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NEW RELEASE: VOLUME 47

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MEET THE TEAM

Amina Brooks

Co-CEO, Co-Founder & Operations Director

Amina is a 3rd-generation Oakland native, born and raised in the Oakland/Berkeley area. A true creative at heart, Amina has explored many artistic paths—from being a professional makeup artist to launching and editing Trapxart Magazine from 2016 to 2024. She thrives on trying new crafts and finding fresh ways to express creativity.

Amina earned her BA in Communications from UC Berkeley, where her passion for storytelling and community-building took root. She is also deeply involved in her community as a sports mom, school room parent, and advocate for young artists.

Beyond her creative and professional endeavors, Amina loves reading books about families, cherishing her own role as the mother of five amazing children. She also proudly shares life with her best friend and husband Jesse; a partnership built on love, creativity, and shared vision.

Guided by the belief that “The world needs art, and it’s our job as a community to keep artists motivated and supported,”

Amina continues to champion spaces where artists can thrive.

Connect with Amina

amina@trapxart.com

Jesse Brooks

Co-CEO and Co-Founder

Jesse was born and raised in Oakland, CA. Jesse attended University of California, Berkeley and graduated with a BA in African American Studies. Jesse is also the lead talent recruiter for trapxart and the father to 5 beautiful children.

“I found my life passion by being involved with our trapxart community.”

Connect with Jesse

jbrooks@trapxart.com

Viola Choice

President

Viola Choice was born and raised in the Bay and currently resides in Oakland, CA. Viola went to Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA, for Business and Entertainment Management. She is a business owner, stylist, creative director, and a mother to a beautiful baby girl.

“To work with trapxart has truly been a dream of mine. My favorite part is giving creatives an opportunity to do what they love and meet others just like them.”

Connect with Viola

viola@trapxart.com

B Amechi

Media Director

B. Amechi is a Media Producer & Communications Manager, known for his work with High Lvl Media and 19Keys. The son of a Nigerian Chief and a devout Christian woman, Amechi weaves the values of faithfulness and culture into the core of his works.

Amechi began his career at Ernst & Young, the world's top accounting firm, but after 5 years of development he "fired his job," steering his path towards his true calling and Plan A: storytelling through digital media. This shift made him apply his leadership skills and hard work to his own venture, AddColor Media, in Oakland, California, where he merged his passion for business in the realm of digital storytelling.

By supporting Trapxart, a nightlife and art-based event business started by his cousin Jesse Brooks and his wife Amina Brooks, Amechi expanded the brand’s reach through the creation of Trapxart TV. As the media arm of the organization, Trapxart TV featured films, event recap videos, and artist interviews, all spearheaded by Amechi. Additionally, he contributed to the production of their quarterly publication, "Trapxart Magazine," amplifying the voices of emerging artists and creatives within the community.

By producing content in collaboration with Trapxart, he interviewed and began to work with the global thought leader 19Keys which led to a powerful partnership. Together they've made waves selling out shows around the world, creating digital content, and building community. Amechi is an award-winning producer for his contributions to the hit series "High Level Conversations" and also directed one of the first minority-owned NFT films, Cairo.

Looking ahead, Amechi is preparing to launch his CNFDNT Community in 2025, a platform dedicated to providing resources, courses, guides, and consulting for excelling in management, content creation, organization, and behind-the-scenes tasks at the highest level. This community will feature collaborations, interviews, and courses from his extensive network of industry confidants, designed to empower the next generation of leaders.

Amechi is currently working on his first book, "Nothing is Random," slated for release in 2025, showcasing his belief in the meaningful connections that guide our paths. To stay updated with his journey and connect, follow him on Instagram and X (@B_Amechi) and LinkedIn (Brendan Amechi).

Connect with B. Amechi

b.amechi@trapxart.com

Angie Banks

Development Director

Angela Banks is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and community advocate with a passion for creativity and digital storytelling. As the founder of The Social Canvass, a digital marketing agency, she specializes in social media strategy, content creation, and brand management for businesses and nonprofits.

Angela has worked with major brands, including the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, and Topo Chico, leveraging her expertise to build impactful partnerships. Beyond marketing, she is committed to community engagement, supporting Black and Brown students in education and career development.

At Trapxart, Angela plays a vital role in corporate partnerships and event planning, helping to bridge the gap between art, culture, and business. With her innovative approach and deep industry connections, she continues to push boundaries in digital marketing, branding, and community-driven initiatives.

Connect with Angie

angie@trapxart.com

Kamran Williams

Creative Director & trapxart Magazine Editor

Kamran was born in Delaware, raised in Georgia, and currently resides in Oakland, CA. Kamran graduated with her BA in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University, her AA in Fashion Design, and soon to be MA in Fashion Art Direction from Academy of the Arts University. Kamran is a multidisciplinary artist dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and shaping trapxart’s visual expression.

Connect with Kam

magazine@trapxart.com

Kane

Creative Director

Born and raised in Saint Louis, MO (STL), Kane’s first love was music. Growing up learning the piano, beating on drums, writing poetry to songs while strumming a guitar, and playing saxophone for 6 years, he realized that he wanted access to all instruments. He began producing music and honed his craft for 9+ years. From working with local artists around the country, owning 2 studios, then traveling to meet/collaborate with industry talents, Kane’s artistry has no limitations.

His discipline continues taking on Dr. Sebi’s food lifestyle, The African Bio-Mineral Balance, in 2021. One reason being he says, “My body is a vessel and one of thee most important assets in my life that I must maintain for its optimal well-being.”

Outside of music, Kane is passionate about life, and nature. Studying holistic health he strives to educate, challenge, and aid others who seek anything outside of what’s common. He has a deeper love for his melanated community and knows the importance of standing together with wisdom, love, and unity.

Being no stranger to photography, videography, editing, directing, storytelling, drawing, painting, and fashion proves his multifaceted and heightened sense of being an expressive, all-around creative.

“Music and the arts are universal languages often 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 without words. As passionate, likeminded individuals, we know the importance in connecting and building in order to elevate creatively.”

Connect with Kane

kane@trapxart.com

Haille Baraka

Model Director

Haille Baraka is a passionate model and creative professional with a background in marketing and real estate. As the Model Director for TrapxArt, she thrives in spaces that celebrate self-expression, culture, and community. With a love for fashion, art, and storytelling, Haille brings confidence and authenticity to every shoot and runway. When she’s not modeling, she enjoys traveling, working out and hiking, and spending time with family. She’s excited to grow within the TrapxArt community and inspire others through her journey.

Connect with Haille

haille@trapxart.com

Alena Brown

Houston, TX Regional Manager

Alena Brown is an Atlanta native who currently lives in Houston, TX. She received her BA in Psychology from North Carolina A&T State University & her Master’s in Social Work from University of Pittsburgh. She loves all things wellness, including her plant based lifestyle, yoga, & traveling around the world with the trapxart family.

“I love connecting with artists and seeing what originality they bring to each city. Every place has its own unique style and no artist is the same. trapxart is much bigger than art; it’s a community dedicated to supporting diverse artists & providing a platform for their talent to get the spotlight it deserves.”

Connect with Alena

alena@trapxart.com

Amina Obuekwe

Houston, TX Regional Manager

Amina is a native Houstonian who lives by the mantra “Jack of all trades”. With a diverse background including but not limited to arts, business and healthcare. Amina is an alumna of The Howard University and Full Sail University.

Connect with Amina

amina.htx@gmail.com

Ellen Pierce

Cincinnati, OH Regional Manager

Ellen Pierce is a Cincinnati native with a heart for community. Ellen spends her time advocating for and building community through arts and entertainment. Keeping Black culture alive through education, art, music, fashion, food and more, Ellen strives to create one of a kind connections and experiences wherever she is. Ellen has a background in mental and behavioral health. Marrying the two, both mental health and fine arts, Ellen strives to create an expressive environment bringing awareness to the importance of the arts in the mental health field. “Togetherness Is The Key To Progress” a personal motto Ellen works daily to uphold!

Connect with Ellen

theellencp@gmail.com

Whitney Denise

Cleveland, OH Regional Manager

Whitney Denise is the founder of Excellence Noir and has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients, including actresses, TV influencers, fashion shows, and wedding parties. She is passionate about providing an elevated experience in the beauty industry, focusing not only on the service but also on showcasing creativity, talent, and artistry.

Beyond traditional beauty services, Whitney enhances mannequin heads for wig makers, helping to elevate their products. Her commitment to excellence sets her apart, as she firmly believes that when passion and dedication are at the forefront, success naturally follows.

Excellence Noir by Whitney Denise represents Black excellence, a philosophy she embodies in every service she provides. She takes pride in the relationships she has built with her clients and the opportunity to showcase her talent in ways that truly meet their needs. Her ultimate goal is for clients to experience something extraordinary—whether through makeup artistry, facials, or styling—knowing they are in the hands of someone dedicated to their satisfaction and the highest standards of beauty.

Connect with Whitney

whitney@whitneydenise.com

Nicolette Mathis

Washington D.C. Regional Manager

With a rich blend of experience in artist relations, event coordination, and digital marketing, Nicolette is a vibrant force ready to make waves. Currently rocking her role as a Ticketing Coordinator at LiveNation, she’s mastered the art of creating smooth customer experiences and managing VIP perks. At Studio Compound, Nicolette steps in front of the camera to capture stunning visual content, playing a key role in expanding their newly revamped locations across the DMV region. Her work with Femme It Forward’s Digital Street Team on the East Coast—spanning her hometown of Philadelphia and the DMV—has sparked a surge in ticket sales and fan excitement. As a talent scout for high-profile companies like APG, Roc Nation, and Heads Music, Nicolette has a knack for discovering and nurturing emerging stars, a skill she honed through Greater Than’s groundbreaking A&R training program. Her mission? To find and develop talent that makes a lasting impact and fuels innovation in the creative world.

Connect with Nicolette

nicoletteb.mathis@gmail.com

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