Prophets

America was cursed with racism that started with slavery and has continued with the murder of George Floyd and so many others.

Still cursed with racism, America must learn to rise above the horror of nefarious politicians, short on humanity, abusively masquerading as leaders using racism to turn people against each other for the sole purpose of their own advancement. This, a tragedy a gullible America brought on itself.

In the Wilson studio, the Prophets project was born from a tearful return home after seeing Bryan Stevenson's National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, which led me to construct a symbolic lynching wall set. Several dozen ropes hang from 35 feet in the rafters to reference the racism we are experiencing. Beneath these ropes are our Black leaders showing us ways to transcend this hate. Diverse subjects across many professions, art forms, and backgrounds, some famous, others equally important for their character and magnificent humanity within family or local community.

My joy is to meet these subjects and to learn of their individuality, courage, and bravery, which has grown beyond the heritage of slavery and lynching. I am honored to work as their partner to present why their Black lives really do matter so much for a better world.

"Inspire the Fire" with Dennis Reed

Inspire the Fire, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to helping young people succeed on stage and in life. They provide students aged 10-19 years artistic development, life skill and community engagement coaching. They want to see their kids leave their program with confidence, ambition and genuine excitement for what their futures hold. Inspire the Fire was an America’s Got Talent Season 7 Finalist, chosen as “Community Group of the Year” by Charlotte Leadership, and selected by Oprah Winfrey to perform at Maya Angelou’s memorial service. They were also honored with an “Inspire the Fire Day” by four Charlotte Mayors.

Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the Dennis Reed and Burk Uzzle photoshoot: