Meet Deity Mone’k | Filmmaker & Social Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deity Mone’k and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deity, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Hey everyone, my name is Deity Mone’k and I am from Carol City, Florida, also known as the Fabulous 305!

Being from such an eclectic city that is so diverse, creative, and filled with culture, I have been blessed to meet and work alongside many amazingly talented people, creators, and social activists. My various interactions propelled me forward and encouraged me not only to create art but also dig deeper and search beyond what meets the eye. My upbringing made me the person I am today, being raised around my grandparents and my older relatives taught me that everyone has a unique story. My love for storytelling, appreciation for music, and passion for the beautiful things around me are a direct result of the people and places I was surrounded by growing up. As a result of my upbringing, being a social activist and giving back to my community was a natural extension of my surroundings. Being a person who prioritizes giving back I founded Seek Changes; a social organization committed to seeking the changes I want to see and be a part of in society. Through Seek Changes I have organized events and galvanized fellow Seek Changers in contributing to back-to-school drives, Christmas toy drives, hygiene, and food distribution for the homeless, clothing drives, and a host of other activities to improve our local community. Who I am is a result of where I originated from and the amazing people that impacted my life journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My Art is something I hold sacred, every piece that I create I incorporate a piece of myself. Creating films allows me to feel free and Seeking Change allows me to feel encouraged and optimistic about tomorrow’s prospects. Since I started creating, I’ve always wanted to stay true to myself, while also pushing the boundaries and going places others haven’t dared to explore. I’ve always felt growing up that I didn’t see many black women who looked like me, had the same hair as me, used my lingo, etc. That is why I have worked very hard to present that needed representation in my workspace and create a safe space, so other black people feel seen. What makes my art different from others is me, I am a unique being who has so many fresh and eccentric ideas, which I love to incorporate into my work. I’m most proud of the fact that I haven’t given up, no matter what obstacles were thrown in my way or how little I knew about something I never shied away, I always put my chin up and gave a good fight. I’m most excited about the future and what’s next to come, as I continue to make my mark. I am only getting better and learning more, in the upcoming months I will be working on more films, documentaries, community events, and community programs that the youth in my community can participate in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, first I would tell my friend “Girl, Sit back and relax because you’re about to have the best weekend of your life” We are starting our fabulous adventure in Miami Beach. We are going to walk around, hit up the beach, and local spots on Lincoln Road, grab lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab, and later on get some Ice Cream at the local parlor. After engaging in all of the cool shops and activities in Miami Beach, we will conclude our day in Miami Beach and begin to get ready for our night in Wynwood, which is just over the bridge. In Wynwood, we would go to Gramps, a small bar that hosts different activities and performances. The bands are always a treat, providing mellow music some days, hip hop on others, and alternative music that will make you scream. After our night at Gramps, we would head back to my house to prepare for the next day. On the next day of the trip, we will begin our day ATV riding at Miami ATV rentals, we will spend a few hours there riding around, getting muddy, and seeing the beautiful scenery. After we finish our day of adventure we would make our way back to my home turf, Carol City to grab a delicious plate of soul food at Shuckin and Jivin. On my friend’s last day we will make our way down to the Homestead Rodeo, and being the true Cowgirls we are, we will be stepping out in our matching outfits, cowgirl hats, and fancy boots. With our cute outfits on and cowgirl attitude in tow, we’re ready to see the show and experience the energy that washes over the audience when the bull flies out of the gate. It is simply indescribable. It’s an amazing experience that I want my friend to experience at least once in her life. Our meal that night would be burgers, fries, and corn on the cob. My goal is to give my friend a taste of the Fabulous 305, and a weekend she will never forget!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The group of people who deserve a shout-out and have been a tremendous support system and inspiration to my life is my family, without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, social pioneers, and phenomenal people. My family has shown me how to persevere when times get tough, stay true to myself, be kind, and be a person with substance. My family also taught me to not only be a Deity but embody the name and all that it represents. In addition to my family, I have special friends like Anastia Léyon, who have supported me and encouraged me to maximize every opportunity and explore my unique creativity.

Website: www.seekchanges.org www.deitymonek.com

Instagram: @Deityfilmz @Seekchanges_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeityFilmz