If you had a superpower, what would it be?
The power to eradicate all forms of negativity.
How would it manifest?
A pure blinding white light bursting out the palm of my hands with the intensity similar to water shooting out of a fire fighter hose (times infinity).
What would enable it?
The intensity of the white light is activated by my emotions (compassion, sadness, frustration, anger etc.), which erupt by a particular situation of injustice, oppression or danger.
Who is your favourite superhero/person/public figure, contemporary or imagined?
Storm from X-men. As a teenager Storm was the only black superwoman I could relate to in terms of ancestry and her super powers. She had the ability to activate her powers through her emotions and utilise the natural elements - what I call Mother Earth turned superhero. There was a beauty and grace about her that blended perfectly with her powers, which I admired.
What do you admire most about Frida Kahlo and "Freda" Josephine Baker?
I admire their ability to turn pain, vulnerability and joy into positive and powerful forms of artistic expression - to own their emotions in their entirety and illustrate the chapters of their life such as love and emancipation openly and honestly for the world to see.
I also love their power to embrace their femininity and masculinity - the freedom to live unapologetically; to be sexually liberated with a passion for humankind. They were fierce in their social and political movements for change - true heroines of their time.
What do you think of when you think of them?
Revolutionaries.
What would you change in Melbourne? Australia? The world?
Colourism.
Are there any other issues that are important to you? Locally? Globally?
Diversity in the media.
Do you feel like change is possible in these areas? How?
Yes. I think diversity in the media (mainstream) will take some time. The agenda to exclude people of colour in mainstream media is in place for a reason – and has been since the dawn of time. I am hopeful and pleased by the change that’s already occurring in new media. People of colour are utilising new online platforms to grow and strengthen their voices like never before - in a way that is forcing mainstream media to stop and take notice. I believe they (mainstream media) already know diverse and inclusive media will eventually be a force to be reckoned with. It’s only a matter of time when the increase of diverse populations and new media overturns mainstream media (as we know it) to become the popular choice of media – the mainstream.
Do you think your ideas could change anything?
Absolutely, this is why I created Ascension Magazine - to represent women of colour in Australia. Ascension is a new independent publication that seeks to give women of colour a voice which is not readily celebrated in the mainstream Australian media.
Are you comfortable speaking your mind/putting ideas into the world?
Yes, thank God I stopped fretting about what other people think - it gave me the freedom to speak my mind freely.
Do you consider yourself a feminist? Womanist? Why/why not? What does this mean to you?
I am both a feminist and womanist. I believe both go hand in hand.
As a black woman I feel our struggle and oppression are unique. Womanism is necessary for black women to be on an equal playing field with her non-black sisters – to have our issues and injustices realised and addressed.
Feminism is necessary for all women regardless of race in order for us to collectively eliminate the inequalities and injustices we face. When you combine feminism and womanism I believe we will have a better chance of representing and strengthening the sisterhood effectively.
How often do you subconsciously/consciously think about your desired superpower when you dress on a daily basis?
Wow! Good question. To be honest it hasn’t ever crossed my mind. Now that it has I am excited to explore what my wardrobe could look like.
