Meet The Fellows
Quinay Gatling
Chesapeake, United States
Quinay Gatling is a passionate anti-gun advocate from Chesapeake, Virginia. Surrounded by a family deeply entrenched in music, Quinay cultivated a love for singing and music, which later became a lifeline amidst childhood trauma.
As a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse, coupled with mental health struggles, Quinay found solace in the music of artists who shared similar experiences. They began writing and recording music in their early teens, releasing their first song in 2019, which resonated deeply with audiences seeking solace.
Tragically, in March 2022, Quinay’s eldest sister, Sierra Jenkins, fell victim to senseless, gang-related violence. Channelling their grief and anger, Quinay poured their emotions into a song titled “Granby Street,” dedicated to Sierra’s memory and their shared commitment to community awareness.
Driven by Sierra’s legacy and a desire to combat gang violence, Quinay publicly released “Granby Street,” which struck a chord with audiences nationwide. Their impactful message earned them recognition at the 2022 National TSA Conference.
Acknowledging the power of their voice as a catalyst for change, Quinay is steadfast in their commitment to musical activism, embarking on a lifelong journey to enact positive change and promote social justice through their artistry.
Artists Name: KY?
Age: 18
Artist Influences: koffee, HER, J.Cole
Genre: hip-hop and R&B
Social Impact Project: Quinay created a social media account to educate the community on the devastating impacts of gun violence.
"The versions fellowship really helped me find my purpose and myself. Being in a group of people from different parts of the world with similar goals really inspired a part of me I didn’t even know existed."
