The 10-member Wayans family have show business in their blood. While many aspiring actors and comedians find it difficult to break into the industry, the Wayans have made a family empire from their talent.

This family has come a long way since their days living in the Robert Fulton Houses projects in Manhattan, New York. It was never easy for parents Howell and Elvira Wayans to raise such a large family on a small income. Instead of pushing their dreams to the side for more “practical” pursuits, the Wayans children turned the bittersweet memories of their childhood into comedic gold. Now, the Wayans family has a combined domestic box office growth of over $1 billion.

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He is not your typical fashion designer, he built an empire based on just four little letters, and the visionary created a brand that means something to the community around him. Alonzo Jackson brings a new spin to the typical urban design. You just might be wearing his designs right now, and not even know it. Jackson also known as “Fashion Geek Zo” is the mastermind behind the fashion brand, Fashion Geek, this collection specializes in unique designs that center around individuality.

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Last month I was scheduled to attend an Art Show and hopefully get an interview or just a few moments to chop it up with artist and sculptor Alfred Conteh here in Chicago. I’m sure by now you’ve seen that our mayor is not having any of it, and unfortunately the show was canceled. So although I was unable to attend, and Conteh was unable to give us a show in person, he did give the public a view of his workspace. On May 7th, Conteh was live on Instagram for Virtual Visits with Art Noir. There he showcased some of his paintings while fielding questions as the viewers posted them. 

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In a traditionally male-run industry, Emily Lazar officially made her mark at the 2017 Grammy awards. The mastering engineer was the first female to ever win a Grammy award for the “Best Engineered Album.” She received the award in the Non-Classical genre for Beck’s album Colors

Lazar joined the Grammy stage with the other Colors engineers (all male) and excitedly stated this thrilling milestone. Even her colleagues were shocked that this was the first time a woman had won in this category.

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When Dionna Collins founded her business ComfiArt in 2016, it was a departure for her. After realizing she was burnt out from freelance digital design work and her fulltime job, Collins wanted a new artistic platform of her own. In an interview with VA Mag, Collins spoke on the beginnings of her business. “ComfiArt started as a pillow company. I created pillows and blankets, a lot of stuff that’s comfy.”

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Dominique Jacobs transcends the easel with her attention-grabbing 3D art pieces. Taking inspiration from nature, strong women, and cosmetology, Jacobs’ mixed-media art captures the essence of peace and beauty.

Jacobs’ hometown in New Providence, Bahamas provides her the perfect, tropical landscape to create her artwork. Butterflies are prominent subjects in many of her pieces because she is drawn to the symbolism behind them -- love, transformation, and resurrection.

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