Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Payne.
Morgan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Originally from Chicago, I bought a one-way ticket to Texas three years ago and never looked back. I had never even visited Texas, and I don’t have family or friends here either. I just knew that I needed to 1. go back to school, and 2. get out of Chicago. I’m from the Southside, and as you may have heard about Chicago, I have been through some rough patches growing up. Three years ago, I lost one of my closet friends to gun violence. I have always been somewhat of an activist, but I decided that after losing Adama, I wanted to make myself better to hopefully returned to Chicago, and help save it. Landing in Houston launched the start of my Junior year and I decided to join the yearbook staff to start to get involved at school.
One semester later, I was named the Editor in Chief of the yearbook, which elevated my graphic design and photography skills even more. Still involving myself in activism, I use my art to tell people’s stories. Much of my photography includes empowering women and special events such as protest and rallies. I use my graphic design skills to give people beautiful lasting memories. I am building a non-profit organization that designs professional and beautiful funeral programs for families struggling with covering the costs of funerals for their loved ones. Also involving myself in non-profit work, I am the founder and President of The National Association of Colored Women’s Club at Texas Southern University. My organization focuses on promoting racial harmony and fighting the injustices of black and brown women and children. I hold my organization dear to my heart, and I plan to continue to work in non-profits while being an honor roll and deans list student at TSU and graduating this December with my Bachelor’s in Administration of Justice and Pre-Law studies.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road has not been smooth at all.
At the age of 15, I became a sexual assault victims. Being a survivor, I have dedicated much of my activism to women’s rights as well. I used my trauma as a driving force to my start my organization. I try to help as many of my girls as possible, and let them know that I am someone that they can confide in.
Losing one of my closet friends two years ago has been a rough recovery process. I went into a very dark depression about it. In his honor, he is the reason why I am finally about to be a college graduate. I use his voice an as a constant reminder to keep pushing through all of my adversities.
My mother was diagnosed with Lupus a few years ago. I took time to educate myself on the autoimmune disorder and I learned it is within the top 20 causes of death for women 5-64. I have dedicated a lot of my activism to spreading information about Lupus and creating fundraisers to donate to the Lupus Foundation of America.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about MoeDidIt – what should we know?
Still involving myself in activism, I use my art to tell people’s stories. Much of my photography includes empowering women and special events such as protest and rallies. I use my graphic design skills to give people beautiful lasting memories. I am building a non-profit organization that designs professional and beautiful funeral programs for families struggling with covering the costs of funerals for their loved ones. I am different from other graphic designers because I take the time out to genuinely get to know my clients. I want to be able to tell their emotions whether it be happiness or sadness. I put careful time into my photography as well. I rarely charge for my sessions, sometimes I just love to create with people and give them beautiful images.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents and my grandmother shaped me into the person I am today. Growing up, they constantly let me express myself and supported me in anything I want to do. My dad especially tells me how proud he is of me everyday and that is a wonderful feeling.
Texas Southern University and the people there have completely changed my life. I have so much pride and appreciation for my university. I learned to be a leader, developed my skills, and the opportunities that I have received has been once in a lifetime. I have many mentors there however, to name a few: Ms. Andreaus Boise-Fontenont and Ms. Melissa Knight, who helps students everyday get prepared for life after college and those are some of the most hardest working women I have ever met. Ms. Birtenna Bennett and Ms. Brandy Weber really has been a huge help to my success as a student, there were times when I was hungry, or I needed help with housing, or I just needed someone to listen and they were both there for me. Also, Dr. Carla Brailey, knowing her accomplishments and how hard she works and genuinely cares for the people in the community and her students, inspires me everyday. That is how so many people at Texas Southern is, a family.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 7732558702
- Email: morganxpayne@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/moediditcreations
- Facebook: MorganPaynePhotography
Image Credit:
Lena Mitchell, Jasmine Smith, NACWC TSU
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