172

Johanna Moise, a native Floridian, spent 17 years dancing and ultimately moved to New York City to follow a career in the arts. Throughout the episode, Johanna and I discuss the tug of war she finds not only between the arts and sciences but the battle between her aspirations and the expectations of a systemically oppressed society. While the American Dream lends credibility to a decadent life, Johanna reveals how she uses her identity to reinvent what the American Dream means to her.  Johanna stands where she does today due to the immense perseverance she embodies as a Black woman succeeding in the arts industry.

Today's episode features Khalil Osborne, a Jacksonville native photographer and graphic designer. From working in a photography studio to curating his own art, Khalil divulges the realities of being the one behind the lens --the many encounters with microaggressions, finding the motivation to keep exploring his artistic narrative. While his artistic exploration maintains personal upheavals, he claims his passion for art keeps him driven.  A key point of emphasis Khalil reiterates is research; in a history ridden city, he truly belives our artistic journeys can alter their directions if we only invested more time to familiarize ourselves with the world we live in and how it came to be. Listen to today's episode as Khalil reveals the many beauties of Jacksonville our whitewashed perception often conceals. 

Listen to today’s episode as T’ni Welch reveals the truths behind being a mixed POC in the L.A. modeling industry. We dissect the philosophy behind our internal demands and systemic demands that stray us farther from our identity. T’ni’s story encases ample truth in regards to the systemic racism embedded within the modeling industry, but her narrative also displays the beauty in her resilience towards self-discovery.

Today on 172, we are speaking with the incredible Ms. Kayla Turner! Kayla is a 17-year-old Jamaican-American writer, activist, and student from the South Shore of Massachusetts. Many of the highlights of her career thus far has been spreading awareness and advocating for racial justice through Speech and Debate. As she enters her freshman year at Syracuse University, Kayla is committed to continuing fighting for justice, hope, and the voiceless. Along with her activism, Kayla is also the founder of Roses For Redemption, a nonprofit organization for young girls of color to learn how to properly advocate for their mental health with the intention to break cycles of generational trauma. She plans to use the power of her voice to shed light on human rights injustices and empathize with as many people as possible.