I’ve been silently preparing for a creative and professional shift. Making moves, and reinventing myself without any announcement has always been my style. That’s definitely the only child syndrome. Currently, I’m in development as a spoken word artist, producing my debut project. I’ve always used my voice to speak up for others, to address issues I wanted solutions for. I’ve been doing this IRL and digitally. I’ve been on the internet since I was eleven. Suddenly social media isn’t enough for me. I’m ready for another tool. A new lane. A different medium.
For years I have supported others in their creative endeavors. Before I transitioned into philanthropy, I worked as costumer and executive assistant to stylists, photographers, directors, and entrepreneurs. While running my charity, I’ve supported other founders in developing their charities, and creators with impactful dreams. Connecting artists to professionals like managers, stylists, organizations, and agencies to help them reach new levels. To me, I’m just making simple connections and showing my love for their art, and how I want them to succeed in whatever their goals are.
Now that I’ve gathered so much experience in the non-profit sector and in the entertainment industry, I feel that I have fulfilled the mission at the intersection. After reflecting on how I’ve supported others, I felt it was time for me to redirect all of my energy to my inner child. Plus, being a caregiver really opened my eyes to getting back to doing things I enjoyed when I was a kid. I had always expressed myself creatively through music, theater, and poetry. I’ve always spoken up about things I don’t agree or things that I didn’t like when it came to social justice or any issues. For 11 years I’ve been speaking out about menstrual equity, reproductive justice, racism, supremacy, and so many other issues as an activist. I’ve been feeling pulled to return to the medium that I was introduced to as a child. Poetry. So this shift, this return to it, is right on time.
Music has been in my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a family of musicians, singers, and all around music lovers. Artists before my time were the blueprint, since I could only listen to whatever my parents were into. My Mama is strictly old-school, still vibing to Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Switch, or Earth Wind and Fire. My Daddy is the reason why I love Prince, Mahalia Jackson, George Clinton, and Rick James. Between my parents I found a natural draw towards artists like Nina Simone, Phyllis Hyman, Gil Scott Heron, Chaka Khan, Etta James, and Stevie Wonder. It was never a far-fetched idea for me to be involved with music or the entertainment industry. I’m not industry at all in my opinion, I think I’m too conscious, and too much of an activist for that. I have to keep it G, and have a balance.
These times that we’re in and my personal trials, have had me feeling this elevation for some time now. I have to do it. The time is now. It’s now my time to play, create, and speak up. It’s my time to use all of my gifts, and see what happens for me. So after years of supporting and advocating for other artists, I joined the recording academy for my professional contributions in music. I’ve been accepted into a musical arts program at CalArts. I plan on completing my project, while continuing my education. I’m still the executive director of my charity, still consulting other orgs and brands. The only change is my medium and tool of choice. I’ll be sharing my journey going through the process. Documenting, journaling, keeping a diary of my endeavors has always been important to me. It carries the excitement in my body and motivates me to keep going. I’m looking forward to every step.
What Tisha Campbell said, “It’s the journey!!!”