Social Media Reels
Food Photography
Graphics & Promotional Design
Projects
Birthday Fundraiser & Telethon
To this day I'm probably as surprised as you are on how this happened.
Because of the 2020 pandemic, by September it was clear I was not going to have a typical birthday. Living with my 93-year-old grandmother, there simply was no way to go out and celebrate.
Coincidentally, Cleveland was deemed the second worst connected city in America for Wifi access at the same time my birthday was approaching. I soon found myself the face of a campaign to combat the digital divide. Knowing in the back of my mind I wanted to make a program directly reaching into the home and hearts of families all over Cleveland, I went to work crafting a telethon showcasing Black excellence. That way, the kids would know their community cares and that their life matters-regardless of how society made them feel. The telethon featured my friends who are singers and artists, a healthy food cooking demonstration by yours truly, a yoga class led by a Black instructor, followed by remarks from community professionals highlighting the Value of Education. I wanted the benefitting families to see the, and donations could be made with the ability to write notes to the kids. We raised close to $8,000 in less than 30 days.
On September 27th, 2020-the day before my birthday and the day we aired the telethon-Cleveland was named the worst connected city in the United States.
And as you can see by my pose and props, all Black moms ask you to take photos the exact same way. But we love them!
To Learn More Visit:
Photo Shot by Selena M.
Vegan Food Blog
Quarantine for an entire year drew attention to many things, most notably our eating habits. For a challenge, I decided to go vegan. My thought: less trips to the (hazardous) grocery store, and adapting a healthier lifestyle since I couldn't go into the gym.
See what happened here and enjoy the recipes, blogs, & playlists from yours truly.
Donuts With Dad
This project will forever remain close to my heart. My mother was my first exposure to what hands-on philanthropy looks like. For the past 6 years she's been children's books for Black fathers to read with their children. To me, the genius in her books is her idea that "no matter what the situation...bad relationship with mom, no money, no ideas of where to go...this book reaches beyond that. It's a perfect bonding tool."
I've sat and molded her vision from a marketing lens. I decided to re-invent the idea of Donuts with Dad. Found partnerships with local donut shops in the Cleveland area. Pitched Donuts with Dad Day with a Black author to local schools. Scraped up money to create a coloring book and hire a Spanish translator. Produced a video to show her talent for a Fedex Small Business Grant. Designed vending tables and promotional material.
There is nothing like seeing a child's eyes light up when they're Dad comes in the door, and they nestle in with their book and donut. I'm so proud of this effort, and absolutely cannot wait for it to take wings and fly the way we know it can.
Freelance Editor and Writer
A student of hip-hop/rap music theory and history, I've used my exposure to award winning author and historian, Toni Tipton Martin, as a launchpad for telling stories of modern musicians through the lens of past accomplishments in the Black community. My profile about Coast Contra landed me an in-person meeting with the up-and-coming rap group a month after the publishing date. Aside from music, I also put my language/communication skills to the test by bringing awareness to the Black community about mental health and healing (see Black Girls Vent pt. 1).
Prior to writing on Medium, I created a social media page dedicated to getting Black creatives exposure for their work. The platform was founded shortly after the passing of urban cultural icon Nipsey Hussle, using his provocative mentality, life journey, and legacy as fuel to "give people their flowers while they can still smell them". An unforeseen bonus, Prolific Profiles displayed customized profiles creatives across the U.S. while helping artists increase their followers and expand their clientele.
To read more about Black Creatives & Entrepreneurs
across the country read here. Link for application here.
