Photo by Paloma Urquia
Apart from being three siblings born in the rich cultural pool of Harlem, New York City, Christy, Chrisel, and Christabel Martinez share one powerful driving force—to become a channel of empowerment and inspiration for women around them. The way they accomplish that is all different, but they put together one force that hopes to spark the cause anew in their local community and beyond.
Christy is an artist, Chrisel is a political thought leader, and Christabel is a youth activist. But what draws them together is a shared passion for seeing change happen in people’s lives. The three siblings believe that freedom only truly happens when everyone is free.
“Our motivations are different, but in essence, the community has created the space for us to become who we are today,” explains the trio. “So what better way to be the change we wish to see than to pay it forward with a level of intention, grace, and perseverance?”
Initially, the Martinez sisters’ alignment toward societal Justice was brought through their shared struggle growing up. They lived modestly and had to play their part in helping their household get through grueling challenges, along with their younger brother. However, the same conditions that would bring them to their knees would become the voice of reason that would move them towards making the world a better place for their family and for thousands of other families who struggle with injustice, racism, and other social problems in New York and many other parts of the country. It started first with a desire to help their mother retire and live comfortably for the rest of her days. Now that motivation has grown into something more. Christy, Chrisel, and Christabel now aim to fight for their community and create art and social movements that would inspire people towards action against the status quo and the powers that keep them there.
“Lately, we’ve been having these beautiful conversations together, visualizing and imagining our future selves as mothers, as partners, as established women in the world,” shares Christy.
Through their varied experiences, they bring together a collective effort to spread awareness about political issues and racial and gender injustices that make it hard for women, especially those of color and part of other minority groups, to earn their place in higher societal ranks.
Christy continues to pursue her arts and uses it as a medium to speak against the hate and discrimination that she shares still proliferates most of today’s culture. Chrisel uses her voice, network, and influence to call out policies and decisions that have affected people from Harlem and other areas with fewer opportunities and security. Christabel continues to champion social change as an activist while also mentoring women and championing underrepresented communities.
Together the Martinez sisters aspire to bring about better opportunities for all marginalized people, especially Black and Latino women, thus giving back to a village that raised them to become who they are today. They attribute much of their identity and successes to the community in Harlem and the rich culture and ideologies that their circles have awarded them. They stand on the shoulders of giants and aim to do their part in creating a ripple that would consequently bring positive change to others.
If you would like to contribute to their vision, contact them at charmed0nes125@gmail.com or $Charmed0nes.