know that we see y’all and we love the creative community we call our family. We appreciate the love you show us daily and hope you feel it right back. /CW

" 21, 21, 21 ": A 2021 Perspectives From The CopyWrite Team /CW Fam

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As 2021 comes to an end we would like to share perspectives from our Team [Family] at CopyWrite. This year has been a world wind of “Ohhhhhhhh my worrrrrrddddd”, “Aint that ‘bout a b’thch” and “Wont he do it!?!”. So for this years perspective we decided to just let the “21, 21, 21” (in our 21 Savage voice) come and out by each member of the Fam sharing 21 things with YOU, our community. It could be 21 of anything. 21 words, 21 pictures, 21 hashtags, 21 ways they got you messed up, etc. This is what we like to call experimental research. By taking on the “21, 21, 21”, they way you respond and what you shares lets us understand each-other a little better. And in this time and place in humanity. . . isn’t that what we need?

Love & All Things Urban,

/CW Fam

Lexi S. Brunson - /CW Owner & Editor-in-Chief

‘21 Gems - Things We Should Remember

I say deep things. But that’s because I experience the world as if it was always teaching me something. So here are those gems that weigh me down and make me sparkle in all the right ways.

/Lexi

  1. Remorse is not regret. Learn from hardships by taking time to reflect.

  2. Be a student of your craft. But remember it's not "who" did it, it's "how".

  3. Quality is not a prerequisite to success. But you still have to stomach your gains.

  4. "No good deed goes unpunished". So praise yourself.

  5. Most people need some sort of validation. Be mindful of where you receive yours from.

  6. Your intention may not always show in your execution. Don't jump in the ring if you can't take a few hits.

  7. Don't forget to mention the joy. Even the heaviest of circumstances has joy.

  8. Give people grace, even when they forget to give it to themselves.

  9. Sometimes you have to lose it all to gain what was really meant for you. 

  10. Codes switching is an art. It's when you change the message that you become a poser.

  11. Everybody can not be a boss. Somebody has to be a worker. You have to know your role and do it well.

  12. Context is everything. Character is the only thing. 

  13. Being loyal to a fault is worse than not being loyal at all. 

  14. When people tell you who they are, believe them. When they show you who they are, they do not believe what you see.

  15. Don't poke holes in people who pour into you.

  16. Virtual reality can not fix humanity.

  17. Assimilation is not cultural integration. "STILL N*GGA"

  18. Don't lie to yourself. Some things are just funny. Laugh!

  19. That euphoric feeling you get when you're doing something you love; chase that.

  20. Value the human experience. We need each other more than any of us will ever admit. 

  21. Slow in the right direction is better than fast in the wrong one.

Carie Mahone - Head Entertainment Journalist

21 Slide Show

Naomi Rea’ - Intern Content Creator

21 Words that describe My 2021 experience

When I get passionate about explaining, describing, or sharing in general, I get very WORDY which is why I chose this way to describe how 2021 was for me. Also with ending the year as a blogger for CW, I thought that this was fitting…

21 Words that describe My 2021 experience:

  1. Team Building

  2. Servitude

  3. Humbling

  4. Foundational

  5. Revealing

  6. Musical

  7. Paced

  8. Friendly

  9. Mature

  10. Obscured

  11. Energetic

  12. Shifting

  13. Compatible

  14. Emotional

  15. Finalized

  16. Preparational

  17. Monumental

  18. Crisis

  19. Faceted

  20. Purposeful

  21. Confrontational

Vato Vergara - /CW Fashion Editor + Creative Director

21 Words to Reflect on the Year

To know who you are, brings the joy of life. Taking what you have and making the world understand. That’s POWER! 

/Vato

Imani Ortiz - Specialized Content Journalist

21 things that made a little more sense this year that’ll probably resonate with you as well:

  1. It’s okay to disappear some times. More often than not, we tend to jump to the way *others* will react to us taking time to ourselves when they're not the ones who need the focus. Just disappear and come back later. You’re not missing as much as you think. Everything will still be there when you come back.

  2. It’s about the principal, not always the problem. The problem could be very minuscule but it’s the principal of the situation that matters in the long run. Problems can be solved, principals are non-negotiable. Your principals can solve problems on their own if you have the right ones. It’ll make the decision making process a lot easier. I knew this before but I didn’t realize how many others don’t have any principals and they’re okay with that. How odd.

  3. Nothing will align with what you want until you get your sh*t together. Get your shit together. Nobody likes miserable people. If you can’t figure it out yourself, look into external help—like therapy. I liked it and I turned out fine.

  4. Less talk, More do. You can talk until you’re blue in the face but unless you actually do what you say, you’re just talking.

  5. Reevaluate your circle. You have your BFFs, close friends, regular friends, associates, strangers that you are vaguely familiar with, whoever it is, you know who you spend your time with. At the very least, make sure they are like-minded in a resourceful way. You should be able to profit mentally from everyone in your circle. Knowledge is power. If everyone knows all the same information, why are y’all friends? That relationship isn’t beneficial if it’s not transactional.

  6. All money ain’t good money. That’s self-explanatory.

  7. Odds are if you think it’s off, it’s off. Trust your gut and discernment, my friend.

  8. Never stop learning. The moment you decide to stop learning, you’re deciding to be basic. Don’t be a basic b*tch.

  9. Sometimes the road is less traveled because it f*cking sucks. Do you really wanna do things the hard way for the sake of saying you did things the hard way? Get over yourself.

  10. Only answer the question at hand. By focusing on just the question at hand, It’ll kill the opportunity for oversharing. “Is the sky blue?” “Yes.”

  11. Don’t do anything you don’t want to do for the sake of someone else’s feelings. You know better. If it makes you uncomfortable, comfortably say no.

  12. Nobody cares until you do. So ask yourself, do you really give a f*ck?

  13. Other people are dealing with their own sh*t. Even if it’s personal, don’t take it personal. People tend to project their insecurities and problems onto other people. If you know you’ve done nothing wrong, let it go. People have bad days and so do you.

  14. Most things we care about are ego-driven. Odds are you don’t actually care about whatever “thing” it is but it threatens your ego—so you fake care until you feel avenged. Please stop fake caring for your own good.

  15. If you sleep on yourself, why would people support you? It’s giving… you don’t want *it* bad enough.

  16. Even then, everyone is not going to support you. And that’s okay. Find your audience. Market to them.

  17. Networking is extremely important. Know somebody who knows somebody so you can know that somebody eventually. Patience is key, grass hopper.

  18. Stop working for free. While a favor here and there is fine, stop working for people for free. It took time to know what you know and if people want to know about what YOU know, tax ‘em.

  19. Do not cut corners with anything you care about. Don’t half ass anything you care about, whole ass!

  20. Half full, never half empty. Life is always about perspective. The way you view and value your life dictates your reality. Remain positive and always look at the bright side even if it’s dimmer than usual. The glass is half full, never half empty.

  21. Love yourself or you’ll settle. Read it and weep.

This is no by any means a self-help guide or no sh*t like that. Think of it exactly as what it is… “21 things that made a little more sense to me this year that’ll probably resonate with you as well.”

/Imani for CW

Tanasia Shaw - Journalism Intern

Tanasia’s 21 in 21 words

2021 has taught me more than any other year in my life. To celebrate and remember 2021, I’ll be listing 21 words that encapsulate 2021.

  1. Growth

  2. Faith

  3. Consistency 

  4. Struggle 

  5. Love 

  6. Serendipity 

  7. Truth 

  8. Patience 

  9. Veracious 

  10. Humble 

  11. Humility 

  12. Pressure 

  13. Trust

  14. Guidance 

  15. Community 

  16. Following 

  17. Intent

  18. Believing 

  19. Integrity 

  20. Strength 

  21. Urban <3

These words represent this past year, the good and the bad. Throughout the year and going into the next, I’m thankful for the CW/ team CW/. The community and support has opened doors for me(and many others) in 2021. 

Happy Holidays from your /CW Fam!

/ CopyWrite Magazine, Media & Design LLC./

We are headed out of the office.

We wont be responding to emails or making post.

We are giving our staff a well earned break, time to be with family, and permission to not be “on call” or “on the scene”.

We will be back soon enough #SupportingTheLocal, doing #AllThingsUrban. providing Creative Media Services, Rentals and more.

But for now…. “Aye, yo hit the switch and lock the door!”

Happy Holidays from your /CW Fam.

Meet The /CW Fam!

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It's our Anniversary!

As of July 15th, 2021, CopyWrite Magazine has been in business for six years [& eight years in the game]. For this years celebration we thought it only fitting to re-introduce ourselves, have you meet the /CW Fam, and learn more about the people behind the mission!

#AllThingsUrbanLiveHere #SupportTheLocal #CopyWriteMag

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WE STAND FOR ALL THINGS URBAN.

As an unapologetic group of creatives, CopyWrite is in business to change the community. Our promise is to always remember where we started from. We do this by telling the stories that need to be told, showcasing the unrealized artistic potential throughout our community, all while doing what we love: create.

It’s different here.

We are not your “average” media company. Our magazine is not dominated by ads, unrealistic figures of beauty, or filler content. We tell stories about people you know; the ones you live by, go to school with, or are sure to meet at your favorite community events. We don’t let the status quo control the way we express ourselves. We keep it authentic to who WE are. We break the molds of tradition and stay current without over saturating the market. Our pitch is not to sell you on a vision of aspiration but to ask you to be a part of real community cultivation. We don’t look for validation from people who only support our community on paper [tuh, ya’ll cute] or people who live their life for the “likes”. Our beginnings are humble. Our lifestyles triumph over adversity. Our song, some fire track with hella bass. Many people we know gave up on their creative dreams but we still breathe the worth of our passion. 

The narrative will shift. One story at a time.

/CW

/CW FAM | SQUAD | TEAM | STAFF

Lexi S. Brunson - Owner | Editor-in-Chief

“If they said I did it, I DID IT.”

Lexi is obsessed with all things Urban. She believes that there is a beauty between every sidewalk crack and alleyway. She is outspoken, confident, and her creativity allows her to view the world WAY outside the box. She is a multifaceted professional with a BFA in Interior Architecture & Design and MA in Media Studies. Her passion for social equality, freedom of expression, and goofy wit makes her just the right combo of kick a** to get any job done. She makes "it” happen!

@_thrudirtyeyes

Fun Fact about Lexi: “If you don’t keep a bottle of hot sauce at the crib, you might as well pack my food up to go. I put that ‘ish on everything!”

Favorite /CW moment: “Our first anniversary party we hosted at 88Nine. There had never been so many Black & Brown faces in that space before that moment. I like to think we helped changed that narrative. Plus it was poppin’ ”

Vato Vergara - Fashion Editor | Creative Director

"It all starts with a Look!”

Vato is the Renaissance man in every sense of the word. Whether he is styling clients, hosting events, maintaining online thrift shop, or creative directing for CopyWrite, Vato brings new and innovative ideas to the table. HIS fashion + style expertise is what makes /CW always tastefully in style.

@vatomke

Fun Fact about Vato: “I love cooking!”

Favorite /CW moment: “I didn’t know anything about CW but one day I found out this local publication that was all about supporting the local. So I went out and printed 100 copies at work [this before we offered printed magazine] and handed them out all over downtown. I remember receiving a call about it from the owners. Which is what got me to be apart of this amazing company!”

Tiffany Bean - The People Person | PR Director + Chief of Staff

"What's a bad shot? I never seen one. . .”

Tiffany is a PR pro with authentic links to community, culture, and the mind of corporate america. She has a BA in Corporate Communications and Digital Media. She has also served as a public ally and currently sits on the communications board at the JGCA. With her interpersonal skills, ability to read the room, and “politic” she has never met a stranger. She is The People Person.

@thetiffanyway_

Fun Fact about Tiffany: “My favorite movie is Titanic. ‘Never let go!’ ”

Why Support the local?: “I support the local because I am the local. I am a Milwaukee native, Burleigh res and Marquet made. I think it is important that the voice of the city from all angles is heard. We deserve it! ”

Carrie “Noni Juice” Mahone - Head Broadcast Journalist

"Its Noni Juice.”

Born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Carrie Noni has her Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Communication. She has always had her eyes set on the entertainment industry and isn’t afraid to create her own opportunities to get there. So far in her career she has worked with 103.7 Kiss FM, Journal Sentinel, v100.7, and currently has a full-time role as a Producer for 101.7 The Truth. Her love for natural hair led her to creating her YouTube channel, “Natural Noni,” and she created a top 5 music countdown show, “N’fluence.”

@carrienoni_

Fun Fact about Carrie: “I love Milkshakes. I swear I’m a milkshake connoisseur lol. ”

Why Support the local?: “I support the local because I would want the local to support me. I understand what it feels like to be on a mission to change your community for the better, and all you need is support from your city. That’s why it’s always #414 love to my city!”

Imani Ortiz - Specialized Content Journalist

"A wise man once said, ‘Bees don’t waste their time explaining to flies that honey is better than shit’.”

The best way to describe Imani would be nothing less than “the Jill of all trades”. Her comedic energy and enthusiastic personality is hard to match. One of her biggest goals is to help connect different generations to Urban culture through media, specialized projects, and interpersonal encounters. While embracing and cultivating her own versatile creativity, she hopes to not only strengthen the local community with opportunities to voice their own stories but to encourage others to speak, stand and live in their own truth.

@ortizus

Fun Fact about Imani: First generation college graduate. #thefinesser

Why Support the local?: “Selfishness is what really makes me #supportthelocal. Sounds crazy right? Let me explain. We want people to support us in our endeavors and want people to crave whatever you we do creatively yet it’s so hard for people in the city to pour into others. Why is that? That never made sense to me. We have to hold each other accountable and uplift each other on the way up. There’s no reason why the Milwaukee creative scene should be as segregated as it is. It’s always love here at CopyWrite and that’s all we (as in everyone) should be pouring into the community. Inspiration, support and love. Das it.”

Tanasia Shaw - Journalism Intern

"Forever a student at life.”

Tanasia Shaw is a senior a UW-Milwaukee majoring in journalism and minoring in Africology and communication. Tanasia is best described as charismatic, humble and creative. Her interests in culture, art and social issues are the perfect combination for a compelling story. Her goal is to create content that accurately represents underrepresented people and cultures.

@TheTanasia

Fun Fact about Tanaisa: “In 2020, I started a decor and graphic design business.”

Why Support the local?: “I support the local because the local has always supported me! I wouldn't be able to story tell or create if it wasn't for my Milwaukee Native mentors, colleagues, and friends that constantly inspire me”

Adrienne Davis - Media Journalist Intern | Producer in Training

"It’s not about being the best, it’s about getting the job done.”

Adrienne Davis has an associates degree in E-Production from Milwaukee Area Technical College. She is currently attending UWM to obtain a BA in Journalism. This social introvert has a passion for journalism, culture, and creativity. She has also done work in movie production and is interested in continuing to hone those skills in the future.

@dri.xxi

Fun Fact about Adrienne: "“I love food, that’s the key to my heart.”

Favorite /CW moment: “When I got my first spread in published in a magazine, only right it was for CW.”

/CW OFFICE + STUDIO [CAMP LOCALS] IS NOW OPEN!

KEEP ON THE LOOK OUT FOR INVITES TO THE SPACE, COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE!

2020 Perspectives From The CopyWrite Team

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As 2020 comes to an end we would like to share perspectives of reflection from our Team [Family] at CopyWrite. We often create our content in a way that masks “who” made it. Sometimes the anonymousness gives us leeway to let the stories we share speak for themselves. When we do share those responsible, it usually has very little to do with the creator, thus our personal stories are seldom shared at high capacity. We drop small cues, a few encrypted messages, some unavoidable “scandals”, some petty rants, and some “screw the system” themes out in the atmosphere but that's just the nature of the media beast. These perspectives are different. They are self guided moments that each individual person wanted to share. Not for likes but for a better tomorrow. We hope that you find closure in our words, value in our lessons, and inspiration to keep creating [& moving forward]. CopyWrite Magazine and everything we create is a TEAM [Family] effort. It does not exist without collaboration, a willingness to contribute, and self motivation to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. 2020 may have been a challenge like no other but now more than ever before we still vow to #SupportTheLocal.

Love & All Things Urban,

/CW Fam

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Lexi S. Brunson - /CW Owner & Editor-in-Chief

“Draw your line. Erase it. Draw it again.”

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Carrie “Noni Juice” Mahone - /CW Journalist

“Time is more valuable than you think”

Carrie for /CW

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Imani Ortiz - /CW Journalist

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This year has been for the birds, no cap. My life, as I’m sure y’alls to, has been a literal rollercoaster. This year was it. There was too much turmoil and negativity at every corner, this year was truly insane. I’m still standing though. Blood still running through my veins. I’m just happy to be breathing. Why? Cause deep down in my heart, I didn’t know if I was truly gone to make it to the end of this year. 

If it’s anything I learned this year, it’s that the world is going to keep moving on whether you catch up or you don’t. Life’s still going to keep moving. All the depression, trials and tribulations that we all faced this year revealed our real superpower as a people. We are more resilient than we could’ve ever imagined. Every. Single. One. Of. Us. 

Pain is not only unique to you. Pain is not only unique to me. We are not the only ones exclusive to suffering, even though it may feel like it at times. Everyone has suffered to some capacity. Look around you, figuratively and literally. What do you see? 

People wear their pain differently. Some might smile and kick it with you but tryna escape reality. Some might be in groups of people everyday but still lonely as hell. Somebody's family member just got offed today and another one just died of Covid but they are smoking a blunt with you. The outside looks cool but they are dying on the inside. Everybody is suffering but everybody doesn't wanna talk about it—and that’s okay. 

My remedy for it all is just be a decent human being and get YOUR shit together. It starts with you, boss. You are not what you lost this year. You’re everything you gained—you’re the living definition of growth. Don’t forget that. It may hurt right now but take my word for it… that hurt doesn't last forever. 

There’s a saying that always happens to pop up on my socials when I’m having a rough day. It goes something like, “FACT:  As of this very moment, you’ve made it through 100% of the battles you thought you’d never survive.” You are a survivor. We are survivors. Don’t let anyone take that shit from you. 

That’s all I want from the world—for us to really dig deep, reflect and take care of ourselves. We all got problems. Problems are infinite. But make sure YOU good up top (i.e. your mental). Don’t let this world drive you crazy. You are divinely protected, baby. You just gotta do the work.  Shit not gone’ happen overnight.

Love yourself so you can love life. You are the beginning and end of your legacy. Act like it.

P.S. always remember, this is chess, not checkers.

Imani for /CW 

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Vergara Vergara - /CW Fashion Editor

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Whew. . .2020 is GHETTOOOOO, but in all honesty; I’ve been able to reflect on my lifestyle, my career, and my role at CopyWrite Magazine. We’ve been in a pandemic since March; 10 months. I’ve been able to heal, build, and develop myself better than I have in 10 years. It’s amazing what productive time can do for us, when used properly. Although we’ve lost so many people in the Pandemic, some of us have gained self awareness. I am HAPPY with who I am and what I am becoming. Spread positivity, love and embrace the new year! With all the changes, we all should be able to handle adversity now. Still working and being a creative, life goes on and anything can happen within a blink of an eye. Learn who you are and love Who you are. 

Vato for /CW

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Adrienne Davis- /CW Intern

“I can do more. I will do more.”

Adrienne Davis for /CW