This story originally appeared in Up + Rising, a celebration of extraordinary Black voices, and is the first chapter of i-D’s 40th anniversary issue (1980-2020).
i-D chronicled over 100 activists and artists, musicians and writers, photographers and creatives, in Atlanta, Baltimore, Minneapolis, LA, London, New York, Paris and Toronto.
“I’d like to express my love for all people of all backgrounds and my faith in the power and potential of the human race as a unit. The fact that many of us are now finally and firmly acknowledging the plight of an oppressed people is exciting, but it is only the beginning of a new and difficult journey that will hopefully culminate in us acknowledging the struggles of all that are struggling, the fears of all that are afraid and alone and the dreams of all that are able to dream.
As I type this I listen to Kanye West and Kid Cudi’s ‘Reborn’ hoping that we as a family 7.5 billion strong may also be reborn. I wish nothing but blessings upon every soul that surrounds me.
Solidarity is strength! I SEE YOU now and forever more.
I have been knocked down and been privileged enough to be surrounded by people who have helped me back up. God bless our ancestors, descendants and allies. Amplify the voices of the oppressed and struggling no matter what they look like or what their version of love looks like.
Peace, equality and prosperity for all.”
Credits
Photography Jermaine Francis
Photographed on Holloway Road, London, N7.
Casting Samuel Ellis Scheinman for DMCASTING.
Casting assistance Alexandra Antonova.