Creative: a person who uses their imagination to produce original ideas and artistic works; an innovator.
For centuries, we as Black people have been creating and innovating. We’ve introduced the world to things never seen or heard, yet somehow we don’t always seem to get our credit.
We’ve seen it time after time. From Elvis being deemed the “King of Rock N’ Roll,” to Kim Kardashian being credited for making cornrows trendy. Really sis?
As Black creatives our work is often stolen, overlooked, and our voices suppressed by non-Black counterparts and mainstream media. But now, especially here in Charlotte, it’s time that we create a space where we can simply be who we are without fear. A space where we can come together and continue to produce new ideas, while also educating and empowering one another as we climb to new heights.
A space where we can be unapologetically Black while also showing the world how damn dope we are.
For many of us growing up, that place was “the block.” It was where we met up, kicked it, dropped knowledge, bounced ideas, and let loose with others who looked just like us. We could be who we were without judgment, but we also got each other together when we weren’t bossing up and reaching our highest potential. It was our safe place. It was our community within the community.
Now, we’re bringing that same place and space online.
This Block, this digital space, is a symbolic representation of the blocks that made us who we are today.
There’s so much power in our words, in our art, and in our stories. Here at The Block, we aim to amplify the voices of the Black creative community, while equipping each other with the tools needed to level up.
The Black creative scene in Charlotte is so diverse. We take up space across dozens of art forms, while weaving in our own unique backgrounds and experiences. But, at the end of the day, we all have the same objective- to authentically create and make an impact through our work.
On The Block, we can and we will do just that. In order to make an even bigger impact, we have to be willing to come together, let go of fear, and collaborate for our greater good.
As editor-in-chief, I will work to highlight and bring visibility to Black creatives in this city. A city that is so near and dear to me, as it is also the place that birthed and raised me.
It doesn’t matter if you are a blogger, fashion designer, visual artist, musician, dancer, poet, or model. If you consider yourself a creative, this is your home. This is YOUR block.
With the recent turn of events, the world’s eyes are on us now more than ever. There’s been an outpouring of support, some real and some fake. But regardless, we have to control our narratives and hold each other down through it all.
With that being said, I welcome you to The Block. Now, let’s show the world what we’re capable of.
Keep Creating,
DeAnna N. Taylor
Editor-in-Chief
