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!

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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.

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