Growing up is not always the easiest journey. While it can be loads of fun figuring out who you are, it's essential to have a strong foundation and support system. For Journey Carter and Lucky Kyles, they have found this in each other. Now longtime best friends, the two share an excitement about going through life together while simultaneously figuring out their place in this big, beautiful world.
The duo took time to speak with EBONY about being young Black women in the Gen-Z era and creating safe spaces for others through their podcast, Get Into It.
EBONY: How did the story of your friendship begin?
Lucky Kyles: My beloved friend Journey and I met in the seventh grade. When she came to my school for the first time, I was really excited because there was another Black girl. At the same time, there was this unspoken pressure to be in competition with each other because we were both the only Black girls. But we ended up being really good friends. One day we didn't even know each other and then the next day, she was sleeping over at my house.
What are some of the best parts of this sisterhood that you both have built?
Journey Carter: What made our relationship different from a lot of the relationships I already had was the level of comfort I had around her. I didn't feel like I needed to change myself in any way. Everything was very natural. We flow very easy. We're always connected.
Kyles: I agree. I think when you're in a predominantly white space and you see another Black girl, there is an added level of safety. Journey makes me feel boundless in that sense. I was able to escape from all types of tokenism that people were putting on me being the only Black girl. Sisterhood is truly the right word. From the moment we met, I found refuge in her because she was Black and then through that, we could be completely ourselves with each other. We get it, we accept each other and love those parts of us.
What is something people get wrong about Gen Z?
Kyles: It sounds corny but I genuinely think that kids are the future. I think we're like a smart group of people and there's a lot of things that need to be reformed, and Gen Z is going to be the group to reform it. That's exciting. There's many in our generation who champion diversity and equity and are really willing to learn.
Carter: I do feel like we are a very creative generation. So when I think revolution, I think of this generation. We have changed society simply by our ability to look at certain things differently. We can be problematic at times, but we are that generation. However, I feel like every generation has their pitfalls and has their challenges. But you only notice them and reflect on its true impact when other generations come along.
You two started a podcast called Get Into It that tackles the highs and lows of growing up Gen-Z, having well-known parents, social justice issues and more. What sparked the beginning of this show?
Carter: Our FaceTime convos started our podcast. We definitely just wanted to have a place where we could share our personal conversations with other people. Also, we learn a lot from each othern and our conversations are very deep. We talk about anything and everything. With that, I feel like there is a benefit from hearing someone of your age talk about the things that you're probably not not comfortable talking about with some of your closest people. Beyond it being a podcast, Get Into It is a safe place for you to just come and listen. If we sound crazy or if we sound funny, you know it's a safe place.
Kyles: I would say that it's also very therapeutic for Journey and I. We'd like it to be for the listener as well. it's nice to know that people seem to really want to hear what we have to say. As much as we share so many similarities, we are also kind of opposite in the sense that we give different perspectives because we don't always think the same. That sparks more conversation and I think it's relatable. We're really young but for those younger than us, we want it to feel like hearing your big sister talk to her high school and college friends about their problems or like having lunch with your good girlfriends.
