Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published March 14, 2019.

Where are you originally from? What brought you to Rochester at this time in your life?

I was born in Queens and moved to Rochester at age three. My family came here to find a better and more affordable life for me and my sister, and we’ve been able to thrive here.

What are some of your favorite hidden gems around Rochester?

The art, for sure! I would see murals and posters around town all the time. I came across Shawn Dunwoody at the Mini Maker Faire in 2014 working on a community mural, and I helped out with that and we became friends. I love what an artistic town Rochester is. We have a diverse amount of creativity across many pockets of the city that you might not discover otherwise.

What's the most unique or interesting event you've attended in Rochester?

Anything art-related. I love supporting my creative friends’ events. Recently my friends Charles Emanuel and Cammy Enaharo had a show at the Avenue Blackbox theatre, where they performed duets and had a wonderful energy and creativity going on. The Avenue Blackbox is a diverse arts/theatre space on Joseph Ave for a community that might not otherwise have access to it.

What are some of your favorite nonprofits to support? 

540WMain—Calvin plans workshops and diverse classes, including things like yoga, dancing, race relations, how to live a vegan lifestyle. They’re always open for the public to experience.

If you had $100 and 2 hours to kill, how would you spend the money/time in Rochester? 

I’d see a movie at The Little or find a show at The Avenue. Afterwards, I’d get something to eat at Arnett Cafe, then get dessert at Cheesy Eddie’s.

What's your favorite neighborhood in the city? 

Neighborhood of the Arts—I’ve been living there for about 10 years. We’ve got the MAG, the Out Alliance, Village Gate, the Brainery, a neighborhood store, and it’s close to everything.

What's your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather? 

I just survive. I kinda like the cold to be honest, and it’s always pretty outside.

What's your favorite Rochester memory? 

Midtown Plaza—I remember sitting on Santa’s lap, riding the monorail, and hanging out with friends there as a teenager.

What makes Rochester unique? 

The diversity—you can find somebody who would do anything you need done. You may not know them yet, but they’re out there.

What do you think could be improved? 

The tale of two Rochesters—you can feel how different living is in each. We need to be more inclusive and more sensitive in our conversations about poverty and race. People need each other. We have to tear down the walls and come together to do something great. We have work to be done with bias, racism, and prejudice. Once we get over that—there are so many talented people in this city, and we could do even greater things. The honest conversations at 540WMain are a good place to start as an opportunity to learn about other people and yourself.

If Rochester was an object, what would it be?

It would be a painting—with lots of different colors and paint brushes used to make it a work of art. There are areas we need to touch up, and we may throw in some clouds and some rainbows, but it’s an ever-evolving mural.

I always show people our murals when they’re in town. A city can never have too much art. Some of my favorites are the ones over by Central Library. They have so many feel good messages. I love those the most, especially the “Be Yourself” one.

Tell me a little bit about your art.

I do a lot of things—I draw, I paint, I write poems, short stories, and music, I perform, I sing. All my art is my interpretation of what’s going on. I’ve been drawing since I was four. Now I paint too, in an abstract or expressive style. Poetry is something I did more for myself, but about four years ago I read some of my poetry at an open mic night and people were really receptive to it.

I also make music digitally and with a keyboard, and I’ve been doing that since I was about 15. I put it together with my poetry to make songs. I’m all about freedom of expression and individuality. People can interpret my art however they want to. I can’t imagine my life without art. I’m self-taught. I think it helps you to learn your own style; it makes me unique because I’ve figured it out on my own.

Who inspires you?

My friends. Anybody who is passionate about wanting to make their own path. If it’s possible for them, it’s possible for me. Seeing that makes me say, “Wow I really like what you’re doing. How can I help?” Anyone who evokes that kind of fire in you makes you want to be great.

Where do you go to get inspired?

It used to be the top of Cobb’s Hill at sunset, but now it’s too crowded, with people rolling up in trucks with cameras on tripods to capture it all. Now I go to the High Falls bridge every couple months, and just watch the sunset, enjoy the quiet, and think.

Tell me about your community advocacy work.

As a community advocate, I got started about six years ago. I was thinking about how to make a difference when I didn’t have a lot of money. How could I contribute? I was looking through City Newspaper, I found an event that interested me, I went, and I offered to help. I kept doing that. I try to take myself out of it, because it’s not about me. I do take photos when I’m out helping in the community just so I can show that it’s easy to jump in and get involved.

Some of the things I’ve helped out with include rallying with People for Parcel 5 and volunteering with Filters for Flint and Foodlink. I also recently jumped into the effort to diversify the arts scene in Rochester. So many people put together arts events out of their own pockets. Sharing art with the community and the world requires funding, and funding enables people to have sustainable careers in the arts.

I want to make this place the best I can make it, and there’s strength in numbers. I’m always encouraging people to come along with me to do this community advocacy work, whatever form that may take. We need to create a space with equality and equity where everyone can thrive. Anytime I’m having a moment, I’m all about including and bringing other people into that moment.

What advice would you give to up-and-coming creatives in Rochester?

1. Never give up. Never stop. Don’t let someone tell you that you can’t.
2. Never compromise your individuality. Do it regardless of how people feel. Just don’t hurt anybody!
3. Be yourself. Express yourself. Be great.