Self-taught photographer Russell Frederick making Black voices heard by changing the narrative

Written for The Link Entertainment by

Kiara Desirai, Author at The Link Entertainment

Russell Frederick, a Brooklyn raised photographer utilizes his love for photography to change the Black American narrative.

“The camera is a powerful tool and I saw why it was weaponized against us,” Frederick said while speaking to Folkus.

Folkus is a series created with Getty images that features Black photographers while cultivating a community that focus on the Black community.

“I look at my role as a photographer as an educator and visual activist to realize and redefine the way the world sees us because our greatness has been suppressed. When I leave this earth, these images I’ve made will live on and be strong.” he continued to speak.

Frederick is a self-taught photographer who has been photographing for nearly twenty-five years and focuses on crafting stories that uplift, inspire and unite the Black life.

He knew he had an ‘artistic purpose’ so when an instructor of International Center of Photography, Bernard Palais looked at his portfolio prior to him getting into the school stated, ‘You will be a great photographer. It will be a shame if you don’t pursue this seriously.’ He knew right then and there that photography was going to be his future.

‘I want to learn and I want to work. I’m unpolished and raw, but my work ethic, my heart and determination can’t be measured.’ said Frederick.

Back then everyone thought of art as a hobby and not a career, so Frederick had a rough start but he was eager. One day he received a call from Eli Reed where he invited him to a slideshow at ICP. After the slideshow, Eli presented him with an opportunity with Magnum Photos where he got the job.

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Lewis Hamilton grants emerging Black designers their spotlight at the Met Gala

Written for The Link Entertainment by

Kiara Desirai, Author at The Link Entertainment

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton who is known for his stylish tailored suits invited emerging Black fashion designers to fashion’s biggest night, the Met Gala.

As many watched, Hamilton stood out the most. Hamilton brought a table and invited four young designers a seat to the table where Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour hosted his table.

He stated that the Met Gala was “about just highlighting beauty and excellence and talent.”

Usually up and coming designers don’t often get the chance to be invited to the Met Gala due to seats being taken or not being invited because no one knows their name, yet. Individual tickets to the Met Gala can run up to $30,000 while full tables range from $200,000 – $300,000. Most designers are invited if they know the right people or pay for their own seat.

Hamilton said, “I realized it’s very similar within the fashion industry. A lot of brands, young designers don’t have the same opportunities and the Met is the biggest fashion event of the year. In this theme, I wanted to create something that was meaningful and it’s something that will start and spark a conversation. When people see us all together, it will put these Black designers at the top of peoples’ minds.”

The theme of the 2021 Met Gala was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” centered on American style and independence.

Hamilton was with American designer Kenneth Nicholson, who created a custom suit complete with a lace calf-length shirt.

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