Morissa Wisdom

Curtis “Wall Street” Carroll: Mind Control

One of the most cited statistics, Curtis “Wall Street” Carroll uses when explaining his work with fellow inmates in San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, California is the fact that 90% of crimes committed are money related, yet only 1% of the programs targeted towards imprisoned and newly released people pertain to finances. Using the merger resources allotted to him in prison libraries and newspapers, Wall Street has been able to transform himself from an illiterate teenager with a criminal past to an expert financial advisor and investor with national recognition from MoneyWise, Market Watch, and CNN, and a financial educator in San Quentin with his spearhead financial literacy program, Project FEEL.

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Jamila Woods: LEGACY! LEGACY!

It’s not always easy to see the kinship and connection between greats of the past and the greatness we hold within ourselves. But in her works, R&B vocalist and Pushcart literary prize nominated poet, Jamila Woods challenges herself and her listeners to see that connection and to empower themselves through their legacy. This Chicago native has dedicated her art, both literary and musical, to paying homage to people who made her existence possible.

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Cori “Coco” Gauff: More than the Next Serena

Cori “Coco” Gauff is making waves and history in the tennis world after her first round victory at Wimbledon this past Monday, July 1st against tennis icon, and five-time Wimbledon champion, Venus Williams. Since this great achievement made headlines, all eyes have been on the emerging tennis star, and sports fans, commentators and celebrities among others are wondering how the Atlanta-born child prodigy got her start.

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Lil Nas X: Rap’s Cowboy

As an Atlanta native, reading Lil Nas X’s hilarious tweets and witnessing the success he has enjoyed as a result of his country-rap hit single “Old Town Road,” fills me with an unexpected feeling of kinship and satisfaction. Here in Atlanta it can feel as if wanting to be a rapper is some sort of rite of passage for black men—especially for creatives from low-income backgrounds. I personally know more black men independently pursuing music than I can count on both hands, and it’s a really beautiful form of artistic expression to be surrounded by.

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Aleksander Siradekian: Serving Whimsy, Comfort & Tassels Galore

If you’ve never heard of Aleksander Siradekian, that is completely understandable. As a designer on the come-up, his brand is not as widely retailed as some other luxury shoe manufacturers. Nevertheless, you have been missing out! With a focus on creating original shoe designs with maximum comfort and wearability, ALEKSANDERSIRADEKIAN is a brand luxury shoe collectors and admirers will want to keep on their radar for years to come.

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