CROWN HEIGHTS — Hey @Brooklyn, meet your new #hero.
They might not be super-fast, super-strong or even particularly radioactive, but the creative forces behind Crown Heights' upcoming Hashtag Hero Summer Mixer at Franklin Avenue's LaunchPad are super excited about creating a Justice League of their own for young local artists.
"A hashtag hero is someone who uses their skills, talents and self awareness to better the world around them," explained founder Jenee "Super Ivi" Whitehead of East Flatbush. "I feature other people who are doing things super and heroic. It’s to showcase those people and to get others involved."
As it turns out, you don't need superpowers become a hashtag hero. You don't even need a cape — but it helps.
"I wanted it to be something inspirational that a lot of people could relate to," Whitehead explained. "The idea is that anyone who hashtags 'hashtag hero' is speaking to that community."
Among those already inducted into the league is Crown Heights-based artist Jacqueline "Jackie Yo!" Dylan-Rose, a jewelry designer and DJ whose work will be on display at the event.
"I think of it as trying to live in a way that you can be looked at as a role model and using your time and your energy to create something positive that can inspire other people and help other people," she said of the project.
"For a long time I had wanted to find a sort of team, because it is really hard doing everything on your own, and clearly there’s not a lot of support out there for artists."
The event will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. Tickets cost $3, and aspiring heroes are encouraged to come in costume.
"I don’t have a cape yet, but I may make one," Dylan-Rose confessed. "I will definitely be dressed for the superhero theme."
