As we release this story on Juneteenth I want people to understand why exactly this project was not only personal to me but needed to be put out! These people are not only BLACK but intersectional artists. People that make it not only their job to put their own story out but to make it easier for those coming after them to put out their own stories! The reason I highlight this is to point out that they are providing lessons in REAL TIME through fulfilling not only the dreams of their fore-bearers but also their sacrifices. Please read their stories and go look them up and however else they express themself to understand all the strifes they endured and understand the urgency of their messages. To anyone thinking, “but look at them, how?!” Once again go and read their stories, learn how they faced not only their fears but yours as well! Anxiety and fear is only you wishing to understand what you can’t control, or at least, that’s what my mother told me and I hold dearly to myself. Just know the fear and apprehension you have will ultimately culminate in to something that you were always meant to have, where your message (in whatever manifestation) is magnified and truly understood. To my family especially, @edmee.marie , Mom, and Dad, thank you for your endless support. To my girlfriend @chlo_money96 , thank you for always being that support for me to lean on. AND a special shoutout to my big sister and friend @hannahtraore , my friend/ mentor @jameelkhiry , and good friend @jonathangardenhire for agreeing to share their stories without me even having to ask! And one last shoutout to my friend and business partner @liviarosejohnson , there’d be no me without your friendship and guidance! To ALL MY PEOPLE please, GO and enjoy OUR DAY! To EVERYONE ELSE, MY. PRICE. JUST. WENT. UP. Stay safe! Abdou ⛹🏾‍♂️🕊✨ HUGE SHOUTOUT TO THE MANDEM, please visit the link in @officemagazinenyc bio to see the TEAM!