Emilia Ottoo
Writer, Creator, Artivist
Thanks for the scroll through! Topics: creative arts, music, news, activism, culture, fashion, business & philanthropy. I'm a Ugandan born-NYC raised artist, political science grad & Hip Hop head.
PROJECTS
ottoobrandartivism.org
Black August 101
There's Kwanzaa and Black History Month--and then there's Black August. What's the "31 Day Salute" got that the others don't?
inflexwetrust.com
Tyler, the Creator on Cherry Bomb, Pharrell, Illmatic and Black Skaters
Continuing his unique stamp on the culture with media, events and new music, here's a look back at some of Tyler's always honest and giving commentary.
ottoobrandartivism.org
Jazz History || The Lady Who Swings The Band
When you're a musical genius but you're never mentioned because you're also a dark skinned Black woman making history from the 1930s-70s...
sfbayview.com
Black August Memorial || An Interview with Kasim Gero, Patuxent Prison
Shout to the San Francisco Bay View for re-publishing our interview!
(Happy Black August)
ottoobrandartivism.org
Case Study || "What We Do Now, Matters Forever"
(YouTube link inside) Why do some have and others have not? Is "the common good" subject to politics, economics and social wealth? An analysis of Oscar and Grammy nominated youth, arts, and leadership training organization "Impact Repertory Theatre" from Harlem, New York City.
This research project and short film was presented in 2013 for induction into the Society of Fellows at Pace University's Dyson College of Arts and Sciences.
inflexwetrust.com
Earl Sweatshirt Says Kendrick Helps Young Artists Like Him
From mixtapes to ‘Good Kid, Maad City’ to DAMN he may be doing more for his generation than people give him credit for. Agree with Earl on Kendrick's impact, or nah?
inflexwetrust.com
#OscarsSoWhite...FTW?
Change came and went with the 2017 Oscar nominees, who should we thank? The flaming social media comments, the actual research studies done (USC School for Communication & Journalism), mainstream media's late start to openly admitting #HollywoodSoWhite, or the many directors, producers, writers, and actors of color who KEEP CREATING? 💪
ottoobrandartivism.org
African Models, Designers and Social Media Shift the Fashion World
Seems like ever since the beautiful Adeola Ariyo from Ghana/Nigeria became Elizabeth Arden's first African Brand Ambassador, more stories about African models, designers, and "African inspired" fashion weeks have flooded the media-waves.
ottoobrandartivism.org
Age Ain’t Nothin But a #: Kawhi Leonard
They say "youth is wasted on the young" but the NBA's reigning Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard proves otherwise. What's his story and exactly what did he take from the legend Kobe Bryant?
ottoobrandartivism.org
Snatched Baldwin || Lyrics, Art, Description
My first digital collage based on a song in three movements: "Revelation, Resistance and Relevance."
inflexwetrust.com
88K New Yorkers Apply for "Poor Door" Affordable Housing
The Struggle Is* Real: Proving class issues and the urban housing market are under serious stress, 88K+ apply for the “Poor Door” apartments many thought were a joke. Is this "the new segregation” or nah?
ottoobrandartivism.org
Activism and Social Media || No “Slacktivism” Here
How are today's activists using digital platforms to boost their missions and make social change from social media?
ottoobrandartivism.org
Hip Hop GURUs: Health, Wellness and Success Inspiration
Whether Khaled's classic Snaps or Kanye stirring the talk around mental health, Hip Hop culture's always serving up more than one "Major Key" on feeling better, achieving your goals and living the "Good Life."
*YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT*
inflexwetrust.com
Drake Curates Sotheby's Art Exhibit
When you finally see the light: Once upon a time the Views headliner wasn't here for the Hip Hop-art world merger and even called out the likes of Jay-Z on its "Allure" over the game. WELP...