Due to the recent events that have gripped the world, we at Rough Draft Magazine felt it necessary to check in with artist and activist PHNX to see how she’s been adapting to the shifting social climate and persisting COVID-19 pandemic. However, rather than fold during these tragedies, she has remained strong and used them as an opportunity to help others and recenter herself mentally.

In partnership with SaveMoney SaveLives, and in particular the International Indigenous Youth Council, of which she is a member of, she has been creating PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits to combat the spread of coronavirus among communities struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the Apache and Navajo nations, and continued to use her platform for activism and social change. When asked how she feels about the recent renewed focus on BlackLivesMatter and police brutality, she detailed her stance as an Afro-Indigenous woman who wants the police to be defunded and has dedicated her life to fighting against inequality. The outrage against police across the country resonates with the artist due to her own personal experiences with harassment by the police as a teenager. 

One of her concerns is the faux support many big companies have been giving the movement despite their long histories of racism and inequality. In addition to that, PHNX highlighted the good and bad side effect’s social media has had on the public image of BlackLivesMatter. Though people can share videos of brutality and information in resistance against it, dishonest actors can also share misguided statements and ignorant opinions in an attempt to undermine the importance of the movement. Furthermore, the burden of informing ignorant people has largely been put on black people instead of less marginalized groups.

However, PHNX does not solely fight against social inequality, but sexism and misogyny in the music industry as well. Through her music and brand, she addresses the problematic nature of how black and indigenous people are perceived by many facets of entertainment and media. Issues such as cultural appropriation, devaluation, and cultural consumerism are all tackled by this talented activist artist. Until the racist structures in place are torn down, PHNX will never stop fighting, and neither will we. 

To see more on PHNX, visit her website @ www.phnx.world