Meet The /CW Fam!

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!

We Outside!!! Keep up w/ your /CW Fam as we cover #OutOfTheBoxMKE

blackboxfund.org

Join us this summer as we provide authentic /CW style media coverage at Out Of The Box, six-week summer series. Your /CW Fam will be in the field catching all the vibes that change the narrative, highlight the community, and looking at everything through a creative lens. Tag us at @copywritemag and #copywritemag #OutOfTheBoxMKE #BlackBoxFund so we can help show off the local every step of the way!

/CW

Juneteenth Milwaukee Golden Anniversary! Sponsored by Northcott Neighborhood House!

*information provided by Elizabeth Coggs

Mural design created by artist Vedale Hill

Mural design created by artist Vedale Hill

Juneteenth Milwaukee Golden Anniversary. . . It's Countdown Time. Join Us for Juneteenth this Saturday!

Who: Tony Kearney, Executive Director of Northcott Neighborhood House, Artist Vedale Hill, Employ Milwaukee Earn & Learn Summer Youth Employment Fair, Juneteenth T-Shirts Go On Sale June 15, 2021!

What: Juneteenth Pageant Director LaTonya Lucas announces the date for the crowning, on June 16, 2021-4pm, Juneteenth Muralist, Vedale Hill will talk about the mural;  Chytania Brown, President and CEO of Employ Milwaukee Earn & Learn Summer Youth Employment Fair speaks, and the Juneteenth Golden Anniversary T-Shirts Go On Sale June 15, 2021.

When: 12 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15, 2021  

Where: Northcott Neighborhood House, 2460 N 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53212 

(Milwaukee) June 15, 2021 - Northcott Neighborhood House (NNH), Executive Director Tony A. Kearney, Sr. and Juneteenth Pageant Director, LaTonya Lucas are announcing that on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 4pm; the Juneteenth 50th Anniversary Pageant Winners and their Court will be announced at Northcott Neighborhood House.  Also, in attendance will be the 2020 Juneteenth Pageant winners:

Little Miss Juneteenth Avana Kelly

1st Runner-up Tehana Titus

2nd Runner-up Madelyn Taylor

3rd Runner-up Isharra Collier



Miss Juneteenth Day Ayanna Bennet

1st Runner-up Adaobi Nnamuchi

2nd Runner-up Aniyah Lobley

Mister Juneteenth Jr Christian Wilder

Mister Juneteenth Reign Riley

1st Runner-up Stephawn Easley

2nd Runner-up Isreal Akinsanya

3rd Runner-up Shaun McFerrin

The Juneteenth 50th Golden Anniversary mural will be designed by Vedale Hill.  The mural will reflect the Juneteenth historical attributes of the holiday and will be painted on Locust and king Drive intersection.  Vedale Hill studio is in the Bronzeville area, and he is known for working with youth and bringing out their creativity and talent in their artistic design.  Mr. Hill said, "I am excited about doing a mural that will allow everyone to get involved it's intergenerational and community involved."

Ms. Brown of Employ Milwaukee is bringing the Earn and Learn Summer Youth Employment Program to the people.    Ms. Brown shared, "when I became CEO, "I shared I wanted to expand on what Employ Milwaukee is doing and this is one of the initiatives, taking this Earn & Learn to the youth."

Lastly, Juneteenth T-shirts will go on sale Tuesday, June 15, 2021, this is another way people can support the Juneteenth 50th Golden Anniversary.   There are two styles that you can:

The white t-shirt with green ink is selling for $12.50 or 2 for $20

The white t-shirt with the green and gold ink is selling $15 each or two for $25

Stop in at Northcott Neighborhood House, 2460 N. 6th Street and pick up your Juneteenth T-shirt swag for you and your family and show your pride.

The Juneteenth Day celebration is this Saturday starting with the parade at 8am, watch it live on TMJ4. Join us for a family fun day at Juneteenth!

- Elizabeth Coggs 414-372-3770 | ecoggs@northcotthouse.org


Get “Out of the Box” this Summer with Black Box Fund [Trailer video featuring REbirth by Cracking Art]

Your /CW Fam will be chilling with the “birds” all summer long!

Check out this teaser video to get a glimpse at how we will be helping to activate the arts with Black Box Fund’s Out of the Box series featuring REbirth by Cracking Art!

#Crackingart #historicthirdwardmilwaukee #outoftheboxmke