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Discussing Carnival with Friends and Family

As an African American woman not brought up in the culture, I have found myself having some very… interesting interactions with friends, and even some family members that really don’t understand carnival outside what they see in my photos or on social media otherwise. Some of my interactions were very exciting, and heart-warming. Some? Not so much, and some just downright offensive and awkward. You will find my reflections of these experiences below. Perhaps this will inspire you to consider how you will approach these situations in the future, especially if you decide that playing mas is going to be a regular occurrence for you.
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Not Asking For It.

Currently, there are roughly 18 Caribbean Carnivals held across the United States (pre-covid, of course) and I have found on many occasions the cultural experience to clash with American values and perceptions.
James Baldwin
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African without memory.

As soon as the Joshua Butler scandal came to light, people started to look left and right and ask: How do we keep another White Chocolate from happening again? Below depicts my lens and experiences in light of the four8 Interview.
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The Evolution of AWM

September 18 marked the 2nd year anniversary of AWM. In light of current events, its important to reflect on AWM has been and where it is going.
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AWM Spotlight: Shujaa Smith

Today we catch up with Shujaa (pronounced shoe-jah) Smith, the co-founder of RBG Carnival. Read about his journey and intersection of culture and cause.
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Carnival and Healing Trauma.

I honestly think that I can count on one hand how many black women I know that have NOT been a victim of child or adult sexual abuse/assault. This entry is a recount of my experiences with child sexual abuse and how Carnival has worked on healing fragmented pieces of my identity as a black woman.
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AWM Spotlight: Erica Dixon

Today we will catch up with Erica Dixon, the founder of Unity Mas Band. Read all about how she came to love Carnival and started her own mas band.
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A professional. A masquerader.

September 19th will mark my 18th year of military service. This is a reflection of my experiences with body shaming, self-discovery in mas, and how I began to be comfortable about my life as a professional and a masquerader.