Welcome to Invade My Space, where we get nice and cozy with some of our favorite Black creatives taking up space in their industry. From artists to designers, we’re getting comfortable in their space, asking about their creative process, how they formulate a safe space to work in and highlighting their distinctive visions.
Our first guest is Whitney House, also known as “Creative Whitney,” a designer, creator and shoe connoisseur. She’s always had an eye for design, and what better way to showcase that than a safe space for creatives?
“It is important for creatives to have a designated space that is authentically for themselves because, as creators, we often create out of our minds,” House told GU. “So having a clear and organized space can help you show up as a better version of yourself. It also helps with productivity and staying motivated.”
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Through her journey, she’s taken the time to reflect and receive her flowers for being her authentic self and staying true to her craft. By working with some of our favorites in the industry like Flo Milli, A$AP Ferg, Willow Smith and more, she sees what manifestation can do for you.
“I am proud to be a dark skin, curvy woman who [has] accomplished a lot thus far,” she said. “With all I’ve accomplished, I am forever grateful and will continue to work hard to succeed further in life.”
About Kenyatta: Clark Atlanta University and Medill School alumna Kenyatta Victoria is the Girls United writer covering everything from news, pop culture, lifestyle, and investigative stories. When she’s not reporting, she’s diving deep into her curated playlists or binging her favorite comfort shows.
Los Angeles Fires: Uncovering The Hidden Struggles Of Incarcerated Firefighter Heroes
Amidst the praise and recognition these first responders deserve, incarcerated firefighters shouldn't be overlooked.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 8: Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard amid a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Palisades Fire has grown to over 15,000 acres and 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while a second major fire continues to burn near Eaton Canyon in Altadena. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)
As the wildfires continues to rage across California, the heroic firefighters battling these blazes are once again putting their lives on the line to protect communities, wildlife, and homes. In Los Angeles, firefighters are working overnight and enduring long hours in extreme conditions to battle the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Sunset fires. However, amidst the well-deserved praise and recognition for first responders, the sacrifices, under-compensation, and systemic challenges faced by incarcerated firefighters often go unheard, despite their equally significant contributions.
From Tuesday Morning, Los Angeles has been struck with some of the most destructive fires in its history, forcing evacuations, destroying homes, and threatening it’s ecosystems. According to Cal Fire, California has experienced over 2.4 million acres burned as of the summer of 2024, making it one of the worst wildfire seasons to date.
As the fires intensify, the demand for firefighters—both professional and volunteer—has skyrocketed. Among these brave responders are incarcerated individuals working as firefighters in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
In California, incarcerated individuals make up a significant portion of the firefighting workforce. According to Forbes, more than 3,000 incarcerated men and women have been trained to fight fires across the state. While professional firefighters in California can earn anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 per year depending on experience and rank, incarcerated firefighters are compensated with only $1 to $2 a day for their labor. Even during major fire seasons like the present, where the demand for firefighting labor is at an all-time high, these men and women receive almost no financial benefit for the long hours and high risks involved. Despite the extremely low wages, these firefighters often risk their lives exposing themselves to extreme heat, smoke inhalation, and the potential for the fire to shift unpredictably, just as we’ve seen with the Palisades fire.
Additionally, many of these incarcerated firefighters have trained for years gaining valuable experience in emergency management, making them some of the most experienced and qualified firefighters on the front lines. However, once they are released, their ability to transition to full-time firefighting jobs can be limited, due to felony convictions and barriers to obtaining certification.
While policymakers continue to debate the wages and rights of incarcerated firefighters, there are steps you can take to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these heroes, both behind bars and on the front lines of the battle against wildfires. Donating to firefighter relief funds like the California Fire Foundation, which provides financial assistance to both professional and incarcerated firefighters, advocating for fair pay and recognition, supporting the The Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, or volunteering, all help to raise and spread awareness.
As the fires continue to ravage the state, it’s clear that the work of firefighters—particularly those incarcerated—cannot be overlooked. While their bravery in combating these blazes is undeniable, their treatment is another matter. There is an urgent need for greater recognition and fair compensation for incarcerated firefighters, as well as more comprehensive rehabilitation programs to ensure they have meaningful career opportunities after serving their sentences.
In the midst of one of the worst wildfire seasons in history, let’s make sure that those risking their lives for our safety are not forgotten—both in the flames and after the smoke clears.