What Inspires Me..?



Image Credit: photosteve101



A few months ago, I wrote this essay for the PepsiCo Womens Inspiration Network Corespondent Contest. Even though I did not get selected as a correspondent, I still wanted to share the essay that I wrote with you. I didn't get selected, but it's OK. It's a journey and a process remember? (talking to myself)  Everything happens for a reason. Here is my essay on "What Inspires Me":

It’s the possibility of the possible that inspires me.  When the elements of a change in perspective, an increase in hope, and an increase in awareness are combined, they produce the possibility of the possible. When the fearless among us recognize these possibilities and decide to take action, I am inspired. Where there is maltreatment of young women and girls, there is a voice that speaks against it. These are the actions and voices of the fearless who see the possibility of the changing the world and galvanize the masses.

I’m quickened by the likes of the late Wangari Maathia, who was the first African woman to win a Nobel Peace prize and the first woman in Kenya to earn a PhD. She spoke out against environmental degradation and poverty. Creative activists, like Eve Ensler have created awareness for  sexual violence through her films and theater productions like the Vagina Monologues, telling the world that the Vagina talks and it has something to say. It's us, the people who collaborated through social media and thronged together in silent demonstrations across the WORLD to voice our concern about the Troy Davis case – proving “we are all Troy Davis”.

As a WIN correspondent, I’ll use my new media skills to continue to create awareness and connection with my audience. There’s power in using media to tell stories of resilience, courage and tenacity. My intention as a WIN correspondent is to transfer this power and inspiration to my audience, whether it’s via Twitter, through  visitors to my blog, or my blog on the Huffington Post. I run my nonprofit: She is Me Program which empowers young women to create their own media and exposes them to positive role models.

On my blog, Fabulous Do-Gooder, I share my journey as a creative activist using the power of the written word, photography, and video to change the way people view their world. What I know for sure is that as a WIN corespondent I’ll use the my skills and infuse my passion for connecting my audience with powerful stories to influence and spark change. I’d be honored to be a force inspiration as a WIN correspondent.

365 Ways to See the World: 4. See the Forest for the Trees

365 Ways to See the World: #3 With an Open Mind

365 Ways to See the World: 2. Reading is Fundamental

Image taken with iphone4

365 Ways to See the World: 1. Through My Daughters Eyes

Welcome to 2012! Each day I will post an entry for my "365 Ways to See the World" project. I am using this project to challenge myself to pay closer attention to the things I encounter everyday, and to strengthen my eye (and my inner eye).

A Lesson Learned in 2011

http://www.bakuba.viewbook.com

This is one my favorite pictures that I took this year. I met this man in Atlanta's Lil'5 Points Community. He saw that I had my camera so he stopped me to talk. We talked for maybe 5 minutes about nothing really. He's asked me if I could take a picture of him, and I obliged. After I took his picture he told me that I should tell everyone who sees his photo, that "the joy you have, this world can't take it". And I heard that, loud and clear. He also said he had nothing, has been homeless for some time, but he was still joyful, hopeful, and faithful. I thought to myself.. If he could be faithful with what appeared to be nothing..?? Then how dare we wake up from our warm and cozy beds each day full of fear, full of doubt, lacking faith, and a mouth full of complaints?

The only amount you need is the size of a mustard seed.

It's All About Your Approach, Angle, and Position

Image credit Niels Henriksen

 Have you ever worked on a project that meant a lot to you but you were so protective of it that you didn't want to share it with many people for fear  that someone would "steal" your idea or someone would say "Oh, that's been done already" ? I have. I think we all have or will at some point in our lives.

 I'm in the middle of pre-production for my first feature length documentary. I am really excited about it and I can't wait to really start sharing it with people outside of the 'cast' and crew. I got the idea for this documentary during my senior year in high school. Initially, I wanted to write a book about it, but since I am not much of a writer I figured the message should would be better if it were viewed instead of read.

 Over the years I only shared this goal/dream/idea with very few people. I didn't tell many people because well..I was afraid that I would be told.."oh, it's been done already", "it's not an original idea", "now why would you want to go and that that?"..and other things that people will say to discourage you or to instill fear and doubt in you. I was also hesitant about sharing it with people because I thought someone would even hijack my idea (Yeah. I said it). Me worrying about all of these things had me sitting on this dream for over 10 years. You see what fear does to you?

Well, through out the entire process of conducting research, and planning for this documentary that I am directing and producing; there is one thing that I have learned--nothing is new under the sun. What makes a project, an idea, a thought 'different' is the approach, angle, and position in which it is presented. It's your personal branding on the project that will ultimately make it yours and make people think of YOU when they think of said idea. So at the end of the day go forth, create it, do it, execute it. Make it yours. In all you do, leave your personal mark. When you create from a genuine and pure place, people will see that in your work. So lean forward and go..allow people to experience the manifestation of your vision. 

My Vision on a Card

I'm the type of person that likes to customize things for myself so that they are more effective (for me). Well a few years ago I created a vision board but later discovered that it was not as effective as I hoped for it to be. I mean, I was doing everything 'they' told me to do with it like looking at at daily, focusing and channeling my energy and emotions to the images. Well, 4 years and 4 vision boards later (I know) I recognized what the problem was-I needed  to have access to these images of my vision at all times as a constant reminder throughout the day. So this is what I did...

Image taken with iPhone4

Image taken with iPhone4

I went to oprah.com and used her 'O Dream Board' application. Then I saved it as a jpeg, and printed it on 4x6 photo paper through walgreens.com. Having my vision on a card is perfect for me. Now, I carry my Vision Card in my handbag. I whip it out throughout  the day. This is really working out much better. I've noticed a much more apparent change in my thought process and I am way more FOCUSED on my goals and the vision I have for my future.

What are some ways that you have made it possible to keep your vision or goals right in front of you?

Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself :: Part I

Image via creativevisions.org

 
If you have followed me on twitter, facebook, or my blog, then you may be familiar with my moniker "Fabdogooder or The Fabulous Do-Gooder". Well, for the past year I have been debating on getting rid of it. I finally did it. Well, kinda. Let me explain. See, I've spent the majority of 2011 re-branding, reinventing, studying, getting back to the essence of ME, and marrying my love for photography, documentary film, and the arts with social good.

For several years I have always felt like I was having two separate relationships. Almost as if I was having an affair with my love of the arts (photography, theater, and film) and my passion for social good/change. Initially the Fabulous Do-Gooder brand was created to show people how the could 'do good' in society and still live a fabulous life. But I always felt like I wasn't being true to who I really was and the message I really wanted to send. Primarily because I was leaving out a very important part of myself out of  "the brand"-->the Arts and my work as a creative activist. I struggled to see how I could merge what seemed to be two opposite things together, so that I could pour 100% of myself into my purpose. After all, I had so many creative ideas that I had been sitting on and developed over the years I wanted to birth, and get out of my system if you know what I mean.

When I was younger, I always knew that I wanted to change the world (so cliche), do good, and spark social change. But, I also loved photography, the performing arts, and media/entertainment. I had done some  acting, won a pageant, did some pageantry coaching, and started a non profit for teens. But I always felt like there was more to all of "this". I just couldn't put my finger on it. I soon realized that I had been so caught up in peoples opinions of what path one should take and what it should look like. I'd also  forgotten that the gift and the vision had been given to ME a long time ago, but because I didn't think people would GET what I was trying to do, I held back and I played small.

What I now know for sure is that not everyone will GET it, and I'm OK with that. Not everyone is going to understand your dream or your vision in the beginning, but you have to go forth and do it anyway. Because it's for you, and it's your-not theirs. So, allow me to reintroduce my self. Hi, my name is Bessie Akuba Winn-Afeku. I'm a photographer and a creative activist that believes you can use the arts and media to spark change, to engage, and to enlighten. You can view my photography by clicking here. Learn about my production company Fabulous Do-Gooder Productions (FDG Productions) by clicking here. You can also see how I am empowering young women through positive role modes and to create their own media by visiting thesheismeprogram.org.

A Royal Affair :: Because Every Girl Deserves to Feel Like a Princess

I know. It' has been a while since I have shared a post on my blog. The more I delve into my dream, the less I find time to blog. But, I will make a commitment to connect with my readers at least once a week here on my blog. Any who. A few weeks ago my non-profit partnered with Sapphire Ink PR to present their annual event "A Royal Affair".

A Royal Affair included a group of young women across Atlanta that needed a fresh sense of female empowerment and positive self imaging.  Professional fashion stylist will use the wardrobe closet consisting of donated clothing to capture each girls signature look. A group of 15 deserving young ladies from across Atlanta that are excelling in school and their community experienced a day of pampering and empowerment. Some of the sponsors included Paragon 7 Studios, Wat-aah!,  Mally Beauty,  Sugga's Thrift Boutique,  Bessie Akuba,  Dull 2 Diva,  40 Girls and Some Shoes,  FABuulous C.H.I.K.K.S.,  Nyalicious Kandy Bar, and Black Celebrity Giving. Check out the video that I shot of the event and some photos I took after the break!