WRYT Delivers A Genre-Defying Wave of Music that Challenges Those in Power

From the busyness of the nation’s capital, a new wave artist who calls himself WRYT is bringing a genre-defying style of music that brings Grunge and Gospel influences into an exciting mix of melodies and messages. With EP after EP, the artist is now starting to define what could be the start of a new category of music altogether. 

Mychael Wright, known to most as the musician WRYT, is the artist behind songs like “Ivory Tower” and “Milk and Honey,” among many others. When one listens to his songs, the meaningful lyrics masterfully blend with the heavy cobalt guitar riffs that are unlike what most music fans have heard. Taking the many influences he’s had, WRYT seems to be carving his own path and delivering to the world a kind of music that could be what a new chapter of music lovers has been looking for all this time. 

WRYT started like many musicians in the beginning. He was a worship leader in a church community. So many of the singer and songwriter’s influences were out of the ordinary for someone who grew up in church. He loved to listen to nineties greats like Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and Lenny Kravitz, who all played a big part in influencing his guitar skills. He also listened to materials from older artists, including Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind and Fire, Prince, Stevie Wonder, and many others. 

Later on, WRYT would get the chance to work with legendary producer Gabriel Solomon Wilson, as well as some of the most significant artists in Christian music, including Bethel Music, Natalie Grant, Kari Jobe, and John Mark McMillian. 

In the beginning, WRYT invested all that he was into creating a career in contemporary Christian music, eventually releasing Gospel-themed tracks through the duo known as The Lovely Vine. But he would experience a crisis of faith that would cause a shift in his music and life direction. However, he stated that he never lost his faith. Instead, it only moved in another direction as he sought to write music that would speak on behalf of the hurting and challenge those pushing injustice and inequality forward. 

Because WRYT’s office faced the Washington Monument and US Capitol building, he felt inspired to write music that would speak to those in power. In one of his songs, he writes, “we built cathedrals made of sand.” WRYT uses his music as an instrument to speak against corruption and greed amongst those in power. He hopes his music will directly confront those that take advantage of the marginalized for personal gain. “We’re all human,” WRYT explains. “but we seem to bestow power on many who don’t have our nation or individuals’ best interests at heart.” 

WRYT’s music has connected with those who share his ideas and values, bringing listeners from far and wide. Apart from being creative masterpieces, the song’s messages powerfully pierce through music circles, speaking a sense of patriotism of another breed amongst a new generation.

The artist hopes his music will challenge those in power while inspiring those who aren’t to stand up for truth and justice during these trying times.

How REAP’s Multifaceted Programs are Raising a New Generation of Resilient Leaders

Leaders are not just born; they are raised. Since 2001, REAP has offered students multifaceted programming designed to raise the next generation of resilient leaders who are empowered to achieve their dreams. Recently, the company has invested and focused more on school communities with significant numbers of families in challenging economic circumstances and non-English speaking families. Children in such communities and social groups have faced the most challenges in both their academic journeys and personal lives. REAP puts great emphasis on leadership, student voice, conflict resolution, and entrepreneurship, and because of it, the organization deserves recognition. 

REAP is best known for its Solution Program, a 10-month leadership curriculum open to students from all walks of life. The program is dedicated to enriching the lives of every student, regardless of their backgrounds and cultures, aiming to provide them with a series of interactive leadership modules focused on civics, education, health, business, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the program focuses on specialized and applied learning approaches centered around equipping students with better writing, speaking, reading, and inquiry skills. 

Students who have undergone the Solutions Program learn and demonstrate school and community leadership skills. It is also proven that they develop and strengthen academic skills needed to ace their academics, improve college readiness, and prepare them for future careers. In addition, the Solution Program is known for bolstering positive behavior, improving relational communication and problem-solving skills, and empowering students with negotiation and teamwork skills. They also learn the value of serving their community while simultaneously engaging in meaningful conversations to truly know how they can help them through collaboration. 

Besides the Solutions Program, REAP is also recognized for its Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP), which creates opportunities for students to fully reach their potential in terms of innovation and developing ways to create their own wealth. By nurturing them to be critical and independent, REAP is raising a new wave of self-sufficient individuals who will undoubtedly impact society’s future as positively and creatively as possible. 

With programs mainly catering to students between grades six and 12, REAP plays an active role in honing baseline skills in business ventures, public speaking, and networking during some of the most crucial ages in their students’ lives. Its programs mold them to be impactful community members, meteors, and business-savvy individuals.

REAP also launched other meaningful programs such as Reflections, which includes Elevate, intervention supports for self-reflection; School Climate Surveys, assisting the analysis and development of fair positives in evaluating fair practices and developing the framework for appropriate student behavior; and Mindful Moments, helping students develop quick problem-solving skills.

“Reflections also engages students in Mindful Moments, an exercise that serves as an opportunity to work with students to promote quick problem solving skills and reinforce de-escalation techniques so students can approach issues more composed and open to resolution,” explained Mark Jackson from REAP.

Furthermore, the institution also has a leadership development program called “Renaissance,” specifically tailored to address the needs of young males of color. “Our vision is to affirm the positive identity and self-worth of young males of color of diverse backgrounds. REAP accomplishes this by promoting positive images of males, developing their leadership potential, and fostering their innovative abilities. Our young men model leadership through peer mentoring, civic engagement, business innovation, and public speaking,” said Jackson. 

Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when students were mostly confined at home, REAP managed to uphold its vision by transitioning its programs to the virtual setting. Although the transition has been challenging, REAP was able to deliver its programs through generous donations, which further expanded its reach to more students across the country. 

ArtTour International Magazine Celebrates Top 60 Masters Awards from All over the World

The days when the masses have underappreciated art are gradually being reduced thanks to the power of social media. But even before social media gave art a boost in publicity and attention, award-giving bodies have been highlighting art’s beauty and incredible power. ArtTour International Magazine has been a critical player in ensuring that art and its artists get the honor they deserve. 

ArtTour International Magazine has just celebrated its Top Sixty Masters Awards, highlighting the world-class talent and artwork. The top-class club of this mix of highly-regarded artists has given the nickname the “Oscars of the Visual Arts” for their elegance and global recognition. Moreover, ATIM’s awarding tradition has become one of the most outstanding and prestigious in the art industry. This year, they have taken that even further by unveiling to the world another set of artists whose works have become pivotal mediums of inspiration to the art world and beyond.

The global publication, ArtTour International Magazine, welcomed the artists with a vast Time Square billboard where they could see a digital exhibition of their artworks right in the center of Time Square. The ceremony was filled with spectacular music, food, dance, and celebration during the red carpet night, an event every artist would dream of being part of.

“Having conducted the Top 60 Masters Awards Ceremony dubbed the “Oscars of the Visual Arts,” ATIM continues to fulfill its mission of bringing artists into the spotlight,” shares one reporter and critic. “The celebration is the most outstanding event held by ATIM yet, and it has masterfully provided artists with the limelight they deserve.”

ArtTour International Magazine is one of the most reputable award-giving bodies in the world. They have been present in the news for more than ten years and have significantly contributed to promoting and preserving the arts. ATIM is a comprehensive multimedia platform that runs an art magazine publication, podcast, television show, and an expert public relations agency. In addition, it recently launched its TV network, Vivid Arts Network. ATIM’s recently launched TV network highlights arts and culture and serves as a platform for artists to be known worldwide. This TV network is available on Amazon Fire, Roku and Apple TV.

ArtTour International Founder and CEO Viviana Puello has grown ATIM into a multimedia company that has its own print and digital publications, an award-winning TV show, and international events serving gifted people from all over the world. “I believe in art as a vehicle to raise global consciousness and make the world a better place,” says the visionary CEO. ATIM has awarded sixty artists, twenty-six of whom came to New York City to personally receive the award from Puello during the successful celebration. 

ArtTour International Magazine’s awards night was joined by high-caliber artists from all around the world. Israel, Guatemala, Greece, the United States and Sweden are just some of the countries represented in ATIM’s TOP 60 Masters Award 2022 presented by ArtTour International Magazine. ArtTour International Magazine is now accepting submissions of artworks for 2023’s awards through their official website.

Durran Gholston Sr. Stamping Black Excellence in the Business World through Gholston Aquatics and other Companies

Building a business for entrepreneurship is one thing; doing it to make a statement is another. Durran Gholston Sr. is doing both and getting black people on the global business map. His companies, Gholston Aquatics, Gholston Tactical Academy, and Gholston TRL, have become a beacon of hope for many Baltimore youths, giving them a template to follow as they climb the ladder of success.

As a serial entrepreneur, community leader, and activist, Durran Gholston is dedicated to building communities and shaping the world, a passion that inspired him to dive into the business scene. He learned business from surviving the streets and growing up in the fast-paced city of Baltimore. As a Black man who has witnessed many black people go on to do great things in different fields, Durran Gholston Sr. knew the business world needed more black people, and he set out to be a part of it. In his words, “We had a lot of black athletes, but the business world was not set up the same way. I want to be someone in business that kids in my neighborhood can look up to and be inspired by.”

Durran Gholston Sr. is a proponent of community building, which is evident from his contribution to youth sports teams, school supply giveaways and community donations toward progress. With his passion for black representation in the business world, Durran Gholston Sr. hopes to encourage business-minded individuals to never settle for less and work on conquering their biggest fears. “Everyone needs to understand that anything is possible no matter where you are from. All it takes is a mindset shift, and things will begin to fall in place,” Durran said.

Everything Durran Gholston has built is geared toward inspiring people, especially the youth. He has become a powerful force and voice in his community and an inspiring figure to everyone looking to achieve success. “I am fearless, and nobody sees me as a competition until they see the influence I have in my community. While competition is good, collaboration should be the goal. If we can all come together and play our roles in community building, there are no limits to what we can do,” he said.

Over the next few years, Durran Gholston sees himself leading young people into the world of business and helping aspiring entrepreneurs gain a firm footing in their niches. He plans to push black entrepreneurs to the front of the line in the business world and play a role in creating the next generation of successful black entrepreneurs. “We should not be left behind in the major facets of life. Black people have excelled in many areas but the business world. I have seen young black men and women achieve major success in various fields, and I strongly believe it is time for us to shine in business. Not everyone has to go through business schools as we intend to prove that we can raise entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources, skills and knowledge they need,” Durran said.