What is a dream? The dictionary defines the five-letter word as a succession of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that usually occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep.

Well, this isn’t the case for Derrick Carter, because he is definitely dreaming with his eyes wide open. The 29-year- old artist and Indianapolis-native has one of the most compelling stories of triumph and faith that I’ve ever heard. After a traumatic accident as a teen, Derrick was left with multiple broken bones all over his body, except for his right hand and arm. Ironically, Derrick is right-handed. This was no accident, everything happens for a reason, and God had a much greater plan for him.

I had the pleasure of speaking with the artist about his journey and his latest opportunity in his hometown. Derrick’s two-dimensional sand artwork, “Dreams,” is currently on display in the Indianapolis International Airport until March 2018. “Dreams” has art critics and viewers amazed at the details and precision Derrick used to capture the essence of fearless African-American leaders and celebrities. Derrick speaks with  confidence in regards to his artistic talents and community involvement.

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JayDon “JD” McCrary was sharing  his vocal chords with the world long before he was dubbed the “New King of Pop” on Steve Harvey’s Little Big Shots back in May 2017. In fact, the 10-year-old-triple-threat entertainer was the high pitched voice featured on Childish Gambino’s “Terrified.” But even before that, he was singing his favorite Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder songs. “I’ve been singing since I was about two-years-old and dancing since I was three,” McCrary told Justin Davis of Complex Magazine. Today, he’s not only singing and dancing, but he is known for his acting skills as well. Regardless of whether McCrary is dancing across a stage, reciting lines behind a camera or bellowing notes from behind a microphone, it’s clear to see he represents a new generation of talent.

Born and raised in Granada Hills, a Los Angeles California suburb known as “The Valley’s Most Neighborly Town,” to a family full of singers (including Josh McCrary, his young brother who also sings). It’s almost as if McCrary was destined to entertain. He’s talented, friendly, loves to socialize and is not afraid to shine. In fact, despite only being 10-years old, he’s quick to admit that he’s not shy about being in the spotlight. “I don’t think I ever get nervous,” he explained to J’Na Jefferson of Vibe. “...I always feel like I’m just performing for people,” he continued, admitting that “we’re all [just] human.” He’s just as easy-going when it comes to his acting as well. Whether he’s being featured in a commercial or working alongside Zendaya in KC Undercover, McCrary is smiling big all while remaining cool, calm and collected. In fact, he was filming a scene as Kenny on Tyler Perry’sThe Paynes,” when his mother informed him of what would become his biggest gig yet - young Simba in Disney’s The Lion King Live Action remake. 

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Inspiration is found everywhere and differs from artist to artist. For some, staying confined within the walls of a studio helps with focus and the creative process, but for Robert Harris, the process is a bit different. it .

“I didn't want to share my artwork with anyone,” Harris said on VIMBY. He said his art felt too personal to share with anyone. However, after talking with another artist, he changed his mind and now wants to share what he feels through his art. Harris paints LIVE. Sometimes he's in a gallery painting with others, and at other times he's on the sidewalk painting by himself. No matter where he is, he loves painting for the world to see.

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New York has returned to it's rightful place, at the forefront of hip-hop lately. The resurgence, is a much needed one. In the era of hot beats, repetitive hooks, and mumble rap, lyricism tends to get lost in the shuffle. Subject matter still exists, but they are usually pretty basic. I don't want to sound like a hip-hop purist, and I know that party and "turn up" music has its place in the culture. It just seems like it's taken over, and due to this some of the best artist and their work gets overlooked. Even in the somewhat absence of New York rap artists, a few "Kings of New York," have remained relevant in their own right. From Hov, to Cam and even Ma$e, it's been a real blast from the past. Not to mention Dave East bringing the heat for the new school.

Recently, a pair of kings decided to join forces for an album. Fabolous and Jadakiss, finally got it done after a year and a half of anticipation. The microwave era is responsible for the nullification of the phrase "highly anticipated" when it comes to music. They expect artists to put out new material way more frequently than the generations prior. This puts so much pressure on artists to put out albums, EP's, and mixtapes sooner than they would like, when they should really let the pot simmer for a bit. Well Jadakiss and Fabolous have had this joint project boiling for quite a while. I know the microwave generation expected it to happen as quick as the Future and Drake collab, but trust, the wait was worth every minute!

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It's a proven fact that African-Americans experience disproportionate rates of marijuana-related arrests. The recent success of decriminalizing marijuana laws, has led to economic profit. In 2001, Portugal decriminalized all drugs and it currently enjoys the lowest rate of drug overdoses in Western Europe according to the Washington Post. There are many benefits in the decriminalization of marijuana, such as a boost in the local and national economy. There is less of a strain on taxpayers if marijuana possessors are not jailed, and the industry also creates jobs. Last year, marijuana sales made $6.7 billion according to Bloomberg News.

However, the Washington Post reported that marijuana possession arrests were higher than any other violent crime arrest in 2016. This is where Hope Wiseman comes into the spotlight, she is a advocate for the decriminalization of marijuana and African-American rights. Wiseman will be the youngest African-American dispensary owner in the United States. Her goal is to aid African-Americans affected by the war on drugs through her company Compassionate Herbal Alternative. CHA is a medical cannabis company that includes Mary and Main, a Maryland-based cannabis store.

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Remember twisting and turning a kaleidoscope to see all of the magical designs, shapes, and colors when you were a kid? Imagine recreating those peculiar patterns onto knitwear, cottons and silks, to fit anyone’s sense of style. The Missoni brand is distinctive for its bizarre and colorful designs that have been worn by people of all ages, genders, shapes, and sizes for almost sixty-five years.

An Italian couple named Ottavio and Rosita Missoni started a knitwear shop near Rosita’s village in 1953 with the dreams of making it big in the fashion industry. With the support of Anna Piaggi, fashion editor, and collaborations with French stylist Emmanuelle Khanh they were able to launch the Missoni brand in 1958 in Milan. The Missoni brand is now comparable to some of the world’s leading fashion and design labels like: Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Fendi. The same year the Missoni brand was launched, the couple’s third child, Angela Missoni, was born. Angela, now an adult, is the couple's youngest child. She just celebrated her twentieth anniversary in September as creative director for Missoni, after coming on board in 1997. The New York Times interviewed Angela in Milan, Italy while celebrating her major milestone.

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