Meet Gabrielle Smith – Founder of I Am The Nu Black
What is I Am The Nu Black?
I Am The Nu Black is an arts and culture platform that celebrates up and coming creatives of African descent. It’s main aim is to promote positivity and also educate people about contemporary black culture.
What inspired you to start I Am The Nu Black?
As I neared graduation from university I was really interested in finding out about graphic designer of colour, whether or not they existed and if they did how their culture was used in the work they did if at all. In 2008 I had initially set myself a 30 Day Challenge during the month of October (Black History Month in the UK) to post some positive and educational about the creative aspect of Black Culture through videos, photography, news articles etc. Although it was difficult at first it proved to not only help me educate others but also myself.
What else does I Am The Nu Black do?
That’s a good question! At the moment I’m focusing on taking the featured artists profiles into a video series. There are also plans to curate an art show later this year using some of the work that’s been featured on the site.
What is your favourite song lyric and why (you’ll have to read www.iamthenublack.com to see why I have asked this)?
“Don’t you ever let no one tell you to grow up and give up on your dreams” - Future, Musiq Soulchild
Of all of my favourite lyrics that one means a lot to me. Just in terms of my childhood dreams of wanting to be a t-shirt designer and be a creative person.
I’m lucky that my parents believed in what I wanted to do but I’m sure at times they thought maybe I should’ve been something else!
Who epitomises “The Nu Black” for you and why?
I recently finished reading Desert Flower by Waris Dirie and she definitely epitomises thenublack ethos. From a young age she was outspoken and was determined to make something better of herself. Throughout her modelling career she never let fame get to her and was always proud of her Somalian heritage. What impressed me most was her willingness to speak out about FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) whilst being a UN ambassador even though it meant putting her private life in the public and exposing a practice that is a common ritual in many African countries.
What will I Am The Nu Black be doing in two years time?
Wow, two years isn’t even that far away! I see The Nu Black becoming a bigger platform branching out into putting on screenings, talks in schools, and also having yearly art exhibitions. I’d also love for it to become one of the main platforms to showcase the work of up and coming creatives of African descent. World Domination basically….I think it’s possible!
Where can we find you?
www.facebook.com/iamthenublack
@KenemaGirl met Gabi by chance at Chic Afriq (an Afro centric event which is a must for all AfroPolitans, scratch that for anyone that appreciates Afrocentricity) and was blown away by all the facets of I Am The NuBlack. We love Gabi not only because she consistently shines positive light on the often overlooked Black creative scene. Her website is a portal that can be appreciated by anyone especially those of African decent as it is like a subconscious positive affirmation of Afrocentricity (yes that is the buzz word of this post!). Gabi is a genuine supporter of #TeamUK and we are very proud to have her on board! Come and get your share of Afrocentric dopeness on 22nd May!
Tickets are £5.00 in advance here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1024001817/efbevent
