Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Marqus Anthony | Rapper, Businessman & Minister

I’m from Metro Detroit. I grew up moving around a lot, up and down Gratiot from 8 Mile to 21 Mile. Being on the border of Detroit’s east side I grew up around a lot of hard working people. I grew up in neighborhoods that were predominantly black. My stepdad was also black so I grew up with two amazing mixed sisters. Their side of the family raised me a lot because my biological father hasn’t been involved in my life since I was a child. All of this caused me to be quite different from your typical white boy for my entire life and I’m grateful to be who I am. Read more>>

Courtney Spivak | Filmmaker, Educator & Musician

I am from the suburbs of Detroit – my upbringing and background reinforced my interest in the arts from an early age. My parents were both creative and they encouraged me in my artistic pursuits and and introduced me to the the cultural attractions in nearby Detroit. My mother was very involved in the arts, and would take me to the DIA frequently as a child. The modern art section of the DIA had a big impact. I was very influenced by one piece in particular, “Video Flag x ” , (1985) by Nam June Paik, a larger than life video installation piece- the abstract visual impact of the piece would be an inspiration for my video and photography work ( as well as the visuals for my music) for years to come. Read more>>

Cali Bam | Entrepreneur black business owner

Im from Los Angeles California killa cali and my tough struggle growing up made me the ambitious heavy motivated person i am today because i never want to be broke again more money than yesterday mmty Read more>>

Netsanet (Net) Tesfay | Illustrator and Graphic Designer

As a native of Ethiopia currently residing in the United States, my identity has been profoundly shaped by my background and upbringing in Africa. Both as a creative and as an individual, I credit my sense of aesthetics, culture, and sensibilities to the foundations laid by my roots. I am a manifestation of the grace, patience, and resilience instilled in individuals who hail from diverse backgrounds. Today, while navigating the intricacies of basic human complexities, I find continued inspiration in the diaspora mentality, constantly seeking connections and a sense of belonging. This essence is channeled through my art and reflected in my daily interactions Read more>>

Hollyn Johnson | Photographer & User Experience Designer

I grew up in southeast Michigan in a fairly small town. I was lucky to have a very loving childhood with my parents, brother and sister. Although neither of my parents are artists, they were and still are supportive of my creative endeavors. I am very grateful for that support throughout my life and believe that it gave me the space and confidence to follow what felt meaningful to me. Photography and documenting the world around me seemed to be an interest of mine even from a young age. Several Polaroids with scrawling young handwriting across the bottom fill the pages of my childhood photo book. In those Polaroids are a glimpse of me even at the age of five or six looking for ways to capture memories. Read more>>

Marta Carvajal | Fine Artist

I am from Madrid, Spain. I studied Fine Arts at the university Complutense de Madrid. My wish was being a painter, but I was trained as Graphic Designer. I started working in an Educational Publishing Company , designing book covers for Elementary kids and older. That influenced a lot now in my art work. I create series with the same concept I created those book covers. Each serie is about 15 pieces with the same concept size and materials. Read more>>