Destiny Beyond Grit

12/21/2024

Roby: A Story of Musical Healing, Faith & Redemptionr

In the trenches of Eastside Tacoma, where the streets hum with resilience, Roberto “Roby” Melgar carved out his story. Known simply as Roby to those closest to him, he spent most of his life on these streets, & for a brief year or two in Texas.

From a young age, Roby dreamed of breaking free from the chains of poverty, a vision shared by many kids in his neighborhood. But Roby had something unique—a gift for turning pain into poetry. With a pen & a rhythm, he found solace. Music wasn’t just a hobby; it was “poetic therapy,” a lifeline. Inspired by Chicano rap legends like Lil Rob & NB Ridaz, he began pouring his soul into lyrics, letting his struggles & triumphs dance on the page.

Life, however, was no smooth melody. One of Roby’s greatest battles was the shadow of self-doubt, a ghost that lingered from his fatherless childhood. Not knowing his father & wrestling with the question of “why” left scars he only began to confront as an adult. But rather than let the pain define him, Roby chose to face it head-on. Through his music, marathon running, & a steadfast faith in God, he began to heal.

Today, Roby’s purpose is as clear as a well-tuned chord. He’s not just an artist; he’s a father striving to be everything he once missed. His goals are rooted in love & legacy—starting a business, nurturing his health, & being the kind of father his son can look up to.

Roby’s message is simple yet profound: Acknowledge your pain. Don’t run away from it. Speak to family, friends, or anyone who’ll listen. Healing begins when you stop avoiding the hurt & start facing it. Life’s greatest symphonies are often composed from the rawest notes. For Roby, every beat & lyric is a step closer to triumph.

-Photos shot during the filming of his
music video “𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐝”
Music video link in .r’s bio

10/18/2024

A.G Joints: The Rhythm of Resilience

In the dimly lit corner of Bob’s Java Jive, the clinking of mugs fades under the weight of verses that hang in the air like whispers of a soul searching for peace. At the heart of this space, there’s AG Joints, a poet, lyricist, and father who’s found solace in rap—a man of music, wrapped in the struggle of self-perception, healing old wounds, and reimagining his future.

Growing up without a father, AG Joints—born Aaron G—turned to words as his sanctuary, his therapy. Music was my mirror he said, his eyes reflecting both the joy and pain he’s learned to carry. M

It helped me make sense of the noise inside my head. I didn’t always like what I saw, but he was telling me the truth.

Tacoma has long heard his truth. His verses paint raw, unflinching portraits of childhood trauma, the endless tug-of-war between self-worth and doubt, and the long road to reconciliation with the past. He’s become a voice for those who’ve been silenced, an anthem for the ones who walk the fine line between broken and beautiful. But A.G is quick to remind us, It’s not just my story. It’s all of ours—those who grew up missing pieces and found them in music.

As we sit in this pocket of Tacoma’s history, Bob’s Java Jive—a place where voices rise and fall like tides—A.G Joints carries the weight of his own history.

He’s not just a dreamer, though. As a father, AG Joints is raising the next generation with the same ethos that’s shaped his music.

Tacoma’s underground has long held AG in high regard, but he remains humble. His performances at Bob’s Java Jive are an exchange, not a spectacle. His lyrics, a mix of rhythmic therapy and poetic balm, echo through the city, a testament to his perseverance.

06/01/2024

Echoes of Fortitude: Brother Lucien Vedego’s Artistic Voyage

In Tacoma, WA, amidst the rain-kissed streets & the evergreen embrace, dwells Brother Lucien Vedego. At 31, he’s a disciple of art, crafting narratives of expression through his crafts. Modeling, music, painting, sculpture, writing, & the delicate art of Sh***ri, all find sanctuary within his creative soul.

Born in Pennsylvania, Lucien’s journey meandered through the labyrinth of cities in the USA & Quebec, Canada. A nomad seeking new horizons, he shed his old self in Quebec, embracing the name Lucien. For him, life was an ever-evolving canvas, a testament to the beauty of reinvention.

Trauma, like shadows cast upon his past, haunted Lucien’s path. Yet, through the darkness, he found solace in art’s embrace. With each stroke of the brush, each note of the melody, he tamed shadows & made exquisite creations.

One fateful day, he penned his new name on a journal cover, & within it wrote his new self, dreams & aspirations. A ritual of rebirth, it marked the genesis of a new chapter. Since then, he’s held the power of transformation close, a reminder that change is not only possible but essential.

Now, in Tacoma, Lucien has found community & purpose. His latest endeavor, exploring documentation methods & with a desire to craft 2 to 3 minute short films, is a testament to his inexorable spirit. Through his work, he urges others to embrace their uniqueness, to defy conformity, & to let their true selves shine.

In the voyage of Lucien’s life, resilience & creativity intertwine, painting a portrait of courage & inspiration. For in his art, he finds not only self-expression but liberation, a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream & create.

-Photos 1 & 3-10: 2.23.24 @ 2:05pm w/Nikon D610; 50mm f/1.8 lens
-Footage captured 2.23.24 @ 1:42pm w/iPhone 14 Pro
-Photo 2: 2.24.23 @ 3:04pm w/Sony A6000; 55-210mm f/4.5 lens

Full interviews in bio.

02/22/2024

Tacoma’s Roberto Trejo: 1st Generation Salvadoran American & Beacon of Empathy
-Pt. 1, pt. 2 on next post-

In the heart of Eastside Tacoma amidst the bustling streets & the whispers of dreams yet to be realized, their resides a soul as vibrant as the city itself. Roberto Trejo, a 1st generation Salvadoran American, is not merely a product of his environment; he is a testament to the empathy & boundless potential of the human spirit.

Born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma, each glimpse of its familiar façade ignites a symphony of memories within Roberto, infusing his spirit with an undeniable sense of joy & gratitude for the journey he has traveled thus far.

From the corridors of Lincoln High School to the halls of higher learning, Roberto’s path has been paved with a curious heart for contrasting passions & pursuits. As a child, he dared to explore the vast expanses of his creativity, dipping his toes into various arts & endeavors, each one a stepping stone toward self-discovery.

Yet, amidst the differences of his interests, one core ambition burns brightly within him—to cultivate a legacy of compassion & integrity within his family, friends & communities. Roberto wholeheartedly aspires to be the empathy for those who deserve it, a guiding light in the darkness of life’s trials & tribulations.

For him, inspiration springs from the profound understanding of life’s hardships, the knowledge that a simple gesture of kindness can illuminate even the darkest of days. It is this empathy that propels him forward to offer others solace & support in times of need.

As a creative soul, Roberto finds solace & expression in his 360-degree video rig he is building up, a tool through which he hopes to amplify joyful memories that are being felt with that moment in time. But, what Roberto struggles with that he is learning how to overcome within his creative pursuits, is the challenge to focus on one project or hobby, because his eclectic interests sometimes leading him scrambling.

01/27/2024

~Adam’s Resilient Journey in Tacoma’s Melodies~

In the City of Destiny, Adam’s life unfolds like a lyrical composition. At 38 years old & as a photographer & musician, his journey laces through the city of Puyallup, the college life of WSU, Eastern WA, echoes of Kirkland & then back to Tacoma. Childhood dreams of being a rock star still resonate in his soul, but now, photography shoots the images of his passions.

Chronic illness, a tragedy in his life, played its notes from age 13 to 19, then made its way back after 7-8 years of remission haunting him until his early 30’s. The symphony of pain & solitude tested his spirit, impacting family, friendships, & love. Yet, Adam’s resilience emerged as a counterpoint, a melody fighting against the dissonance of illness.

The pandemic, a crucible of resilience, forced Adam to cut ties for personal growth. Loneliness, a recurring motif, echoed in his creative endeavors. Through trial & error, he discovered the harmonies of community, learning to be both seeker & giver.

Asking for help remains a challenge, a struggle to find the right notes in life’s composition. Adam’s revelation is clear – the antidote to loneliness lies in reaching out, in forming bonds. In his own words, “no one should suffer in silence.”

Adam’s post-pandemic journey became a quest for community. Conversations with neighbors & newfound socializing became notes in his score. Photography, a major source of joy, captured moments of connection & shared experiences.

Adam’s anthem of encouragement resounds: never give up, be resilient & embrace community. For those feeling alone, he hopes people don’t hesitate to reach out to someone – a gentle reminder that in the symphony of life, no one plays alone. As collective notes, he believes communities can navigate & thrive, fostering kindness & shared melodies beyond the pandemic’s trials.

Driven by his quest for belonging & desire for community, Adam has become deeply involved in the local arts. He is a founding member of Tacoma Photo Club, a social outlet for digital & analog photographers to connect online & in-person.

-Photos 1, 1-5 & 8-9: 12.6.23 @ 3:52pm w/Sony A6000; 55-210mm f/4.5 lens
-Footage captured 12.6.23 @ 3:22pm w/iPhone 14 Pro
-Photo 6-7 12.6.23 @ 4:12pm w/Fuji X-Pro3; Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 lens

01/02/2024

Victoria A. Un Madre’s Survival
Victoria’s story will be in the 1st Edition Destiny Beyond Grit Book.

11/08/2023

Reflections of Spencer Grey
-Spencer Grey’s story is one that takes us on a journey from remorse & regret to redemption & transformation. It's a story that forces us to confront some of the darkest aspects of human behavior while also shedding light on the capacity for change.

Spencer, found himself in a situation that many can relate to - the regrettable actions committed under the influence of alcohol. He had blacked out from alcohol, & in those moments of darkness, he had committed an act he could not remember but would forever haunt him. It's a scenario that countless people have found themselves in, & the feelings of guilt & self-condemnation that often follow.

Listening to his story as someone who witnessed his mother endure the torment of abuse, I can personally attest to the deep emotional scars that dwell. It's a painful & traumatic reality, since my earliest memories until I was 16, then finally I was able to protect my mother. Like so many, the memories of those dark times remain etched in my consciousness.

On one hand, it took me back to that dark place of feeling utterly powerless to stop it. On the other hand, it made me empathize because of my past struggle with alcoholism, the remorse that comes with blacked-out actions, & the desire to change.

Spencer's decision to never drink alcohol again as a means of preventing those actions was a pivotal moment in his life. It showcases the ability to make a conscious choice to break free from destructive behaviors. It also helped him create as an artist who now is able to focus on his craft.

This can be a call to reflect on transformation & recognize that change is possible for anyone, regardless of their past actions. It reminds us that even in the darkest of moments, there is hope for redemption & healing.

There are resources available, & one of them is the National DV Hotline, which can provide support, guidance, & a lifeline to those in need. 800-799-7233 or Text START to 88788

-Photos 1, 3-8: 11.2.23 @ 1:12pm w/Nikon D610; 50mm f/1.8 lens
-Footage captured 11.2.23 @ 1:50pm w/iPhone 14 Pro
-Photo 2: 11.2.23 @ 2:16pm w/Sony A6000; 55-210mm f/4.5 lens

Full interview uploading.

10/28/2023

Foster's Creative

10/28/2023

https://youtu.be/nfviuFyKAlI?si=GU58HtqwNTa2NVzD

Tacoma, a city known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community, is a place where you'd never expect to find someone who's endured the harsh street...

10/28/2023

From Skid Row to the Tacoma Streets: The Inspiring Journey of Junebug

Tacoma, a city known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community, is a place where you'd never expect to find someone who's endured the harsh streets of Skid Row in Los Angeles. But walking the streets of Tacoma, there's a remarkable 58 year old man who goes by Junebug.

Junebug's life story is one that defies the odds, weaving through challenges and redemption. He's candid about his past, admitting that he made mistakes by associating with the wrong crowd and being “hard headed”. Those choices led him to Skid Row, a place synonymous with despair and hopelessness.

But Junebug is not one to dwell on his past. He's a living testament to the idea that it's never too late to turn one's life around. He made a conscious decision to break free from his old life and build a better future.

The turning point in Junebug's life came when he obtained his Commercial Driver's License (CDL). With hard work and determination, he mastered the art of driving an 18-wheeler semi-truck. His perseverance paid off when a company in Tacoma recognized his potential and offered him a job as a professional semi-truck driver.

Junebug is not content with just his own success though. He's made it his mission to teach his friends and neighbors how to drive semi-trucks and help them obtain their CDLs if they desire.

Through it all, Junebug's unwavering faith in God has been his guiding light. He credits his resilience and positive outlook on life to his deep faith. His spirituality has helped him find strength and hope even during his most challenging days on the streets.

-Photos 1-4: 10.21.23 @ 5:13pm w/Nikon D610;50mm f/1.8 lens
-Footage captured 10.18.23 @ 5:36pm w/iPhone 14 Pro

*Photo/vid release signed, & participants are compensated, offered peer support & connected to resources if desired.