The death of George Floyd has sparked nationwide protests and calls for fundamental change. While there are countless ways to aid in this effort (signing petitions, donating to organizations, voting, protesting, etc), here Sheesh Magazine highlights how three Black creatives are using their voice and artistry to spread a much needed message.
1. Aurora James
Aurora James is the Founder and Creative Director of Brother Vellies, a New York based luxury accessory brand with “the goal of keeping traditional African design practices, and techniques alive.” As a business owner, she recognized how much harder Black businesses are hit by economic crises, and how few Black-owned brands are on shelves at popular stores. In response to these inequities, she recently initiated the 15 Percent Pledge— a campaign urging major retailers to commit to buying at least 15% of their inventory from Black-owned businesses. This is estimated to bring $14.5 billion dollars back to Black communities.
In an interview with Forbes, Aurora asserted “Black people represent 15 percent of the population in the United States, and we need to represent 15 percent of the shelf space.” Click here to join the thousands of people who have already signed the petition.
2. Danielle Coke
Danielle Coke is a talented illustrator creating informative and easily understandable graphics about topics of utmost importance. She told Allure, “My art aims to make complex issues more digestible and provide practical ways to help you make a difference in your community.” With her colorful drawings and powerful word choices, Danielle effectively communicates much needed messages about race relations, identity, and more.
Beyond that, she recently started supplementing her meaningful visual art with in-depth, 20 to 40 minute conversations on IGTV. These videos focus on “turning awareness into action” and educating people on the various ways they can positively, and tangibly affect the world. The third episode in the series, for example, discusses the importance of being outwardly anti-racist, and gives tips for having tough conversations and confrontations about racist behavior.
3. Malene Barnett
Marlene Barnett is a versatile artist exhibiting talent in a wide array of fields, including but not limited to: ceramics, interior design, and mixed media painting. Through her creative endeavors, she illustrates her African heritage and “vision of the modern black experience.”
In 2018, Marlene founded the Black Artists + Designers Guild to “combat the lack of representation of Black talent and culture in the design industry.” Since then, BADG has represented a variety of independent Black artists, increased exposure of their work, and connected them to much sought after opportunities in the design industry. You can donate to BADG here, and support the next generation of promising creatives.
This list showcased a few notable individuals effectively empowering themselves and their community, but it is far from conclusive. In addition to these three, Sheesh Magazine urges you to extend your unequivocal support to all Black artists, creatives, designers, businesses, and people— now and always.
