Alumni
Alumni
Music, Teaching and Making Room with LBXX
For Gyasi Curry M.Ed ’22 also known as LBXX, community lies at the core of his artistry. Curry pursued a master’s degree at USF, driven by his passion for education and policy. Whether in a classroom or behind the turntables, Curry creates space to amplify voices for the underrepresented.
The Birth of LBXX & Makeroom
As the son of a reggae artist, Curry grew up with a deep connection to music but didn’t fully embrace it until a few years ago.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself leaving a relationship and needing an outlet for healing. He leaned into writing and music as a form of therapy and with this, LBXX was born.
The name “Lunchbox,” styled as LBXX, pays homage to his time at a Catholic school where he worked in many roles, even running the lunch program—a role he turned into a playful podcast, The Lunch Lady Mantra, where he shares weekly affirmations and stories of perseverance.
Community has been the consistent thread in Curry’s life, from hosting food drives at age 16 to working in nonprofits; it’s a commitment that he continues to prioritize.
His passion for community led Curry to co-found a Bay Area-based artist collective, Makeroom, which focuses on being an inclusive space for those who are underrepresented. Makeroom also plays its part in the community by organizing fundraisers and distributing food at cookouts. The collective is making room for connection, collaboration, and cultural celebration, particularly for Black and queer communities.
This collective isn’t just about making art; it’s about creating a platform where people feel seen and valued”
“Community is at the center of what we do, and if we don’t give back or create with community investment in mind, it feels like we’re just taking,”
Finding Purpose in Education
After his time abroad in Italy, a desire to teach and travel fueled Curry, leading him to apply for programs like AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. AmeriCorps opened the door to a life-changing year of service in Buffalo.
During his time at Americorps, Curry worked at a runaway youth shelter, where became a vital resource for the young queer Black kids he served. “My fire for nonprofit work really began there, I could help build a foundation for those who didn’t have one, and it reminded me of what it was like to be in their shoes, searching for guidance.” Curry said.
In 2018, AmeriCorp placed Curry in San Francisco, where he volunteered at a small Catholic school. Despite the challenges of balancing the cost of living, Curry found fulfillment in his work. “It wasn’t about the money. It was about showing up for my students and being part of a culture that valued love and learning,” he said.
While teaching, Curry pursued his master’s degree at USF in Organization and Leadership, pursuing his passion for K-12 education and policy.
Curry aims to inspire others to lead with intention and invest in their communities through projects like Makeroom.
Hopefully, one day, our work will become unnecessary, but until then, we’ll keep creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.”
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