About Lolo Lature

Lorien “Lolo” Lature Carter was born in Madison, WI, and raised on the Upper West Side of NYC. She is a mother, an author, a writer, a poet, and an advocate for the Black and Brown community. She moved back to Madison, WI, and would later begin her community/activist work in 2015, after the homicide of her 19 year old nephew, Tony Robinson, at the hands of Madison police officer Matt Kenny. Since then, she's become a voice for the Youth, a highly decorated speaker, and a pillar for the Black and Brown community. Receiving multiple awards for these achievements. Lorien has dedicated her life to being a voice for the voiceless.

About Cameron Bertrand

As an international community activist and youth development professional, Cameron Bertrand specializes in mental health awareness and community engagement. Cameron wears many hats-- CEO, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, veteran, sociologist, published author, mentor, legislative leader, organizer, and developer. Cameron is a gun violence survivor and a patron for equity and civic engagement; he provides the community with trauma-informed approaches, as well as opportunities of enrichment to students and families, in dozens of cities spanning across the US & Kampala, Uganda.

Cameron is the founder of Violence Intervention & Prevention VIP LLC (VIP LLC), BuyBackTheBlock, Beyond The Bullet, VIP Inc., and the Gun Violence Intervention & Prevention Outreach & Research Center. VIP LLC provides free counseling and mentorship necessary to help youth and adults transition from experiences with violence and trauma. Cameron is an advocate for justice, advocating for policies and legislation that provide trauma informed, evidence-based, outcome driven, grassroots oriented solutions to prevent violence and/or generational trauma in our communities.

Cameron is an alumnus and community partner of Christopher Newport University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminology and is a US Army military veteran where he served as a paralegal specialist. Cameron also ran for political office in the year of 2020. Over the years, Cameron has been recognized by several national organizations for his dedication to his community.

ABOUT KENYA “ART1” LAWTON

Kenya “Art1” Lawton, a native of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, is a photorealistic airbrush muralist and fine art painter. Inspired by urban struggles and successes, his larger-than-life murals and portraits reflect the vibrant spirit of hip hop culture and pay homage to lost loved ones. As a child, Art1 was inspired to be an airbrush artist after seeing his neighbors airbrush images onto T-shirts in their front yard. Eager to learn the technique, in the tenth grade he saved up and purchased his first airbrush.

In the 1-800 Happy Birthday exhibition mural, the artist represents each celebrant’s likeness. The tableau serves as a collective memory for the many individuals killed by the police, and is designed to receive flowers, birthday cards, balloons, and other memorial offerings.

Art1’s artwork has been shown in exhibitions including Changing the Game at the LeRoy Neiman Arts Center and A Tribute to Miles Davis at the Dwyer Cultural Center. His mural JAM MASTER JAY, the Best DJ in the US of A, located at RUN DMC JMJ Way in Hollis, New York, has famously been featured in numerous books, TV shows, films, and hip hop videos.

About DJ Hard Hittin Harry

Born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, raised in Montreal, Canada, and Newark, New Jersey, DJ Hard Hittin Harry, is a 30+ year veteran making it happen all over the clubs, mixtapes, internet, and television.

If you don't know Harry then it’s time that you did.

“Back on October 3, 2009 (my actual birthday), I was presented with a plaque by The Father of Hip Hop Culture @officialdjkoolherc in honor of 30 years keeping the music playing and people dancing through the decades. I AM a Supreme Spinner, Master Mixer, and Divine DJ... and DJ KOOL HERC said so.”

On November 9, 2019, The Haitian Roundtable Organization inducted Harry as one of the Haitian-American Changemakers of the United States. He was presented this award by entertainment mogul Mona Scott-Young and America’s psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere.

Currently residing in Brooklyn, DJ Hard Hittin Harry entertains his audience blending unique styles of the latest and classic hip hop.

About Buddha Chief aka The Cure Rater

With Brooklyn being the home to heavy hitters in the rap game, there’s no doubt that great artistry comes from this particular borough in New York City. Vaughn Jefferson also known as Buddha Chief is an artist and entrepreneur who understands cultural significance when it comes to his music and work.

In the 1980’s during the peak of the crack era, it was important for young black males not to become a product of their environment. Buddha Chief was raised by his mother and grandmother, but hip hop always surrounded him as a kid. He was brought up on the same block as one of his hip hop inspirations Big Daddy Kane. Vaughn even curated a mural of Big Daddy Kane on the building where he once lived which he signed in approval. He plans to carry on tradition like other famous artists from the Bed Stuy community started and to keep shaping the rap culture.

At first when Buddha Chief started to make music he was known as “Von Jeff”. His mission was to give his listeners positive energy through beats and lyrics. The process of creating the perfect song for his audience became a thrill for him. He released his first mixtape in 2012 titled ‘ Count Me In ‘. Several songs from his project were placed in the film ‘ “Inevitable Defeat Of Mister And Pete” which was executive produced by Alicia Keys.

Music wasn’t just about songs to Vaughn it was viewed as a lifestyle. He had a different approach when it came to getting his foot through the entertainment door. In the early 2000’s Buddha Chief served as the Director of A&R for MTV2’S “Monday Night Fight Klub”. He scouted and developed many of the popular battle rappers such as Cortez, Tay Roc, Reed Dollaz, Jag, Math Hoffa, and Serius Jones to name a few. Vaughn also found passion in production where he became a videographer for rapper Maino and for the respected Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.

Buddha Chief was chosen as his new stage name to rebrand himself. Buddha Chief is not only Vaughn’s stage name but also for his cannabis business. Being a huge fan of rapper Redman is what inspired the name behind the brand. “On a righteous level my vision was to always create an infusion of people and bring many cultures together under one roof by means of cannabis. Hence we have Buddha Chief” says rapper Buddha Chief. Outside of his music and cannabis career, Vaughn has also become a strong advocate for the black community as a whole. He’s currently releasing a docuseries titled “The Cure Rater’ to display the importance of mental health awareness. Buddha Chief’s passion coupled with his versatile talents will make him a respected name in hip hop culture.

About Ya’aqov

Ya’aqov hails from Pleasantville, New Jersey, and maybe new to the music scene, but Ya’aqov is definitely making noise as he is featured on the legendary Salt N Pepa’s new single “She’s Killin Me.” Ya’aqov has also had the great pleasure of working with the well known producers Chris N Teeb (Danity Kane, 50 Cent, Jennifer Lopez, Cassie, Ciara, Method Man & Redman). While working with Chris N Teeb, Ya’aqov has developed his own unique sound and through his ALBUM “GIRLZ” the listener will be able to hear that distinction. His sound is described as a fusion of coarse hip hop, alternative & pop/rock.

Ya’aqov, born Brandon Holland, is no stranger to entertainment. A New Jersey native Ya’aqov grew up dancing, singing and performing songs from his favorite artist to anybody that would listen. Anywhere there was music, the young Ya’aqov found himself there. He played the drums in church as well as his neighborhood drill team/marching band. This marching band was called in by NJ hometown hero Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins to play on "Loose My Breath" for Destiny's Child which was a huge hit. In his sophomore year in high school he auditioned for the staff at chARTer Tech Performing Arts High School and was gladly excepted. Charter Tech really helped hone Ya’aqov 's musical talents and performing abilities.

Ya’aqov felt as though it was time to take his music to the next level. Being as though he grew up with producers Chris N Teeb he told them what he was trying to do and they were eager to start working. While working with Chris N Teeb, they crafted an amazing sound that would capture ears world wide. Through Chris N Teeb Ya’aqov met Grammy award winning producer Rockwilder (Jay-Z, Christina Augulara, Missy Elliot, Destiny's Child). Rockwilder invited Ya’aqov to be a part of an album he was working on called Rockwilder Presents Blue Octane pro Wakeboard Edition (available on iTunes). The album was made for the extreme sport called wakeboarding. "Rockstar" was the name of the song Ya’aqov did. The song was successful as it was used for a wakeboarding competition that was hosted by ROCKSTAR ENERGY DRINK in 2009. Ya’aqov was blessed to have worked side by side with new artist as well as legends in the music industry. He has written for JoJo Simmons (son of Rev Run) of MTV's RUNS HOUSE, Redman, D. Woods, Brave Williams, Cassie & Salt N Pepa. He has opened up for Salt N Pepa, DMX, Travie McCoy, Kelly Rowland, Mike Posner, Rick Ross, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Trey Songs, Fonzworth Bentley of G's to Gents & Cassie, just to name a few. Some of Ya’aqov 's influences are Michael Jackson, Pharrell Williams, N.E.R.D, Gym Class Heros, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West & Jay-Z.

About Chris Green

Christopher Green is a Fine Artist who paints the totality of the Black experience from his home studio in Norfolk, VA. From our struggles to our triumphs to everything in between, Green uses vibrant colors to illustrate our people in a beautiful way. He has made significant lifelong contributions to the Hampton Roads area by painting various murals on storefronts as well as showcasing his work in numerous exhibitions, enriching our communities with his captivating art.

“As an artist, I aspire to create art that captivates and evokes a sense of awe and wonder. My work engages positive representation of Black people, boosting pride and cultural exuberance. Portraits are my main focus and I aim to capture the raw emotion in a vibrant style. My technique combines contrasting colors and saturated colors using acrylic paint on canvas, bringing everything to life.” — Christopher Green

about flair

FLAIR is a grafitti artist, a Brooklyn graffiti legend with 40+ years of experience worldwide. Spreading tags and love, FLAIR included his mark with a graffiti at the 1-800 Happy Birthday flower stand. At the WORTHLESSSTUDIOS Community Day, FLAIR will present his new empty spray can art sculptures he designed and hand painted.

about dabling king

“Hello this Shanandoah Jones (aka) DaBlingKing. I’m 80’s Graffiti artist and Bboy dancer single parent of a 15yr old Queen. I specialize in the art of bling bling but also tye dye, custom free hand, graphic arts, etc. My goal is to bring the bling bling to the world so they can shine at anytime day or night. BROOKLYN’S FINEST.”