What happens when you manifest, align with your purpose as an artist, and do the work to achieve your wildest dreams? *insert every expression of joy and gratitude here!* Thank you @savagexfenty for amplifying my story as a changemaker making the revolution irresistible with my art and as Founder/President of my non-profit @claimourspacenow! Black History month is the gift that keeps on giving #SavageXGameChanger #ShareBlackStories - This recognition is v full circle for me because our Lord and savior @badgalriri signed off on the work that was 1) directly influenced by her example and 2) dawned out of a @savagexfenty competition. Last May, days before George Floyd's murder, I was living my best life participating in the #SavageXSummer challenge where I had a week to creative direct, shoot, and curate 4 unapologetically Black stories about female sexuality for a chance to model for my fave Black owned lingerie brand. That experience awakened the savage in me creatively to tell my own stories during the pandemic, finishing my degree @fordhamuniversity, and what would become a full fledged revolution I was screaming into the void of social media about. I came across @badgalriri's #pullUp speech from the @naacpimageawards which prompted me to make a vow (last slide) to use my voice in all of my endeavors to bring on change. Days later @claimourspacenow was born in Instagram dms with my friends and family who answered the call to bring my vision of an intersectional, accessible, and safe space to educate, motivate, unionize and mobilize us ALL in the task of dismantling white supremacy. Tossing up hashtags wasn't gonna cut it anymore and I'm glad to be working alongside many changemakers who are actively fighting bring in a just and equitable world for all. It's wild that this journey began 9 months ago and I hope more than anything that my story inspires and empowers more people, especially Black women, to start their own freedom circles to bring about change in the community. WE are the change. MANY MANY Thanks for the love fam, to those who saw the whole journey and those just tapping in💖 let's get to work! Peace love and Rihanna, Marla Lou