Imagine finding yourself at a police station pacing back and forth trying to figure out where your missing son is. Netflix taps into the heartfelt and powerful Broadway Play writing by Christopher Demos Brown starring Kerry Washington as Kendra who waits for the arrival of her ex husband Scott played by Steven Pasquale. As Kendra waits she’s faced with racial profiling not only towards her son but to her as well.

The storyline of this Netflix movie is confined behind the walls of a police station 3am in the midst of a thunderstorm as Kendra a concern mother for her bi-racial son Jamal ask a rookie officer a load of questions of his whereabouts. The rookie cops seems to not be concerned because with a black woman standing in front of him at 3am raising questions for her child gave him the notion that he’s a thug, 6’2, cornrows and all the misconceptions of a young black male in America today. That setting alone already starts out dark and suspenseful. 15 minutes in and you’ll find your heart racing with fear but in the back of your mind that some type of hope will prevail as you continue to watch.

I want to give my honest opinion on this movie with every emotion in my body because movies such as this hits hard for a Black man like myself. Everyday of my life no matter how well I speak, dress or carry myself, society doesn’t see anything but the color of my skin. The very skin thats ugly, the curls, twist, locs and weaves they said was ghetto, the Markell’s, Jamals, Shannequa’s and Chantel’s they said wasn’t acceptable in the real world. Or maybe that we aren’t smart enough to graduate high school because graduating in the streets was certified made and that college isn’t for everyone so take that minimum wage and that beautiful brown baby boy and girl you carry is a burden so get in the system that provides food stamps, housing and all of the government assistant that’ll keep you uncomfortably comfortable that you forget about purpose. The one thing we can never deny is the love mother has for her child. Kerry Washington was phenomenal, every actor in this film was extraordinary. This film brought tears to my eyes because everyday this is my reality.

When you’re ready please head over to Netflix and prepare yourself for this heartfelt story that is American Son.

Click the photo and see more of MarkellCreative at MC^89.

I Believe it’s safe to say that Summer 2019 was absolutely killer from Hot Girl Summer, City Boy Vibes and people feeling totally comfortable in their skin and letting nothing tell them what to wear and what not to. Well my favorite season has started and I’m absolutely excited for all of the incredible trends to hit all social media platforms to inspire everyone.

Thats right Fall is here. The season of the year between summer and winter, during which the weather becomes cooler and many plants become dormant, extending in the Northern Hemisphere from the autumnal equinox to the winter solstice and popularly considered to include the months of September, October, and November; fall. Thats just the definition of Fall for you and in Fashion that means to get creative with sweaters, cardigans, boots, scarves neutral, orange, yellow, green, brown and nude tone colors. Lets not forget the popping hair styles and makeup on the ladies that compliments the Fall trends.

@88BEAMS & @HILTONTURNER_

Showcases exceptional style for the Fall with pops of color Corduroys. Definitely invest in some Cords they will be trending all Fall and Winter for a stylish and warm look. Also be sure to check both of them out on Instagram as well as Hilton website www.hiltonturner.com for the latest and greatest.

Guys Key Essentials For The Fall

• Layers

• Trench & Puffer Coats with a pop of color

• Corduroys & Plaids

• Denim (Ripped as well), Dress

• Boots & Sneakers that compliment your look

• ALWAYS ACCESSORIES - Scarves, Jewelry, Hats

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Ok Ladies Now Lets Get In FALLmation!

When it comes to Fashion during the Fall season, women NEVER and I do mean never disappoint. There is a endless gateway to Style and how you can perfect the perfect look that will most certainly have heads turning and wanting to feel inspired by “That Look”.

Fri has a unique style that I adore and believe that everyone can appreciate when it comes to Fashion. Hair, Make-up and Accessories compliments her everyday look giving Fall vibes. I know I said that Layers are Key Essentials but that doesn’t mean you have to always follow it. She gives skirts, crop top and ripped jeans a new meaning because not every fall season is the same. Sometimes its warm, sometime its a cool breeze and in this case @Frilancy KILLS it effortlessly. Be sure to check her out at https://rabeccaonassisboutique.com/new-arrivals/ to get some of the looks she has from her Boutique.

HAIR + MAKEUP + CONFIDENCE

All Makes for a perfect Fall Look.

KEY ESSENTIALS FOR FALL LADIES!

• Turtle Necks

• OVERSIZE TOPS

• Accessories

• All Denim as seen by the amazing Jordan Gill ( @newyorkstylist ) Be sure to check her out at https://newyorkcitystylist.com for the latest and greatest. She is stunning and her content is timeless.

• Thigh High Boots, Booties, Flats and Heels that gives Fall a new meaning to SEXY

• Layers

• Skirts

• Hair & Makeup can make even the simplest outfit shine.

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“So tell me what makes you FALL for Fashion in the comment section below.”

Before the Death of a Childs Imagination

NYFW

Ontavia Roulette 2020 Collection
“Before The Death Of A Child’s Imagination”

This collection is an in-depth look at a child’s imagination before they are confronted with the realities of the world. This production takes place in the world of “PLAY”, located in the creative sector of a child’s brain. A physical world, full of friends manifested by a child’s innocents.

#WHATDIDYOURIMAGINARYFRIENDWEAR

ONTAVIA ROULETTE

The Universe has a creative way of showing us growth and I don’t mean that by height but depth within who we are. I remember Ontavia as the girl who presence was quite intemidating, you could have all the jokes in the world and she just would give you a laugh and then a pierce look. I also remember when she won President of the Vocal Major department at The Cleveland School of the Arts, which was totally a shocker for everyone including her. It was in that moment I believe would change her life forever. Becoming the leader of the top choir in Ohio was sort of like being Barack and Michelle Obama. She led, directed and trained us to perfection so that after she graduated and came back to perform at Antioch Baptist church with The Kentucky State University Concert Choir we cheered an screamed with joy seeing her and I’ll never forget the face she made when she announced herself as a freshman in college in front of half of Cleveland OH. It was rare form and a moment I don’t think she would ever forget. That was back in 2006/2007, fast forward to 2019 I’m here to witness the woman that is Ontavia Roulette a Fashion Designer.

I was ready to experience all of her greatness because she’s designed at Kentucky State University Fashion Shows for Homecoming during our college years. So I’m behind the scenes interviewing models and guest that are in attendance for this show and man were some of their responses remarkable. Her show was the first for a few models who dream of hitting the runway during fashion week and couldn’t because of the competitiveness, same faces seen every season and location. Ontavia brought models not only from NYC but from the DMV area to experience this ground breaking moment. She opened doors for Black women to be their authentic selves because in todays society we witness the Kardashians, Jenners, Gigi and Bella Hadid get handed these golden opportunities to grace Tommy Hilfiger, Versace, Victoria Secret and many more because of their name but with Ontavia Roulette she’s changing the game as a powerful Black Woman breaking barriers and not going with what the world tells her she should do or be. Her collection tapped into what we experience as kids and how our imagination fades away with age but that inner child in us screams CREATIVITY. Her collection was fun, risky and wasn’t intense to watch so the room felt warm and welcoming and not so uptight and as if you had to be there making a statement when the statement is already within who you are.

As I close out the last moment I had with the beautiful Ontavia Roulette was abut Purpose. She said that after she left Kentucky State University that she felt like she had let everyone down. I paused for a minute because I feel like we’ve all been there in life where there’s a stamp on our forehead from Friends, Family and Society that says “WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR ME TO FOLLOW?” As a artist we follow the standards and this need to please everyone else but ourselves. I felt as a good friend of her’s for 16 years that the world is watching and that we’re proud even through the road blocks along the journey. It’s within those cracks, bumps and potholes we find a piece of ourselves that perfects who we will be as well as who we will inspire along the way. Like Ontavia mother said “Ontavia makes the world quake” So keep shaking us with your heart Ontavia Roulette. Do all the good you can, to as many people as you can, as often as you can. Work like you don't need money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one's watching. We’re all watching and ready for what’s next with Ms. Ontavia Roulette. JOB WELL DONE

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Be sure to check out the latest and greatest that is ONTAVIA ROULETTE www.ontaviaroulette.com

Twitter: @rouletteont IG: @Rouletteont

AfroPunk Festival

@Mahdiyyah.m

https://mahdiyyah.myshopify.com

@Ericpayne.co

https://www.ericpayne.co

It’s no Surprise that this years AfroPunk Festival 2019 in brooklyn would be one to remember. Not only was Jill Scott the headliner but people from all over the world came and boy were our brown skin men and women presence everything and more. The phenomenal took place this year at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn, NY.

“WHO ARE WE

Afro: as in, born of African spirit and heritage; see also black (not always), see also rhythm and color, see also other, see also underdog.

Punk: as in, rebel, opposing the simple route, imbued with a DIY ethic, looking forward with simplicity, rawness and open curiosity; see also other, see also underdog.

AFROPUNK is defining culture by the collective creative actions of the individual and the group. It is a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit, while making sense of the world around you.”

https://afropunk.com/festival/brooklyn/

AfroPunk is defining culture in so many ways that talking about it does no justice you would’ve had to actually witness such beauty that surrounded me. Jill Scott literally serenaded the crowd with hit songs A long walk, So in love, Golden, Hate on me, The way, He loves me, Brotha and a band that jammed the entire night.

Beyonce Performing at Coachella. Making history as the first Black female artist to headline the festival.

There was a time when society deemed having a two parent household decided who you are, being low middle and high class factor every bit of success you would claim, that your sexuality determined your masculinity, being black already stamped you as ghetto, unfit, uneducated and the inability to rise about the standards of what the white man placed before mankind. The stress of the standard of who we should be, how we should be and how we built walls beyond what Donald Trump could depict in our own perceptions of life. A very good friend of mine told me that “THERE ARE NO RULES TO SUCCESS BUT DON’T STOP” and with those wise words I couldn’t help but think about it, so much that I find myself typing these very words to encourage someone else along their journey in this thing we call life. for the past five years I’ve had those ” what if’s” in my life. I know I’ve had my fair share with Love, Friendships, Careers, Family you name it. I found myself contemplating over the thoughts of everyone else, the me caring so much, investing as well as sacrificing to still be stuck in limbo. Afraid to hold on, afraid to let go, too scared to venture into the unknown. I conditioned myself to be comfortable with possibility but placed rules in front of me.

Beyonce didn’t let the fall of Destinys Child, her father and the peoples opinions stop her from being a survivor, Barack Obama didn’t allow the ignorance of this country stop him from not only running for Presidency but winning. He didn’t even let a million turn downs from our forever FLOTUS Michelle discourage him from shooting his shot. Chris Gardner didn’t allow the struggle and competitor stop his Pursuit of Happiness. So what is Success? What does it even look like? Everyday I find myself growing in ways I couldn’t see fit for me. I’m not perfect, I make mistakes, I struggle, hurt some feelings and even cry. The one thing I’ve always found myself doing is making the next day better than yesterday, being vibrant, transparent, understanding, spreading love and positive energy no matter where I am or may go. Not because I feel like everyone is telling me to but because that’s what makes Markell happy. This journey of self discovery is worth the daggers being thrown my way but the impact that motivate and inspires the ones near or far is far beyond anything I could’ve prayed for and I thank God for that. Oh those opinions and made up rules from someone who finally gets a position of power to tell you no is fuel to keep building and growing within who you are. So don’t stop being a work of art, turn those a thousand no’s into yes I can, yes I will because THERE ARE NO RULES TO SUCCESS. Go for everything you want in life. Be sure to comment below your thoughts and experiences when it comes to limitations and rules that measures our success. Hashtag #markellcreativeLN

The 44th President of the USA Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

Chris Gardner and Will Smith The Pursuit of Happiness

Brunching has become a phenomenal for millennials even more so it’s a time to get together with friends and family and enjoy delicious selections. Whats the big hype about it, I guess for me is the UNLIMITED MIMOSAS for two hours that I enjoy the most, I mean come on who doesn’t enjoy an early drinking moment with the ones you vibe out with well? Being in NYC has made the brunch vibes for me seem endless. So every chance You get BRUNCH the hell out with your loved ones. The Music, Food, Drinks, Endless Laughs and Atmosphere makes for an enjoyable experience.

This past weekend I took a few of my fraternity brothers to one of my favorite brunch spots in NYC called Made In Mexico. I know I know pretty self explanatory but listen here the food is pretty amazing, the energy is incredible and the price for an appetizer, entree and unlimited bellini and mimosas for two hours all for $31.99. Talk about a deal, I call it a steal for my stomach and a two step after my fifth Bellini. So if you’re ever looking for a good spot to enjoy good music, food, drinks and great customer service by all means check them out at their two locations in Harlem. I gave y’all my little piece of the pie of Brunch for now so give me your thoughts, opinions and Brunch Vibe Spots y’all like to go to on the weekend. Comment below with some of your experiences in your city for brunch, Hashtag #MarkellCreativeLN on all social media platforms and as always stay tuned for more awesomeness with the latest and greatest that is MarkellCreative. Be sure to head over to L.O.D and check out some Brunch Looks to live by and let me know what y’all think.

Photographer: @MyeshaEvon

Myeshaevon.com

Self Care sometimes can be a complicated thing when you’re young, in a new city with no family and being a creative. You learn that being a kid and teen was sort of a safe space for you but you want to dive straight into adulthood. For me I struggle with this subject because I dedicate so much time working trying to afford to live in NYC. Everything could all be so simple if I would’ve stayed in Cleveland, OH or maybe even dear old Frankfort, KY. I didn't see my future and the goalsI I set for myself as any of those cities. Don’t get me wrong I love where I was born and raised in Cleveland and all the values my mother taught me in life and even the values and traditions I learned in at Kentucky State University. I think at the age of 29 I’m starting to value my time and the process of giving Markell what he deserves.

Self Care is something I think that we all should invest in. Your time, mind, body and soul all connects with the time you give yourself. Some key things I find that gives me peace of mind are.

1. Time to myself

2. Walks in the park

3. Coloring

4. Working Out

5. Listening to Music

6. Meditating

7. Reading

8. Cooking

9. Having a glass of wine

10. Getting your hair, Nail and feet done

These are a few of the things that I do to keep me lifted up. I also started living in my purpose rather than saying what if, I can’t, and simply doubting myself just like with this website. I doubted if I was good enough but with the right mind and remaining positive it’ll change a lot of things for you and you’ll look damn good. Of course this is just me but I would love to know everyone’s thoughts and routines they follow for a more confident, beautiful and vibrant self care you. So please give me your thoughts in the comments and remember to #MarkellCreativeLN On all social media outlets on this topic.

I really didn’t know where to begin on this subject. If I should make this about me but this is bigger than me so I’m making this a open space to tell me your Hopes, Aspirations and Expectations in…

1. Love

2. Life

3. Friendships

4. Family

5. Career

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years

   Give me your thoughts on this and comment below. Be sure to use #MarkellCreativeLN (Latest News) on all social media outlets!

The Battle For Presidency

Has anyone noticed that the past four years have been extremely bizarre, from Bigots totally being aware of their incompetence equalling up to their ignorance to race, handicap people, belittling women to the overflowing candidates for the Democratic party. What does the future hold for us. Kamala Harris has raised a tremendous amount of love and support followed with some uncertainty from some of the minority community who doesn’t know if they can trust her. Harris served as San Francisco’s District Attorney from 2004 to 2011 where she supported a city policy that required law enforcement to turn over undocumented juvenile immigrants to federal immigration authorities if they were arrested and suspected of committing a felony, regardless of whether they were actually convicted of a crime. Dealing with the constant battle with African American men in and out of a broken system really doesn’t help hearing this about her. Give me your thoughts on the current candidates for both parties below in the comment section. Lets debate on what’s going on in our Country and what the future looks like for the next four years In the comment section below. Be sure to use #MarkellCreativeLN (Latest News) on all social media outlets!