We Will Remain
How RVA’s Chicest Burger Joint, and the non-profit Oakwood Arts, explored Richmond racial dynamics and history while documenting the new-age inclusivity of RVA with local design talent.
An Albert Camus quote that has resonated with me in the aftermath of the elections is this:
“The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your existence is an act of rebellion.”
In my fashion, it is not only a great quote that applies to style and sartorial expression, but as one laments on the agenda of an federally indicted, openly racist, and misogynistic cis-white male convicted of sexual assault, this quote is one I feel we will need to keep at the front of our minds for the next four years to keep our spirits alive.
As I thought about what keeps me from subcombing to the heaviness of our deeply confusing collective attitude towards the progress of our nation, I am reminded of the photoshoot I organized in partnership with my dear friends at Cobra Burger, RVA Fashion Week, BLK Runway, and the Valentine Museum to support the Summer Camp program I co-lead with photographer, LA Ricks, with the nonprofit Oakwood Arts, where I serve as the Creative Arts and Culture Coordinator. Oakwood Arts is an organization dedicated to amplifying the creative output and technical skills of marginalized creatives, especially in film and photo careers, and in case you are not aware, it was created in 2017 in direct response to the results of the 2016 election!
As one examines how media is used to influence public opinion, Oakwood Arts provides creative programs and develops alternative avenues for creatives of all ages and backgrounds to lean on each other to practice their art and build their technical skills in media and entertainment industries. With the help of organizations and businesses in their immediate community, OA seeks to propel the advancement of diversity in the media landscape at all levels. I am immensely proud to work with such an organization at this moment in time for I am personally feeling more inspired and fueled as an artist and yogic leader to support lifting us to higher vibrations if possible.
Oakwood Arts makes me think of my upbringing as a youth and the hunger I once had (and still possess) as I sought out experience to become a professional creative. While I do not regret any aspect of my developmental journey as the artist I have become, the ineluble thought of my access to organizations like Oakwood Arts being a part of my progression dotes on my mind frequently.
When I ate at Cobra Burger for the first time last year, I met and told owner, Adam Musselman, that I had to do a photoshoot in their chic all black establishment with purple accents and cobra insignia. I could have never imagined that our shoot would have manifested into the shoot that would end up being printed in the 2024 RVA MAG Pride Guide! I sat down with Musselman, to recount that day and how deep RVA style and history runs through the veins of the photos you see below.
All clothes were provided by local design brand, The Aziancy, and accessories were provided by Cobra Burger’s own, Zo Easley of New Moon X Blue Moon, further proving that RVA has style AND design talent to back it up! (Photo Credits: LA Ricks)
In my fashion, this photoshoot was a testament to the immense power of collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Our resulting photos will forever encapsulate those values of a contemporary Richmond that has evolved since the days of segregation—a micro-example of how D&I could push our nation towards more unity. As the adage goes, we are far stronger together than we are apart!
Hopefully our conversation helps to ease the existential dread of our new reality. At least we know we will have the goodness of Cobra Burger to lean back on for comfort and reprieve. If you would like to join us at Oakwood Arts or contribute resources towards our ability to create innovative ways to make statements that promote equality, and support workforce development for our youth and especially people of color, please email me at jonathan@oakwoodarts.org. Let’s chat about the possibilities! You can also learn more about OA and donate to our mission HERE!
ASIDE: In the interview I mistakenly made a reference to “Hattie MacDaniel”, when I meant to say, “Sister Rosetta Tharpe”! Check out this video to learn more about the Mother-of-Rock n’ Roll. (By the way, she was a Richmond resident for 10 years at a house on the 2300 block of Barton Avenue!)
Credits:
- Creative Director: Jon Cope
- Photographer: LA Ricks
- Models: Antwan Spellman, Jhazara Starr, Nevaeh Alston
- Hair and Makeup Team (courtesy of RVAFW):
- Hair: Kay Woodson, Kyra Royal
- Make-Up: Gracie Pounder, Ami Shah
- Head Stylists:
- Sherry Nguyen (Urban Academy)
- Nikki Fiveash (The Aziancy)
- Oakwood Arts Interns: Isaac Martin, Catori Ryan, Ashley Davis
- Oakwood Arts Arts & Tech Teen Program Participants: Amira Brown, Joshua Daniels, Maraya Jefferson, Mayla Lemu, Israel Dixon, Aasia Robinson
- Wardrobe and Accessories:
- Clothes provided by The Aziancy Collection
- Accessories provided by New Moon X Blue Moon
Special Thanks:
Cobra Burger, RVAFW, the staff at Oakwood Arts, and everyone listed above for their partnership on this story.
