[Original size] Sankofa: Our Legacy

Produced by Destination Crenshaw

sankofa

our legacy

Axum Studio

Curated by

june 14, 2024

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

DC ARTS CORPS PROGRAM

Social practice exhibition

Exhibition Statement

As we delve into this immersive experience, we shall illuminate the profound transformative impact we bestow upon the creative economy of the illustrious city of Los Angeles. This journey employs the exquisite disciplines of visual anthropology and ethnography unveiling a tapestry of cultural significance and sustainability within the Crenshaw District.

report

The Creative Economy

9 sectors of creative jobs

The “Creative Economy," the special group of creative individuals, industries, and jobs present in the Crenshaw District, plays a vital role in driving economic development in the Crenshaw District, and economic value for the world.

Entertainers & performers

Musicians and singers, producers and directors, music directors and composers, actors, dancers, choreographers, models, among others.

Designers

Graphic designers, art directors, interior designers, set and exhibition designers, fashion designers, architects, landscape architects, commercial and industrial designerss, among others.

Artist Related Workers

Photographers, writers and authors, fine artists, archivists, curators, museum technicians, among others.

Media & Communication workers

Marketing and public relations specialists, editors, agents and business managers, fundraisers, technical writers, social media influencers, among others.

Technical workers

Software developers, special effects artists, film and video editors, web developers, audio and video technicians, web and digital interface designers, sound engineers, lighting technicians, among others.

artisans

Craft artists, woodworkers and furniture makers, tailors and dressmakers, apparel workers, leather workers, sewers, book makers, jewelry makers, etchers and engravers, model makers, among others.

Food & Beverage workers

Chefs, cooks, bartenders, bakers, caterers, restauranteurs, among others.

Wellness workers

Self-enrichment teachers, yoga instructors, massage therapists, recreational therapists, exercise trainers and fitness instructors, among others.

Hair & makeup stylists

Barbers and hairdressers, manicurists and pedicurists, skincare specialists, makeup artists, among others.

CREATIVE ECONOMY REPORT

BY : DESTINATION CRENSHAW, CVL ECONOMICS, LISC LA, & OTIS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN

“ Black culture and art are what make the Black community in particular irreplaceable. The Crenshaw District and the Black community are strong enough to hold the culture of that space throughout the turmoil that’ll come with new people and new ideas and new interests ”

-Marqueece Harris-Dawson

Council President-Elect, 8th District

City of Los Angeles

Los Angeles Times, Oct 2022

Featured

Creative Economy

Artists & Creatives

Lorenzo Diggins Jr.
Tanielle Gilbert
Taylor Elizabeth
Eric Lloyd
Amber Burgin
Nyleve Henry
Jordyn Roland
Ashley Allen
Donovan McAnany
Sydney O.
Jenalta Yates
Isaac Yeboah Junior
Isaac Yeboah Senior
Roman Combs
Malaika Jules
Ryan Gage
Elijah Simmons (Six-Sev)

Special Thanks

“

Black talent is the Crenshaw District’s chief economic export.

”

Jason Foster

Destination Crenshaw / President

featuring

Lorenzo Diggins Jr.

Visual & Digital Artist

company: Colour Bloc Creativ

Exhibition Role:

lead photographer - Sankofa Our Legacy

Artist Statement

My name is Lorenzo Diggins Jr. and I'm a visual artist (photography & illustration), creative director, and art book publisher based out of South Central Los Angeles. I’m either in pursuit of bringing my own creative ideas to life or helping others actualize theirs. As a visual creator, I am committed to using my work not only to tell the stories of my subjects but also to serve as an invitation for viewers to reflect and share their own stories. The common thread woven throughout my work is a deep value in fostering connection amongst people. Simply put, I love using my work as a tool to create connections and community.

Aside from operating my design studio/art book publishing company and newsprint publication called “Find Peace. Keep Peace.” (aka FPKP Journal), I recently opened up a concept space in South Central LA called Pillar.

BTS Sankofa : Our Legacy Shoot

photographer: Lorenzo Diggins Jr.

art director: taylor elizabeth

casting | Set: axum studio

model: Jenalta yates

wardrobe designer: NyLeve Henry

Council District 8 office

featuring

Taylor Elizabeth

Social Practice & Assemblage Artist, Axum Studio CEO

Company : Axumstudio.org

Exhibition Role

Art Director / Curator / Stylist

My name is Taylor Elizabeth and I am a social practice and assemblage artist based in Los Angeles, California. My artistic journey weaves through a rich tapestry of diverse mediums, creating a body of work that blends fine art with innovation. My creative palette extends across carpentry, ceramics, photography, cinema, and fashion; reflecting my versatility and passion for exploration. The inception of my artistic endeavors can be traced back to the establishment of Axum Studio in 2016, a venture that became a cornerstone for editorial styling, model casting, set design, and art direction. Axum Studio provides a platform for collaborations with esteemed brands and artists, solidifying it’s position as a luminary in the artistic realm. Currently, I am honored to serve as Creative Pathways Specialist at Destination Crenshaw, playing a pivotal role in the development and growth of artists within the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles.

68%

of Crenshaw District residents

believe a vibrant arts & culture presence improves the quality of life in the community.

featuring

Nyleve Henry

Sustainable Fashion Designer, CEO @nylaurent Showroom

company: looksforlease.com

Exhibition Role:

clothing Designer / Wardrobe Stylist

Artist Statement

Third-generation L.A. native who grew up in the architectural masterpiece of Lafayette Square, envisioned by George Lafayette Crenshaw, whose legacy lives on as Crenshaw Blvd., Nyleve is an optimistic business woman, embodying a fusion of art, science, and commerce, applying her rare mix of expertise across diverse industries. As a Green Capitalist, Climate Change Activist, innate fashion designer and expert in CPG supply chain operations, she's dedicated to reshaping consumer habits through conscious artistry.

Leaning into her Divine Mission, Nyleve is ready to positively contribute to regional campaigns that transform the perception of the Crenshaw District into what data has shown it to be, a vibrant cultural hub that's extremely lucrative and inspires people across the country—ultimately fostering safety, respect and innovation. Nyleve is a leader that champions creatives, guiding their grand visions into reality through strategic planning and partnerships.

Seeking grants, funding, and innovative collaborations, she envisions revenue-sharing models that empower artists and innovators within sustainable business models; with intentions to generate more tax dollars for the Crenshaw District. Nyleve's mission signifies the fusion of commerce and consciousness, painting a future where creativity thrives, communities prosper, and mindful consumption prevails, shaping a brighter tomorrow for all.

Nyleve Henry was featured as an official TedX presenter, where she spoke about “Green Capitalism: A Path to Zero Carbon Purchase"

“

Growing up in Leimert Park, it was the only space to comfortably express pride for Black Culture. A way to be amongst the positing Black Diaspora movement and a place where I saw single black women and black artists escape the scrutiny from the corporate world.

crenshaw resident

- nyleve henry

featuring

Tanielle Gilbert

Fashion | Fine Art | Portraiture Photographer

Exhibition Role:

lead photographer - Sacred mission

Artist Statement

Tanielle Gilbert (b. 1992, Lakewood, CA) is a photographer based in Arizona working primarily in the genres of fashion, advertising, and fine art photography. Her distinct style can be recognized through the infusion of botanical settings, emotive stories of color, painterly scenes, and poetic gestures. In 2019, Tanielle completed her art studies and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography from California State University of Long Beach. Though her degree is specific to photography, she also minored in Art History and has taken additional art courses including painting, sculpture, graphic design, and ceramics. Some of these studies, as well as her background in fashion, can be visible in her works. In her 2019 exhibition titled “Biophilia,” she expands her artist palette by exploring the realm of live art installation and combining her love for plants, interest in technology, her sensitivity to sensory experiences, and challenging the psychology of human connection. While she has been in her career field for over 10 years with various publications and exhibitions, she continuously finds herself falling in love with visual art. Tanielle currently spends her days working as a full-time photographer for a private university in Phoenix, Arizona. When she isn’t on the clock, Tanielle enjoys yoga, reading, bouldering, gardening, visiting art spaces, and exploring the city. In the cooler months, aside from keeping her additional hobbies and interests on rotation, pizza grazing and cloud gazing land at the top of the list.

95%

of Crenshaw District residents

believe a vibrant arts & culture presence improves the quality of life in the community.

Photo : L a muralist & visionary toni weathers

“

This report shines a light on the District’s creative sectors and explores ways to create the space,

freedom, and opportunities for its community of artists, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and

nonprofits to serve as economic change agents.

-CVL Economics

behind the scenes Shot : Sankofa Our Legacy

“

The creative economy speaks a universal language.

People can...

communicate and

create along

those pathways, both interculturally

and intergenerationally.

- Crenshaw District Resident

featuring

Eric Lloyd

Fashion Designer | model | wardrobe stylist

Exhibition Role:

wardrobe stylist / legacy model

Artist Statement

My mission in every capacity of my life, is to serve a purpose, to leave this earth empty by giving of myself, and for God to get the glory. To give, and reach back to those that are in need, to those that may need the same opportunity that was given unto me. To be of service from the same place I have come from. To be that helping hand to someone who just doesn't know how to get there. Always being selfless, and walking in humility.

The legacy I want to leave in every capacity of my life, is to inspire and let everyone know that through God all things are possible.

featuring

Donovan McAnany

Model | Visual Creator

Exhibition Role: legacy model

Artist Statement

A luminary in the world of artistic lifestyle modeling. Donovan has forged a legacy defined by his relentless commitment to crafting and producing profoundly meaningful and high-quality representations.

Donovan’s artistic expressions manifested through modeling encapsulate a unique narrative. Where each pose and composition is a product of pain transformed into elegance, determination channeled into dynamic forms, and consistency shaping a lineage of modeling excellence. Through Donovan McAnany’s work, modeling becomes not just a visual spectacle but an unwavering narrative, weaving together transformative pain, tenacity of determination, and the enduring luxury born from artistic consistency.

featuring

Ashley Allen

Model | creative writer

Exhibition Role: legacy model

Artist Statement

My name is Ashley Allen and my art is a story of a late bloomer. A creative being who wasn’t able to connect with her creative side until after she became an adult. Growing up, I accepted that going to school and getting a traditional job was the ONLY way to have the life I convinced myself I wanted. But after graduating college, I realized that I didn't want that story. The one thing to help me put the pieces together in this life puzzle is my art. My journey will show others that it's never too late to change the direction of your story. That your book is not finished and you can end this chapter you’re on and begin a new chapter doing something completely different.

featuring

Jordyn Roland

Model | creative writer | Photographer

Exhibition Role: legacy model

Artist Statement

ART. ALL WAYS. ALWAYS.

It is awesome when someone asks what you do for a living and you can reply with “ART.” The general term considering you have so many forms. With boudoir photography, I can show someone that they are beautiful, or maybe help them show another. By writing lyrics, I can remind someone they aren’t alone. Writing a book or poetry allows me to share my and others’ stories without anyone feeling their secrets have been given away. Modeling, I can be the isle, the paint, the brush, or the “piece” alone. Painting is now something I simply share with my grandmother. I witnessed her living her last years doing something she genuinely loved. A reminder that I HAVE TIME. It’s ART. ART in all its forms has been my peace, my therapy, as well as my closure to many things.

You can share your perspective of the same situation in so many ways.

It (your perspective) tends to catch one’s attention when done through ART.

Something familiar to almost everyone on the planet. ART in all its forms. In all its fashions. In all its ways. The yins and the yangs. I will share mine.

featuring

Amber Burgin

Makeup artist | Creator

Exhibition Role: makeup artist

Artist Statement

Creativity runs in my blood. From a very young age I have been attracted to color, style, art, beauty, fashion and honestly feeling and looking great. As I grew up I felt compelled to transfer this “feeling” to everyone I came in contact with by way of fashion and makeup. I started off styling my siblings for prom, homecomings and special events, then doing their hair and makeup for ALL events. Needless to say I decided to make my passion my profession. My route took a little longer attending UCLA for Sociology, running a non-profit and then venturing off into retail. But I made my way back to what I TRULY love. So no, I did not attend cosmetology school but like any serious artist I am constantly honing my craft and perfecting my skill. The beauty world is constantly changing and evolving and that keeps me sharp as growth is something I look forward to.

Creating makes me happy but nothing can stop the joy I get from making my clients feel beautiful. Everyone who sits in my chair gets the full experience. We talk about skincare, hair care, health, you name it. But the ultimate goal is a transformation that allows one's inner beauty to shine through. When you are doing what you love, you do IT with love.

87%

of Crenshaw District residents

believe increasing the arts in the community and encouraging cultural tourism brings positive economic benefits.

featuring

Roman Combs

Global Entrepreneur and Orchestrator of Change

Company: Haven Made Global

Exhibition Role: art manager

Artist Statement

Roman Combs is a visionary global entrepreneur whose influence transcends borders, known for orchestrating transformative projects and nurturing talent across continents. Hailing from Leimert Park, Roman's journey took a pivotal turn in 2019 when he and his family moved to Ghana, marking the beginning of a profound engagement with the African continent. In Africa, Roman discovered a passion for uplifting and representing the underserved artistic community. He met Isaac Yeboah, a promising artist, and took him under his wing within his organization, dedicating himself to showcasing and supporting starving artists across Africa. Roman's efforts have not only provided a platform for these artists but have also brought their work to the global stage, offering them the recognition and financial support

they deserve.

Beyond the arts, Roman has leveraged his expertise to consult for numerous businesses throughout Africa, helping them grow and form stronger, more impactful brands. His approach combines innovative strategies with a deep understanding of the local business landscape, driving success in diverse sectors. Roman's work is characterized by a deep commitment to cultural exchange and economic empowerment. His initiatives have fostered a spirit of collaboration between African creatives and global markets, breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for growth and recognition.

featuring

Isaac Yeboah Junior

Paint Dealer | Artist | Entrepreneur

Exhibition Role: Abstract Paint Dealer

Artist Statement

A visionary paint dealer and artist from Ghana. Born and raised in the picturesque coastal city of Cape Coast, Ghana, Isaac Junior Yeboah has been an influential figure in the local art scene since his entry into the paint business in 2017. After graduating from Junior High School, Isaac was inspired to embark on his journey by an old bracelet dealer from Cape Coast—whose entrepreneurial spirit left a lasting impression on him. Isaac specializes in using acrylic paints on canvas materials, embracing the latest products and technologies in the art world. This modern approach allows artists, including himself, to experiment with new mediums and techniques, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity. At the heart of Isaac's business philosophy is a commitment to excellence in customer service.

He believes in treating customers with respect, communicating clearly and concisely, and finding solutions that truly meet their needs. His honesty and integrity, especially when challenges arise, have garnered him a reputation as a trusted dealer and artist. Looking ahead, Isaac envisions a future where his art is displayed in galleries and where he leads an art department dedicated to teaching the next generation of painters.

featuring

Isaac Yeboah Senior

Painter | Artist | Visionary

Exhibition Role: Abstract Paintings

Artist Statement

A conduit of emotion and symbolism in art, Isaac Yeboah Senior, a 23-year-old visionary artist hailing from the vibrant town of Cape Coast, Ghana, embodies the spirit of creativity and expression through his art. From a young age, Isaac was captivated by the world of art, finding solace and joy in painting and drawing. His ability to capture the beauty of nature and portray the emotions of individuals has allowed him to communicate and connect with others in a unique and powerful way. Isaac's art is a testament to the influence of both contemporary and historical artists. While he hesitates to name specific individuals, it is clear that a wide range of artistic movements have shaped his sensibilities, aesthetics, techniques, and design. His artwork, enriched by life experiences and an ongoing exploration of emotional journeys, is a reflection of his commitment to authenticity and self-expression. With a style that gravitates towards boldness, color, symbolism, abstract, and African art, Isaac creates visually stunning pieces using fabric and paint. This combination allows him to achieve a unique blend of texture, color, and depth, making each piece a captivating visual experience.

Since 2011, jobs in the Crenshaw District Creative Economy grew

FASTER

than the total employment growth rate in the Crenshaw District and the Los Angeles County

creative economy.

featuring

Malaika “Eagle Nebula” Jules

Community archivist | Creative Writer | Poet | Performer

Exhibition Role: Legacy is the Prize Poem

Artist Statement

Born and raised in Inglewood, CA., Malaika Jules fka Eagle Nebula is a bonafide multi-hyphenate. Poet, community archivist, playwright, performer and ⅓ of legendary Leimert Park Hip-Hop crew Ras G and The Afrikan Space Program, her love of her community is the through-line in her work. A neighborhood girl who spent over a decade sharing her work, living and traveling throughout the United States, West Africa and Europe, she returned home to capture the essence of her neighborhood through uplifting poetry and images to counter the negative narrative that often reaches the masses. In 2014, she created the Inglewood Poetry Project—a vinyl record and anthology as a recipient of the Inglewood Growing Artists Project (I-GAP) grant. She was named the June Jordan scholar in poetry from the Pan African Literary Forum held in Ghana, West Africa where she studied under Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa. A graduate of Howard University and the University of Ghana, Legon, Malaika was also the former co-host of the Anansi Writer’s workshop at the legendary world stage. Her first volume of poetry, “The Funky Tube to Nubia” was released to wide acclaim on World Stage Press.

A true renaissance woman, Malaika is photographer and creator of Leimert 98, a series of film photographs she took while in high school from 1998-2000. It is the first in a three-part series of film photographs of Black neighborhoods in America in the late 90’s and early aughts, before gentrification. She currently resides in Inglewood where she writes, performs and tends to her garden.

featuring

Elijah “Six Sev” Simmons

Entrepreneur | Artist | Community Organizer

Company: Pray For the hood

Exhibition Role:

Asst. Curator | Gallery Installation

Artist Statement

Six Sev is an Artist, Entrepreneur & Community organizer from Los Angeles. Founder of Pray For The Hood and Leimert Park’s Juneteenth Festival, Sev is often referred to as “Mayor of Leimert” for his contributions to art and education in the Crenshaw community.

CREATIVE ECONOMY REPORT PARTNERS

Report prepared by:

CVL Economics is a Los Angeles–based economic consulting firm committed to rethinking, reframing, and redefining the future of equitable development.

Founded in 2021, CVL partners with communities, municipalities, organizations, and institutions to navigate rapidly shifting economic conditions through bold action. Our work is rooted in the belief that complex challenges are best addressed by a multidisciplinary approach, and we draw on the expertise of a growing team of economists, statisticians, planners, policy analysts, and subject matter specialists who are united in their passion for asking the big questions.

By employing advanced data analytics and rigorous qualitative methods, we deliver insights that drive economic and workforce development decision-making.