Jordy Maiic - Young ActivistMeet Jordy Maiic, The Young Creative Paving the Way in Medellin
BlueBook Magazine talks to the young creative about success, connection, and empowering others through the arts.
BlueBook Magazine talks to the young creative about success, connection, and empowering others through the arts.
Article and Interview by Angie Ortiz
Jordy Michael Jordán Cobo (better known as "Jordy Maiic") is an activist born in Quibdó - Chocó and based in the city of Medellín. Jordy has been passionate about helping his people and his community from a young age.
"My dad used to make me teach dance to students, and indirectly, I didn't realize that all of this was culturally enriching me,” he recounts, “So when I arrived in Medellín in 2010, I started dancing with a group that performed in various parts of Medellín. It's only later that activism came into the picture, also through dance. I can tell you it's been more than 20 years in the making, but it's only now becoming more visible as I do this with Esmeraldas de la Selva, a collective I created two and a half years ago.”
In the following interview, Jordy talks about his role as an activist, his biggest surprises about his work, and the changes he wants to make in the world.
“Our mission is to change the destiny of the next generation.”
-Jordy Maiic
Q. What role does activism play in your life?
Jordy: I've never really considered myself an activist. I'm the creator of Esmeraldas de la Selva, and I've realized that many of the processes we're trying to encompass reflect activism. I believe that activism involves recognizing your culture, who you are, where you come from, what you like, what you don't like, where you're going, and that's it. I simply consider myself a person who recognizes their roots and identity. I want to help as many people as I can in line with my life's purpose.
Q. What was the original inspiration behind your organization Esmeraldas de la selva?
Jordy Maiic is well known for his outgoing personlaity and collaborative nature.
Jordy: Esmeraldas started because one December, I came to Quibdó to accompany one of my artist friends to support him in a show involving an internationally renowned artist. Upon arriving in Quibdó that evening, EVERYTHING IN QUIBDO WAS DARK, even though it was December. This was because the person who put up Christmas lights was extorted by gangs in the area. They reasoned that because he can afford lights, he can afford to pay extortion. THAT MADE ME INDIGNANT. When I returned to Medellín, I had the intention of finding ways to inspire young people to showcase their art instead of taking up arms and annexing the town.
Q. What are the goals behind Esmeralds De La Selva?
Jordy:The brand "Esmeraldas de la Selva" works on brand positioning for ventures, artists, and new businesses. We showcase these brands through experiential events, all with the aim that our community supports these brands, and these brands inspire future generations. What interests us most is exposing the talents of the Colombian Pacific and Colombia. Our mission is to change the destiny of the next generation. We do this by combating violence and racism by providing opportunities through the arts.
Q. Esmeraldas de la Selva has seen considerable success. Did you expect this when you started?
Jordy: When I started, I didn't expect it. I just wanted to create a space where people could see the talent of those around me. But I realized that it was becoming a powerful idea. So, by the time the first format came around, I was already connected to what I was dreaming of for the future, which is what we're working on now. We've been at it for 2 years, but it gets stronger every day.
Q. How has the process of building your organization been like for you?
Jordy: It will always be challenging. It's no secret that we are Black, we are descendants, and we come from a very difficult cultural history, but there's also progress. It's about connecting everyone with our roots, not just the few who are starting to realize it, but everyone. That's why Esmeraldas was born, as a platform that connects brands, providing information to counter misinformation through events. We make people feel more connected to their roots and more confident in what they do with their products, which carry a bit of what inspired them and what they've experienced since childhood.
Q. How have you grown from the process of building this organization?
Jordy:More spiritual connection has been one of the changes, more social understanding. I feel that we all need to be super connected, even though it's not easy, and it won't happen overnight because we need to be very clear about many things. Everything happens according to its process. For example, until last year I felt that I wasn't connected to many things, but I realized that I was just starting. Many people are more connected and really help others feel clear about their purpose.
Q. Is this an individual effort, or did you have support?
Esmeraldas de la Selva is an organization in Medellin well known for organizing events for local creatives.
Jordy: If I didn't have support, I couldn't showcase what we're doing. This support also comes from the same community that identifies with it, where the pandemic shook them and gave them the willpower to create businesses or develop ideas that make them feel comfortable with what they do. I'm just the channel, the bridge, a means through which people can connect. [And] It's something that can bring this information to the entire world, where we can understand that the diversity on the planet is the same as the diversity in each country. All this diversity needs to be unified because when you combine different elements, it can elevate certain flavors and experiences. When we understand that everybody, when connected and blended, can create something unique and stand out, we will start to take risks and experiment with new things.
Q. What has surprised you the most in this whole process?
Jordy: I think, up to now, what has marked me the most is that it started as an idea among friends and became a collective. Imagine that, so it turned into a dream with many friendships, people I have close to me. It may not seem very important, but that's what has surprised me the most.
Q. What advice would you give to other activists who want to start like you?
Jordy:Connect with what you love the most because if you don't, you will never fully embrace it. So, first connect with something you truly love, something that aligns with your roots, and try to help. That's the purpose we have as human beings when we have a life. Having a soul, simply having a soul and life and being in this world means there's a divine purpose that we should try to connect with in order to elevate it, not just stay at the same level as what you expect. We all have a purpose for everything. What's yours?
Q. What change do you want to see in the world?
Through his work with Esmeraldas de la Selva, Jordy aims to showcase the talent of Colombian artists.
Jordy: I would ask for empathy because we don't need much more than that. But to reach that level of empathy, you have to educate yourself first.
“We all have a porpose for everything. What's yours?”
-Jordy Maiic
Jordy Maiic is someone who has found an accessible way to help Afro people looking to showcase their different brands to a wider audience. To learn more about his work, follow Jordy Maiic on his social media to stay informed about his upcoming projects.
