Editor ’ sNote
Change never comes easily . This year we bear witness to one of the most catastrophic health pandemics our generation has ever experienced where hundreds of thousands of lives were lost . We also bear witness to a global uprising for Black liberation ; screaming Black Lives Matter for centuries of injustice and harm to Black men and women . And finally , we unified ourselves in one of the most important and intense Presidential elections to date in the biggest fight for our lives and futures . Still , we have work to do .
What we are witnessing is the dismantling of systems that have failed us and our ancestors for centuries . 2020 ; they call it the perfect vision . Who would have thought that we would be forced to re-imagine and re-envision what we want our new world to look like ?
In full transparency , reenvisioning a new world was challenging . Just like many of you , I dealt with loss , anger , and grief . Reading headlines of another murder or police brutality against an unarmed Black person , catching glimpses of viral videos online of a White police officer kneeling on a Black man ’ s neck for 8 minutes , and experiencing an unexpected loss in my family would impact me tremendously . Yet I was reminded of my resiliency ; tapping into other difficult times I was able to see my way through . I made the conscious decision to forge a new path . One of enlightenment and my commitment to uplift and inspire my community . During this time , I started a virtual intern program , guiding and mentoring college kids and young adults across the country .
Humanitarianism . It is about compassion , generosity , and altruism-- which is what we all needed the most to propagate in this harsh climate . ENSPIRE ’ s Humanitarian issue highlights individuals who have shown such fortitude and dedication to their life ’ s work . They serve as reminders of what courage should look like especially as we continue to break ground and dismantle the systems . They are what our future holds .
ENSPIRE has been bringing positive media to the forefront for the last 8 years . We will continue to share news stories and the likes of people who inspire us to be great , to help us know that change is possible , and to never stop fighting for what we believe .
This issue is dedicated to those who continue to dream , even under the most unbearable circumstances ; you continue to fight for change and never give up or let up on your dreams . You are our biggest motivators as to why we are still here . More importantly , this issue is for those who were able to find peace . Acknowledging that if you were unable to create during this time , you contributed to our world by simply surviving .
And together , we can co-create the best world imaginably .
WITH LOVE ,
ESE OFURHIE OWNER / CO-FOUNDER / EDITOR
ENSPIRE helped them get through one of the most diffcult times in their lives where we were constantly being bombarded with bad news daily . Ironically , the one thing that I ’ ve always attributed to my growth and development , has now helped others grow and learn new skills . The alignment . I have always advocated for the betterment of Black people and our youth .
PHOTO CREDITS : Creative Director : Zach Simmons
Photography by Denny Moes Media House Makeup by Christina F . Richardson
Styled by Tamara Jordan location : Iolite Studios , Queens , NY
Hair by Shosh Loc Studio