People and Organizations Doing Big Things NOW :Part 2

 Kim Aponi

Artist and Executive

What Inspires you?

My childhood made me who I am today, so I often go back to what brings me nostalgia for inspiration. Chicago always brings out the real me, and I often think of the people from the city when creating new things. I always try to think about what I need more from the community and do it in my own way.

I've been trying to focus on the betterment of our community, as a black woman, rather than my brand's personal message. This has caused me to put most of my time into my role with a local initiative FourtuneHouse and my new business Chicago Concessions. I strongly support the Black Lives Matter movement, and only want to promote the urgent need for change through my platform, and actions.

Website: https://kim-products.com/

Mya Cavner

I’m an interdisciplinary visual artist and future curator. I make work centered around the black experience, art history, and fashion. I intern at the Art Institute of Chicago and work to create engaging youth programming. At my school, I lead Acting for Gender Equality where we discuss the importance of intersectional feminism and create a safe space to share experiences.

What Inspires you?

My two main inspirations are Kimberly Drew and Solange. Their unique creativity across a variety of fields inspires me to push my own work further and create new connections within my artistic process. I am also inspired by the youth leaders in Chicago who are consistently fighting for change and demanding that we do better whether it be in schools, at museums, or on the streets. I think Chicago has ambitious and inspired youth on citywide levels that are ready to shake things up.

I released a coloring book called #BlackArtMatters to showcase black artists and raising money for Brave Space Alliance, which is the first trans-led LGBTQ+ center on the Southside of Chicago which is now Available! Any of my artwork and writing can be seen on my website, www.myacav.work.

Iris Haastrup, South Side Grocery Pick-Up

I am a community organizer and I am a member of Youth for Black Lives. This summer, I organized Juneteenth: The Celebration and Grocery Pick-Ups.

What Inspires you?

What inspires me is Black babies. Seeing them smile and laugh makes me hopeful for the future and motivates me to keep fighting systemic oppression.

Ig:@semigrwnfolk @youth4blklives

Cashapp: $youth4blklives