Black Lens | Engage & Activate: Young Professionals Forum
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*/CW is a community partner for this event
Dangerously Doing Too Much | A 2022 End Of Year Reflection from Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson
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shot by @carolinecavalcante.ph
So here we are.
I waited until the last minute to write this [not by choice] but the “happenstance” of life made sure I lived out at least 363 days of the year before I came to any conclusions. Sure, I am writing it now but I have been thinking about it since October, because at that point of the year I was through! I mean DONE! Feed up! Over it! I had already come to terms and accepted that THIS was what it was.
Is that vague?
Oh stop fussing. We will get there. [ Just admit it. Your nosey Lol. You will get random pics & videos of my year to look at while you read so your attention span will not fizzle cus I wrote a novel LMAO]
2022, had to be lived.
It had to be lived with contemplation, irritation, affliction, and scrutiny. Now this is not to say there were not any moments of rest, delight, comfort, and applause. Those moments are the blessings that carried me on to the next day. They pushed me into fight mode instead of flight mode. . . They kept me grounded. But see, joy for me is a byproduct of responsibility. I carry my load and thus I carry the highs and the lows that come with it. My burden is MY burden. But somehow I have been lifting weight that is beyond my load without making any gains.
& that’s where we find my mutha-flippin problem.
On December 10th, 2022 at a “work” related event mid-conversation I blacked out, fainted, hit my left eyelid on a wooden ledge, collapsed to the floor, and had what appeared to be a mild seizure [Yes, I said mild like that makes any difference smh]. When I came to, I was calm and very much alert while most of the people around me were frantic because of the blood gushing out of my face. It was a freakin’ spectacle.
A spectacle that as shocking as it may have appeared to most, I knew exactly what had been the cause. I had dangerously been DOING TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH.
Again, the burden of that is mine but it is one that I am not insane enough to keep carrying.
Everybody repeat after me: “I’m choosing me. This time, next time, and EVERY TIME until the last time.”
[& trust, I will not be bothered if you do the same.]
This year I was called passive aggressive by a very close friend [Are we still friends?]. Passive Aggressive as in, “a pattern of indirectly expressing negative feelings instead of openly addressing them”. The “trope” was followed by listing all the emotions I had confided in her [just weeks before] that I had been experiencing with my mental & physical exhaustion, including: stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated, and anxious. To then posture with a verbatim, “. . . idk but your attitude has been a bit shitty as of late. You should unpack that.”
So here I am calling out for help, while providing help [I won't put nobody's personal business on blast with the details] to then be told, “unpack that”. Yikes!
Had I not said to the world and all the people contributing to my stressful load [my family, my partner, my colleagues, my friends, my staff, my self], “I no longer have the capacity to do that”, or “I don’t have the time & resources to do this”, and ofcourse the hated, “Please, do this thing you agreed to do how you agreed to do it, so that I may also do my part without having to do yours”???
I did. Many times.
Not from some extrinsic hierarchical pedestal that upholds systems of inequity and disenfranchisement. Not to stroke my ego because I hold some capitalistic moniker that says I’m in charge. Not to cause harm that can not be repaired through time, practice, and self accountability but with a stance of human respect and experience in spaces many of them have yet ventured and I was never guided through.
Unfortunately, whatever I was communicating [no matter how clear and logical it had been to me] was not working.
Where this year's word was intentionality, it was served with a push to rationalize this urge to be useful [the thing I have always considered my purpose of being]. As I ridiculously recited, “You can not pour from an empty cup”, I was pouring out way too much champagne to those who just really needed water, and didn’t necessarily need it from me. [I was not eating right, my insomnia was at an all time high, my energy was depleted, I was not drinking enough water. Ya girl was moving blind off faith!]
As transparent as I have been learning to become, most people don’t want to hear my truth. The truth is that as much success as I am experiencing, as much joy doing things outside the box has brought me, as much love from within and from others I get to bask in, there are some core situations that are messing with my peace, livelihood, and stability.
Like. . .
Being denied a home loan because your socioeconomic upbringing & ethnicity, when you have 2.5 streams of income, a 720 credit score, with all your finances in good standing [Tuh, this is America]
Being debilitatingly sick 8 times in one year and then developing chronic fatigue [It’s extra nasty out there. Wash your hands & take your vitamin C. I have a 3 year old so all germs on me Lol]
Someone attempting to rob you in your place of business and then coming into your office building to find a strange man sleeping outside your door [This is the trauma caused by people just trying to survive. This is not a them problem. This is not a me problem. This is a WE problem. WE are failing our people]
These are just a few examples of where my year could have collapsed under me but instead I just pushed on. Saying yes, showing up, doing my best, and giving my all.
But when I needed a break, I did not pause.
But when I needed to say “hell no”, I tried to compromise.
But when I needed to be given grace, I did not demand it.
I knew better & I didn’t do better because I felt useful.
And that failure is my own.
I say all of this to get to a place of yearly reflection that is not just a list of triumphs [because I could do that. I did some dope sh*t that I’m really quite proud of *does one of those corny “I’m feeling myself” dances*] but to really vocalize that something has to shake B! Things absolutely must change.
It literally took me getting bust upside my head to sit my a** down. [Okay, energies that be! Yall not about to play with me. NOTED!]
So in 2023 & for as long as they apply the following are up for debate, dismissal, and eviction:
Leadership: I never wanted to be a leader but I have been called on to that journey. It is an obligation I don’t take lightly and I know why this has been asked of me and not another for this season of life. I note that there are traditions of leadership that I embody but there are even more that I do not subscribe to. This is because there are some systems that are traits of colonization, patriarchy, and inhumanity. I will not speak the language of my oppressor to my people. I will not continue to repeat methods that have failed those that needed it most. I will not ask of you what I am not willing to do myself. I will lead where my experience gives me expertise and I will follow where I need knowledge and guidance. If you do not respect my approach as a leader, I do not take it personally. This mission is just not for you.
Friends: I am a lifer. Not a situational deflection. You owe me nothing, and thus I owe you nothing. Not a phone call, not a check in, not a visit, not a like. What you offer me I will appreciate with or without acceptance. What I offer you, you may take or leave without judgment. When we cross paths I will honor the moments we share. When we are apart I will value the memories that involve you. You don’t have to solve my problems, be my moral compass or even agree with me. All that I ask is that you respect my agency over me. [It's a swinging door]
Love: Me first. I love MYSELF first. I will love me wholeheartedly so that I can love others the same. I can forgive & love deeply. I can experience & love without holding a grudge. I can have loved wrong and still learn to love right. I am growing love and I am living love. This year was full of reminders that love, even when it is not contained in a pretty bow, can keep your soul alive. [To the love of my life & soul tie, Thanks for pouring into me the love I needed to get me through Papi].
Business: CopyWrite is going to be different. Progress is uncomfortable and those growing pains come with growing expectations. We can’t come to every event. We have children to raise. We can’t review every song. We got bills to pay. We can’t interview every wave maker, there are others who need a voice. Communal greatness is not complacent #SupportTheLocal. CopyWrite filled a void. CopyWrite changed the narrative. CopyWrite archived history. CopyWrite has plans. You coming or nah?
Extra: I’m not afraid to be wrong but I am damn sure not afraid to be right. I am afraid to give up before I am out of time. Let’s see what happens. “If they said I did it. I DID IT.”
So 2023, let’s ride it until the wheels fall off!
Love & All Things Urban,
Lexi S. “I’m resting” Brunson
Editor-in-Chief of CopyWrite Magazine
A Milwaukee For All | Greater Milwaukee Foundation Strategic Vision for 2020-2025
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The Greater Milwaukee Foundation serves the whole community. As a partner of choice for generous donors, as a champion for our nonprofit sector, as a convener of diverse voices and ideas – we have been woven into the fabric of this region for 105 years. But our legacy together is just the beginning. We are committed to expanding our table, deepening our impact and innovating for a brighter future where everyone thrives. A new tomorrow starts today.
After a year that brought both a global pandemic and an uprising for racial justice, the question we face is not how we rebuild Milwaukee—but how we build a better Milwaukee.
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation envisions a community of thriving neighborhoods that welcomes, includes, and develops the potential of all people. A region that serves as a beacon for the nation. A Milwaukee for all.
But there’s a fault line running through every system we live with today: racism. It’s more than just the disparities and segregation we all know too well. Its many legacies and effects represent the greatest threat to our future as a region.
No one can take on a challenge like this alone: no individual, no institution, no neighborhood. It will take all of us — and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation is how Milwaukee works together.
This is the driving purpose behind our new strategic plan for 2020-25: overcoming our racial divisions to build a Milwaukee for all. It arises from years of listening and learning with our community — and now we’re calling on our entire community to join us in this generational undertaking.
Following our North Star to build a Milwaukee for all The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is committed to building a Milwaukee for all. This work is guided by our North Star of racial equity and inclusion.
*info provided by INPOWER
Krypto - “Meditation” MUSIC VIDEO
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As Krypto Kracc prepares for the release of his EP “Black Superman,” he releases yet another single and music video for “Meditation,” continuing the narrative of what a true hustler is made of. Started off by his previous releases “Hood Business” and “Dead Drop,” “Meditation” describes the importance of a Gangsta turned Businessman having the strength to turn the negatives of his life into a positive and the foresight to know that the struggle will not last forever. Krypto touches on moments where one may need meditation the most like dealing with envy from those closest to them to just needing to quiet their mind in order to perfect the next move. The visual shows him in two parallel settings- One is more glamorous, surrounded by bottle girls, money, and fellow businessmen. Then it cuts to a few shots of him on the block, reminding his audience not only of where he came from but the reason for his grind- to inspire and give back to his roots. Despite being granted opportunity after opportunity and getting closer to his goal of rolling with the big dogs, Krypto doesn't deny that he owes his stamina and business sense to his street smarts and is well on his way to being the hero that he aims to be.
Tell me how YOU feel about “ Meditation ” Milwaukee. /Naomi-Re’a for CW
Black & Diverse Business Showcase | December 7th 2022
/*info provided by the Wisconsin Black Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
Your business is your business!
BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS?
You must network, research, and resource. TWBCC will be providing just that. An atmosphere for new or growing business through the Lenz of the government eye!
The BLACK AND DIVERSE BUSINESS SHOWCASE will bring together new and growing business eager to grow to the next level and SHOWCASE their many products and services. The showcase will also provide the opportunity for new and growing minority, woman, veteran and LGBTQ+ owned businesses to learn how to prepare their businesses for the Government markets.
Register to attend as a vendor, exhibitor, sponsor or an attendee of this very special business showcase.
AGENDA
[Subject to change without notice]
Welcome-LIVE on FB & Instagram
7:30am: Doors Open
7:45-8:15am: (Entertainment)
8:00-9:00am Breakfast: Bounce Back “Start Up Breakfast” (Guest Speaker)
9:00-10:00am Workshops
Civil Rights Law in Contracting
Section 3 Monitoring - Opportunity & HUB Zones
Business Startup Workshop - WWBIC
9:00 - 12:00pm Virtual “The Contracting Academy (TCA)”
10:15-11:15am Workshops
How do CDFI’s Work?
Contract Monitoring
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Monitoring
11:15-11:45am: Open Networking (Entertainment)
11:30am-12:45pm Luncheon: "Technical Assistance Luncheon"
Kansas City ASTEAM Village vs Milwaukee IT-Milky Way Tech Hub
1:00-2:00pm Workshops
City, County, & Corporate Certifications
Business Credit
Personal Credit
2:15-3:15pm Workshops
State and Federal Certifications
Business Credit
Personal Credit
3:15-4:45pm: Networking & Vendor Market
4:45-5:15pm: (Entertainment)
5:00-6:00pm Banquette: Capacity Building Banquette-National Black Chamber President
6:00-7:00pm: Pitch Contest Finale
7:00pm: (Entertainment)
8:30pm: Closing Remarks: Ruben Hopkins
Networking Areas
-Hallway/Break Room
-Ballroom/Business Networking
copywrite magazine, media & Design is not responsible for the content of this post.
Leo W3ST- “Outside” MUSIC VIDEO
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Chicago Native Leo w3ST describes a typical Saturday morning from his childhood in his new music video for “Outside.” We see an adult w3ST on the couch playing video games as the camera gives a quick pan to then find his younger self taking his place. The early 90’s nostalgia hits instantly as young w3ST gets his day started while wearing a Dennis Rodman Piston’s jersey and the chorus opens up with “Saturday morning, Mighty Morphin’, sugar coated cheerios…” What an undefeated combo! We see the current w3ST again, this time dressed as a mailman, tour guiding us through his memories of hitting up corner stores for snacks, traveling through the neighborhood and gathering his friends on the way, and kicking game to girls with plans to sneak around with them later on. He reminds his audience of how much fun it was to actually spend the day outside- in fact it was preferred in comparison to nowadays where everyone, even the adults, would much rather be indoors. The pure bliss of feeling untouchable as we traveled blocks away from our house from sun up to sun down with our neighborhood buddies, being influenced in the best and worst ways (little Leo w3ST gives cigarettes a try when he runs into his other homies at the park who are significantly older than he is) is something that many of us 90’s babies like w3ST treasure in the back of our minds. And all of this occurred before those street lights came on!… It better had at least. Tell me how YOU feel about “ Outside ” Milwaukee. /Naomi-Re’a for CW
Cam Will- “What Do You Want?” MUSIC VIDEO
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On October 21st, Cam Will dropped a new single,“What Do You Want,” a ballad about the young rapper’s personal experience with being in a back and forth romance with someone that he was dating once upon a time. He briefly gave some background on this story in a short video on his insta page prior to releasing the song to the public. A few days after the drop, the music video was released. This black and white visual, starring Model Julia Papillon, is short and sweet. She is greeted by her boo at the front door to her home and instantly they begin to have a playful evening- they’ve had a little bit to drink, they’re playing cards and being silly around the house. Meanwhile, during this seemingly adorable moment, Cam Will’s lyrics bleed through describing the emotional consequences of having to move on from someone whom he had been waiting on before; someone who didn't choose him back in the end. Before long, her person of interest ends up looking at his phone while she walks away to grab their drinks and tells her that his time with her is up. As they hug each other goodbye the main lady is seen with a glum look on her face. The camera quickly pans over to Cam Will sitting in his car peeping the last bit of their interaction with each other before pulling off; his last look at her before deciding to move on. Whew, the feels! Tell me how YOU feel about “ What Do You Want?” Milwaukee. /Naomi-Re’a for CW
Let's make the playlist poppin' | Submit your music for a chance to be played on the radio!
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Do you create radio worthy music? Let’s put it to the test!
CopyWrite is hosting a special session of Sound Judgment, with our friends at Hyfin radio, curated from music submissions sent to the /CW Fam.
At Sound Judgment attendees, listen to the songs we think are radio worthy and cast their votes to get them played on-air! That means getting your music into rotation!
Want in? Send your radio cuts over to copywrite.connect@gmail.com Attn: Sound Judgment Submission. [Spotify links preferred]
We will be accepting submissions until 10/27/22 at 10:00am
Click HERE for our general submission guidelines.
Now. . . Let’s make the playlist poppin’.
Runway Show MKE Fashion Show
/Runway Show MKE Fashion Show
AFROPUNK Minneapolis… Antix in Chicago… a regular ‘Black boy fly’ fit post from St. Louis, MO native Smino- 2022 has been an extraordinary year for Fashion and Design. Now, of course the usual Met Gala, NYFW, and award shows are gonna serve it to us every time but I'm talkin’ about Mid-West fashion! Our Stylists and Designers have been eating it up all year, you’d have to be there to really know. It’s all thanks to showcases like Runway Show MKE, for providing the rooms, the opportunities, and the exposure for so many underground Designers- Black Designers in particular.
On September 18th, Founders Marlaina Taylor and Honey Daniels booked Gather at Deer District’s rooftop for a wonderful evening of fashion. The smooth sounds of Cigarette Break could be heard as /CW Fam approached the top of the stairs, immediately seeing the runway and the rows of seats gradually being claimed in the midst of some mixing and mingling. The audience was filled with people who understood the assignment for attending a fashion show; Fits were fire! Perfect for some What People Wear MKE content.
We joined in and engaged with the night’s attendees and spotted some familiar faces. We saw the owners of Rerocc, C&B Creative, Mr. Fashion Sense Jeff MCallister, and right in the front row was Lynne Dixon-Speller, Academic Dean of Runway Show’s Charity Partner Edessa School of Fashion whose student designers represented Milwaukee in NYFW BLK the week prior. Just before the start of the show, we saw the hostess for the night Steph Crosley, who was wearing Keraye London of Kevon Raye, one of the designers in the showcase. The seats were filled and with standing room at capacity, the space was filled with people ready to see fashion come to life. Not only did the models, seasoned and fresh faced, walk it out and give the audience life but the real stars of the show came out with some of the best pieces seen in our city, by our city!
We had presentations from those who weren’t new to the scene like Deborah Render of GG Collections whose signature dress trains, puff sleeves, furs, coats and patterns gave us the dramatics that we live for! It was 50s inspired glamor meets bold colors.Kelvin Haydon made sure that the ladies knew where to shop should they get an invite to the Grammys with his full length garments; A blend of class and sass. But who else puts more sass on the runway than Chelsea Stotts though?? This MKE native has done nothing but kill em’ softly since her move to Atlanta last year. With her most recent accomplishment of reaching celebrity designer status after making a custom Moda Muneca2-piece for BIG Latto earlier this year, it was about time for a new collection drop. ‘PRISMATIC’ had colors and a look for anything after lunch time, a cocktail renaissance. Her surprise gown transformation from a cute, all white layered skirt to a hooded pattern dress at the close of her segment was enough to remind the crowd that she hasn't lost her edge. Even more anticipated, the newer faces left their impression on the audience for sure! T+FCo Swim by Marlaina herself IS the statement piece for black girls in luxury. Much of her swimsuits were earth toned and nude colored but were also seen in white and even combined with a bridal beach robe as an intro to their new bridal collection- ‘Cause who wouldn’t wanna be married in a bikini?? Maria Olson ofMishka has been making her rounds, having just presented at Fashion Fest MKE at Bayshore. Her pieces walked down the runway speaking more directly to the overall identity of MidWest culture- giving “industrial” with her usage of large belts, shapes, browns and blacks, plastic and leather… Who does that? We do. And we are only getting better. Milwaukee fashion is here to take its place and stay! /Naomi-Re’a for CW
