Philly’s Motivation: A Source of Pride and Resilience in Philadelphia
Williams utilized his hardships as tools for success and grew a thriving social media platform known as Philly’s Motivation, posting 60-second videos that make people smile, whether through “a prayer or inspiring someone through grief, suicidal thoughts, or depression,” said Williams.
His messages were like little love notes to the community, spreading hope and optimism in challenging times.
Freeing the Cvgebird
Cvgebird takes social and systemic issues, and makes them sonically compelling, as well as being informed and interesting. Everything is intentional, whether it be for Selina, the listener, or both.
Determined and Never Afraid: Dana “DJ Showtyme” Johnson
Dana Johnson continues to offer herself to the world, despite the traumas she’s endured. She recognizes that she is an example for many who admire her and offers herself as a voice for those oppressed, ignored, and forgotten. DJ Showtyme reminds us that adversity shapes us, but doesn’t define who we are to ourselves or others.
The Exemplary Manhood of Frontline Dads
So, what does it mean to be a Frontline Dad? Jones describes it as “exemplary manhood,” a recurring phrase taught to mentees. “You don’t have to be a biological father to be a dad,” he emphasizes. “We come from communities where we believe in taking a village to raise a child.”
Oshunbumi Fernandez-West & The Legacy of Odunde
In many ways, Fernandez-West’s life mirrors her mother’s. “Bumi wants to see everyone win,” says Radeen Scott, a friend since kindergarten. Like Lois, “Bumi does so much behind the scenes, whether it’s clothe people’s children, pay someone’s bills….she’s mentored so many girls behind the scenes.” Those acts of kindness and generosity were ingrained in Fernandez-West simply by watching how her mother moved through the world. It surprised no one that two years ago, when Kesha Simpson, Fernandez-West’s best friend, was dying of breast cancer, Bumi didn’t think twice about taking in Kesha’s two children.
The Sister Stewards of Dope Botanicals
“We created a space that we always wanted to come to,” says Taahirah. “It’s so important for us to put our point of view out there as Black women. We have a specific point of view of herbalism, and sometimes that’s overshadowed, or it doesn’t get a storefront.”
Love & Release: The Cry Log
For some time, though, I resisted this truth about myself. I wanted to put distance between myself and stereotypes of women of color as being unable to handle their emotions. I thought that crying meant I was volatile and unstable. I considered bursting into tears to be a weakness, to be something embarrassing and unwanted. And people told me this, too, saying I needed to grow a thicker skin because I was “too sensitive” and thus “illogical.”
Love & Money with Clarifi
Financial instability can feel like an insurmountable obstacle. Clarifi stands as a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and collective action. Through their unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and communities, they are not only changing lives but also redefining what it means to build wealth and achieve financial freedom.
Nature & Nurture: Brandi Aulston’s Hike+Heal
Participants begin the hiking trail as strangers and emerge as a part of something bigger. The conversations during the hike were amazing, from noticing and appreciating the beauty of a magnificent red maple tree to discussing hiking gear and commenting on the children’s adventurous nature to deeper, more existential ponderings.
Joseph Conyers Orchestrates Opportunities Through the Power of Music
When asked how he discovered his passion for music, it felt serendipitous to hear Joseph Conyers respond, “Music found me.”
