2024 has been a year of incredible conversations for I Love Us. Since our launch in late May, we’ve connected with a diverse group of individuals making impact in music, film, television, arts, culture, and community building. Here’s a look back at some of our most memorable interviews:

Music:

• Devin Morrison: A gifted artist and composer known for his soulful sound and introspective lyrics, Devin Morrison shared his thoughts on the current landscape of gospel music. “I just hope the church returns to making church music,” he expressed, voicing his concern about the growing influence of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). “Sometimes you’ll go to a church, and it’s all CCM-inspired, which is cool—but at the same time, not really. I have a lot of respect for churches that hold on to real Gospel music.”
  
• 2wiin Kingz: Identical twins and rising stars in the DMV hip-hop scene, 2wiin Kingz sat down with us to discuss their unique bond and their dedication to their craft. “You don’t [tell us apart],” one of the twins explained. “My brother and I are a pair; you’ll almost never see me without him.” They also emphasized the importance of lyrical substance in their music: “One thing about us, even today, if we respect your pen, we respect your pen. And we pay attention. We prefer listening to artists who have something to say.”
  
• Imani: Following in the footsteps of her parents, entertainers Flex Alexander and Shanice Wilson, Imani is carving her own path in the music industry. She opened up about the challenges and triumphs of finding her own voice. “I’m grateful for my parents’ fans, but I’m also looking for people in my generation who will connect with what I’m saying,” she shared. “I just have to keep creating and sharing, and I trust that my audience will find me.”
  
• Trell Brooks: Hailing from the South, Trell Brooks is a lyricist with a purpose. He uses his music to inspire and uplift, delivering messages of hope and resilience. “When I spit, I’m putting medicine in the candy, as the old folks used to say,” he explained. “Meaning, I want to give my audience hope while I give them jams.”

Film & Television:

• Chanel Mack: Known for her role in the hit series “Wicked City,” Chanel Mack gave us a glimpse into her acting process and the close relationships she’s formed with her castmates. “As a method actor, I dive deep into my character, especially during vulnerable moments, which can sometimes make it difficult to detach emotionally afterward,” she revealed. Speaking about her co-stars Rhonda Morman and Malika Blessing, she added: “I call them my OGs! They’re both incredibly accomplished in LA, and being around them while they shared their wisdom really elevated my performance this season. Those are my girls!”
  
• Nia Thompson: Making history as the youngest Executive Producer in Hollywood, 13-year-old Nia Thompson is a force to be reckoned with. She discussed her involvement in the upcoming film “One Mic” and her vision for the future of Black representation on screen. “Representation matters,” she affirmed. “And I truly believe that for us to see stories that reflect who we are, who we want to be, and who we can be, we have to be willing to tell them ourselves.”

Arts & Culture:

• Rickey Solomon: Playwright and founder of Solomon’s Word Theatre Initiative Inc., Rickey Solomon shared his passion for using theater as a vehicle for social commentary and spiritual exploration. “Theater allows me to communicate profound messages without the constraints of traditional clergy,” he explained. “People who might never step into a church will come to see a play, and that’s where I can reach them.”
  
• Chase Dearring: Self-taught artist Chase Dearring explores themes of Black identity, culture, and excellence in his work. He spoke about the profound impact his heritage has had on his artistic journey. “Black hair, unity, facial features, Black excellence have all influenced how I approach my art,” he shared. “I pull from my own personal experiences in some cases… It’s to share that Black people can go beyond what’s considered Black. Our culture extends beyond the stereotypes.”
  
• Chef Benjamin “BJ” Dennis: Chef BJ is a passionate advocate for Gullah Geechee cuisine and culture. He discussed his efforts to preserve these traditions and his deep connection to his community. “When I walk out my door, how does my immediate community feel about me? That’s the most important thing,” he emphasized. He also shared his desire to inspire others: “All I ever wanted was to represent my people to the fullest.”

Community & Heritage:

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• Amiyrah Martin: A dedicated Disney enthusiast and community builder, Amiyrah Martin is creating spaces for Black “Disney Adult” moms to connect and celebrate their shared passion. As a woman who has lived many different lives (see above), she reflected on her experiences as a trailblazer: “In my life, I’ve always been put in the position of being the first of doing things… It’s allowing the next Black woman to do it too, and go, ‘Somebody’s already started it, I just gotta keep going.’”
  
• DeJuan Patterson: DeJuan Patterson shared his family’s incredible genealogical journey, tracing their roots back to the Gold Coast of West Africa. He described his profound experience visiting Ghana: “Ghana wasn’t just a destination for me—it was a homecoming… I felt an unshakable connection to the land and people.”

These interviews represent the heart and soul of I Love Us. We’re proud to have provided a platform for these diverse voices to share their stories, insights, and passions.We aim to inspire, educate, and foster a deeper understanding of Black experiences. Our team is deeply grateful to all those who have shared their journeys with us, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations in the years to come.