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

Original Art, T-Shirts & More !!! #TestUpMKE [a creative campaign] w/ CopyWrite Magazine

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“LET ME GET UHHH COVID TEST & A LARGE COKE.” - is just one of the culturally triggered lines in the verbiage and design for #TestUpMKE [ a creative campaign], that you have seen circulating. The original art created by MKE notable artist Vedale Hill, was created and curated to capture the “urban” community of MKE which includes Black & Brown people and the systemically disenfranchised.

The designs play on the identity and cultural cues that are imbedded into our everyday lives and our nostalgia. Whether that be the 90’s Solo cup colorway, the gas station/take out food “Thank You” bag or the gold ornamented grill of a Black Male icon. It’s there. It’s for us. It’s by US [no FUBU tho.]

As COVID-19 continues to dominate our lives we want to make sure that the knowledge that can help save our community is communicated through methods we already respect & dabble in: ART, FASHION, COMMUNITY & CULTURE.

[Want to learn more about Covid-19 Testing? Visit https://www.testupmke.com/ ]

Like these #TestUpMKE campaign T-shirts? Well you can be #SociallyResponsibe and fly by Pre-ordering your favorite design on our online store.

/CW

CopyWrite Mag Press Interview w/ Joel Boyd, about "The Most Bestest Holiday Telethon VIRTUAL COMEDY BENEFIT for the MLK SCHOLARSHIP FUND (Spectacular)" virtual

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What are you doing this Saturday afternoon? Nothing. major huh? So why not add laughter and a good cause to your schedule by tuning in to The Most Bestest Holiday Telethon (Spectacular) a VIRTUAL COMEDY BENEFIT for the MLK SCHOLARSHIP FUND!

/CW Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson chats with Joel Boyd, Comedy Writer (who now lives in LA) from MKE, about The Most Bestest Holiday Telethon (Spectacular): A VIRTUAL COMEDY BENEFIT for the MLK SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Saturday, December 19th, 2020 (1pm CST)

/CW

Click Here For More Details

CW Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson chats with Joel Boyd, Comedy Writer from MKE, about The Most Bestest Holiday Telethon (Spectacular): A VIRTUAL COMEDY BE...

[Behind The Scenes] #TestUpMKE [a creative campaign] w/ CopyWrite Magazine

Check out BTS footage from our creative campaign photoshoot for #TestUpMKE, a Covid-19 testing, information, and support platform based in Milwaukee, WI.

This video not only serves as a visual for the campaign but also showcases how creatives can be #SociallyResponsible while collaborating in a pandemic. 

We hope it inspires you to reimagine the practice of making, while being safe, informed and of course Covid-19 Tested all the way up!

Learn more at https://www.testupmke.com/

/CW

Original Art by Vedale Hill

Photography by Destined Visuals

Videography byMalique Savage

Music by Genesis Renji

[Fashion] Project Management by Vato Vergara

[Fashion] Creative Direction by Imani Ortiz

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.



SNEEX "new" Blog Page is now Powered by CopyWrite Magazine!!! [https://www.sneex3rdward.com/blog-1 ]

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ALL THINGS URBAN LIVE HERE!

Last year CopyWrite Magazine and Sneex shoe boutique, announced our partnership. Collaborating to do Sneex Sofa Sessions, “A free forum that highlights individuals dominating in creative spaces”, we noticed common interest, cultural understanding and authentic appreciation for “Urban” lifestyle. In an effort to continue a great partnership, we are excited to announce Sneex “new” blog page, powered by CopyWrite Magazine.

https://www.sneex3rdward.com/blog-1

Not only will this blog page include Sneex & /CW collaborations, it will also feature other creative content, like fashion, community, and culture!

So check the website. Explore the content, shop the hottest sneaker drops, and as always. . .

#SupportTheLocal

/CW [From the desk of /CW Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson]








#TestUpMKE [a creative campaign] w/ CopyWrite Magazine

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Pandemic Pending...

Covid-19 testing is a must to stop the spread. Check out this [creative campaign] for Test Up MKE, a Covid-19 testing, information, and support platform based in Milwaukee, WI.

https://www.testupmke.com/

Using creative means to get the word out to the URBAN, authentic, "minority" and creative community, we partnered in a collaboration that involved local artists, graphic designers, screen printers, photographers, models, journalists and health partners. [We used Covid-19 safety methods, because we are trying to liveeeeeeeee B!]

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This campaign features t-shirt designs that include verbiage and imagery that not only reaffirms the importance of Covid-19 testing, but also pays homage to cultural cues, lifestyle and satire. With a graphic tee, a poppin' mask and of course a fresh pair of kicks, we can make being #SociallyResponsible fly!

Spread knowledge. Spread creativity. Stop the spread of Covid-19 by getting tested.

Learn more at https://www.testupmke.com/

/CW


Original Art by Vedale Hill

Photography by Destined Visuals



Hip Hop & Health [Virtual event] w/CW and other Local business owners, educators, community leaders, and health advocates

Have you registered to virtually attend the Hip-Hop and Health event happening this weekend?

Did you sign up to be apart of the #maskonitchallenge and win $1K?

Go ahead, and do for the culture!

https://www.hiphopandhealth.com/

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In an effort to promote the importance of health information in the Black and Brown community and beyond as we close the year, Milwaukee organizations are coming together to host “Hip Hop and Health”—a live, virtual panel event moderated by Carrie “Noni Juice” Mahone with a live performance by renown DJ Jazzy Jeff of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.

The event will take place on Dec. 13 at 6:30 PM CST, and feature a two-part panel conversation, discussing vital questions about health information as it intersects with Hip Hop culture. The panel will explore how Hip Hop and its culture connect with positive health practices.

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The event is Free, Family-Friendly, and will not be your traditional “talking at you” virtual experience. Please visit hiphopandhealth.com for details and to register for the event before December 12th.

/CW



“Shine A Light” Call for Artists

*info provided Kennita Hickman for Imagine MKE

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Light the Hoan is looking for artists to partner with participating non-profits to create one of a kind posters for Light the Hoan. 

This call is open to visual artists, graphic designers, animators, and the likes. Your design will be used on limited edition posters sold through Light the Hoan’s website. In the application process, artists will be asked to submit previous work samples (not drafts of designs for this project).

Selected artists will receive $250 stipend for work plus 10% of merch sales during first year.

Participating non-profits will be highlighted for one month each in 2021 beginning in February, and include:
88NINE Radio Milwaukee 
Imagine MKE 
Black Box Fund 
Islands of Brilliance 
Boys and Girls Club  
We Got This 
IC Stars 
Urban Underground 
Wisconsin Humane Society 
ACTS Housing
United Community Center

To apply, interested artists will need to complete our Shine a Light online application found here by Friday, December 11, 11:59 pm.

Artists will be notified by Tuesday, January 8, 2021.  

From there, artists will be matched with a participating nonprofit.

Individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, from the disability community, military veterans, and other marginalized groups strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation

Selected artists will receive $250 stipend for work plus 10% of poster sales during first year.

Imagine MKE Background

Imagine MKE is the connector, convener, and amplifier of the arts and culture community in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our work is rooted in the belief that arts and culture have the power to transform Milwaukee and be the catalyst for social, economic, and civic vitality. Driven by this belief, we unite within our sector and across the city around work that sustains artists and arts organizations, positions creatives at key leadership tables, and partners with others to build a thriving and inclusive city.

Light the Hoan Background

A collective of local business and civic leaders, Light the Hoan is a committee of the Daniel Hoan Foundation. In May 2018, the group launched a public crowdsourcing campaign to help raise more than $3.5 million to illuminate the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge, the iconic tied-arch bridge spanning nearly two miles across Interstate 794.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO