Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1302805
we would be a part of. Macon is buzzing with new collaborations, initiatives and other small businesses like ours opening daily. It's really exciting to be part of building a vibrant city for our children. I sit on several boards including Bragg Jam and Middle Georgia Youth Ballet and support Historic Macon Foundation, Celebrating ART, Bike Walk Macon and the Museum of Arts and Sciences. I also am a co-founder of The Web, a work club and community offering programming, co-working spaces and support for members. AS YOU LOOK TO THE FUTURE, WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GOALS? Professionally, I want to expand my knowledge of trends that my clients need to be aware of as they grow their brand. Looking legit in business changes with technological advances and with what's trending in terms of advertising, messaging and social media. On the personal side, I want to implement boundaries and routines that allow me to enjoy the other parts of life – and resting. WHAT ARE YOU PERSONALLY COMMITTED TO ACCOMPLISHING IN MACON AND WHY? I want to continue to encourage collaboration over competition. My design style is the right fit for some people but not for others. There is plenty of work to go around and I love collaborating with other artists in my industry to design the best end product. Expanding my network through our work club, The Web, has presented resources for myself and my clients. Just because I "can" do something doesn't always mean I "should." Knowing who to ask to get the job done can be a lifesaver for a busy business owner. WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE TO ENCOURAGE CONTINUED PROGRESS IN OUR CITY? We need more people willing to jump in and give an idea a try. Our community is extremely supportive of local businesses. We need more people willing to open the awesome coffee shop, restaurant or favorite boutique they know and love in other towns. WHAT WOULD BE A MISSED OPPORTUNITY IN MACON? It would be a missed opportunity not to complete the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. My family enjoys biking and walking along the trail, and it's wonderful to have such a beautiful greenspace in downtown Macon. The trail connects the historical, cultural and wildlife aspects that fostered Macon's unique identity and continues the legacy of "A City Within a Park." The master plan for the trail includes easy access into Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, new trail through Riverside Cemetery, an extension northwest to Amerson River Park and connecting neighborhoods throughout Macon. In addition, the trail currently houses a wonderful public art exhibit, a tree identification project, fountains, playgrounds, river access and more. Benefits of multi-purpose trails have been proven to include a better quality of life, encouraging physical fitness and healthy lifestyles, protecting the environment, strengthening local economies and preserving culturally and historically valuable areas. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A GOOD LEADER? I think a good leader both listens for input and keeps their eyes focused on the end goal. "WHEN I GET A CALL FROM A BUSINESS OWNER LOOKING FOR HELP, THE EXCITEMENT IN THEIR VOICE IS PROBABLY THE BEST THING GOING ON IN MACON." -ELIZABETH SCHORR VINSON 'ALÄZ' MUHAMMAD, 33 Musician and servant TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB, AND WHY YOU CHOSE YOUR CAREER FIELD. I am blessed to be an award-winning hip-hop recording artist, composer and edutainer (education through entertainment). I chose music as a career because I love to create. Music is a universal language that connects with all people, and it gives me the freedom to serve my community on my own terms. TELL US ABOUT YOUR ACTIVITIES IN THE COMMUNITY, ESPECIALLY WHAT YOU'RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT. Despite the challenges of 2020, I have been honored to be a part of several incredible projects in Macon including: Trumpet arranger and musician for "Kings" by Grammy- nominated producer Marcos "Kosine" Polacios featuring Idris Elba and Kevin Ross; executive producer of "A Whole 'Nother World" featuring DKOMX inspired by Ta-Nehisi Coates' New York Times best-seller, "Between the World and Me" with stage adaptation by Apollo Theater Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes. Hip-hop coach and resident instructor for Otis Music Camp and Weekly Audio Engineering Lessons with the Otis Redding Foundation; curator for Black Note Fridays and The Coollab Project pre-launch event at Brooke Haven Lounge with Rock Solid Musik; executive producer of the 15th annual Real Talk Hip-Hop Summit; and host of 28th annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival. In addition, I am a grant recipient from Griffith Family Foundation and Macon Arts Alliance, a NewTown Macon Entrepreneurship Academy graduate, the local distributor for the Final Call Newspaper Community Outreach Program with Muhammad Mosque No. 93 and feature performer for the Elevate Retreat. I'm also a studio production after- school provider with the Tubman 34 maconmagazine.com | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020