A Diversified Creative Brings his Talents to Syracuse

By Kaelyn Lowe
SYRACUSE, N.Y. July 10, 2019 – Creativity is a skill that is pointless to possess without

expressing it. Not only does the skill make you a problem solver in your personal and

professional life, but it also allows you to see things differently, always creating room in your

mind for the unknown.

Brandon Jackson, 20 years old, grew up in the Bronx,

New York and attended a small institution, Wells

College, in Aurora, New York. He attended small

schools for most of his life, which did not bother him

because he just wanted to be academically successful.

Pursuing a master’s degree at such a young age has

exemplified his academic success, as Brandon

graduated from college early in three years.

“I feel like I learned more on my own than what I learned in the classroom,” Brandon said. “I

feel like I'm a self-taught person because if I want to know how to do something, I’m not going

to wait for someone to teach me.”

Jackson took a leap of faith, applying to Syracuse and only Syracuse for graduate school in

January. In March, he was told that he was on the wait list for acceptance. Knowing the quality

of Newhouse’s program and the innumerable networking opportunities, Jackson became very

discouraged that he was not officially accepted. Amid searching for other post-grad options, he

was notified of his acceptance into Newhouse.

- More -
Page 2

Grateful for the opportunity to be a public relations master’s student at Newhouse, Jackson plans

on utilizing his creative abilities to enhance the industry. He is passionate about telling stories

properly, remaining true to the people. He loves working with people and fulfilling work that is

fun. His goal is to be multi-faceted, bringing more than one skill set to the table. A dream job

for Jackson has always been to become a free-lance diversity consultant and provide African-

Americans with the resources to access opportunities that they would not otherwise have.

The creative constantly surrounds himself with artistic individuals, allowing him to explore all

his artistic abilities. Growing up, Jackson befriended many dancers and photographers. He was

able to explore his talents through modeling and dance classes; he enjoys taking dance classes

because it is great exercise and provides him with the opportunity to meet new people. He even

took on poetry as a hobby, as it can be a stress reliever for him.

“My friends are the reason I’m a creative to this day,” said Jackson, “I think being a creative is

very important, especially for African-Americans because we need to use it as an outlet for the

troubles we face.”

Jackson’s creativity extends beyond his personal hobbies and the classroom. In his freshman

year of undergraduate college, he noticed that his school had no programs to support creatives

that are not art majors.

- More -
Page 3

This inspired him to create a support system on campus that would allow artistic individuals the

opportunity to feel comfortable in their own craft and grow at the same time. He started his own

brand, Bijutten, which is Japanese for “art show”. He chose this name because, like his passion

for creativity, the Japanese culture takes creativity seriously.

“I really admire Brandon’s brand and his unapologetically expressing himself in any

environment,” said Cierra Johnson, his fellow classmate at Syracuse.

Aside from Jackson’s career path and personal brand, he is extremely passionate about diversity

and the acceptance of all cultures in the world. He has always believed that there is an

acceptable level of uncomfortability because if you are uncomfortable it allows you to educate

yourself on somebody that you don’t know. One can share the same ideas and feelings with

someone that does not look like them.

“People think that if they have just one type of friend that fits a certain category that they are

educated,” said Jackson. “To implement diversity you have to be able to listen without speaking

and be okay with what that person is saying to you.”

In undergrad, Brandon worked at the office of diversity and inclusion on campus. He posted on

the multicultural page, informing students about events on campus; he posted pictures to inform

alumni of the new faces on campus. Brandon makes a constant effort to be accepting of people

and who they are, living a judgement free lifestyle.

- More -
Page 4

Jackson’s passion for diversity stems from his facing troubles with the concept at a young age.

Up until high school, Brandon would hide his sexuality from everyone because he did not feel

accepted, as he was bullied in elementary school for just being himself. He often strayed away

from the topic of sexuality and, instead, put on a façade. However, when he left for college,

everything changed.

“I met a lot of amazing people there and I was capable of doing a lot on campus because I was

true to myself,” said Brandon. “I don’t even think I would be at Newhouse if I wasn’t myself in

college.”

Word Count: 841

###