Wish I never had to take this fucking picture. Mans got sprayed with mace less than 6 feet from me. I had to block out his eyes and remove metadata and screen shot three times just to post it safely enough that he likely won’t be hunted down and murdered or arrested because he chose to speak his mind and exercise his rights as an American. I feel like this image captures so well how I feel and how others feel under the thumb of decades, centuries long oppression. I tasted pepper spray and tear gas last night for the first time. There’s still people out there speaking up and protesting even in the face of a fucking pandemic because it matters that much. This affects everyone. Stop acting like you’re above it or you can look past it and post kittens and puppies to feel better. Make a plan for yourself and your family because this feels like the beginning of something historic. Get ready.

A couple months back I was hired by @rollingstone to cover Juneteenth and photograph some artists by the name of @fireinlittleafrica . They’re a collective group of artists based in Tulsa, OK. They and Tulsa showed me a lot of love and I’m so thankful for the opportunity afforded to me by Rolling Stone. It’s crazy to think about. Read the article as it dives into why this group is noteworthy and should definitely be in your list of artists to check out.

Angyil and I spoke about the expectations, pressures, and experiences that come with being Black and talented. About seizing opportunities when they present themselves but not going outside of yourself for those chances. Staying true. This work came about organically and I’m proud of what we accomplished.