Amil Mangum.

Amil Mangum, who regularly goes by Millie, is a photographer from Durham, North Carolina,  also known as the BullCity. She currently attends North Carolina Central University, majoring in Mass Communications with a concretion in Media Studies with a minor in Writing. She loves to write short stories and poems, knows how to play the violin a little bit, and she’s an only child. Must be nice, huh?

I asked Millie about photography and this is what she explained to me about it:

“I always been interested into art when I was kid but I couldn’t draw so I got into writing but I wanted another way to get into expressing my emotions so I got into photography when I was 12 but didn’t get my first camera till I was 15. Photography means to me is a way to showcase emotions, actions, and stories into photos. Every photo has a story behind it.”

I asked her most of: talent, intelligence, education, or persistence; and how has it helped her in her life. Her answer is impeccable.

“I would say intelligence and talent. I’m still getting my education so I’m not there with all my information yet. It has helped me in life because School doesn’t define my intelligence. I know what I need to know to survive in the world and to survive in my field.”

Looking back at her life and comparing what she was like then, and what she’s like now, I would say there is a huge juxtaposition; of course in a positive way.

“Yes I do, I have a lot more confidence than I had growing up. I was teased in school about the way I looked and how weird I was. I grew my confidence my last two years in highschool and it helps me be strong now. Especially in my field, I sometimes get discourage and want to quit but this really is my passion and I want to make a living out of it.I think what stayed the same about me is my curiosity and my drive. I was always a kid that wondered about different things and I always had questions. My drive is strong because once I start something I have a passion for I can’t stop. I think one thing that has changed about is my personality. I was always quiet till I got to highschool. I had people around me who brought it out and taught to not let people walk all over me.”

She’s Black, and she’s proud.

“What I feel like I have to offer to the my society as a young black person is my voice and my talent. Your voice always matters and your vision. If you want to be better, you go be better. My generation of my fellow black community is more open about our opinions and I feel like that is what makes us stronger. Also with my talent I can capture these moments for us to look back on. My message is to never give up and never let anyone tell you anything is not possible. Anything is possible that you put your mind. We as a generation need to strive for greatness. If no one supports us, we can support us.”

Make sure you follow Millie and get updated on her content on Instagram and Twitter: @TheSpiffyNerd

All photos in this picture are works by Amil Mangum