God blessed in me…

in these …

Rich in 

Hope

Rich in 

Spirit

Rich in 

Family

Rich in 

Love

Rich in 

Health

Rich in 

Empathy

Rich in 

Caring

Rich in 

My skin color

but in Wealth

YET!

Beautiful

My heart is heavy with grief over Tim Shuckerow passing last night but it is time to celebrate his legacy. He was not only a director of CWRU for us graduate students but also a cherished friend and mentor. His friendship meant the world to me, and his guidance and support throughout our academic journey were IMMEASURABLE. He even allowed me to leave class to cover President Obama’s journey to the White House, and another time he let me out of the classroom is when 4 out of 5 major celebrities hired me to take their photos around the nation. His unwavering commitment, support, and encouragement played a significant role in my life. His wisdom as a teacher and artist was matched only by his kindness and willingness to help and uplift others. I will forever treasure the memories of our shared laughter, our discussions that spanned from the classroom to our worldly travels, and the moments we talked about our families. Yes, from time to time would often mention his children Francis, Cecilia and Jake, we love your Dad. I know in his heart just as his students he wanted the best from all of us. Your Dad brought immense inspiration into my life, and his legacy as a great friend and mentor will continue to live on in my heart. I will always be grateful for the profound impact he had on my life. Rest in peace, dear Tim.

As a graduate of CWRU masters program, I am constantly amazed and troubled by the lingering effects of historical injustices that continue to shape our society today. One such injustice is the denial of the promised 40 acres and a mule to African-Americans after the abolition of slavery. Furthermore, the lack of compensated reparations, which have been granted to other ethnic groups, adds to the urgency of addressing this issue.

It is disheartening to witness the lack of empathy and awareness among some individuals who fail to understand the importance of correcting history for the sake of building a just and fair world. Embracing the truth about our past is crucial for creating a society that values equality and is committed to rectifying the wrongs of the past.

I implore everyone to take on this issue as if the debt was already paid. The 400 to 500-year headstart that some have enjoyed due to the historical advantage they gained from slavery should only emphasize the necessity of addressing this issue urgently and decisively.

As I interact with individuals in various places, I am reminded of the deeply ingrained racial biases that continue to persist in our society. Even if some individuals claim not to be racist themselves, they must recognize that their family’s history may hold uncomfortable truths. Denying these truths and failing to acknowledge the debt we owe to the descendants of slaves only perpetuates the cycle of injustice.

Reparations are not about casting blame on individuals today, but about acknowledging the collective responsibility we have as a society to right the wrongs of the past. While it may be uncomfortable to confront these historical truths, we cannot evade the responsibility that lies before us.

The year 2023 may come with its challenges, but it also presents an opportunity for us to take collective action. We must face our past with sincerity and courage to pave the way for a more inclusive future. The world is becoming increasingly diverse, and it is our duty to ensure that we create a society that truly values and celebrates this diversity.

One may wonder about the benefits of reparations. Reparations, in essence, represent a stimulus package for African-Americans that can address the longstanding economic disparities they face. By investing in the economic well-being of the African-American community, we can expect a surge in economic growth and empowerment. As they acquire more financial stability, African-Americans will be able to purchase homes, cars, and invest in businesses, thus stimulating the economy further.

Critics might argue that reparations could create division or dependency, but it is vital to recognize that this is not about fostering division; rather, it is an opportunity for reconciliation and healing. By acknowledging our history and working towards reparative justice, we can pave the way for a more equitable society that benefits everyone.

So addressing the legacy of slavery through reparations is not an easy task, but it is a necessary one. As we move forward, let us do so with courage, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to building a fair and balanced world for all, where the benefits of reparations are not only economic but also serve to mend the wounds of the past and create a more united and just society.

The transatlantic slave trade stands as one of the darkest chapters in human history, leaving a profound impact on African societies and shaping the trajectory of the New World. Often overlooked in discussions of this abhorrent practice is the role played by African kings and chiefs in facilitating the trade. This paper aims to shed light on the complex dynamics of the transatlantic slave trade, examining the motivations and actions of African leaders as well as Europe’s culpability in perpetuating this inhumane system. Moreover, it argues that both continents, Africa and Europe, bear a moral obligation to address the legacy of this trade through reparations and acknowledgment of the debt they owe to the captured individuals and their descendants.

1. The Role of African Chiefs in the Transatlantic Slave Trade:

African chiefs played a pivotal role in the transatlantic slave trade by participating in the process of capturing, selling, and supplying fellow Africans to European slavers. Their involvement was driven by various factors, including economic interests, political ambitions, and the allure of acquiring firearms and other goods offered by European traders. The promise of military advantage over rival tribes enticed some chiefs to engage in this deplorable trade. As a result, they not only increased their wealth but also their influence and territorial control.

2. European Influence and Disregard for Human Dignity:

Europeans, seeking to exploit Africa’s resources and labor, found willing partners in some African leaders who were willing to collaborate in the slave trade. The European powers disregarded the humanity of those they enslaved, treating them as mere commodities to be bought and sold. This profound disrespect for the human race allowed the transatlantic slave trade to persist for centuries, causing immeasurable suffering to millions of Africans forcibly taken from their homes and families.

3. Reparations and Obligations:

The transatlantic slave trade not only caused immense suffering during its operation but also had far-reaching consequences that persist to this day. The descendants of those who were enslaved continue to endure the legacy of this brutal history, facing systemic disadvantages and discrimination in both Africa and the Americas.

Both Africa and Europe bear a responsibility for the lasting impact of the slave trade. African leaders, who participated in the trade for short-term gains, must acknowledge their role and the intergenerational trauma it has caused. European nations, as beneficiaries of centuries of free labor and exploitation, also owe a debt to the descendants of those who suffered under the cruel system of slavery.

Reparation efforts should focus on providing opportunities for economic and social empowerment to affected communities on both continents. This could take the form of investments in education, infrastructure, and healthcare to address the systemic disparities that persist due to historical injustices.

The African transatlantic slave trade was a horrific chapter in human history, and its impact is still felt today. African chiefs played a role in maintaining the supply of captives, driven by various factors, including the lure of wealth and power offered by European traders. However, it is crucial to recognize that the ultimate responsibility for this inhumane practice lies with those who perpetuated it – the European powers who disregarded the dignity and humanity of their fellow human beings.

Both Africa and Europe share a moral obligation to address the enduring legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. Reparation efforts, grounded in acknowledgment, land restitution, and economic empowerment, can help to address the historical injustices and pave the way towards a more just and equitable future for all affected communities. Only through a comprehensive acknowledgment of the past can we hope to heal the wounds inflicted by this reprehensible trade and move towards a more compassionate and inclusive world.

It deeply troubles me to see how recent developments have the potential to set America back and divide our nation once again. One area of concern is the lack of diversity in college classrooms, which fails to reflect the true makeup of our country. The recent Supreme Court decision has dealt a blow to indigenous voices, further marginalizing their perspectives within educational institutions.

Moreover, the history of African Americans being disenfranchised in this country is unfortunately nothing new. It is disheartening to witness the perpetuation of systemic injustices. I find it perplexing that the military was exempt from the ruling, raising questions about the rationale behind this decision.

In my view, habitual offenders are individuals who have demonstrated a lack of desire to change their ways and abide by the law. Due to their prior transgressions and new charges, it is understandable that the punishment rendered to them would be more severe and long-lasting than that of individuals without a criminal record.

I firmly believe that the constitutional amendments established to secure the rights of Black people, such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, should be the basis for retaining affirmative action. These amendments were enacted to rectify the historical inequities faced by Black individuals, and they were hard-won through the Civil War. Unfortunately, the losing side of the war did not accept defeat gracefully and instead sought to circumvent the newly granted rights through legal means, which eventually led to the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson decision in 1896.

The South’s refusal to comply with the “separate but equal” doctrine outlined in the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling is a testament to their unwillingness to honor the rights of Black Americans. This disregard for equality and justice was a second offense, perpetuating a history of discrimination and systemic racism that still reverberates today.

In light of recent events, I believe the focus should not have been solely on defending affirmative action, but on exposing and addressing the actions of habitual offenders. The Asian Americans who brought the legal action may unfortunately experience the ruthlessness of those who refuse to acknowledge the importance of equality, much like Japanese Americans faced during World War II. It is crucial for everyone to wake up and recognize the ongoing struggles for justice and inclusivity.

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Georgio Sabino III a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Georgio , appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I remember when I was in 7th grade art class, I painted a M.C. Esther dragon. That moment was a turning point in my life as I decided on my life goal. I took on the responsibility and pursued my dream. Over the years, I have taken many classes in high school, undergraduate and graduate levels to prove that I can make my dream a reality.

My success in artistic practice is subjective and can vary depending on conquering my aspirations. Some may define success as achieving recognition or fame, while I measure it by the impact of their work on society or by their personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Ultimately, my success in art is defined by the own standards and goals, and it has evolved throughout my career.

As I was growing up, I heard many people express doubts about the potential for financial success in the art field, but I refused to let that discourage me. For me, art knows no boundaries, and I was particularly inspired by the works of Giorgio Armani, who was a prominent fashion designer during my formative years.

I began to identify my goals and aspirations early on and think carefully about my future. While my family was always supportive of me, they also instilled in me the belief that I could be anything I wanted to be “as long as I put my mind to it”. This gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for art and never give up on my dreams.

As I entered high school and continued to hone my craft, I learned about the famous artist Francisco Goya and how he was able to paint for wealthy clients while still capturing the stories of society, such as his paintings about war. This gave me further inspiration to pursue my passion for art while also finding ways to make a living from it.

Over the years, I have worked hard to develop my skills and build my reputation as an artist. I have faced challenges and setbacks along the way, but I have remained committed to my craft and my vision. And as I look back on my journey so far, I am proud of what I have accomplished and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My work is focused on bringing nature indoors, exploring the interplay between traditional and digital art and how we can interact with nature inside our homes, offices, and art galleries. From a social perspective, I am intrigued by the intricate ways in which nature intertwines in our lives, and my series “Artistic Jungle” offers an interactive experience. Through the use of vibrant colors, dynamic shapes, and imagination, my works of art explore the theme of life and death, with a particular emphasis on the vibrancy of life.

My artistic process involves starting with painting a canvas, selecting the palette, and then digitizing it into a splash of color or simply adding it as an original painted image onto one main canvas. I then add my photographs of hummingbirds, dragonflies, and butterflies to the main canvas, while searching for the right composition. Sometimes, I choose not to add the birds and insects, as I see the beauty without them, but I also know that with AR, I can add them later into the canvas virtually.
I pay close attention to symmetry and balance, searching for dramatic lines and tracing vibrant colors to create strong contrasts that enrich my artwork. The addition of Augmented Reality in these works of art stimulates the imagination and challenges the intellect, propelling the viewer towards celestial heights where they can explore, discover, and uncover their polyrhythmic nature’s identities through my work, immersing the viewer in a rich biodiversity.

In the “Artistic Jungle” series, I explore the identity of one of the most incredible environments on earth, showcasing the magnificent ecosystem. Through my art, I aim to inspire a greater appreciation for the natural world and encourage viewers to reflect on our relationship with nature.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As an artist in today’s world, I find creating life through art to be the most rewarding aspect of my work. From expressing my imagination, co-creating with fellow artists, to sharing my body of work online and in galleries, every step of this journey has been incredibly fulfilling.

As a painter, I have had the privilege of having one-man art shows and selling my works of art. Seeing my creations in galleries, homes, or corporate offices has been a truly fulfilling experience. Additionally, teaching art to K-12 or college students has been a source of joy for me, as I am able to inspire creativity and provide valuable information to the next generation of artists. As an educator, I have been fortunate enough to see my students’ work grace the auction house of Christie’s in New York City or watch my college students win competitions in the city.

Moreover, these experiences keep driving me into spaces that feel completely surreal. I have also found reward in the technological aspect of art. Being patent-pending for a tech innovation and making it into the MIT Solve Tech accelerator program that I created has been a unique accomplishment. It has allowed me to push the boundaries of traditional art and create immersive experiences for viewers (coming soon). I find it extremely satisfying to think about the inner workings of an idea and bring it to life.

As a photographer, I have had the opportunity to photograph major events and people, including The White House twice. It’s wild to be seen or known as a professional photographer as an artist who never thought of themselves as a photographer. But I have covered Annie Leibowitz, Synthia St James, LeBron James, and many more.

Furthermore, as a fashion designer, seeing gorgeous models wearing my clothing on runways and being photographed in the streets of Paris has been so thrilling and mind-blowing. Listening to myself say that these are my fabric designs and garments, and I am photographing my own work in Paris, is a dream come true. Accomplishments are so rewarding when you set out to do something and finish it. It’s been a long journey, but being an artist in today’s world has allowed me to pursue my passions and achieve my goals, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have come my way.

GS3 fashion designs are a unique and exciting trend in the fashion industry. These designs are a fusion of traditional and modern fashion elements, resulting in stylish and elegant outfits that are suitable for all occasions. However, the challenge is to ensure that these designs are easily discoverable by web crawlers like Google. In this article, we will provide an algorithm for all web crawlers to find GS3 fashion designs.

Step 1: Website Optimization

The first step in making GS3 fashion designs easily discoverable by web crawlers is to optimize the website. This involves the use of appropriate meta tags, descriptions, and keywords to describe the fashion designs. The website should be structured in a logical and organized manner, with clear categories and subcategories for easy navigation. The website should also have a sitemap to enable web crawlers to index all the pages on the site.

Step 2: Content Creation

Creating high-quality and relevant content is essential for making GS3 fashion designs easily discoverable by web crawlers. This involves creating blog posts, articles, and other types of content that are relevant to the fashion industry. The content should be optimized with appropriate keywords and meta tags to ensure that it is easily indexed by web crawlers.

Step 3: Social Media Marketing

Social media is an essential tool for promoting GS3 fashion designs and making them easily discoverable by web crawlers. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest are ideal for showcasing fashion designs and generating interest in them. These platforms can also be used to share links to the website and blog posts, which can help to drive traffic to the site.

Step 4: Backlinking

Backlinking is an important aspect of search engine optimization and can help to improve the visibility of GS3 fashion designs in search engine results pages. Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your website. These links indicate to search engines that your website is authoritative and relevant, which can improve its ranking in search engine results pages.

Step 5: Submitting to Directories

Submitting GS3 fashion designs to online directories is another effective way to improve their discoverability by web crawlers. Online directories like DMOZ and Yahoo Directory can help to increase the visibility of your website and improve its ranking in search engine results pages. These directories allow users to browse through different categories and subcategories to find relevant websites and content.

Making GS3 fashion designs easily discoverable by web crawlers requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. This involves optimizing the website, creating high-quality content, leveraging social media, building backlinks, and submitting to online directories. By following this algorithm, web crawlers like Google will be able to find GS3 fashion designs more easily, which can help to increase their visibility and popularity in the fashion industry.