TRUTHIS STUDIOS’ “A GREAT DAY IN BROOKLYN” IS BUILDING SUSTAINABLE BLACK FUTURES
Sometimes, the greatest inspiration you need is right in front of you; you just need to take a second to look around. In the summer of 2022, the founder and CEO of TRUTHIS Studios, Kemi Karim, was inspired to take her creative powers to a new level with her community by her side.
After reading “A Choice of Weapons” by Gordon Parks and watching “A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks” on HBO Max, Karim admired how Parks used his work to capture Black stories and inspire generations to do the same. The Brooklyn-based photographer told FOCUS, “I knew that I wanted to bring the most talented, creative leaders in the same space, document us, share our perspectives and goals, and see what comes of it.” And, with immense commitment and research, “A Great Day in Brooklyn” was born.
So what exactly is “A Great Day in Brooklyn”? TRUTHIS Studios describes the project as something that “brings together creatives and thought leaders of color with a common goal of building sustainable futures in their communities. Individuals from all generations, identities, and multiple industries are invited for a day of creativity, networking, and education with the intent to celebrate our efforts and guide us on a path to a brighter tomorrow.”
“A Great Day In Brooklyn” Captured by Kemi “TRUTHIS” Karim, 2022
Like any great artist, studying the work of those who came before you is essential to the creative process. Pulling inspiration from Art Kane’s “A Great Day in Harlem,” Karim’s mission behind “A Great Day in Brooklyn” was just as meaningful. Karim said, “My inspiration came from so many Black historical moments that were powerful and transcended time and space, that we still go back to, that still lift us off our feet when we feel like we have nothing to get up for. These are the things I chose to take from, mix up and add to the film and photos for this project.”
The first installment of the project was hosted in Bed-Stuy’s Herbert Von King park by Karim and her team— Mckenzie, Ashley, Bonzzvito, Keino, StandOvt AKA Nai, and Cobra. The day was filled with performances by step group, The Big Steppers, rapper Mateo LAW$, and singer, Brianna Knight, and included a panel discussion titled “Behind Her Eyes: Developing Your Craft and Navigating The Industry From The Perspective of Women Artists” inclusive of Black women artists like StandOvt AKA Nai, Bonzzvito, Deja AKA Flower Girl, and Paloma.
The success of the event was only the beginning of the overall impact the project would have. The second installment came as a short film titled “A Great Day in Brooklyn.” The film was divided into five different parts: “Little Black Girl”, “Brooklyn Girl Fly”, “A Great Day in Brooklyn”, “I Have A Dream”, and “Love in The City.” Each part of the film held its own story and dug deeper than the surface regarding the Black creative experience and the possibilities of what it could be. Karim told FOCUS, “The premise of the film was me wanting to showcase different representations of what a great day in Brooklyn would be like. I take the viewers through different experiences I would have wanted in my life and as I was growing up as a creative.” As you watch the film, you are placed in Karim’s deepest passions and creative visions; you can also feel the impact she wants every scene to have on viewers. The intentional breakdown shows you it stands as much more than another short film about creatives.
Little Black Girl
The opening scene, “Little Black Girl,” serves as an empowering element to encourage young Black leaders to step into themselves and own their power no matter what space they are in. Karim shared that she hopes it encourages people to think about their inner child more often. She hopes you can stay connected to that version of yourselves in the best way because, most of the time, you are the only person that can be your inner child’s voice of reason.
Brooklyn Girl Fly
Kemi perfectly captures the natural presence of a woman from Brooklyn. The scene “Brooklyn Girl Fly” is about being a powerful woman from Brooklyn with the kind of effortless – “I don’t care what y’all say” essence. A woman who admires herself and can also receive admiration from others. Karim says, “this scene also just shows other people admiring that hustle, the je ne sais quoi, that women from Brooklyn have. There aren’t many women like us.” “I know people love callin’ women from New York, “tough” but we have this armor for a reason, and I can’t imagine being another way. I would never want anyone to tell me I’m not desirable because of that. I’m still sweet, but just dont play with me. I want people to remember that Brooklyn girls are better.” She adds. Being a woman from Brooklyn is as powerful as it gets. Nobody can replicate that energy.
A Great Day in Brooklyn
The “A Great Day in Brooklyn” scene encompasses the joy Kemi felt about gathering all of the people in her life together for one of her most valued projects. “All of the people in my life have something to say, they have a purpose, they have something to contribute to the world, they inspire and pave the way for other people.” She explained. The TRUTHIS founder’s connection to this scene lies in what home means to her. As a Howard University alumna, she holds a deep connection to the university’s inspiring legacy. At the illustrious HBCU, she learned how powerful homecoming is because it brings people together across all generations and interests. Attending Howard University was her first time finding a home away from home. The Brooklyn native explains, “A Great Day in Brooklyn was my homecoming project. A homecoming project as an artist, someone from Brooklyn, as someone finally stepping into themselves and acknowledging who they are.” The meaning behind the scene is a beautiful reminder of how important it is to check in with your community, bring people together, and plan for your future. Karim knows her future is bright and emphasizes that she does not want to do it alone. The impact of building with your community is often greater than building alone. There is so much room to learn from one another and create larger projects by simply showing up for each other and speaking about one another’s work in every room.
“I Have A Dream”
A public love letter to all artists at all stages of their creative endeavors. Karim candidly shared her feelings about being an artist and described it as something you must be ready to be open to. “To be an artist is to literally be insane. You are constantly in your mind, in your emotions, and you move with a lot of the time. Sometimes you struggle with separating to and your entire being becomes your art and vice versa.” She adds, “When you choose to share your art with the world, you have to accept that people will make comments or feel ways you’ve never intended. You have to be open to receiving all of that.”
The speech in this scene encourages artists to step into their power in a way that matters most to their truest selves. Kemi says, “every dolla’ shouldn’t make you holla’” As a reminder that you should always prioritize your value as an artist over the never-ending cycle of chasing money. “Dealing with unpleasant experiences just because a certain amount of money is involved just doesnt resonate with me. Yeah, times are hard right now, and it’s hard to say no to money, but if it interferes with your integrity and interferes with your essence and who you are, then I personally don’t feel like it’s worth it.” Kemi lends her understanding to moments of creating solely for the purpose of financial gain, but she knows it is much more important to place your personal values and morals first. She wants creatives to hold on to all their dreams without letting anyone tell them it is impossible, “It is your job to make your dream come true. No one has to believe or see your vision but you” she says.
Love In The City
A self-proclaimed lover girl, Karim didn’t shy away from sharing how romance has affected her work. “Love in The City” is a Brooklyn love story; a love that we all deserve. This scene reflects on the feelings that grow when you meet someone new, and it is simultaneously a representation of Karim’s love for her work. As her first community-based project and event, she dedicated her full self and all of her love to what she created. When it comes to love, Karim reminds us to “Learn to flow with new experiences and allow yourself to lose control, and sometimes that is restricting.” She believes that its important to be open to receiving love and community as we age.
After witnessing every aspect of A Great Day in Brooklyn, the true meaning is clear; it is the foundation of what it means to build the legacy that you deserve. It symbolizes the power that comes with building community and advocating for the greatest opportunities because they belong to you.
Karim is no stranger to this concept. When she launched TRUTHIS Studios in 2020, she formed it as a home for artists. In her artist statement, she describes it as, “a creative community of over 800+ artists dedicated to connecting and collaborating on future-forward projects. This home for artists was created to generate opportunities for herself and other aspiring artists throughout NYC.” She produces, directs, and curates all projects and events herself, prioritizing collaboration, work-life balance, access to leadership positions, healthy team dynamics, and quality over quantity.
Her work has been featured in numerous publications such as The New York Times, Culture Icon Magazine, and Voyage ATL. She has been exhibited twice at the Annual Howard University Student & Graduate Art Exhibition, was awarded “Best in Photography” at the Annual Howard University Student & Graduate Art Exhibition in 2021, and curated her debut solo exhibition, “A Great Day in Brooklyn” in 2022.
Karm is dedicated to leaving her mark on the creative industry and inspiring generations for years to come in the same way she is inspired by the talents that came before her. Her deepest values have kept her grounded in her craft and have kept her creating work that goes beyond simply taking a photo. She hopes to lift the veil to reveal the depth of stories often overlooked, hidden or untold because they matter just as much as the stories we are constantly fed.
The 2022 installment of “A Great Day in Brooklyn” was only the beginning. Karim will continue to curate this event for years to come, but for now, you can support “A Great Day in Brooklyn” in various ways:
The “A Great Day in Brooklyn” short film will be screened in Brooklyn Moon’s Film Night on Fulton every 4th Thursday. Get your free ticket HERE !
“A Great Day in Brooklyn, Roses Do Grow From Concrete, 2022” prints are available to purchase HERE
“A Great Day in Brooklyn” T-Shirts are also available HERE
