Photographed by Mel D. Cole
This June we celebrate Pride and Juneteenth, two holidays that employ and embrace strength in the face of injustice. Pride is a holiday that triumphs celebratory love and Juneteenth, the oldest national holiday commemorating emancipation from slavery in the United States honors Black culture, achievements and the freedom to be.
At Stashed, we’re celebrating Black Queer creatives who are trailblazers in the creative industry, whose stories are awe-inspiring.
“My main goal is to be a full-time photographer and creative. That is my goal, and what I’m working towards.”
Mikey B is the eyes behind many of NYC’s most beautiful photos. Her Instagram page is a collage of protests, shots of nature, studio images, and more. She aims to prove a point that there is no monolithic perspective in photography, but rather many dimensions that ought to be explored.
Photographed by Mel D. Cole
“My work and the stuff I document / photos, it is a part of me. You are getting what I am seeing.”
The start of her creative pursuits came from inside the home, most notably their mother.
“My mom ended up getting my own personal film camera. As I got older, I upgraded my gear and got more into it.”
When it comes to society and stereotypes, Mikey doesn’t shy away from being up front:
“I don’t care what you think, it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t affect me.”
Mikey is confident in her skin, and encourages other creatives to really push forward with their goals and aspirations.
“Just know you are beautiful, powerful, and don’t give up on yourself.”
Photographed by Mel D. Cole