Julio Taku

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” - James Baldwin. That quote rings so true for me because of the world we live in today. Oftentimes, the truth is obscured or hidden from us for any number of reasons. This effectively blinds us from getting the full story. I see it as my duty to help clear the blind spots we tend to ignore whether it be in history, modern times or in the future. As a student journalist at Stony Brook University, I am working to contextualize modern events through relevant historical lenses. Nothing exists in isolation and it’s important to understand this when analyzing contemporary issues. This is especially true in matters of culture, race and gender. My work exists to diversify the narratives and stories in journalism. I currently serve as Culture editor at The Stony Brook Press where I do just that and amplify the voices of others. Twitter: @Julio_Taku Facebook: Julio Taku Jr. Instagram: @julio_taku

Across the Mic with Julio Taku - Being a Young Businesswoman

Across The Mic with Julio Taku – Iman Olden – Being a Production Assistant in LA

Entertainment, News / By

This episode I’m joined by Iman Olden, production and executive assistant for film and TV. We discuss the landscape of Hollywood during a racial reckoning and it’s effects in front and behind the camera. Iman tells of how she has demystified celebrities and not getting star struck. We also speak about career paths and engaging …

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Across the Mic with Julio Taku - Being a Young Businesswoman

Across The Mic with Julio Taku – Tracey Edwards: Being a Leader is Knowing When to Pass the Torch

News / By

In this episode, I’m joined by Tracey Edwards, Regional Director of the NAACP, mother and grandmother of three, breast cancer survivor and activist. We discuss the importance of engaging in local politics, her transition from parent to administrator and her time in public service. *This was recorded during the weeks leading up to the 2020 …

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Across the Mic with Julio Taku - Being a Young Businesswoman

Across the Mic with Julio Taku – Being a Young Businesswoman

Business, News / By

In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle Hawthorne, CEO of Scotch Bonnets by Dani. We discuss how she amassed over six figures in revenue and the support she received to get there. We also speak about her manufacturing process, her family’s support of her business, her personal hair journey and the importance of valuing your …

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Across the Mic with Julio Taku - Being a Young Businesswoman

Across the Mic with Julio Taku – Being a Black Woman at a PWI is Exhausting

Education, Entertainment, News, Podcasts / By

This episode, I’m joined by Etlin Flores, creator of the She Is Fierce Project and podcast. She Is Fierce is an online platform geared towards empowering Black women and women of color and highlighting their experiences in predominantly white institutions (PWIs), friendships, relationships and more. On this episode we discuss her experiences at PWIs as …

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Across the Mic with Julio Taku - Being a Young Businesswoman

Across the Mic with Julio Taku – Being an Educator is a Lifelong Journey

Entertainment, News, Podcasts / By

Welcome to Across The Mic with Julio Taku where I, Julio Taku (pronounced Jew-Leo Tah-Coo), cover issues pertaining to the different intersections of Blackness in areas such as politics, fashion, music, activism, academia, art, sex work, health care etc. Guest appearances from professionals and creatives in their respective fields will provide insight and unique perspectives …

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From Portraits to Protests – This Popular Long Island Photographer is Using His Art Form For Activism

Arts, Entertainment, News / By

This Long Island-based photographer with a sharp eye and taste for Hip Hop, sneaker culture, fine cuisine and the people within these cultures. Henry Francois’ work spans back to 2016 when he was taking photos at Sneaker Bistro Boutique in Patchogue to his more recent photo-ops at concerts with Cam’ron, Meek Mill and Rick Ross. …

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Rapper Hazard Hayes Talks About Navigating Creativity in COVID-19 Times

Entertainment, Music, News / By

Michael Hayes a.k.a. “Hazard Hayes” is a 24-year-old rapper from Brentwood. He comes from a musical family with a brother that plays the bass, acoustic, electric guitar, harmonica, piano and can read and write sheet music; his uncle played in a band and he himself used to play violin in his earlier years, but wasn’t …

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Staying Cozy N Cute During Quarantine

Business, Fashion & Beauty, Lifestyle, News / By

Priscilla Wesson — entrepreneur, self confessed online shopaholic, full-time mother of two lovely daughters and wife — is the brilliant mind behind children’s online clothing store Cozy N Cute Kids Boutique. Where the coronavirus pandemic has sent so many into a tailspin and left a lot of businesses floundering, Wesson launched her business despite COVID-19 …

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About Shades

SHADES OF LONG ISLAND is a media outlet dedicated to elevating the consciousness of Long Island through informative reporting and sharing the news, stories and events revolving people of color in our region.

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