The colors, sights, and sounds of Carnival have long been a favorite of Samantha’s. West Indians take over Brooklyn for the Labor Day weekend and make their presence known.
Story
Allison Elliott
(she/her) Mentee
Allison Elliott is a Jamaican-American teen that has been raised in the amazing community of East-Flatbush. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, sharing the many things that she holds dear to her. Allison enjoys reading, writing, playing with her dog, listening to music, and watching the sky. Growing up in such a diverse community, she recognizes the importance of representation in all tropes and genres for every type of person. With this in mind, she tries to dedicate her work to being inclusive and creating stories for everyone, especially those who have been underrepresented in the past.
Favorite Genres/Mediums
Artist‘s Statement
Being born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, I’ve seen the increase in gentrification. It’s crazy to watch how it’s affecting my neighborhood along with others in the city, displacing residents. Recently it’s began to feel like I’m the stranger in certain neighborhoods despite their strong cultural histories. This work helps to put a spotlight on that, a native New Yorker who’s seen as the stranger in his neighborhood. My work always tries to center BIPOC people and give them the stage for once.
Story
Always There
Bed-Stuy had always been home for Jordan, but what will he do when something seems to be coming with him? Sometimes the real monsters are closer than you think.