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C.A.R.L.
C.A.R.L. is an interview series I host on YouTube that features burgeoning and established entrepreneurs, artists, and friends that I think are just really cool. I'm currently editing new episodes, but there are several episodes already available on my channel.
With this project, I want to document the growing Memphis industries, create a public rolodex of influential folks in and around Memphis for the community to utilize, and decompress about life and business with some like-minded folks.
I'm currently building a virtual database for folks to access my guest list & connect. Please stay tuned!
Conversations About Real Life
United in Grief
A lecture about
grief, hip-hop & Africana studies
"United in Grief" is the title of the lecture I lead for the Dixon Gallery & Garden's Munch & Learn on the 1st of May 2024. I shared some research from my senior paper: comparing and contrasting the grief rituas of the Dagara tribe of West Africa with the grief rituals of Southern Black folks in America. Context: I've earned a degree in African & African American Studies and Spanish.
The original paper was inspired by Kendrick Lamar's album "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers," a project that discusses grief and relationships in a very raw manner. I infused the new presentation with more elements of hip-hop pedagogy to widen the potential reach of my message and add some diversity.
The lecture was one of the most engaged, diverse, and emotive audiences of which I've ever participated: tears were flowing, truths were spoken, and frustrations were heard. I want to make this presentation available for folks who missed its inauguration. This "project" truly has the potential to heal folks: I saw it happening during the lecture in real-time.
That being said, I'm currently seeking out other speaking engagements, and opportunities to share my research and help folks grieve completely.
If you're interested in being notified about when I'm sharing the presentation again, please submit your email below...
Barter Up is a mutual aid collaborative created in Memphis, TN. Our goal is to re-introduce the barter system, so the new generation can live sustainable, fashionable, and holistic lives.
We've been featured in local publications like Choose 901 and global ones like Teen Vogue. At the core of all of this attention, is our mission to help the people who need help the most.
I help market Barter Up as a member and an influencer, creating photoshoots and videos on my social media accounts to organically spread awareness through digital marketing.
Connect with the growing community by tapping on the Barter Up logo or the link below...
Barter Up

Hello, I'm Carl Bledsoe Jr. I'm a model and entrepreneur based in Brooklyn, New York. On this page, you'll find my projects and passions...
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