FUNKY BROWN CHICK is a creative social enterprise founded by Twanna A. Hines. We’re creating a better world by producing artistic projects and by partnering nonprofits, government agencies, small business owners, and artists. Our artistic and educational projects are fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)3 arts service organization.
Social impact entertainment = business + the arts for social change.
We win hearts and minds by working with all available screens, pages, and stages — from films and TV shows to Broadway theaters to Facebook and Google campaigns. A woman and minority-owned business located in the DC metro region, come visit us in the Silver Spring Central Business District, which overlaps with the Maryland Arts and Entertainment District.
If you’re into social justice, you’ll love our founder. Twanna A. Hines is an award-winning sexual health educator, healthy relationships advocate, and social entrepreneur. She has appeared on CNN, NPR, Sirius, CBC (Canadian National Radio), Paris Première (French Television) and in documentary films. See bio.
In our founder’s words
About the business
Since 2005, I’ve busted silos by working across public and private sectors — in the U.S. and abroad — from Newsweek to Planned Parenthood to the State Department to a Fortune 500 company. All the while, I’ve maintained a steady presence as a writer & artist. It’s been quite a ride, and I’ve learned A LOT along the way. So, in 2018, I brought everything under the same roof. I’ve rallied a team of sign language interpreters, web developers, designers, editors, and other badasses to help social justice causes achieve amazing outcomes. Partner with my firm, and let’s do epic sh*t together.
About sex education
Raised in rural Illinois, I was a recipient of abstinence-only programs. As a result, when I became sexually active in my twenties, I lacked the most basic understanding of human sexual anatomy and health. I strongly felt I needed to build a space where adults could discuss sex openly without fearing judgment. I started blogging anonymously using the name FUNKY BROWN CHICK. Soon, a publication that has since gone out of print, Nerve, asked me to pen a dating column. I was awestruck: People get paid to write?! (Remember: I’m from rural Illinois.) I accepted their offer. Follow the whole story.
Why the arts matter
If we can imagine a world with less injustice, we can build it. The arts and pop culture introduce us to new people, cultures, and ways of seeing the world. With Social Impact Entertainment (SIE), we use of arts to inspire social change.