LOVE IS ACTION

Words by Akintola Hanif | Images by Akintola Hanif, Russell Fredrick, Taha Clayton, Jamel Shabazz, Richard Maitland, Noelle Theard, Shah Wonders, Ernie Paniccioli, Whitney Summer Boyd, Phillis Kwentoh, Teresa Nasty and Marcelo Santos Braga

One year ago today, the Doomsday Campers said the world would end and we launched HYCIDE. But I’m not sure that people always understand the motivations behind this work. Occasionally I’ve heard people say HYCIDE is "poverty porn" and/or exploitative. To those people, I say this: We are not responsible for the circumstances that created gangs, violence, homelessness, poverty and misfortune. But it is our collective responsibility to try and do something about it. This is our call to action.

We’re not here to judge right or wrong. Our mission is to create empathy and understanding. If you have a dirty room and I take a picture of it, don’t be mad at me--clean up your room. HYCIDE is just a reflection of the injustice, neglect and lack of equal opportunity that exists around the world. You can’t celebrate the good without acknowledging the bad. Each illuminates the other.

But all of our content isn't dark and grim. HYCIDE is also art, life, identity and light; an act of love–- love for the people that usually don’t get it from mainstream society. In the very near future we’ll grow to produce books, films, and youth programming but our purpose and heart will remain. Without the people we’re nothing. Thank you all for a great year. Can’t wait for what’s in store next.

Before I wrap I have to thank: Carrie Stetler and fayemi shakur, my managing editors, contributing editor, Michael A. Gonzales, creative director, Jamel Shabazz, and designers Phillip Shung and Malie Mickens from SUNDREE Pixod Brand Management and Design. Without these people, our subjects and contributors HYCIDE wouldn’t be possible. In 2006, I had a vision that would still be just a vision if it weren’t for you all. Special thanks to BaJa Ukweli, Dawan Alford, Asen James and Victor L. Davson, Executive Director of Aljira, a Center For Contemporary Art for all your help, support and inspiration. You too are a crucial part of this effort.

Maximum Love & Respect

Akintola Hanif