Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2023 - Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church

It’s 2023, and just in case you thought it was an “off year” for elections, there are off-year elections! This year, Virginia is having its state and local elections. Today we are kicking off our 2023 progressive candidate profiles with Parisa Dehghani-Tafti, who is the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church in Virginia. Parisa is the first Iranian-American Chief Prosecutor in United States history. Elected in 2019, Parisa ran on a platform of making the criminal justice system fairer to marginalized communities by no longer asking for cash bail, ending prosecution of marijuana possession, addressing racial disparities, not charging minors as adults, creating an independent body to review use of force by police, restoring voting rights to the formerly convicted, and creating a restorative justice process. In her first term in office, she has done all of that.

Behind the Lens - Documenting With Raphael Sbarge

You may know Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket from Once Upon a Time, but his role as a conscience has expanded over the years as he has added directing to his skill set. Now it can be said he is “creating content with a conscience.” He has directed several films, short stories, and, most recently, documentaries — with an ever increasing drive to spread awareness of social and environmental issues within several different communities. Jejune got a chance to talk to him about his Emmy nomination, new film Only in Theaters, and his latest mini-series 10 Days In Watts, among other topics. Please read on!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Kristen Gonzalez, New York State Senate District 59

This week we are profiling Kristen Gonzalez (she/her/hers). Kristen is a tech worker, community organizer, and democratic socialist representing parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens next year in the New York State Senate. On August 23, she won the Democratic primary for one of two new state Senate districts, capturing 58% of the vote against a well-funded opponent. Prior to running for office, she was involved as a leader in the Democratic Socialists of America and as a local community organizer, working on campaigns for community land trusts, climate action, and public internet. She was raised by a single mother from Puerto Rico in Elmhurst, Queens, where she first got involved in activism, eventually working her way to the Obama White House before returning to community organizing in Queens.

Patricia Espinosa Paints Her Mind Through Art

Art has the power to evoke emotions and allows aesthetes to ponder the meaning behind the creations. And what makes people ponder more than arts that question and challenge the perception of society’s norm? One artist that is creating art triggered by social, cultural, and political events is Patricia Espinosa. Inspired by her mother’s passion and love for the concept of simplicity, the Mexican-born artist creates artistic works that highlight neglected issues with the use of everyday objects. Espinosa further inspires the world by working with Choose Creativity and Sing for Hope to uplift people in need through the power of art and creativity. Read our interview with Patricia Espinosa below to find out more about her artistic journey and the significance behind her thought-provoking yet captivating work.

Into the Hidden Dangerous World with George Gittoes

You definitely don’t want to miss out on George Gittoes! No one is more daring and adventurous than him. The Australian native is not only an artist and photographer, he’s also a filmmaker. Gittoes has spent over 25 years witnessing life-changing moments in some of the most notorious places in the world. Despite the uncountable encountered dangers, he continues to strap on filming equipment and goes into battlefields to fight for justice and equality. The talented director and his lovely wife, Hellen Rose, have brought positive social change and shun light on the local community through a non-profit they founded, The Yellow House. Come with Jejune to understand more about his experience in the hidden dangerous world and the impact his artwork has brought to the world with our exclusive interview below.

Marcelo Deiss Moves Through Music

Brazilian Londoner Marcelo Deiss is a citizen of the world, and he shows this through his music. Embedded with politically and socially conscious messages, his music is a testament of Deiss’ commitment to making the world a more just one. The singer-songwriter latest EP, Hurl, is the story of an artist disenchanted with the status quo, yet hopeful about the future and art’s place in it. Jejune sat down with Deiss to learn more about his vision for Hurl, how he makes music from the melody to the lyrics, and how he uses his multicultural background to uplift others. To find out more about Marcelo Deiss, continue reading below.

VINOK—A Statement Of Authenticity & Social Change In A Land Unknown

The Ukrainian-based Indie-rock band VINOK is a statement of authenticity and social change to create a new culture of justice in a land of the unknown. VINOK uses its unique sound and powerful lyrics to bring awareness and create discussions about various social issues. Their topics range from religion, women’s rights, and disability rights. Only established in 2019, the band has already graced some of the biggest festivals in Eastern Europe such as Ukraine’s Respublica Festival and Poland’s Slot Festival. Their latest single “Elephant Girl” is a story of transformation and the spiritual awakening of a female person with a disability. The title of the song is in reference to Elephant Man, a true story of a person who was judged and maltreated exclusively because of his appearance. The members of VINOK—Nathalie, Ilya, and Anton—all as individuals, have experienced or seen the hardships and tragedies life can have. To learn more about VINOK, their latest single, and each member, read our interview below.

ARIA Won't Let The Conversation Die!

Aria Brooks alias ARIA is a young creative to be on the look out for. When she’s not starring in Nickelodeon’s revival of the hit 90s sitcom, All That, she’s mixing her artistry and activism to inspire others to continue difficult, yet important conversations. ARIA’s latest single, Am I Next? and its music video are powerfully influenced by the Black Lives Matter defining the Summer of 2020 and beyond. Jejune talks to ARIA about her artistic endeavors, how they’ve looked during COVID-19, and how she is encouraging BIPOC and white youth alike to take a stand for social justice.

Actress Jennifer Sears on Social Activism & Black Mental Health

Combining her pre-law degree with her love for acting and social activism, Jennifer Sears is a voice of passion and authenticity. Ever since her big break in Tyler Perry’s Madea Family Reunion (2006), Jennifer has continued to work with worked alongside some of the industry’s most astounding talent and production teams, with roles in the award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated film “Bessie” alongside Queen Latifah and Mo’Nique, The Best of Enemies starring Taraji P. Henson, VH1’s Daytime Divas alongside Tichina Arnold, Bounce’s Saints and Sinners and FOX’s Star, to name a few. We speak to Jennifer about her most recent role on OWN’s Greenleaf as it enters its fifth and final season. We also discuss how Jennifer is using her platform to raise awareness for causes that are close to her heart. She frequently works with the Atlanta Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and consistently works to share resources about Black Mental Health. Please read our interview with Jennifer Sears below.