Our culture is our biggest form of identity. By keeping, sharing and learning about past traditions, we are able to keep our history alive. In addition to keeping the culture thriving, the need for community traditions is still in high demand. Author Willie Mitchell and event curator Felicia Ford partner to give the community the best of both. The Pop-Up African Experience Poetry Slam & Loaded BookBag Giveaway is an event combining cultural exposure and community empowerment.

Created by Willie Mitchell Jr. and Felicia Ford, this pop up event gives the community a chance to bond with each other. Willie who is an author, motivational speaker, nursing student and father has always found freedom through language. Since high school, Willie used language and poetry as an escape from the world. Dealing with depression, anxiety and personal trauma’s, finding solitude through spoken word saved his life. A talented author of two books titled Uncontained Vol 1 and 2, his poetry is both in depth and emotional. Through poetry he founded his business Eagle Vision Motivation and Vision Poetry.

The co-host and creator of this event Felicia Ford, is a woman using the intuition that God gave her. Initially motivated by the lack of options for local entertainment, Felicia began putting together her own events. Testing out different themes, amenities and attractions, lead her to become an event curator naturally. Further driven behind the passing of her son D’Anthony Purvis, Felicia strives to provide unique experiences for the community. Offering a variety of events that range from adult only, kid friendly and family events, she’s always providing a space for every and anyone.

Giving Back to the Culture & Community

The African Experience Poetry Slam and Loaded Bookbag Giveaway, has a lineup like no other. This Pop-Up has everything from, African Dancers sharing their culture’s moves to traditional African food by Bruce Wright and BBQ from Kobies Pizzeria. In addition to food and dance, there is an incredible line up of poets, authors and speakers looking to give back and spread love throughout the community. Save the date and come out on August 20th, 2023 to Foss Park in North Chicago IL. From 2-6pm join the community for a moment of culture and unity.

African Culture is elevated through The African Experience Poetry Slam 

 To know more about the event or the creators, follow on facebook @williemitchell, @visionpoetry, @feliciaford.

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The black art experience is expanding every single day, as new perspectives are shared with the world. Offering a powerful lens, stories of trauma, love, strength and opportunity are told through a new-age vision. Two black male artist amplify art in incredible depth with the Shadow Work Exhibit. Lonnie Edwards and Tobi Shinobi share a viewpoint exploring mental health while combining the use of interplay, light and shadow within the human mind.

Shadow Work Elevates Mental health

To start off, this exhibit is so much more than art on a wall. From the moment you enter the exhibit, a feeling of inspiration and reflection take over. Within the first few minutes you are bombarded by “A Seat At The Table,” a beautiful yet insightful piece created by both Lonnie Edwards and Tobi Shinobi. Representing the gesture of creating your own lane, this opening piece set the tone for the remainder of the exhibit.In another portion of the exhibit, onlookers can experience Lonnie Edwards shadow work series, which captures the fluidity of self-love and the search for balance. The Chicago, New York and Germany based artist exudes artistic passion.

Embodying  emotion, experience and imagination, Lonnie’s art depicts his personal triumph. Using a mix of acrylic and mixed media, his art is both mesmerizing and informal. Painting a vivid picture depicting a journey through blackness, mental stability and overcoming, his impact is incredible.

Further adding to the allure of the Shadow Work Exhibit, Tobi Shinobi is the perfect counterpart to this revolutionary exhibit. The award-winning creative is based between London and Chicago, giving global and local influence. His captivating “shinfrared” series explores the unforseen through infrared light. Gifted with the eye for beauty through photography, Tobi uses a combination of stills, motion and creative strategy to pull in audiences. His work explores another angle of admiration while triggering a deeper internal reflection.

The Shadow Work Exhibit is not only visual appealing, it’s soulfully revitalizing. Without any hesitation or resistance, this exhibit amplifies blackness, love, simplistic beauty and the overall impact of the human psyche. This Exhibit is located at 1819, W Chicago Ave at the West Town Chamber of Commerce in Chicago. Shadow Work, is available to experience until September 30th.

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BlackScotland (Fashion for Men & Women) 

BlackScotland is a brand aimed at promoting freedom through fashion. Stationed in the Midwest, this brand isn’t afraid to be a rebel. Pushing a message of freedom and power through fashion, this brand exudes confidence. Catering to both men and women, the brand consists of two colors. Black, conveying power, certainty, sophistication and mystery. The secondary color of white represents purity, victory and non-conformity. Together these shades promote the spirit of rebellion in the flyest form. Check out their social media page @blackscotland for more details on the brand. Visit blackscotland.com to purchase merchandise today.

Léisure (Fashion for Men & Women)

Léisure is black designer with an added luxury appeal. Based in IL, this brand gives a high class touch to everyday wear. Created with class in mind, this brand brings luxury to people everywhere. As a veteran brand with years of timeless releases and pieces, the latest addition of women’s clothing takes the cake. With an innovative design this high-class streetwear isn’t your average t-shirt or jogging set. Everything the brand drops offers variety and individuality, each item different than the last. The material and quality of the clothing is top tier. Imaginative colors, images and patterns collide to make fashionable pieces. With an amazing and constantly growing following, léisure is worn by majority of the indie artist in the Midwest and all over the nation. Debuting the women’s line this year only further confirmed the magnitude and impact of this fashion line. With an already iconic symbol with even more iconic gear, Léisure is the definition of true black designer. Visit @Léisure to shop the online catalog and see their website.

Full Circle Clothing (Fashion for Women) 

Full Circle Clothing is the newest fashion brand to take women’s style to creative heights. Starting out online the influential brand quickly gained a massive following. With a dedicated and supportive customer base, this brand was able to build a physical location in Waukegan, IL. Offering a variety of cute, sexy, colorful, fashionable and of course trendy options for women everywhere, there’s so much to choose from. Via Facebook the clothing line has nearly 10k followers, with multiple posts showing off the various styles and outfit combinations. From night out dresses to comfy but cute outfits to one of a kind looks, this midwest women’s clothing line has everything to complete any look. Follow the brand on online @fullcircleclothing today.

TrapGalore (Fashion for Men & Women)

Trap Galore combines real and uplifting messages through stylish streetwear. As original as they are fly, this Kenosha, Wisconsin based brand takes streetwear to new heights. One of the brands hottest drops is the Girls Trap Harder slogan. A message that can be felt by both men and women everywhere. All merchandise featuring the slogan has hit viral success with thousands of online viewers sharing the gear. A favorite in the midwest and surrounding areas, the streetwear motivates while inspiring in the same fashion. A stylish color palette with a million combinations draws customers in with anticipation for new drops. Merchandise including t-shirts and hats have been featured so far. As more releases premier, the brand will continue to create a different kind of motivation through fashion. Follow the brand on social media @trapgaloreofficial to check out more selections.

Grind Galore Chicago (Fashion for Men & Women)

Grind Galore Chicago puts the city on the map through fashion and style. A long time favorite for the midwest especially Chicagoland, this brand offers a mix of modern influence with a classic touch. Using vivid colors, captivating shapes and patterns and creative lettering, Grind Galore’s merchandise speaks volumes. Pushing the boundaries between street and everyday wear, each piece is both stylish and versatile. Using the influence of their city Grind Galore’s t-shirts have catchy slogans and trendy images. A popular t-shirt referencing the notorious “Harolds Chicken” is just one example of how they represent Chicago. Although the men’s apparel has it’s own flare, it’s the women’s pieces that makes you double take. From a fire two-piece ensemble to the unisex merchandise and the authentic touch from the Midwest Grind Galore Chicago does urban street-wear the best. You can visit the physical location @1708 W Chicago Ave, and follow them on social media @grindgalorechicago .

Support a black business and push the black dollar today!!

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Calvin West

Calvin West a photographer and videographer bringing captivating and unforgettable imagery to viewers everywhere. Representing Evanston and the surrounding Chicagoland area, Calvin is attentive to detail as well as painting a one of a kind picture. Initially starting out with nature and landscape style shoots, his portfolio has grown tremendously since his start. Calvin’s portfolio includes portraits, branding shoots, landscapes, business portfolios, product placement shots and of course videography. He’s already directed several music videos in addition to performance pieces. Follow him on IG @calvinscandids to see more more and check out some of his work below.

Vision Queen Photography

Patrice Friar is the visionary and mastermind behind the breathtaking visuals from Vision Queen Photography. A mother, photographer and creative director she brings cinematic appeal with every shoot. Located in Lake County, she specializes in business branding shoots in addition to beauty and headshots. Her background and settings are always top tier, with beautiful accents to complete a polished look. Despite shooting in a studio building, her visions give amplified and glamorous appeal. She has the expertise to make any shoot a royalty experience. Patrice is a creator who understands the complexity of presentation and execution. Her ability to elaborate on an idea with various elements and details makes for a final picture worth a million words. Follow the Vision Queen herself on IG @visionqueenphotography and take a moment too soak in these incredible photos.

TaeeDaProducer

Taee Da Producer is well on his way to international status. A photographer, videographer and film director he brings multiple levels of greatness. As a result of his multiple talents he’s become one of the most sought after visual creators in the Midwest. Hitting over 1,000,000 views on youtube, his visuals capture the new wave of Chicago talent. Using an exciting approach his style is both fresh and unique. With attention to social media trends and new talent emerging, Taee continues pushing the arts and Chicagoland forward. Follow him on IG @TaeeDaProducer and check out his latest Youtube video!!

K-ROD Visuals

Kristian Rodriguez, aka K-ROD has no limitations on her creativity. Following a free form style that is both alluring and daring her work speaks volumes. Using muses of artists, influencers, models, performers and trendsetters she’s become a local favorite in Chicago. With a passion for expression and fantasy her shoots set a scene that is both memorable and mesmerizing. Also a cinematographer, editor and director she uses various forms of visual media to tell one of a kind depictions. Follow her on IG @krod_visuals and indulge in some of her visions below.

2Tall

2Tall owner of We Vibe 2 Vibe, embodies swagger with his style of photography. Based in Aurora, his company specializes in creative management and production with a charming delivery. The variety of styles coupled with a unique approach offer a different feel to photography. Everything from 90’s inspired shoots to beautiful sceneries, graduation sessions, fashionable looks and symbolic imagery are embodied in his shoots. In addition to his photography, his company provides a unique approach to creative management. Follow his business page on IG @wevibe2vibe and tap in to his modern feel and look below.

These creators are the next big wave in visual imagery.

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Hailing from the the north side of Chicago in the Rogers Park neighborhood, BG Major represents his city to the fullest. His name “BG” is an abbreviation for “Blake Gang”, a close friend he lost to gun violence. BG uses the memory of his friend as motivation for music. BG Major’s family specifically his uncle also inspired him musically, as he saw him performing on TV as a kid.

BG Major’s style is a combination of street influence and swagger. Creative with his lyrics especially on Different Bag, BG Major’s dynamic sound shines through. The hip-hop artist has released several expansive singles since 2019. His first album Forever Great received critical acclaim in the midwest and surrounding areas.

This year he takes things up a notch as he prepares for the release of his second album. With shows lined up for the rest of the summer and more visuals expected to drop, he’s ready to take the industry over.

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Yung Gwapa’s new track “Jugg” is a trap anthem that ends his 3-year musical hiatus. On top of leading his BLACK HEART Music Group label, he has also gotten into acting and writing films. He also has a new clothing line called Richigh The Brand. His clothing and artists are all going to be present in his upcoming 25 episode series. “Jugg” is a step back in the right direction for Yung Gwapa. As a multi-hyphenate, his time is thin, but fans will most definitely be looking for more music from him.

Be sure to follow him on social media and check out his latest track, “Jugg” on Spotify today!

Instagram: @realgwap

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