Today we’d like to introduce you to Darius Prather.
Darius, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story is that of a creative with an eye for change, innovation and servant leadership through my own set of binoculars. I’ve always been creatively inclined and have found through my vision, I can inspire others to reach their full potentials through leading the charge. Formerly a photographer under “Fotologik”, I decided to take a break and focus on my career in 2015. As a creative, its tough to go without some guise of outlet and being the huge nerd that I am, I began dabbling into cosplay, attending my first large convention in 2016, igniting my first big spark into the community and growing an adoration for the art form, while also becoming locally known for highlighting the culture in Columbus, GA.
Additionally, 2017 sparked off my need to give back to my community amidst social policies such as the previous Muslim ban, I was one of the co-organizers for a peace rally in Columbus which gained heavy news presence and gave others affected by the changes. Later in 2017, I also raised over two thousand dollars for local kids to see “Black Panther” and reached the monetary goal in less than a week. My last project of 2017 was organized with the help of others, a free anime/nerd culture convention for locals in a town called “Not A Con”, which reached nearly one thousand attendees. Since then, I have continued philanthropy with my fiancee, Leah, along with cosplay efforts and promotion of such in the area, marching for causes unique to our culture, and pushing creativity to our generation, especially to people of color.
Has it been a smooth road?
In terms of cosplay – Its been mostly a smooth, learning transition for me creatively. I have found my passion in giving back using my love for cosplay and nerd culture, while also connecting with others in the community. I feel like I’ve helped ease some of the stigmas about black nerds in the area by being an advocate for nerd culture in Columbus anytime there is an opportunity to showcase it.
In regards to more political based support efforts: The only obstacles I’ve faced are typical with those with protective interests, such as “you have a professional job, you shouldn’t have your face all over the media” or things of that nature that make it seem as if my efforts would paint me in a bad light. Political subjects can be hard to explain to some, but I also have a son and family. I feel it is my responsibility to make an impact and be on the right side of change when a call to action is needed, especially when it affects the rights and lives of others.
Please tell us about your organization.
I like to refer to myself as self branded. I don’t identify with any particular group outside of just being a black male trying to create positive change. I’m well known for coming to a meeting or a town hall and saying, “This could be a growth opportunity, how can we make this happen”.
My efforts are community driven in a very “see and fulfill a need” type of way. My branding tends to encompass outreach to other organizations, schools or non-profits to fulfill a common goal, with perhaps a different intended market. I think a large part of my value in outreach is connecting with everyday people that haven’t seen young people in certain realms such as cosplay and nerd culture, especially youth of color.
Some in the area haven’t seen the youth hungry and ready for the change in their communities, so my passion and a creative spirit matched with their resources and connection makes for a diverse and fluid project. Its truly about bridging the gap of all generations and making an impact on our youth, most of all.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Columbus is a great city that I chose to call home after college and is vastly growing in certain areas. There is a large number of young, driven individuals here, many of them are great friends of mine. Its biggest advantage is its need for leadership and change makes newcomers with a drive to change an anomaly. We have some great eateries and bars such as Jarfly/Nonic and Vertigo also, which makes the town a little more entertaining for young 20-30 somethings, amidst its strong retirement town feel throughout most of the area.
Columbus is growing slowly, but it does have a slight issue with employment which affects the GDP of the area, and public transportation is far from dependable. All these factors also create something of a class divide in the city, and that divide hits black and brown families the hardest.
There is a bit of a push for most people to venture on due to the lack of economic growth. Non-competitive pay force many college grads to move much closer to Atlanta, or larger cities elsewhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.linkedin.com/in/darius-prather
- Email: logikphotos@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Kiara Ruff Photography, MyStudio (Cedric Searcy)
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