BLACK INNOCENCE! A PHOTO DOCUMENTARY

Local Artist/Photographer to Showcase Photo Journalism Project: Black Innocence

James Drakeford (Mr. King JD) is on a mission. All too often, for Drakeford’s taste, the dominant images and social constructs associated with Blackness in general and Black youth, in particular, invoke feelings of hopelessness, fear, and mistrust that resonate negatively with mainstream and marginalized America. Through authentic photographs of Black youth, Drakeford introduces a counter narrative of hopefulness, courage, and faith.

Black Innocence tells a new story, freezes a new frame, and paints a new picture of African American youth.  “When I see a Black child”, Drakeford explains, “I see someone with limitless talent and potential. I see unbridled innocence”.  He wants others to see what he sees. Through the use of candid, natural, spontaneous photographs of elementary school age Black children doing ordinary, everyday things, Drakeford captures the innocence of childhood.

Serving children is nothing new to Drakeford. A native of Dayton, Ohio and current Columbus resident, the young entrepreneur received a B.S. degree from the College of Education at The Ohio State University, taught in the Freedom School Program . . . , founded The Idea of Being Somebody.® (TIOBS), a lifestyle movement that promotes self-actualization, and manages Sole Classics, a premier sneaker and clothing boutique in the Short North Columbus area. Drakeford is a painter as well as a photographer. His paintings have been featured in several art shows.

The Black Innocence project will be his second exclusive photography exhibit. Of his work and the children he portrays, Drakeford states: “In addition to rebranding the image of Black youth, I want my work to promote unity, respect, hope, determination, and compassion. I wish for these children to flourish and defy negative premonitions. I hope they will find purpose, fulfillment, and happiness.”

                                                       

IN A CITY FACING MAJOR ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CRISIS HERES A STORY OF HOPE

With every business there is a story about how someone came from the bottom and ended up on top.  What they fail to mention in these typical story plots is the amount of hard work it takes to remain there.

The story of Burn Rubber was almost non-existent due to a number of obstacles that were in the way before Rick Williams and Roland Coit took over ownership in 2007 but this did not stop them from pursuing their dreams of being business owners. The store began in 2004 and the best way to describe the process of Williams and Coit taking over ownership is through a quote by the famous 19th century artist Michelangelo that states, “I saw the angel in the marble and I carved until I set him free” this is what they did with the restructuring of the 680 square foot shop.

“Movement is Life and Stagnation is Death” so to say that the store is still the same as it was in 2007 would be inaccurate. The store has gone through a number of changes that lead up to where they are today.  Williams and Coit are truly concerned with the expansion and growth of the Burn Rubber name and are currently the innovators of the Burn Rubber Midwest Lifestyle Brand.

In the beginning companies were reluctant to work with such a small store and in the almost three years that Burn Rubber took over new ownership, companies realize the large following the store has and how Burn Rubber is a staple in the sneaker and street wear culture in Michigan and the original sneaker and street wear boutique.

Williams and Coit realize the importance of collaborating with different companies and creating an association to further the common interests of the members, so Webster dictionary would call those, alliances.  In the beginning companies viewed the store as an urban entity until the store was featured in the Northwest Airlines Sky Miles Magazine and took the store all over the world thus making it international. The store has also been featured in the “best of” issues of Real Detroit Magazine and The Metro Times, the Lifestyles section of the Detroit News, Vapors Magazine, renowned online fashion magazine Hypebeast.com, Highsnobiety.com, Nicekicks.com, Strictlyfitteds.com, and won WDIV’s Vote for the Best in men’s shoes in 2008.

Burn Rubber is constantly evolving, keep up!

MEDIA GUIDE

PLEASE VISIT ENDANGERED MAG LINK FOR ADVERTISING MEDIA INFORMATION

          www.issuu.com/endangeredmagazine

Endangered Magazine linking our community

Game Changers: The One Hood Media Academy

One Hood Media Academy, established by Jasiri X and Paradise “The Arkitech” Gray, in conjunction with August Wilson Center for African American Culture and a generous donation provided by the Heinz Endowments.  One Hood Media is a tool to help African American young men critically analyze media messages, broaden their experience of media, and develop the creative skills needed in producing their own media.

The mission is to improve self-image, dispel negative stereotypes, and provide a positive forum of self-expression.  The program is offered to 25 young African-American men, ages 13-19.  The course will include, though not limited to, the art of blogging, video production, and social media.

                                                                                                             EM

MEN OF FEW WORD

                                                           Author/Guest writer Shauna Jackson 

Photo by Anthony Alden

I really enjoy watching some men move, stand, and flow.  Some may call it swag, but no, what I write about is much more than that. Some men just naturally have style, carry themselves with a certain class and sophistication. They don’t need to say a word; they just pull you right in… I enjoy the strong silent type. However, my fascination is not sexual; it’s more like observing art. My dad has the same mannerism and so does my armor.

I first took notice when I was a young girl. Don’t ask at what age, because I can’t remember, but a man in a black and white movie called A Patch of Blue impressed me. The first thing that got me was, the fact that he is a black man in a leading role, something I didn't see much of back then. The second was his style and the way he spoke. I believe this was a few years after my Bruce Lee obsession. (Don’t ask, long story.) I later learned from my father that his name is Sidney Poitier.

Many months ago, after clicking through channels, I came across a movie, Limits of Control. I could not change the channel. I was transfixed and memorized by Isaach De Bankolé. I believe he said no more than one hundred words. He seemed very aware, wise and focused. He played the character very well. I enjoyed the movie even more because it is so eclectic. There are clues he has to put together in order to reach his destination. I've seen it several times since and still enjoyed it, as if it were the first.

These roles are played by amazing actors who caused me to pay attention. Whether it’s rescuing a blind girl from a lonely and abusive life- A lean mean fighting machine, who never messes with anyone but trouble somehow always seem to find him- Or a wise, quiet hit man, who doesn't say much. Men can be very fascinating to watch. However don’t get caught, they may think you like them or it may seem a tad bit creepy.

                                                     Author/Writer Shauna Jackson 
                                                      http://shianwrites.wordpress.com

KEEPING IT REAL WITH STEVE LOBEL

Steve Lobel Keeping It Real

Steve Lobel spoke with Endangered Magazine after an heartfelt, inspirational talk with students at South high school in Columbus, Ohio. Lobel was in Columbus, Ohio this past weekend for the "Ohio HipHop Awards and Conferance".The man behind the Adidas sweat gear who model his life behind the philosophy " life is not easy, hard-work pay off. If your not motivated you will not be given nothing."
His demeanor is that of a high school principal which seem fitting for the environment. Steve Lobel passion for dedicating his life to hard work is evident by his success.

Artist Manager,Executive Producer,Author,Motivational Speaker are among the few titles he proudly hold down. Lobel's music affiliations he has worked with include; Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Run DMC, Easy-E, Big Pun, 3-6 Mafia, Master P to name a few.

As he stood in front of the student filled auditorium in his usual laid back style' sitting on top of the chair, Lobel's intensity,passion and brutal honesty came to rest upon innocent ears.
"You can't teach loyalty it has to be inside of you" Lobel's most recognizable accomplishment is showing loyalty to his artist; A trait that is so rare in today's music industry.
The future for Steve Lobel is defined by one word "success" followed by commitment to his skill set and craft. Lobel passionately confessed his blue print for success to the high school students yet did they listen? "The coach last longer than the player" was a powerful phrase I will never forget.
                                    
                                                                                                                          Anthony Alden



Steve posing with South high student and performing artist Jay Mel

South High Principal with Steve

CITY YEAR ORGANIZATION

                                         
WATCH ENDANGERED MAG INTERVIEW WITH STEVE.L



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4DkW8_hAqA&feature=plcp




BACK TO SCHOOL 101

Back to School… Back to Reality.                                                               

Written by: Vida Michelle

Contact – graciasgod@yahoo.com

Back to School is here! It’s that time of the year again, and emotions seem to be all over the place. Some are excited, while others are anxious, even fearful.

Of course, looking beyond the obvious we know back to school can be a fun experience for most. It is also understood that extenuating circumstances exist for some, and that can make Back to School a problem, even a burden.

Social expectations exist in the form of new outfits, styles, school supplies and so much more.  While Administration handles the execution of educational expectations right away.  A new grade, school, and friends combined with the change of schedule, having to wake up early, take the bus, and getting back into the “routine of things” are just some of the changes that can be hard for the first few weeks.  All these things can sometimes be the recipe for a stressful moment for both Parent and Child.

Now, you wouldn’t wear your bathing suit in the winter or your jacket during the summer right? So with the Seasons naturally, and educationally changing right before your eyes, why not adjust accordingly? 

This Back to School season, remember not only to grab a sweater, but also to also pause, enjoy, educate, and encourage your kids, and those around you.

Help by staying positive, and patient.