For Black History Month, Soulivity celebrates the life and journey of several African Americans around the country. Soulivity TV Host of Beauty+Gratitude and Soulivity Editor-at-Large D'angelo Thompson spent time with Tyson Suzuki, model, actor, producer, and proud activist..DT: Tyson, I know you have worked in the creative arts as a model, actor, and producer for over a decade; and, in 2020, with the uprising of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and the Pandemic, a shift happened in you. Tell our readers what 110 days of protesting was like for you in the Summer of 2020?.TS: A 100 Days of Protesting was an awakening, empowering, and restoring justice. The work is not done but being in front of City Hall and [Los Angeles Police Department] Headquarters was surreal and empowering. Also, getting support for the BLM organization was amazing and humbling..DT: Even though 2020 was challenging for many, I also observed a lot of creativity and new businesses come out of it. What changes were you inspired to make?.TS: The changes that inspired me were being an introduced to advocacy and started a new business out of it called, Active Advocate..DT: Are you optimistic about the future?.TS: I am a 100% optimistic about the future..DT: How has your life prepared you for this moment?.TS: My life prepared me for this moment…through volunteering and empowering others. I have had so much go on in my personal life from being a young kid in foster care. It taught me to be my own leader and not to rely on people; but also…to be able to ask for help..The struggles and uncertainty have taught me how to stand up and speak up for this current movement of black empowerment..DT: What are you grateful for?.TS: I am grateful for life – being alive at this moment in history. It's a moment in history [that] we will all remember. I am also grateful for my ancestors; they have provided me with a pathway to being a leader. I am the sum total of all their experiences..DT: Tell us about the new project you created that was inspired by social injustice?.TS: Active Advocate is a "nonpartisan cause driving medium dedicated to spreading awareness about causes, initiatives, and organizations rallying for a better tomorrow, our slogan is 'tell stories worth fighting for'.".DT: I can honestly say, I have seen you grow immensely in the last 12 months. I feel honored to be in your orbit. Keep fighting for all of us. What is your call to action for our readers? How can they support what you are doing?.TS: Subscribe, follow us on all social platforms, [and] stay engaged. We keep you informed daily on social media…all original content..DT: Sharing both, African American and Asian lineage, you can speak to (and for) many. What message would you like to share to heal America? Actually…the world?.TS: There is no such thing as colorism, it's a construct of white supremacy to keep us all in a state of chaos. Embrace all your ancestors and heritage, but most of all embrace your identity..We should not relent, we [must] keep being strategic, use the pen, and demand results..###.Follow Tyson Suzuki on his various platforms:.Instagram: @activeadvocate.Website: https://www.activeadvocate.com
For Black History Month, Soulivity celebrates the life and journey of several African Americans around the country. Soulivity TV Host of Beauty+Gratitude and Soulivity Editor-at-Large D'angelo Thompson spent time with Tyson Suzuki, model, actor, producer, and proud activist..DT: Tyson, I know you have worked in the creative arts as a model, actor, and producer for over a decade; and, in 2020, with the uprising of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and the Pandemic, a shift happened in you. Tell our readers what 110 days of protesting was like for you in the Summer of 2020?.TS: A 100 Days of Protesting was an awakening, empowering, and restoring justice. The work is not done but being in front of City Hall and [Los Angeles Police Department] Headquarters was surreal and empowering. Also, getting support for the BLM organization was amazing and humbling..DT: Even though 2020 was challenging for many, I also observed a lot of creativity and new businesses come out of it. What changes were you inspired to make?.TS: The changes that inspired me were being an introduced to advocacy and started a new business out of it called, Active Advocate..DT: Are you optimistic about the future?.TS: I am a 100% optimistic about the future..DT: How has your life prepared you for this moment?.TS: My life prepared me for this moment…through volunteering and empowering others. I have had so much go on in my personal life from being a young kid in foster care. It taught me to be my own leader and not to rely on people; but also…to be able to ask for help..The struggles and uncertainty have taught me how to stand up and speak up for this current movement of black empowerment..DT: What are you grateful for?.TS: I am grateful for life – being alive at this moment in history. It's a moment in history [that] we will all remember. I am also grateful for my ancestors; they have provided me with a pathway to being a leader. I am the sum total of all their experiences..DT: Tell us about the new project you created that was inspired by social injustice?.TS: Active Advocate is a "nonpartisan cause driving medium dedicated to spreading awareness about causes, initiatives, and organizations rallying for a better tomorrow, our slogan is 'tell stories worth fighting for'.".DT: I can honestly say, I have seen you grow immensely in the last 12 months. I feel honored to be in your orbit. Keep fighting for all of us. What is your call to action for our readers? How can they support what you are doing?.TS: Subscribe, follow us on all social platforms, [and] stay engaged. We keep you informed daily on social media…all original content..DT: Sharing both, African American and Asian lineage, you can speak to (and for) many. What message would you like to share to heal America? Actually…the world?.TS: There is no such thing as colorism, it's a construct of white supremacy to keep us all in a state of chaos. Embrace all your ancestors and heritage, but most of all embrace your identity..We should not relent, we [must] keep being strategic, use the pen, and demand results..###.Follow Tyson Suzuki on his various platforms:.Instagram: @activeadvocate.Website: https://www.activeadvocate.com
