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Joshua Kissi

Source: iOne Digital / iOne Digital

Name: Joshua Kissi

Occupation: Photographer and Entrepreneur

Location: New York

How We Know Him: Founder of TONL

Why We Chose Him: Joshua is telling stories through images that challenge the world we live in.

What’s Next: Expanding TONL and continuing to empower people of color through imagery.

IG: @joshuakissi

Joshua Kissi is a first generation Ghanaian-American with an undying passion to create, inspire and lift the voices of his community by any “medium” necessary.

He has used his photography and creative genius to cultivate stories that celebrate the beauty of the black experience – and has woven the aesthetics of his artistry into the fabric of some of the world’s most popular brands.

Joshua, along with his friend Travis Grumbs, founded Street Etiquette, a creative agency that has worked with the likes of Apple, Adidas, GQ and Puma to deliver campaigns that embody culture and authenticity.

He has also worked alongside the likes of Lauryn Hill and Big K.R.I.T.

But his story does not stop there.

Understanding the power of imagery and its ability to create change, Joshua, along with his business partner Karen Okonkwo, founded TONL – a groundbreaking stock photography platform created to reduce the stereotypes and preconceived notions against people of color.

TONL recently partnered with Nike to capture the images of young women of color who play soccer in an effort to showcase inclusion within the sport. TONL also partnered with Nike to deliver diverse images and narratives for the Chicago Marathon.

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the social impact the Bronx native is making.

To say Joshua is a photographer and entrepreneur is an understatement. The New York-based creative is a visionary using his creative genius and cultural lens to empower people of color around the world.