A Morehouse College graduate, Burton is also the founder and creative director of the Anderson Street Project, Philly’s official online platform for uniting local R&B and Black music fans, launched in 2015. Burton was named Volunteer of the Year in 2011 by the Philadelphia Black Public Relations Society and named one of the Who’s Next in Communications by Billy Penn in 2016.

How do feel about being nominated? “In a single word: shocked. I’ve never been one to thrive for validation. I have learned to play solely in the background and promote other people or causes. I’m quite comfortable being behind the scenes. However, it feels so good to know that someone admires my work. I never expected it to feel this good.”

What is your inspiration?
“I have always had a big mouth, and I live for a good story – the juicier the better! As a public-relations professional and a content creator, I have the power to find narratives that help move the city and its culture forward. I get inspired by the people whose stories I get to tell, daily.“

What are you engaged in? “I’m a proud member the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists and the Philadelphia Chapter of the More house College Alumni Association. I’m also in the 2018 cohort of Leadership Philadelphia’s Keepers and Connectors Program.”

What are your plans?
Holistically speaking, to stay grateful and present – to simply appreciate every moment, every situation, both good or bad. From that centered place, my goal is to do more programming under the Anderson Street umbrella and possibly pursue graduate education.

What does being part of the Diaspora mean to you? I have royalty and loyalty inside my DNA. We come from rich legacies, with kings and queens and arts and culture that are more vivid than any picture can capture. I’m humbled to be a part of it.

Nominated by Melony Roy, president of PABJ