Friends of TWS Archives - Page 2 of 86

Nefertari Williams: Tim Scott OUR Black Man – Not yours!

Illustration of Senator Tim Scott Republican of South Carolina — Senator Tim Scott. Artwork by Thomcat23 Copyright 2024

Tim Scott OUR Black Man – Not yours!

This is an opinion piece so I will go easy. To understand my perspective you will have to learn a few things that are just truths within the black community. Colorism exists. Since we were enslaved individuals we were told and we watched as the Plantation master would treat the lighter skinned enslaved blacks better than the darker skinned enslaved blacks (in some cases they were his own children after he would rape his enslaved girls and women). This unfortunate “benefit” has been a mental barrier within our community although it does seem in some situations that companies and even ad agencies find lighter skinned blacks more palatable.

Another truth that you must know about some black men who grew up by a single black mother – I repeat “SOME” – become resentful towards their black mothers if their lives were troublesome when they were children. These men sometimes even turn against their entire community they didn’t have pleasant experience’s growing up in due to poverty, teasing, bullying etc.

Ok this one may be a bit controversial. Some of our black men who have experienced at least one of the aforementioned situations seem to be easily indoctrinated into the thinking differently then they may have been raised to think while attending black churches or by their low income earning black mothers. This seems to ring true if the black man has witnessed people who looked differently, acted differently as high income earners equating their value to their earring potential. With this way of thinking, that would mean that a disabled wise man with strong values who had dozens of children at his feet as he taught them life lessons, as worthless unless he found a way to monetize this simple kind act. While those of us who were taught that the value of a person is based on the content of his character.

All of these words are a prerequisite for you to understand how a man like Tim Scott (A Black Republican Senator From South Carolina) can “become”.

THE MENTOR

When Tim Scott was growing up he was raised by a single mother who was a nursing aide (under paid which is a proven and common issue within the black community) who had to work long hours So Tim was left alone often. He moved around a lot as a kid. When he was a teen he worked at a theatre. When he became hungry he would go to the local Chic- Filet and purchase fries to eat. The owner of the restaurant took notice of Tim and asked him why he would only buy fries and Tim told him “because they are cheaper”. One day after a few encounters the man went to the theater where Tim Scott worked and gave him a chicken sandwich.

Tim appreciated the generosity shown by the man and chose to accept the life lessons that this man would teach (the man passed away from a sudden heart attack while Tim was still in his teens)

Tim’s mentors name was John Moniz. He went on to teach Tim about Christian conservative values strongly expressing the importance of giving.

THE INDOCTRINATION

By teaching Tim that giving leads to receiving, Tim started to question his life. Maybe the reason that the people in his life didn’t have as much as his wealthy mentor was because they didn’t give enough. The mentor never mentioned to Tim how his mother was under paid for her job as a nurses aide which was a systemic problem. He also failed to mention that the hundreds of years that Blacks gave to the country free labor was what caused the country to be the super power that is today and most “conservatives” vote to make sure that their conservatism is mostly aimed towards restricting funds towards urban schools, unequal lending practices and so much more.

Although Tim was born to married parents who were together for the first 7 years of his life it is described that Tims parents were of the working class impoverished (Btw – there should be no such thing Tim Scott. If you work you should be able to live).

TIM SCOTT’S SOCIAL LIFE

I hate to say this is typical of a black man who has experienced the situations that I have discussed in paragraphs one and two because I hate implying that any group is a monolith- but it is walks like a duck…..

When these two factors meet up I have witnessed the black man tends to avoid dating black women. Maybe he tried and was shot down, maybe he feels “inadequate” (I’ve heard that one before). But as so many in the community have guessed, Tim Scott is now engaged to a woman who is not black. She is white like his mentor was.

So maybe a white woman will understand all that he has learned and will be a better partner because he now knows the secret to being successful in America? Well, no because just as much as I don’t like putting black men in a box I don’t like to with black women. You can find a black woman from all walks of life right here in America. To each their own I say.

Why am I writing about the ONLY black republican Senator, failed presidential candidate and seemingly a new pin cushion for Trump. I was posed the question- what does the black community think of Tim Scott.

I asked a prominent DJ of New York City his opinion on this matter and he simply said – he’s a sell out.

I’m not so sure it’s that simple. I believe there are several factors at play which I have listed.

But here is my overall opinion of Senator Tim Scott:

Come home Tim Scott – Come back to the love of your minority community. We know you may not have been treated well. We all have been bullied a little but we dusted ourselves off and “became”. Ok so you may not have the Barack Obama swagger, or the Denzel Essence nor the Edris Finesse. That doesn’t mean you are not loved. You are no longer that little poor boy who didn’t have money for a chic filet sandwich. We watched as you stood on stage behind Trump as he called you out just to humiliate you in New Hampshire. It will never stop. You deserve better my brother. Come home. We love you!
Sent from my iPhone

About The Author: Nefertari Williams is a jewelry maker, activist for women with heart disease and the mother of five beautiful children. She lives in Willingboro, New Jersey. To access additional articles by Nefertari Williams link here: https://tonywardstudio.com/blog/nefertari-williams-the-epidemic-of-loneliness-part-2/

TW: A Visit From the Dead

Portrait of Ed Simmons photographer from California who passed away not that long ago — Linkedin Page: Ed Simmons 2024

A Visit From The Dead

A dear friend, Ed Simmons visited me recently. No. Not in the flesh. Ed passed away a little over two years ago on September 22, 2022. Never the less, there have been a series of events that I’ve experienced recently that gives me a feeling his spirit is very much alive. As friends for over a 30 year period, our bond principally developed by our mutual love for the medium of photography and the memories good pictures can provide us. Ed and I shared many of those photographic memories in conversations we had about each others work and our dedication to making weekly phone calls to keep in touch. Although Ed lived the remaining 15 years or so of his life in Los Angelos, we never lost our commitment to a lasting friendship.

black and white landscape by photographer Ed Simmons — Dunes. 2008. Photo: Ed Simmons

The first thing that happened recently that made me feel his spirit was very much alive, was when I visited a mutual friend of ours that was seeking my advice about selling some old photography equipment she was know longer using. I suggested that I should visit her in person so that I could access the condition of the equipment. When I arrived and after looking at the equipment, she opened a box that contained several photographs of which ran a chill up and down my spine. The first three on top of the pile were photographs that Ed Simmons produced while he was spending time photographing the American West during photography workshops in 2007 and 2008. My friend didn’t know Ed very well, although they were part of a group of artists who regularly met on South street for coffee during that time period. She wasn’t particularly attached to the photographs that wound up in her possession through a mutual friend, so she offered them to me as a gift. Ed had to have been smiling down on us a that moment knowing how much I cherished our friendship and his legacy. In an instant I became the proud owner of three Ed Simmons landscapes. What a pleasant surprise that was.

Dellenback Dunes Oregon photo by Ed Simmons — Dellenback Dunes, Oregon. Photo: Ed Simmons

So I brought them home and have had them on display in my studio just so that I can continue to reflect on the life of a dear friend. And just yesterday while I was browsing LinkedIn there was an automated message from Ed congratulating me on a work anniversary. As I looked at the picture closer, I could see that he was wearing one of my t-shirts! The memories of a lifelong friendship continues.

Bandon Oregon beach photo by Ed Simmons — Bandon, Oregon. Photo: Ed Simmons

To learn more about the life and times of Ed Simmons, link here: https://tonywardstudio.com/blog/ed-simmons-in_memorium/

Behind The Scenes With Savanna

Behind The Scenes With Savanna

I was introduced to Savanna a few months ago at an exhibition of my work curated by my friend and colleague Bob Neroni, owner of Prism Arts Philadelphia. When we met at the exhibit she seemed very enthusiastic about meeting me, so I reached out to cast her for The Vixens Series, a series of portraits inspired by women from all walks of life that exude; strength, intelligence, heroism and inner beauty.

We settled on a date and aligned the production crew to meet at my studio for the series of pictures that would define the beginning of a new year as we enter 2024. I contacted veteran Philly photographer, Al B For to cover the behind the scenes of the production involved in creating Savanna’s remarkable series of pictures. Al B is quite known in Philadelphia creative circles as a go to guy for candid event photography . His bubbly personality makes everyone around him comfortable as evidenced in the photographs captured on shoot day. Al B is the ultimate fly on the wall.

Many thanks first of all to Savanna, who was fabulous to work with. She’s quite daring and provocative as you can see. Thanks also to my team including: creative director KVaughn, lighting assistant Tony Colagreco, Shibari rope specialist, Scorpiana, makeup artist extraordinaire, Octavia Monroe and behind the scenes pictures by Al B For.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To access the complete set of Savanna’s pictures for The Vixens Series, link here: https://tonywardstudio.com/blog/savanna-autonomy/

KVaughn: Interview

KVaughn. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2023

KVaughn: Interview by Tony Ward

TW: When did you first realize you wanted to pursue fashion design?

KV: I never really pursued Fashion Design actually I had a manufacturer, I didn’t start sewing actually until my little sister Dorian bought me a sewing machine and I took a six week sewing class. I think I was always a designer. I always believed you can go to school to learn how to sew. Being a designer is so much more so I don’t know that I pursed being a fashion designer. I really didn’t know what that was I didn’t know that was a role. I always loved clothes I work selling clothes and shoes for 15 years before I launched my collection. Actually it was a customer who told me I was a Designer. I just didn’t know it I was doing styling at the time for my customers but a that time it wasn’t called styling it was just putting together a look head to toe but once I heard the word designer, I just wanted to wear something with my name on it. I didn’t start sewing until much later in my career when my always supportive sister Dorian bought me the sewing machine and said you will figure it out. She constantly pushes me to be better in life overall so I found a 6 week class and told my instructor I just wanted to learn how to sew a straight line. It was a great turn by making my own scarves we slashed labor cost. I still hand sew pieces that need couture touches but we have a manufacturer down the street so we good.

TW: What made making scarves your focus?

KW: Well I’ve always loved scarves so we started doing them just for personal use and everyone start asking how they could get one so we did a small collection actually the first collection was made out of upholstery fabric as time went on the scarf collection was outpacing the mens and women’s collection sales so we decided to make them the focus going forward.

TW: What makes the KVaughn brand unique?

KV: I think our whole approach to design. I think it’s what we don’t do that makes us unique we don’t do more than 3 of a kind. We select high quality fabrics and we don’t chase trends. Most of our interactions with our clients is one on one so there is a personal touch provided to each customer. Our scarves take on the personality of the wearer.

TW: How do you go about selecting fabric for each season?

KV: Good Question. I’m not sure there’s a good answer because it’s different inspiration each season the fabrics: wool, cashmere, mohair for winter, linen and silk for summer. It’s more than just the fabrics I pick. I tap into the mood of the season. Is it about the length short or long wide or narrow? I like to think about the man or woman – how would they want to wear it and then the fabric has a language all its own.

TW: What are KVaughn goals for 2024?

KV: Goals 2024? Well that’s a good one. I started my collection in March of 1994, so I’ve been blessed with almost 30 years in Design and I gave myself 6 months, so I’m always concerned about overstaying my welcome. I will always design, that’s in my DNA but what that looks like I really can’t say. I’m really enjoying The Creative Director position with Tony Ward Studio, and I’ve been getting offers to collaborate. As far as K.VAUGHN SCARVES I always ask myself do we have anything to say Fashion wise are your designs still relevant? Is there a market for my work I always reevaluate at the end of the year. I’ll keep you posted.

TW: Who were your earliest fashion influences?

KV: I’m reminded of a Biggie song where he was asked the same question. No one influenced me to get into fashion. It was always in me but I do remember me and my Best Friend Kevin Long. I was introduced to him when I was living in Boston and we would always talk style and Fashion I met him in 1986. I didn’t start my own line till 1994, but the talks we had definitely had an influence. He even flew down to help with my first collection after I got into design. You grab a little from everyone it’s like make a cake. Karl Lagerfeld had that uniform that look that was distinctive. Alexander McQueen, his shows were always dramatic. Isaac Mizrahi and the Documentary Unzipped revealed the hectic weeks before a Runway Show. Ralph Lauren who doesn’t sew a lick but has such a vision for Men, Women, and Home . There’s so many influences that have crossed my path. Oh I can’t forget meeting Andre Leon Talley.

TW: How did your upbringing impact your creativity?

KV: Unfortunately words like art and designer were never used in my household. I always was looking to get away and trying to see what was out there in a bigger world. I do remember as a kid I would look at the walls in our home and always thought something was missing. Now I know it was art, so I think my upbringing made me go in another direction. Now my place is filled with art on every wall.

TW: What is a typical KVaughn design day like?

KV: Well since I sell life insurance during the day my design process happens at night around 11pm. I’ll get in my studio lay out whatever fabrics I’m working with and turn on the Tv, no volume and have my music on blast. Latlely I’ve been working on making new mannequins for display use. It’s all about creating a comfort zone with no limits . Weekend trips mainly to New York to buy fabrics means a visit 20 fabrics stores in one day just to put a collection together and every fabric supplier you have to negotiate fabrics prices. It’s hectic but it’s the best part because I know no matter the reception to a particular collection I put in the work and selected every fabric so a Day in a Life is very interesting and quite fulfilling.

TW: Which current design house do you gain the most inspiration from?

KV: Inspiration houses: Channel particularly The Lagerfeld Era, Hermes For the Scarves, Ralph Lauren for the Scale and reach of the brand.

Nefertari Williams: The Epidemic of Loneliness

woman in the desert looking lonely wearing a Santa suit — Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2023

The Epidemic of Loneliness

I have heard more songs about being a strong independent woman more times then I wish to count. No matter how many times I sing them, wear the tee shirts or yell it from roof tops….. I still, even if it’s just around the holidays or just late at night, must admit that I get lonely.

Everyone gets lonely at times. It’s normal to occasionally feel the desire to talk with a friend or a partner, go out and experience camaraderie with a group whether it’s a sporting event or your neighborhood church.

However some people experience levels of loneliness that have been deemed an “epidemic” according to the WHO (world health organization). Some of our fellow humans are differently abled and unable to leave their homes. They have to depend on the kindness of strangers for food, deliveries and transportation. Even if they have hired help that person may just do their job which is to maybe clean a little, help with medication distribution quick medical checks. But that’s only temporary companionship. A true deep connection is still desired in most of us whether we want to admit it or not.

There’s a song that’s says people who need people are the luckiest people in the world yet here we are living in a world where loneliness it literally making people sick. According to the WHO, loneliness can lead to increased risk of many illnesses including heart disease.

In 2020 a pandemic swept through Earth. Some believe this may have been the start of the epidemic of loneliness however there were whispers and clues way before the horrific pandemic hit.

The thought of those with physical issues that prevent them from leaving theirs home is one cause of loneliness however that doesn’t include those who have social issues (difficulties making social connections). They are our neighbors who may want to have different kinds of connection because they may not be comfortable with small talk or traditional forms of communication. This is where the discussion of sex workers comes in.

Sex work is referred to as “the oldest profession in the world” yet it is illegal in most states. I believe it may be something that should be looked into as a solution to loneliness in certain situations. Yes, there should be regulations and laws maybe even only used as a medical treatment, however, humans need human touch and there are people who are willing to provide it.

This is similar to the legalization of marijuana. It was illegal and caused so many people to lose their freedom yet was a solution for groups who have medical needs raging from epilepsy to anxiety. Advocacy groups began fighting for it legalization and it happened. So far studies show that it does more good than harm.

Now we have an epidemic of loneliness and we have people who need people. Let’s open our minds and our hearts and make sure we consider all opinions so that no one ever has to spend another holiday, cold night or just daily life – without companionship.