Tag Archives: culture

Hip Hop Doesn’t Need Permission to Become History

At 53 years old, Hip Hop has reached a point where preserving the culture can’t simply mean waiting for museums, universities and other established institutions to tell us what mattered. We have to build our own rituals for remembering, and support the institutions created from inside the culture to do that work. Protect Hip HopContinueContinue reading “Hip Hop Doesn’t Need Permission to Become History”

What Is Carnival Supposed to Protect?

The post discusses the significance of cultural celebrations like Carnival in the Caribbean, particularly addressing the risk of forgetting their historical roots, such as emancipation. While evolving traditions are inevitable, it emphasizes the need for understanding the stories behind these events to ensure future generations grasp their importance, thus maintaining the connection to their history.

The G6 Is Back. But What Reebok Really Brought Back Is a Moment When Hip Hop Owned the Shoe.

There are sneakers that remind you of a particular year. Original G-Unit Reebok courtesy of DJ OakCliff713 Then there are sneakers that remind you of what was possible. The Reebok G-Unit G6 belongs in the second category. More than two decades after its original release, 50 Cent and Reebok have brought the G6 back inContinueContinue reading “The G6 Is Back. But What Reebok Really Brought Back Is a Moment When Hip Hop Owned the Shoe.”

A Backpack Tag Became Social Currency. What Can It Teach Us?

The controversy over Sprayground tags in Virgin Islands schools looks like a story about safety and behavior. Look closer, and it’s a lesson about culture, scarcity, and value — waiting to be taught. The controversy over Sprayground tags in Virgin Islands schools looks like a story about safety and behavior. A red tag hanging fromContinueContinue reading “A Backpack Tag Became Social Currency. What Can It Teach Us?”

St. Croix Just Landed on a Rooftop in D.C. — And Reminded Me Where My Real Education Began

My first classroom didn’t have desks. It had a kitchen, a dining room, tourists looking for an experience, and locals looking for community. From 1986 to 1991, my family owned and operated The Old Gallery Restaurant & Bar on St. John, Virgin Islands. At the time, I didn’t think of it as an education. ItContinueContinue reading “St. Croix Just Landed on a Rooftop in D.C. — And Reminded Me Where My Real Education Began”

The Ferry Was Never Just Transportation

Reflections on being featured in Growing Up in the Caribbean There are moments in life that make you pause and look back at your journey with a new appreciation. Recently, I had the honor of being interviewed by Keshia Prince-Anderson for her Growing Up in the Caribbean series. Her article, The Infrastructure of Love City:ContinueContinue reading “The Ferry Was Never Just Transportation”

Before Opportunity Arrives… Reputation Enters the Room First

In 2017, I was introduced to Travis Grillo of Grillo’s Pickles by the one and only Premium Pete. That introduction eventually led to creating promotional content for Grillo’s Pickles, a video that caught the attention of Cardi B, and coverage in Global Grind. Years later, I’ve realized that this story isn’t really about pickles. It’sContinueContinue reading “Before Opportunity Arrives… Reputation Enters the Room First”

Somebody Had to Fight for the Square-Toed AF1. This is the Real Story.

Nike’s square-toed Air Force 1 debuted at Paris Fashion Week, splitting fans over its boxy new shape ahead of a 2027 release. But cultural educator Dee Wells argues the real story isn’t the toe — it’s the fight designers and color & materials managers had to win to convince Nike’s executives these were the sneakers worth making. A look at creativity, conviction, and the careers hidden inside a single shoe.

Authenticity Is the Flex: What Rama Duwaji’s Knicks Parade Dress Teaches Us About Culture, Career, and Community 

At the Knicks championship parade, NYC First Lady Rama Duwaji skipped the famous labels for a custom dress by emerging designer Miss Claire Sullivan. What that choice teaches us about authenticity, culture, and lifting up the next generation of creators.