Black History Month Spotlight: JT Thomas Frames the Culture

Black History Month is always a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the stories shaping our culture in real time. At FAYNC Magazine, we know those stories don’t just live in history books, they live in the artists, creatives, and visionaries documenting our communities every single day.

This month, we’re highlighting local creative, James “JT” Thomas, Owner and Founder of Official 1 Visuals, graphic designer, photographer, videographer, and Black Artist Forward board member—whose work is rooted in intention, truth, and the power of showing Black life in all its depth and beauty.

A Path He Didn’t Plan But Was Meant For

Funny enough, photography was never the original plan. Growing up, JT had his sights set on becoming a graphic designer, and he even joined the Army to pursue that dream.

But no matter how much he tried to stay in the design lane, photography kept finding him. While training as an Army graphic designer, he was required to learn photography too and that’s when everything clicked. He realized he didn’t just have an eye for it… he had a real passion.

He started simple: headshots, small concepts, and capturing the Black men and women around him.

Then he learned about Shirley cards and the truth that cameras weren’t originally designed to capture Black skin, only later being adjusted because of chocolate companies and furniture. From that moment on, the mission was clear:

Show the world that Black art is beautiful, powerful, and meant to be seen.

Telling Stories People Don’t Always Feel Worthy to Share

JT is especially drawn to photographing people with creative minds who may not feel “camera worthy.”

To him, everyone has a story—and the most powerful stories are the ones only you can tell. His work is about encouraging people to step forward, own their narrative, share their “why,” and let that passion live visually.

Because sometimes the biggest shift happens the moment someone realizes:

Their story deserves to be seen too.

The Image That Sparked Conversation

One of JT’s most meaningful Black History Month pieces is titled:

“AMERICA; Made off the Strength and Struggle of Our Ancestors.”

Created with model Brandi Shonté (@simplybrandi__) as the muse, the concept was inspired by historical images of enslaved people who were whipped—but JT added a deeper visual message.

He photographed the scene with natural realism, then removed the color so only the marks remained visible. Those whip marks were transformed into the American flag, symbolizing both the pain woven into the country’s past and the way that history is often hidden or glossed over instead of fully acknowledged.

The reaction online was intense. The piece sparked controversy, and Instagram even attempted to remove it. Still, many viewers connected deeply with the truth behind the image.

For JT, that tension speaks to something bigger: Black resilience comes from knowing where we came from, learning from the pain, and creating something powerful anyway.

Capturing Black Fayetteville—Past and Present

JT doesn’t see Black history as something archived. He sees it as alive especially in Fayetteville.

It shows up in the people, the neighborhoods, the creativity, the conversations, the everyday joy, and the quiet resilience woven through the city. His work honors legacy while still documenting what Black life looks like right now.

That balance—respecting the past while staying present—is what drives his lens.

And in JT’s words?

Fayetteville isn’t just creative in North Carolina—it’s a true creative powerhouse.

The Artists Who Shaped His Vision

JT’s inspiration stretches across generations of Black photographers:

• James Van Der Zee, whose Harlem Renaissance portraits and images of Marcus Garvey first resonated with him (and yes—the shared name made it even more meaningful).

• Moneta Sleet Jr., whose Civil Rights–era photography captured history in real time despite real danger.

• Deana Lawson, whose work in spirituality, intimacy, family, and Black aesthetics continues to shape JT’s modern conceptual direction and artistic intention.

Each influence helped form the way he approaches storytelling today deeply intentional, emotionally grounded, and visually powerful.

His Message to the Next Generation of Creatives

If someone walks away from his work—especially seeing it featured in FAYNC Magazine—JT hopes they feel something real.

He wants viewers to hold both truths at once:the pain of the past and the hope of the future.

More than anything, he hopes younger artists, photographers, and models feel pushed to create with intention, not just for views.

His advice is simple but powerful: Learn the fundamentals. Find your style. Study those who inspire you. Keep growing.

Even after 12 years, JT still goes back to the basics to sharpen his craft. Because to him, knowledge is power but its real strength is in sharing it.

And that sharing? That’s what builds real community.

Stay Connected with JT

Want to explore more of JT’s work or book a session? Tap in below:

Instagram: @offial1jt, @official1visuals

Website & Links: https://link.me/official1jt

Booking: Available through the link in his bio and website.

Final Frame

Black History Month is about honoring the storytellers just as much as the stories. Through intention, honesty, and vision, James “JT” Thomas is preserving moments that challenge perspective, celebrate Black life, and keep Fayetteville’s creative spirit visible.

Because when art is rooted in truth, it doesn’t just capture history it becomes part of it.

Christina Miles

Art Director & Admin Lead

FAYNC Magazine