Subscribe

For More Local Stories

Ami Young | Artist/ Storyteller

Share Feature Article

Contact Information

Celebrating Ami Young: The Heart and Soul of Community Art

Meet Ami Young, a passionate Rastafarian woman artist whose journey through painting has inspired many in our community. For nearly 20 years, Ami has been a vibrant storyteller, sharing her experiences and the richness of her culture through her unique folk art. With pride in her identity as a Black artist, Ami sees her artwork as a way to not just express herself, but also to speak to the history and future of her community. Ami’s artistic journey began in 2005, during a visit to a Mayan village in Belize, where she met a group of young local artists. Inspired by their talent and the beauty around her, she picked up a brush, beginning her deep exploration into the world of art. “I learned from local masters, transitioning from folk art to more abstract expressions over time,” she explains. Her art incorporates a rich blend of materials, including acrylics, gold leafing, and even shadow boxes adorned with gemstones. Each piece reflects her Rastafarian beliefs and voices her experiences as a woman of color, including her renowned Black Art Poster collection and silhouette collages. Recently, she partnered with local interior designer Susan English to bring her art into community spaces, further solidifying her impact. What drives Ami most in her art is the stories it can tell. “I think of my art as something that will be here 100 years from now,” she shares. “It’s a way to share the history of my community and inspire future generations.” Through her vivid paintings and heartfelt narratives, Ami encourages young artists to learn from the lives and experiences of others. Ami’s journey has not been without challenges. Like any artist, she has faced self-doubt and pressures of the industry. But she has learned that persistence is key. “When I first started, a master artist told me to paint every day for 10 years to truly become a painter,” she reflects. “I’ve done that and am proud to continue growing.” Her advice for aspiring artists is simple yet powerful: “Be true to your creative self and build relationships with others.” Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of honing your skills through practice. “Art exists in everyone, but it requires dedication to excel.” Ami’s work extends beyond painting; she hopes to instill values of sustainability and connection in those around her. “In life, there’s a farmer, a teacher, and a healer. My legacy is to embody these roles, ensuring that future generations understand the importance of nurturing our world,” she explains. As she continues her artistic journey, Ami offers sage advice to the younger generation: “Travel, walk in another’s shoes.” This wisdom reflects her belief that diversity and understanding foster true compassion. Above all, Ami Young stands out for her kindness, a quality she holds dear. She embodies the spirit of community, weaving narratives through art that carry forward the lessons of love, history, and hope. In our ever-evolving world, her legacy as a storyteller, artist, and community pillar serves as an inspiration for us all.

The Black Book

North San Diego County

A Clean & Simple

Local Black Community Publication

Be Our Friend

Become a Friend of My Black City. When you contribute, you help grow our annual events and local publications. As more friends contribute, our publications and events become more dynamic, reflecting the vibrant stories and voices of your community.
Friendly Contribution

Share Your story

There is a story within you that can inspire those in your local Black community. Create a FREE profile and featured interview, and help us celebrate your impact today. Your story can inspire, connect, and uplift others. Join us in building a stronger, more connected community. Your voice matters!
Start Interview

Be Inspired

We are curating uplifting and positive stories and information from subscribers like. Explore our directory today for FREE
Explore Directory

Contribute To Our Cause

We are empowered by the donations of our community. Go to wegodo.org and donate to My Black City Initiative
Donate Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Your Mission?

We exists for the purpose to facilitate and cultivate a cohesive ecosystem of the local black community to inspire, innovate and connect local areas together.

3 Reason Why My Black City Is Important

1 | WE CREATE OUR OWN MEDIA | Multimedia and marketing services are in high demand but the cost is beyond the financial means of many in our community

2 | WE CREATE OUR OWN NARRATIVES | We are a black owned organization that creates content for the black community by the black community.

3 | WE CREATE OUR OWN NETWORKS | Many cities around the country need help creating better networks within the local black community. So that the local black community can network and celebrate each other.

4 | FAMILY FRIENDLY | All our content is family friendly.

Why Did You Start My Black City?

A MESSAGE FROM BRANDON BORNES (FOUNDER OF MY BLACK CITY)

We often worry that we don’t have enough resources in our community to go around. When we see someone in our community doing what we do but better, we get a little nervous or intimidated. Instead of using competition to spur on our creativity, teamwork, work ethic and innovation, we become soo overwhelmed with our own fears and insecurities that we gossip, sabotage, or hurt one another. This has happened to many exceptional people in our community. We need to do better and lead by example. Our love for each other needs to be greater than our fear of failure.

If we had to simplify into one word what My Black City is about, it would be LOVE! Because Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

When people come in contact with our brand, that’s what I want them to experience. It‘s not an easy aspiration to live up to, but we believe it‘s worth fighting for and it‘s what we need as a community.

My Black City Is An Initiative of wegodo

Non-Profit Community Organization

 EIN: 92-2412713

Our Mission Is To Empower People Doing Good Work In Their Communities

Brandon Bornes / Founder

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

Copyright ©2024 All rights reserved.

This site was designed & built in-house by the BornesPro Media

Ami Young | Artist/ Storyteller

This is a special link to update your information on our directory

Update Profile Photo

This is a special link to update your information on our directory

Ami Young | Artist/ Storyteller

This is a special link to update your information on our directory

My Black City . Login

[passwordless-login]

Search Directory

[searchandfilter id="40755"]