Select Writing Samples
Jun 2022
The mesmerizing, versatile Latinx singer-songwriter Nikky Bourbon has made her grand debut as a solo artist. The Nuyorican artist spent years establishing herself behind the scenes in the industry through collaborations with award-winning artists such as Kat Dahlia, Justina Valentine, Kevin Gates, IV Jay, and more in the US and Latin markets. With upcoming features from hit artists like Shaggy, and multi-platinum producers Shy Boogs, the late Xtassy, and Freddy Styles, Nikky Bourbon is revving up to be nothing short of an iconic in the bicultural market at the genesis of her career. Nikky has also penned syncs for popular networks showcasing her work on Freeform's Grown-ish, The CW’s All American, and the Disney+ Original Cheaper by the Dozen.
Her debut single, "Yippie Khayo," is a sex-positive Latin dance anthem with an official music video that displays Bourbon's skills as the multi-layered threat she is—director, singer, producer, writer, and dancer. With assistance from Wam, the "Yippie Khayo" rollout showcased Nikky Bourbon stepping out from behind the curtains with an all-star team by her side. "Diosa" furthers the singer-songwriter's empowering message as she proclaims her ancestral power and proudly honors her Afro-Latina diasporan heritage, her upbringing in "Espiritismo" (which translates to Spiritism), and Santeria, which helped to influence her during her songwriting.
With her newest single, “Close”, Nikky Bourbon continues to infuse new energy into her craft, drawing inspiration from her sensitive side after welcoming her first child with her partner, Chris Copeland, a former NBA player and fan favorite. Incorporating the various facets of her identity, Bourbon speaks from the heart in Spanglish lyrics and Afrobeat grooves, celebrating the seasons of life and motherhood in a romantic and alluring portrayal of love and family.
With her music, Nikky Bourbon is keen on bridging the Latinx and English communities by generating cultural awareness with Puerto Rican roots and creating conversations. Additionally, she expresses her LGBTQ+ identity, women's issues, and the POC experience using her art. Her highly anticipated debut rollout with Symphonic awaits peering eyes as she's already garnered support from mega-industry heavyweights. With her industry expertise, Nikky Bourbon is undoubtedly on a highway to stardom, impacting the world with her message and voice.
Infographic, Digital Media Magazine, Feb 2022 (Full Post Link)
Following the emancipation of slaves, Black people were thrust into the world and forced to gain financial independency. Free Black people took hold of the crops industry, notably with watermelon. The fruit became a symbol of financial independence for the Black community; however, the White community took this as a threat. Using the watermelon, White people began associating it with Black people in racist caricatures. These illustrations perpetuated the ideas of Black people being dirty and childish by often depicting Black children eating the fruit with their hands and making a mess. The racist images took hold as Black people eating watermelon began being displayed in minstrel shows and home decor, forever cementing it as a racial image.
Many people tout the phrase “despite making up 13 percent of the population African Americans make up 50 percent of the violent crime” which is a warped understanding of statistics that fails to add context, address systemic racism that perverses the criminal justice system, and is a white supremacist talking point.
Studies show that Black people are more likely to be wrongfully convicted for crimes than any other racial group. For murder charges, Black defendents are 40% of thise convicted, but 50% are found false. There is also racial bias at play in court rooms that leads to other groups not being accused of crime at the same rates as the Black community.
Instagram Copy, Strike Magazine Athens, Jan 2022 (Full Post Link)
French designer Manfred Thierry Mugler passed away this weekend at the age of 73. Known for his highly theatrical and avant garde pieces, Mugler was a force to be reckoned with in the fashion world for decades. Today, you may know his work from the iconic black and mesh Mugler bodysuits, but he dominated runways early in his career and went on to work intimately with several celebrities to create the legacy he has today. His death comes as a major shock to the fashion world, only 4 days in the wake of the death of fellow fashion icon Andre Leon Talley, also aged 73.
To celebrate Mugler’s life, we showcase a few of his most iconic designs and appreciate his future impact. R.I.P. to a legend!
Instagram Copy, UGA Housing, Nov 2021 (Full Post Link)
For the month of November, resident assistant Niyah Brown invites Black women to a celebration of identity and history during her campaign, #NaturalNovember.
Tune in to the University Housing Instagram story each Sunday throughout the month of November to learn about the history of natural hair, maintenance techniques, and how celebrating natural hair invites a celebration of self. To participate in this campaign and for a chance to be featured on the University Housing Instagram page, take a photo of yourself with natural hair and/or natural skin by November 21 and upload it to Instagram with the hashtag #NaturalNovember.
Instagram Copy, Strike Magazine Athens, Dec 2021 (Full Post Link)
With the rise of social media, performative activism has taken a seat front and center in our most trying social movements. From the BLM Movement to the Sustainability Crisis, people are using these moments to promote their own images with photo-ops and unfortunately, these people often become prominent in social movements due to their well-known status.
There’s a blurred line between doing what you can and doing the bare minimum to keep up your public perception, but sometimes you have to look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself, am I doing all I can right now?
Though all work is appreciated, activism is more than link sharing, infographics, and retweets— organizing and participation are what social movements need to thrive!
