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Picture the Powerful: Photographer and Activist Christopher ThoughtPoet Brown Launches #HeartMelanin Photo Exhibition


Christopher ThoughtPoet Brown
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CHICAGO, Il.–(ENEWSPF)—August 17, 2017. “There are more spaces for people of color to see themselves as beautiful and powerful” says Christopher “ThoughtPoet” Brown, poet, photographer, and communications co-chair of BYP100, “but we need more.” This month, the talented southsider is launching his inaugural solo photo exhibition, #HeartMelanin, featuring portraits of Chicago artists and activists, images from Standing Rock, and the many shades of Black expression. The exhibition launches at the #BreathingRoom Space, an arts, healing, and organizing hub being developed by the #LetUsBreathe Collective, an alliance of artists and activists imagining a world without prisons and police. #HeartMelanin will feature storytelling by the artist’s grandmother Annette Brown, as well as special performances by Kiara Lanier, Chai Tulani, David Ellis, Daryn Alexus, Ridley Victoria, and Calez. It will be hosted by #LetUsBreathe co-founder Damon Williams.  This dynamic exhibition kicks off on Saturday, August 26th at 7:30pm at the #BreathingRoom Space, 1434 West 51st Street in Chicago.  Sounds will be provided by DJ Chanté. Tickets: $5 Suggested Donation at the door.

About the Artist:

Christopher ThoughtPoet Brown is a photographer and writer from the Chatham and Burnside area. Ever since his highlighted works with Truestar Magazine showcasing Chicago’s musical talent,  he has been on a mission to capture and express powerful opinions and perceptions through imagery and writing. His #HeartMelanin portrait series, in progress since 2013, is a collection of emotions; snapshots of the black Chicago renaissance. ThoughtPoet came up in the Young Chicago Authors (YCA) and YouMedia spaces with artists like Chance the Rapper, Noname, Saba, and Jorge Mikell, all under the mentorship of Brother Mike. His photos show melancholy, and—above all—his love for the black and brown people of Chicago and beyond. ThoughtPoet is the communications co-chair of Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100) and has featured work in spaces such as The Dojo, Build Coffee and many more. He has worked with individuals and institutions such as Raekwon from the Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Cornel West, Chicago Tribune, Estelle, Dreezy, and many more powerful individuals. His main agenda he lives by is to “Screw the logical, continue to dream.” ThoughtPoet currently lives in West Englewood.

Source: Christopher ThoughtPoet Brown


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