We recently connected with Ashton Edmunds and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ashton thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
In the Summer of 2021, I received the opportunity to be a writer for inaugural Black Gaze Series with ESPN’s Andscape. The project is an exclusive photo portfolio that widens the lens and depicts the strength, innovation and magnificence of Black culture, something I’m really passionate about. Being able to tell the stories that relate to me, my family and my upbringing while having the chance to tell them for ESPN was a watershed moment for me. The two stories I wrote about was ‘The New Faces of Surfing’ which focused on Black Girls Surf, Inc., one of the few surfing clubs for Black women across the world and ‘The Legion Field Kickball League’ was focused on a new kickball league that started in Birmingham, Ala., during the pandemic for residents to find some normality again. Having the opportunity to connect and learn more about the people, the culture and their business was amazing. Earlier in 2022, the project was nominated for a Webby Award which was really dope to see with all the hard work that went into it. I’m grateful to have been a writer for part 1 & 2 of The Black Series.
Link: https://andscape.com/features/the-black-gaze/#!
Ashton , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Ashton Edmunds, a writer and creative from Tallahassee, Fla. I recently graduated from Clark Atlanta University with my bachelor’s degree in 2021 and Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism with my master’s degree in 2022. Sports have always been apart of my life so there wasn’t any doubt when it came to pursuing a career in this profession. I landed my first internship following my sophomore year of college at Turner Sports which opened many doors for me moving forward. I am currently the multimedia features writer for the Atlanta Falcons where I focus on both long-form and short-form storytelling, podcasting and a bit of on-camera work. I’ve always wanted to work with the NFL growing up so I’m grateful to be in the position I am in today. Later in the future, I’ll eventually want to transition into either sports marketing, brand communications or public relations. Outside of my profession, I plan to start a non-profit organization focused on professional development, health and wellness and community service really soon.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding thing for me is seeing my work resonate and inspire so many people. It’s no better feeling knowing that your work made a positive impact on someone’s life. One of my favorite quotes from Nipsey Hussle is “the highest human act is to inspire” and that is something I live by.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
‘The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle’ by Rob Kenner is a book that has significantly impacted me in a major way. Learning about the late Nipsey Hussle and how he defied the odds to accomplish his goals was inspiring to read. His strong sense of self-belief, even when things seemed unattainable is the mindset I try to carry on a daily and I think that’s why this book has inspired me tremendously.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/ashtonedmunds
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ae11__/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonedmunds/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ae11__
Image Credits
Paradise Sean Bartley Jordan Frank