Firmly rooted in the history of a storied people.

[thecolorcollective]

Topic #1: Pros & Cons ~What are the pros and cons of being an African American in America in your opinion? In my opinion being an African American in America can be challenging, especially as a male. The racial profiling that takes place in America is a painful and difficult thing. The most difficult thing about being an African American in America is that the color of our skin is rarely overlooked. Unfortunately, America has yet to become a colorblind society. Overall I believe that the issues regarding how African Americans are treated in America is becoming public knowledge and that individuals from all races are becoming more aware of the truth, which is a vital step towards lasting change. Despite all these challenges I must say that America is a land filled with many opportunities. I for one am amazed by systems like welfare, foster care, homeless shelters etc. Also America is more liberal than many other parts of the world. This allows for individuals to be individuals and express themselves freely without fear of punishment. ~What would you change about our society in order to make it safer and healthier for our generation? I believe that education and opportunity is important for change to take place. If I had the authority I would invest resources into educating  and empowering our youth. The future is in them and they need to know that. Topic #2: Unification ~These days, there seems to be a lot of civil unrest within the African American group, from violence against one another, to police brutality. What do you think are the issues and reasons why these problems are persisting and aren't being solved? I think poverty is a serious contributing factor. I also believe that the issues that follow individuals with a criminal record are substantial and life changing. Jobs and educational programs run background checks, making it exceedingly difficult to better oneself and succeed in life after incarceration. Statistics say that one in three African American males born today can expect to spend time in prison during his lifetime.Now these issues of poverty persist because poverty is inherited and cyclic in nature. Interventions need to be made on behalf of the generations to come. Police are here to protect and serve and I don't doubt that this is their main motive, however they have come to view Black individuals as the enemy and vice versa. Topic #3: Police Brutality ~What are your thoughts on the recent chain of events involving the gunning down of innocent African American teenagers by Police official? These recent events involving police brutality against young African American males have been a cold wake up call. My heart is heavy and I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I just do not understand why justice is not being served here. ~What can WE, as a nation do to prevent and ultimately stop events like these from reoccurring? I believe that we, as African Americans, should become the law. We should infiltrate the systems, the courts, the law enforcement agencies etc. We, as a nation,need to move forward and realize that is we don't, we'll only regress. "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek" -President Obama Topic #4: Inspirations ~What inspires you as an individual to get up everyday and live life knowing that you have a purpose? Life is great, I am inspired by my dreams, my future, the people in my life. ~Who inspires you? Definitely my parents and Family, wife. They all have helped me to make something out of myself. I observed and even get impressed by their achievements, and want to follow in their footsteps.

[thecolorcollective]

These photos are gorgeous, may I ask who the photographer is? Thank you!

Thank you! We're all collective photographers. You can check out our work on Instagram: @raat_fashion , @dmactherealist​ , @lord.dixon 

[thecolorcollective]

THE COLOR COLLECTIVE ENTRY #3: KIAHL FLETCHER

Topic #1: Pros & Cons A: In your opinion, what are the pros & cons in being African American in today's society? B: Do you think we'll ever be able to truly solve society's issue with racial injustices/inequalities? If so, how? 

-A: Being African-American in today's society definitely has its pros and cons. African-Americans have lost touch with our true identity. We have a history in the U.S. that is often overlooked. Society wants to focus on the negativity that is portrayed in the media without focusing on the numerous aspects of influence and positivity that African-Americans have had on society. The culture of African Americans is often imitated, emulated, and draws the awe of other races; that is the major pro of being an African-American in today's society. The negative connotations with being black are acting what others think "black" should be, and preconceived notions that all black people, men in particular, want to do is be pro-athletes or rappers. Many believe a successful black person is only successful if they’re providing entertainment; that's a major con when it comes to being African-American in today's society.

-B: We will be able to effectively solve society's issue with racial inequality and injustice; nevertheless it'll take work. The most essential and imperative tool that we have is unity. The more hands, more positivity, and the more active participants we have involved in trying to unite then the better we'll be. 

Topic #2: Individualism A: "Who are you?" What makes you the person that you are today & what contribution do you/would you like to make in society? B: Who was your biggest influence & why? 

-A: I'm Kiahl (pronounced like Kyle) Fletcher, aka "Hipp". Friends gave me the nickname due to my knowledge in various, random subjects which always spawned the statement "Oh your hip". The name kinda just stuck. Hard work, perseverance, and resilience made me who I am today. I want to influence the masses of those who are younger then me; it'll be nice to show them that success can be obtained through multiple avenues. Fast money isn't always good money (been there done that) and the risk always outweighs the reward.

-B: My biggest influence growing up was Malcolm X. I first read his autobiography by Alex Haley at 12 years old. I loved how he didn't have a perfect life and yet still overcame adversity. He wasn't afraid to express his opinion nor did he succumb or accept anything less than excellence. He was militant, assertive, and revolutionary; when he spoke people listened. He expressed his anger and showed his frustration; he was human. As polarizing as he was, he was still human and I always admired that about him. 

Topic #3: Discrimination & Injustice A: Can you describe a time where you felt that you were discriminated against B: How do you feel about discrimination WITHIN the black community? (For example: people claiming "team darkskinned/team lightskinned") And how does this affect our progression? 

-A: I felt I was discriminated against once or twice. One time in particular I was driving my grandmother's car (before I had one) when I was 16. She had an older model Mercedes that was good on gas and would break down on me. It was the summertime and I was leaving Wal-Mart getting into the car, and I heard this older Caucasian lady whisper to her husband "Hey you see that Mercedes that colored-fella has?" "I wonder how he got it" she said. The husband responded, "Well he does look kind of young I'm sure he's working". Yes I was employed and the look on her face was stunned when I put my window down, smiled and waved at her.

-B: Discrimination within the black community is our own problem now. If someone asks me today if I feel that as a race we've grown many steps from what has kept us enslaved, I'd say no. If as a race we continue to demean one another based on our shades of greatness we set ourselves back even more and hinder our growth as a race. Positivity, unity, and uplifting one another is the incunabula of us a race progressing; quote me on that.

Topic #4: For the Next Generation... A: If you had one piece of advice that you would like to pass down to the next generation, what would that be?

-A: If I had one piece of advice to pass along to the next generation I would tell them to free their minds and find their own truth. Whether it's religion, personal beliefs, or what it takes to be successful; find your own truth. There's a lot of people and things that are half-truth, half-b.s, sometimes facts get distorted. Find what makes you happy, find what your passions are, find what and who you love, keep those close to your heart. Free your mind and find your own truth; they go hand in hand with one another. Peace and Blessings to all ️-Hipp (Kiahl). 

[thecolorcollective]

THE COLOR COLLECTIVE ENTRY #2: Muniratu Osunde

Topic #1 Pros & Cons

A. Do you see any pros and cons of being an african american in todays society?

B. Is there anything that you think we, as an african american people can do to fix whatever cons there are?

A. I see many cons and very little pros. Nowadays, you could get shot for just walking down the street, talking on the phone. And the only thing you need to prove your guilt is a hoodie, Arizona, a pack of skittles and, unfortunately, skin like mine. The only thing they’ve ever given us is a month dedicated to our history, and it’s the shortest month of the year which is no coincidence.”

B. N/A 

Topic #2 Inspirations

A. Is there an African American artist (painter, sculptor, musician, photographer, etc.) that you look up to? Why do you look up to that person/ those people?

B. Given your aspiration and love for your music career, do you think it is, or will be important for you to carry yourself as an inspiration/ role model for your younger, more adolescent audience?

A. I would say I look up to Erykah Badu, India Arie, Jill Scott, and Beyonce. These women know how to balance being strong women without being overly extreme feminists, and being sexy without being slutty. I really appreciate the commonality that they share with their music, in that most of their songs have messages of self worth/love which is something that a lot of African American women don’t have for themselves.

B. I believe any musical artist should want to be seen as a role model for the youth today, especially when it comes to their own people. Music, as they say, is the universal language. It speaks volumes for the type of person you are based off of the type of music that you make. And, even if your not the type of person that your music personifies you to be, it doesn't change the view of our youth today, and it certainly doesn't, given the music, inspire our youth to stay off the streets, get there education, be proactive, etc. So yes, Being a good role model is something that i will never lose sight of.

Topic #3 Personal struggles/ Difficulties

A. What was/ is the most difficult thing you’ve personally had to deal with as an African American? What made it so difficult/ nerve racking a thing?

B. Is there any advice that you would give to someone who faces the same or similar problem(s)?

A. My complexion has, by far, been my biggest difficulty. I used to hate it because, growing up, people would tend to make fun of me so much for the shade of my skin. Don’t get me wrong though, I love my complexion, but it did take me a couple of years to learn to love and appreciate the skin that I’ve been blessed with.

B. When people would comment on my skin, it was really hard for me to figure out why. If i had to give advice, I would say that, first, you need to recognize that you have a darker shade of skin, then realize that the people who are making fun of you are victims to society. To have dark skin is a blessing, and anyone who has a darker shade of skin should be proud. I know it isn't always easy, but self love is something that no one can afford to do without. My best advice would be to find a sense of self love, and to remember that what other people think about you isn't any of your business, and, quite frankly, doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.

Topic #4 Meaning

A. what does it mean to you to be an african american, in a community of african american people?

B. N/A

A. I think calling myself an african american is more than just saying I'm a black person in america, its political. Being an african american is about connecting myself with my ancestors. Its about a certain spirituality and empowerment that i don't think any other race is capable of experiencing. the color of my skin is my identity. Its a direct representation of the god who put us all on the same earth. Being african is a gift that cannot be taken away. It goes much deeper than a color, race, or group. Its something that is, and will always be beyond the average, non african american's understanding.

[thecolorcollective]

THE COLOR COLLECTIVE ENTRY #1: Tamon George

Topic #1: Pros & Cons

What are the pros and cons of being an African American in America in your opinion?

What would you change about our society in order to make it safer and healthier for our generation?

A.N/A

B. I believe that the wheels of progression are already in motion. American society is undergoing a shift that will inevitably lead to a healthier nation. Population statistics already suggest that every day the nation is becoming more culturally diverse and interconnected, which will create a less divided country. Society will continue to evolve, and change will be inevitable, the question has become, how soon.

Topic #2: Unification

A. These days, there seems to be a lot of civil unrest within the African American group, from violence against one another, to police brutality. What do you think are the issues and reasons why these problems are persisting and aren't being solved?

A. My belief is that many civil issues stem from an unequal access to proper employment. I believe these issues are persistent because of a fundamental and systemic displacement of tools needed to access capital and higher education. These problems are proving to be difficult because they are historic in nature, when put into perspective, only for a short period in history have African-American people enjoyed the most simple of freedoms.

Topic #3: Police Brutality

A. What are your thoughts on the recent chain of events involving the gunning down of innocent African American teenagers by Police official?

B. What can WE, as a nation do to prevent and ultimately stop events like these from reoccurring?

A. I, like many others see the recent events of police misconduct extremely concerning and deeply troubling. These situations, much like the principles of “strop and frisk” only perpetuate negative stereotypes about a marginalized people. It appears that many young men of color are not afforded the luxury of the presumption of innocence.

B. When the country realizes that civil liberties must be protected for all of its citizens, real and significant change will occur. When society unifies itself in the understanding that justice is a universal principle then these events will stop.

Topic #4: Inspirations

A. What inspires you as an individual to get up everyday and live life knowing that you have a purpose?

B. Who inspires you?

A. I try to find inspiration in the simplicities of life. I try to appreciate everything and everyone that passes me throughout a day. I appreciate new sights, new sounds, and old friends. Purpose comes from knowing that there is always opportunity to grow, create and build.

B. My family has, and always will inspire me. They are the most creative, passionate, and unique group of people I will ever know, and because of that, I want to be the best version of myself.