Afropunk is an ever-growing culture that was created from a love for the punk scene by people of African and Caribbean decent. It's not just a festival that happens every year, but a community for people of color. The subgenres of punk have grown over the years for these people, joining their love of music and fashion. As it grows it has become even more diverse, welcoming people of all walks of life.
Afropunk takes alternative urban kids that feel out of touch with people and gives them a home. That's what Afropunk has become for me: it has opened my eyes to so many things and changed the way I see myself and where I stand on so many things. I personally didn't see myself as a member of the Afropunk scene until I came to accept myself and stopped living to standards of what was normal. Growing up, I saw myself as different because of the music I liked and the way I dressed. With Afropunk, I am able to love me for me and show love to my culture and history.
I see Afropunk as a home for activists, creative minds and people who don't stand by society's standard. We, as people, fight for justice for all and bring to light different ways of life. It continues to build a foundation for the punk community to expand and grow. Afropunk refuses to conform and bend to change 'itself'. The Community stands out with its diverse fashion, music, and opinionated individuals. Afropunk became larger from the Cult classic documentary "Afro-Punk", spotlighting Black Punk in America, written and directed by James Spooner.
The Online Afropunk community nurtures music's brightest artists while also shining a light on film, skate, art and its influential individuals. The Offline community does the same every year with each festival in Brooklyn, Atlanta and now Paris. Being part an community of such love and strength is absolutely amazing. I wouldn't want to be a part of anything else.