When I first stepped on FVSU’s campus in 2006, I thought I was just there to take a few classes, party, and eventually walk away with a degree. What I found was so much more. I found a community and a family. Faithful and true, Fort Valley State.
@fvsu_1895 is an institution that pushed me, disciplined me, loved me, and ultimately helped empower me to be the person I am today. That’s why it’s such an honor to be named among the second class of 40 Under Forty honorees by THE Fort Valley State University for my community efforts. I’m humbled and proud.
HBCUs like Fort Valley State have long been the bedrock of our communities. Despite decades of underfunding, they continue to create spaces where both “the seen and unseen” are given life-changing opportunities. Opportunities made possible by the countless individuals who have given their time, talent, and treasure to keep the doors open for those who follow.
To quote @billybangz “Many hands make light work.” My family and I are living that wisdom out loud by supporting the school’s efforts to secure scholarships for current and future Wildcats in need. I encourage anyone reading this to join us. The link is in my bio.
🎨: @mr.adisa
I can hardly wrap my mind around D’Angelo’s passing. His albums have been the soundtrack to so many chapters of my journey. His art has been a lifeline through my highest highs and lowest lows. It truly feels like I’ve lost a family member. My heart goes out to his loved ones, especially his children. Rest well, Michael.
This summer, I was honored to be selected from hundreds of applicants as one of the 2025 @naacp and @adobe Creative Fellows.
For 14 weeks, I collaborated with an extraordinary cohort of storytellers and mentors who reminded me that true growth isn’t just about sharpening technical skills, it’s about trusting your gut, honoring your creative voice, and embracing community.
Because storytelling is more than just a craft. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to build connection, shift culture, and spark change. In a world that needs authenticity more than ever, our stories matter.
I’m grateful to Adobe, my mentors (@steele_pictures , @genesoul , @jonathanwinbush , Marcus, and Sandra), and the NAACP @hollywoodbureau for this experience. This fellowship reshaped who I am as a storyteller and renewed my outlook on the creative journey ahead.
Thankful for another year of life. Grateful for mercy that renews daily, for undeserved favor, and for love that never fails.
Thankful for my tribe, the ones who hold me down with wisdom, laughter, and love. Grateful for my family, whose love and loyalty never waver.
Thankful for the guidance, correction, and care that keep me grounded. Grateful for my trials and the testimony that’s still being written. Thankful for purpose unfolding with every step.
📸: @sp1films
This past Saturday was more than a celebration, it was a homecoming. A return to purpose, memory, and momentum. This year’s HOSA Fund Biannual Fundraising Gala was not about spotlight, it was about legacy. It was about honoring the ones who show up when it’s hard, who love without condition, who build without recognition, and who lead with quiet, unwavering grace.
Delisha and I created @thehosafund to carry the spirit of two extraordinary people, our late grandparents Roy and Barbara Osborne, whose lives were a shining example of faith, service, and selfless love. A few weeks ago marked 16 years since Nana passed, and just yesterday would’ve been Pop’s 87th birthday.
Their story is the soil from which this work grows. Their love is the reason we gather. Every honoree reminded us what it means to give with your whole chest. Every guest reminded us that community isn’t a concept, it’s a commitment.
When we pool love, labor, and legacy together, we create something unstoppable. Thank you to every hand that helped lift the room.
This work is personal, this work is power. - @mr.adisa
📸: @shotsbygunn + @morencystudios
Thanks to all of our sponsors, contributers, underwriters, and in-kind donors:
@keanuniversityalumni@graysonwhiteceramics@lunchbreaknj@fredtjoseph@dejavuspeaks@t.thomasfortune@basiecenter@tworivertheater@keanuniversity@_f1r3@mcloonesrestaurants@njpac@dorneyparkpr@wholefoods@brick.city.strength@sandboxvr@rezosalon@turningpointrestaurants@constellationenergy@morencystudios@bamefreehold@brookdalecc@shotsbygunn@senatorpierre@duboisakeen@runlovethedj@meeeeeeyaaah
Beachside Productions
Turning Point
VO Med Spa
Theresa Artigas
Nina Norman
Matthew Mays and Family
The Osborne Family
The Vaughn and Coleman Family
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, philanthropy, and community spirit at The House On Steven Avenue Fund’s Biannual Gala on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at The Reception Center in Matawan, NJ.
This signature event will honor individuals that have made a significant impact in their communities. The evening will feature award presentations, a sit-down dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction - all in support of the HOSA Fund’s ongoing initiatives to advance underserved communities. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, click the link in our bio
This past week, I had the privilege of interviewing artist Negina Azimi of ArtLords, the visionary collective of “artivtists” that began in Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2014. At the 2025 World Voices Festival in New York City, ArtLords brought that same spirit to Union Square, inviting the public to co-create a mural grounded in community, resilience, and creative resistance. Honored to have this conversation featured on France24, highlighting how ArtLords continues to use art to uplift silenced voices and inspire global dialogue.
