Gallery: Mark Armstrong Peddigrew's 'Rise and Resist' Series Gives Power to the People

Mark Peddigrew, the creative mind behind jewelry label Cartography, isn't content to just design stunning cufflinks and necklaces—he's also always looking out for a good cause to throw his support behind. "Every June and December, I donate a portion of my proceeds to a charity," he explained over email. "Previously, it's been the Ali Forney LGBTQ Youth Shelter in Harlem." 

This year, as a direct response to the insane political climate we're all struggling to keep up with, he settled on the New York-based grassroots organization Rise and Resist. To help out the charity, Peddigrew enlisted Venezuelan immigrant and photographer Kathy Boos to shoot portraits of New Yorkers from marginalized groups in the heart Chelsea. In front of coffee carts or inside flower markets, the group modeled his new fist pendant necklace and talked about why they resist.

Click through to see more and head to Cartography to shop and support Rise and Resist. 

Photography: Kathy Boos

Aysha Mirza, from New Jersey

I started my brand #MuslimModelsMatter because it is so important to see Muslim women as autonomous, capable, and complete women in every sense of the word. As a model, we are subject to immense scrutiny in such a conservative culture and religion. There are so many young women growing up in the world that are free-thinkers, and stifled from exemplifying their beliefs accordingly for fear of violent actions against them. We are no different than any other woman. We have the same hopes & fears. We are mothers, daughters, athletes, independent, and feminine fierce. As an American woman, I have the opportunity to stand up for our women, whether or not they cover, to show that we are not what the general media portrays us as. Misperceptions and misrepresentations are rampant in our society, and it is important to stand up and speak out. It is not what you look like, it is WHO you are inside that counts. We are strong and strong looks different on everyone. Educate, don't hate. One love.

Photography: Kathy Boos

 

Francois LeSage, 26, from Jamaica

I resist hetero-normative oppression, exclusion & discrimination by showing my true self to the world. I refuse to be led by the dictates of others.

Photography: Kathy Boos

Rosanne Rubino, 60, from Pennsylvania

I resist the current administration and all of their evil fascist ways. I march and protest, boycott, vote, volunteer, sign petitions and call my representatives. I let my voice be heard!

Photography: Kathy Boos

Lily Cade, 32, from Los Angeles

I resist against ignorance, judgement and the darkness in my own heart.

Photography: Kathy Boos

Van Allen Flores, 30, from the Philippines

I resist against any form of negative energy. I am able to do so by practicing and teaching martial arts (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) to help students build confidence in a positive environment. I believe in empowering those around me to always see the good before the bad and to continue to spread only good vibes.

Photography: Kathy Boos

Yaya Williams, from Ohio

Instagram: @theyayawilliams

I resist fear, hate and anything that stands in the way of my destiny.

Photography: Kathy Boos

Vinny Brandstadter, 25, from Edina, MN

I resist against judgement. Being judged myself, I've learned to be patient, mindful and vulnerable to others while understanding their true underlining stories.

Photography: Kathy Boos

Jonathan Simpson, 33, from the Bronx

I resist against racism by being unapologetically black.

Photography: Kathy Boos

Devin J. Clark, 23, from West Milford, NJ

I resist against people who have preconceived notions of an individual's personality, whether it's based off of the color of their skin, clothing, or simply how they were brought up in this world. These are the kinds of people that are so negative that the only purpose they serve in life is to be a societal toxin. These people don't deserve any kind of acknowledgement. Therefore, I resist against these people by spreading peace and love to all, and by drowning out the harmful sounds of their negativity through the soothing sounds of my guitar.

Photography: Kathy Boos

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