CULTURE
CULTURE
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THE FADE PROJECT
Black Men, Therapy & The Barbershop
Our film project was started by two black men who are leaders in various communities and organizations before the Covid-19 pandemic. However, little did we know that we would have to go through our own mental health journeys to get to this point. The devastating impact of Covid-19, including loss of lives, isolation, racial tensions during the 2020 election, and unjust killings of black lives, has deeply affected us. These experiences continue to have a lasting impact. Black men often feel the need to appear strong and hide their vulnerability and emotions.
BERNARD LOVE
PRODUCER/DIRECTOR/WRITER
Bernard Love is a highly skilled filmmaker and the founder of Creative Purp, a creative agency based in Atlanta. With a background in event and film production, he has used his creativity to share his unique perspective of the world with those who matter to him. Bernard's versatility knows no bounds, as he has also studied English with a focus on creative writing at Ole Miss and holds a certification in Economics from HarvardX. His talent has been recognized, as his short film "Headlines" received the Audience Choice Award at Atlanta's 48 Hour Film Festival in 2018. In addition, Bernard has made a significant impact in the hip-hop industry as a creative director, with his work being featured in reputable publications such as Billboard and VMan. He has directed music videos for popular artists like Young Nudy and Skippa Da Flippa, garnering over 50 million views.
Bernard's production expertise extends beyond film and music, as he has also produced fashion shows for prestigious events like NYFW and Bloomingdale's. He even had the opportunity to serve on the production crew for the halftime show during Superbowl 53 in Atlanta. Despite his busy career, Bernard has always made time to organize charitable events, raising funds and awareness for organizations such as amfAR, H.E.R.O. for Children, HOPE Atlanta, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Atlanta Mission.
DUANTE' BROWN
PRODUCER/WRITER
Duante’ Brown, also known as Duante’ Balenciaga, is a community advocate from the DC Metropolitan area. He is a graduate of Norfolk State University with a degree in Mass Communications and has been working in the field of HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and treatment, as well as Human Services for over five years. Duante’ specializes in supporting marginalized groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with HIV/AIDS, women of color, individuals experiencing homelessness, returning citizens, and those with mental health diagnoses. Currently, he serves as the Program Manager for the ELEVATE and ESCALATE programs at the National Minority AIDS Council.
In addition, Duante’ holds positions as a community organizer and board member in both national and local LGBTQIA+ organizations. Known as an Icon in the House and Ballroom community, he is the East Coast Father for the Iconic House of Balenciaga. With his business, Devious Designz, he aims to uplift and strengthen the LGBTQIA+ Black community during times of social unrest. Duante’ has a passion for assisting others in improving their mental and emotional well-being and making life decisions that will benefit future generations. He lives by the motto "aspire, to inspire, before you expire," using his life and experiences as teaching tools for those around him and future leaders.
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