We intended to highlight the 20/20 Visionaries-to-Watch featuring Shar Jossell much earlier in 2020, but we found it wise to hold her story until it felt right to release.
When you think of the word vision, you almost immediately associate that word with sight, your sensory ability. It is something required to turn a thought into innovation. To have vision doesn’t specifically mean the ability to see something physically, but rather an intention or inclination to create change.
At the beginning of 2020, OBVIOUS had intentions of using our vision to create new stories, highlight new outlooks, and continue offering the cutting edge content that our viewers have grown to love over the years.
What started out as a promising new decade quickly turned into a dark age of disorder as COVID-19 became a global threat that altered all of our realities.
Amid the pandemic, the masks of American “justice” started to show themselves more clearly than ever before as an uprising from the Black Lives Matter movements called out the wrongful murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others at the hands of police brutality.
One thing was sure: It clouded our vision.
There needed to be some refocusing of what matters and what messaging #TeamOBVIOUS could provide to its audience that would resonate with something optimistic and hopeful.
The world has now spent more than half of the year enduring the stress of these trying times, yet we can still look towards the people making a difference as a means of inspiration.
There’s no doubt that the individuals selected in this article showcase a tenacity and touch of creativity that has shown the potential for greatness in their lives and for others.
They’ve used their heart and motivation to strive for change and create space for new generations to learn from them.
It is with great honor that OBVIOUS Magazine presents: The 2020 Visionaries To Watch.
20/20 Visionaries: Shar Jossell
How does pop culture affect the social climate of America?
Shar Jossell: Pop Culture is such a necessary asset within the larger zeitgeist of the culture. I don’t think people give it enough credit, honestly. If you take a second and zoom out for a minute, you’ll notice just how powerful certain influential aspects of pop culture are within our society.
From what we choose to wear to what we give our attention to, no one can truly deny the force from politics to consumerism. It affects nearly everything we do collectively.
In what ways do you want to use your voice to impact society?
Shar Jossell: I don’t take any of my platforms for granted. I recognize the enormous responsibility that comes with reporting and, frequently, offering a sound opinion on hot-button issues. I want to continue to use my voice to inform, educate, and provide varying perspectives for audiences to consider and hopefully healthily challenge some of their own thoughts.
I recognize that every day is a new chance to learn something new, so reaching back and giving a voice to others is vital to me as well. Healthy, informed, progressive conversation is a sure-fire way to keep moving the needle for society.
What words of encouragement would you give to the next generation that will follow in your footsteps?
Shar Jossell: Sometimes life can get tricky but remain focused and steadfast on your overall vision that you have for your life. Be willing to relinquish control and surrender to the process, because things rarely show up packaged in the way you thought they would be. Your race is yours to run. Openness and authenticity are essential in every aspect of everything.
How have you or your business had to pivot during this global pandemic?
Shar Jossell: As a freelance journalist, my world has practically come to a complete stop. I’ve experienced postponements & flat-out cancellations. Because of this, the pivot has been minimal. Things are out of my control, so I’ve been staying active as best I can.
What strategy would you suggest to anyone and their ventures directly impacted because of COVID-19?
Shar Jossell: I’m still searching for an adequate strategy for myself, so I’m not able to offer any suggestions to anyone else. What I can say is, take each day as it comes. Do what you can for yourself at the moment. Remember to breathe. As a collective whole, we are in uncharted territory, and we’re all just trying to figure it out.
Photo Credit: Ryan Mitchell
View the entire 20/20 Visionaries List here.
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