Mayte Garcia's foundation, Live 4 Love Charities, embodies the essence of love, life, and legacy. From supporting aspiring musicians facing challenges to revitalizing music programs in educational institutions, Garcia and her foundation have been instrumental in nurturing the dreams of numerous upcoming artists. By carrying forward the musical and philanthropic legacy of the iconic American singer, and her ex-husband, Prince, she demonstrates the significance of assistance across various domains and the profound impact of music. To learn more about Mayate Garcia and Live 4 Love Charities, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 53Chelsea ChanJanuary 30, 2024Community, charity, giveback, music, love, kids, PrinceComment

K. Osei Williams and the Art Is Alive Festival - Uniting Communities Through the Arts

K. Osei Williams is the driving force behind the Art is Alive festival, a dynamic event that brings together the community through the power of the arts. Located in Brooklyn, this festival strives to create a sense of unity and connection among its attendees. The festival offers a wide range of offerings, including free classes, workshops, and performances, all with the goal of providing access to artistic expression for all. This year's festival was especially significant as it marked the event's return after a challenging period of pandemic-related disruptions. This shows the festival's commitment to supporting artists' professional development. The event included performances by both youth and professional companies, making it a platform for artists at all stages of their careers. There were also African Diasporic dance workshops and an art showcase celebrating Africa's rich cultural heritage. To support this remarkable festival, readers are encouraged to attend events, explore the festival's website, and contribute through donations to ensure the ongoing success of the programs and initiatives offered by Art is Alive.

Art, zIssue 51Jessica MoraOctober 4, 2023Art is Alive, festival, Art, Community, performersComment

Alonzo B. Slater - An Actor On Screen Making Homelessness Seen

While Alonzo B. Slater continues to make strides in the world of acting, he's also stepping into a different kind of role as a humanitarian, dedicating his time to serve those in need at St. James. From starring in “A Christmas Family Reunion,” to creating a fresh business in commercial acting, he not only continues to hone his craft but also helps open doors for aspiring talents in the industry. Read on to discover the captivating story of an actor with a heart as big as his dreams.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 51Chelsea ChanSeptember 20, 2023Actor, male actor, homelessness, homeless crisis, Community, community developmentComment

Tawana Blassingame - A Pioneer for Body Positivity

Tawana Blassingame is a pioneer for body positivity. As the creator of Queen Size Magazine, she helped pave the way for the underrepresented full-figured community. Tawana also highlights talent across various platforms at the Full Figured Industry Awards, where she is the creator and host. After just celebrating her third annual ceremony this November, Tawana hopes to continue helping people find love for themselves and encourage a more inclusive fashion industry.

I had the pleasure of attending the third annual Full Figured Industry Awards this November and was impressed by the community Tawana fostered together. All the attendees dazzled on stage and I enjoyed seeing them shine. Tawana has a special ability to make people feel seen and appreciated. No good deed went unnoticed. The night was filled with compassion, joy, and beauty from the inside out.

Akilah Newton Is A Big Dreamer

Akilah Newton has a dream to have all kids have access to the arts, at least in Montreal, and she is making it happen through her organization Overture with the Arts (OWTA). OWTA offers inexpensive or free education in music, dance, drama and vocal training to children. In addition to this, Akilah has released an inspiring book series “Big Dreamers”, which helps to educate Canadians about their own Black history. With most education systems in Canada focusing a heavy emphasis on American Black History rather than Canadian, Akilah has been inspired to help highlight notable Black Canadians to help educate the youth about their own history. Again, Akilah is stepping up to the plate to help! To learn more about this incredible woman and her many endeavors, please read our exclusive interview below.

How Protests Differ in the Past to the Present

Protesting has been an incredibly effective way of expression in the United States since the first amendment. Although, over the past couple of decades, this method of proclamation has decreased in efficiency and value, why is this?

Anna Hindman on Playing The Anti-Hero and Giving Back

Anna Hindman is an actor, singer, songwriter based in Nashville, TN. She plays anti-hero Grace Baker in the recent film American Siege, opposite Bruce Willis, Rob Gough, and Timothy V. Murphy. Her character is on a mission to find out about the disappearance of her sister and won’t let anyone get in her way. Hindman describes playing the character as a freeing experience and the set as both a professional and relaxing environment. Despite her acting success, Hindman’s first love is music and recently released a single titled ‘Dislove.’ In the future, she plans to expand her discography with more songs that are representative of the LGBTQ+ community in country-leaning music. Hindman and her wife also love to give back and are proud supporters of the Street Envy Motorcycle Club, Columbia Chapter, and Adopt-A-Highway program. Read on in our interview with Anna Hindman to learn more about her current projects, giving back, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 42Kaylyn WenzelApril 1, 2022Anti-Hero, Film, giving back, Actress, Musician, Music, music industry, New single, Song, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, CommunityComment

COVER: Toni Trucks- Military Mother Made

Toni Trucks is currently kicking ass and taking names as Lisa Davis on the CBS hit series SEAL Team. In her interview with Jejune, Toni tells us what originally drew her to the character and what she has learned from playing this role. Inspired by her role on the show, this October Toni curated family themed boxes in partnership with Military Made. The boxes feature fun and luxurious items for the whole family and are made by entrepreneurs who were either in the military or are military spouses. Partnering with Military Made has given Toni the unique opportunity to engage and bring awareness to the military community. You can continue to purchase the boxes well into the New Year and of the proceeds go directly back to the business owners and Military Made. For her next role, Toni is gearing up to become a mother, as her and her partner Brandon are expecting a baby boy! Read on to learn more about her various roles, her partnership with Military Made and other charitable organizations, and the advice she has received regarding motherhood.