Features

During the pandemic, four female-identifying artists of color reflect on how the global health crisis and simultaneous social justice uprisings impact their trajectory and mission as artists in a predominantly white arts community just outside Boston.

For Arshay Cooper, rowing is a safe space, a source of healing, and an opportunity for a better life. He traveled to Cape Town, South Africa to share that opportunity with students at the Lawhill Maritime Centre. Arshay’s main goal: to empower a generation. He works to help underserved students access the opportunities that helped him find a better life. “We’re not waiting on Superman,” he says. “We’re waiting on ourselves.”

When the Ibrahim family received approval from the UN to immigrate to the U.S. as refugees, they were elated. Struggling to find housing in the city, they received Section 8 housing in Jefferson, a rural Oregon agricultural town. Using their athletic ability, they adapted to life in a conservative pocket of the U.S., and built community through running.

Director / Editor / Camera 2

For KUTX Artist of the Month.

When the Austin Independent School District went remote at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Sarah McKenna, a single mother and essential worker, thought her son, Ian, would thrive in the remote learning environment. In actuality, Ian, who has ADHD, autism and dysgraphia, struggled to focus and keep up with his classes. In contrast, his sister, Addison, did thrive. Addison has ADHD and a sensory-processing disorder, and found the minimized distractions and sounds at home to benefit her during online learning.

For KUTX.

Stone Wang knew his first year as a teacher would be difficult – but he never could have predicted the added challenge of teaching during a pandemic.

For KUT’s La Frontera.

Made for Street Roots newspaper / Videographer, Editor, Producer

Austin band Superfónicos' new project, Cumbéalo, is more than just a song. It incorporates rhythms that follow the history of cumbia across continents, from Africa to Colombia to Texas and tells the story of the music that keeps them rooted in their shared Colombian heritage.