silence of abuse by Mitzi Romero (Photography Intern)

silence of abuse

The imagery in these photos not only represent physical abuse but also concepts of mental abuse. The point of this project (as an extension of CopyWrite's Self Love Campaign 2019/2020) is to show that many people are being silenced because they are scared to say that they are being abused because of what people would think or say about them, or afraid of what else might happen to them. The masks are being used to hide their faces, the same way many hide their true self so they don’t feel ashamed of who they are. Some moments go further demonstrating a girl who is trying to fight against her inner voices telling her about changing her imperfections, trying to cover her ears because those voices are loud. 

My inspiration for this project comes from a personal place. Since I became conscious with life, I have been going through something every day. From how people look at me, and what people say under their breath. Getting pointed at and laughed at...being short was always a struggle for me to accept but by doing this project these models have shown that they have been bullied because of being skinny, tall, short, being a different skin color, or for thinking differently. No one in this world is perfect and I want to show people out there that their imperfections make them unique from everyone else.

So don’t be silenced and tell the world that you are happy for being who you are. No one has the right to make you feel belittled.

Here are more voices against the silence.

/Mitzi for CW

#WCW Aja Janay of Heal + Glow

“Close your eyes. Then breathe in; breathe out.

Take a moment for you.”

This is why I love yoga and meditation. It’s not about anyone else other than yourself. It’s a time to be selfish; to check in with yourself and to remind yourself of how you’re feeling at that moment.

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This is why this month’s #WCW is Aja Janay; the creative director and founder of heal + glow. She “began making candles during my time as an undergraduate to relieve [her] … stress, anxiety and moments of deep depression. During those really dark moments of sadness, the flames of each [lit] candle reminded [her] that there's always a little bit of light in a space full of darkness. This light did not come easy. [She] had to fight for the light.  [She] was forced to journey into the crevasses of my being to find what was there.” 

Photo by FreakishNerd for Papyrus and Charms

heal + glow is a candle line but it’s also more than that. They use their online and social platforms to discuss and share self-love and self- care along with visual arts, literature, performing arts, and the latest in fashion and beauty.

But back to the candles, their packaging is beautiful. The scents are magical and their perfect “to add to your meditation practices, your alters for rituals, or to your relaxing baths.” A FreakishNerd favorite is the Egyptian Amber; because well, who doesn’t love Amber candles? And I'll be buying some new additions to my candle collection soon. :) 

Follow Aja at @ajajanay or heal+glow’s Instagram @healglow. Read their amazing blog for some motivation and Black girl magic then buy a candle so your practice, home and bath are on point here.                                                                

Thanks for being beautiful inside and out Aja.