BUILDING OUR AMERICA

We got to know three incredible individuals building their own America through our collaboration with VICE. Here’s to them!

PASHON MURRAY, DETROIT

Dirt is Pashon Murray’s life. Even as she expands her reach in the environmental space through work worldwide with the UN, it’s dirt – and helping to regrow the city of Detroit from the ground up with the community’s help – that’s still at the heart of everything she does. Through success and hardships, Pashon has given her life to be part of the future of Detroit, and Detroit has had her back in return.

JUAN ANGEL CHAVEZ, CHICAGO

When Juan Angel Chavez moved to Chicago from Chihuahua, MX at the age of 13, he felt stifled by the cramped city. Skateboarding helped him find and create the space he craved, a feeling that directly informs his artistry as he creates larger-than-life sculptures and installations from found artifacts and repurposed materials. Today, he brings together community by reflecting them – their faces, their passions, and their spirit – in his work.

JOE FALCONE, ROCKAWAY

To Joe Falcone, being in the water is the best feeling, period. He and the surf were constant partners while growing up in Rockaway Beach, and he channels this passion for the ocean into his talent – a talent that’s earned him the name “Holy Hands” – for shaping iconic surfboards. With his boards gracing the waves of Rockaway Beach and beyond, it’s clear how Joe brings his hometown and larger surf communities together.