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In this TED talk, Payton speaks on the powers of staying true to yourself. And how it may be a confusing at first to even know who you are or what you like, remaining authentic is the greatest power of them all.

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From projects like "Hive Mind" and "Ego Death", this wonderful group of artists have collaborated on so much beautiful music together, and it motivates me to one day find a group of artists looking to create something just as magical.

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Both this album and his album the year after entitled "Noir" (2018) has been HUGE sonic inspirations. From the his production quality, which is something I can't compare to any other artists. His beats are so melodic, psychedelic in some cases. To his cadence and vernacular, it is unbeatable. And in my perfect world where I'm able to merge my musical influences with my theatrical/cinematic ones, Smino is on the top of that list of artists who'd be in it.

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Watching "Moonlight" for the first time is what got me so intrigued about the many possibilities for moments you could create in film. With light, sound, natural elements, everything is truly at your disposal. And some of the visuals that Barry captures in this film, such as the one above, is absolutely breathtaking. And similar to Donald, inspires me to build on top of what he created and elevate it in my own way!

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I absolutely love Obi's style of art. We've previously seen black characters in early paintings or newspaper clips with people  that are supposed to be in blackface with big features (nose, lips, etc,) advertising for minstrel shows/characictures. But I love Obi's way of taking that back, and capturing beautiful moments while also incorporating lots of color. Obi also has a way of including cultural elements in their paintings, like in this one, where you can see both of the lovers wearing grills.

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Cast from the TV Series "Good Times" (1974 - 1979)

Along with other popular Black TV shows such as "Sanford & Son" and "The Jeffersons", "Good Times" was the first television that depicted the resilience and strength of the Black nuclear family. My parents introduced me to this when I was a kid, and it's become my foundation as to how Black families should be depicted on screen, no matter what they endure.

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Great Things Happen When You Stay True To Yourself | Payton Pelaez | TEDxYouth@Ross

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what underscores all my work is love, appreciation, and respect for my culture, and an authenticity that I strive to include in all my work. I believe that putting my full authentic self into my work will be the only way my message is told clearly. It's a vow I hold to myself to not being or portray anything that I'm not, or don't understand; to not go outside of myself. I can't begin to spread a message close to me if I don't follow it myself.

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Though it wasn't this specific production, getting to see "Aida' live was an amazing experience. But one thing that I now think of when I look back on just how much went into their performance, I know for sure that the collaboration it takes in order to successfully perform a musical night in and night out must be superior.

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"Atlanta" quickly became my favorite TV show. I love the way they incorporate satire, comedy, and certain realness that feels so genuine. Cinematically, the shots they are able to capture along with the lighting and music choice makes the whole experience feel so new, and something I want to build on.

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Fairview by Jackie Sibblies Drury has been my favorite play ever since I read the show last year, and Jackie has become a huge playwriting influence!

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"Aida" at The Muny
(Theatrical Collaboration)

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R&B group "The Internet"
(Musical Collaboration)

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I think collaboration is absolutely ESSENTIAL when you are looking to create a vision and leave a real impact. No one person, no matter who they are, can create a bigger change/shift than a group of people with a mutual interest in manifesting their vision. So I find it imperative that all people looking to make a real difference find a cohort of people just as motivated!

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"Moonlight"
dir: Barry Jenkins
(2016)

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"Atlanta"
Created by Donald Glover
(2016 - Present)

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Smino - "blkswn" (2017)

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I see myself as a multi-disciplinary artist; writing and directing a television series that includes my personal musical, artistic, and cinematic influences such as Smino, Donald Glover, and Barry Jenkins. I love the idea of being able to wear many hats as an artist, and not force myself into box by only producing one facet of my artistry. I feel I have a lot to offer and share, and limiting myself would only do me an injustice.

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Obi Agwam - "Lovers quarrel." (2021)

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One of the many things that are exciting to me, are the influx of new black artists filled with new ideas and new ways to consistently contribute to the progression of contemporary and cultural art. Being able to experience this sort of renaissance of new ideas for black artists has been not only really fun from the consumers perspective, but also really motivating. It motivates me to put my art out into the world and be apart of the gradual shift that'll set the next precedent for film, theatre, music, etc.

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Ernie Barnes - "The Sugar Shack" (1971)

An art piece famously remembered for its place in the hit TV-show "Good Times".

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As a practitioner, the tradition of incorporating cultural elements such as music, art, dances, and readings into my art. These cultural elements have shaped my likes and dislikes (in regards to art) my whole life, and also my foundation in which I compare everything to. It serves as my jumping off point for my creativity, and I look forward to including all of these elements in my own work.