HIP Enterprise
Did You Know??? (May 2013): Kendrick Lamar Few artists can legitimately claim to have their finger on the pulse of a generation; in 2013, 25-year-old Compton emcee Kendrick Lamar is unquestionably one of those few.  Despite his short stature, Lamar has stood tall on a pedestal all his own for the past two years, looked up to as unique voice and talent by his peers, his critics (MTV named him 2013’s Hottest Emcee back in March), and his fans alike.  What separates Lamar from any of the plenty of talented, lyrically sharp artists making their name today? Vision. “I’m trying to keep it alive and not compromise the feeling we love. You’re trying to keep it deprived and only co-sign what radio does…and I’m looking right past you…” – Kendrick Lamar, “Don’t Kill My Vibe” Rather than use his considerable skill to glorify negativity in Hip Hop culture, Kendrick navigates a complex and decadent landscape with an observer’s eye, highlighting problematic thought processes and behavior in a way that doesn’t come off as preachy or holier-than-thou.  As a result, Lamar has largely avoided being typecast as a conscious rapper; his pithy brand of introspection and deadly technical proficiency on his debut mixtape – Section.80 – earned him props and placements artists as diverse as 50 Cent and Lady Gaga.    Despite increasing co-signs, guest appearances and album/ticket sales - a trend that’s only continued throughout 2012-2013, following the release of his first album good kid, m.a.a.d. city – Lamar has not lost track of his priorities or his humility.  In a recent interview with Erykah Badu, Kendrick describes his motivations thusly:   “[A]s a kid I was always fascinated knowing that I could be the best at something—like Jay-Z or Nas or B.I.G. But putting a positive light on where I come from is also important to me. When you think of Compton, it’s numb with negativity, even to this day. So the whole purpose of this first album was really to spark the idea of doing something different rather than doing a record that’s just about gang culture. That’s the ultimate thing I want to do in making music—to be able to inspire somebody else.  Tellingly, Kendrick doesn’t just pay lip-service to positivity. As he expresses his lack of concern about album sales in verses, Lamar acts in ways to inspire people in his community and beyond.  Recently, he made headlines for his partnership with GetSchooled,described as “a nonprofit that aims to improve high school graduation rates and help students succeed in college.” Through GetSchooled, Lamar was able to host a motivational Skype conversation with 500 7th-12th graders at Alaska’s Bethel Regional High School, spitting rhymes, answering questions, and uplifting the student body.  In a speech to the students, he said: “Without education you don’t have anything. My teachers were great positive influences in my life. My middle school English teacher was probably the reason I became a rapper. He used to encourage me to write poetry and challenge me, which helped me improve my vocabulary and made me enjoy writing.”  Days later, Kendrick took some time out from touring to serve as Celebrity Principal at Providence, Rhode Island’s Mount Pleasant High School, where he encouraged close to 1000 more students through his partnership with GetSchooled. Lamar summed up his experience thusly: “Any time I can make a difference in the lives of students, it matters to me. Knowing that these students earned this event because they took the time to come to school daily and work hard on a daily basis for the attendance challenge is impressive. For me, education is the key to success. Without some form of education, you don’t have anything.  Education was always important to me, as my mom made sure that I was always in school.” Kendrick’s commitment to integrity in his life and in his art serves as an example of youth empowerment in the face of cultural and societal challenges.  By choosing to use his talents to inspire young people, Lamar positively achieves his vision. HIP Enterprise salutes Kendrick Lamar for his maturity and efforts to motivate his community. This has been Jerome J. filling you in with what’s really going on in the world of entertainment when the cameras are off and the studios are closed.  

Did You Know??? (May 2013): Kendrick Lamar

Few artists can legitimately claim to have their finger on the pulse of a generation; in 2013, 25-year-old Compton emcee Kendrick Lamar is unquestionably one of those few.  Despite his short stature, Lamar has stood tall on a pedestal all his own for the past two years, looked up to as unique voice and talent by his peers, his critics (MTV named him 2013’s Hottest Emcee back in March), and his fans alike.  What separates Lamar from any of the plenty of talented, lyrically sharp artists making their name today?

Vision.

“I’m trying to keep it alive and not compromise the feeling we love. You’re trying to keep it deprived and only co-sign what radio does…and I’m looking right past you…” – Kendrick Lamar, “Don’t Kill My Vibe”

Rather than use his considerable skill to glorify negativity in Hip Hop culture, Kendrick navigates a complex and decadent landscape with an observer’s eye, highlighting problematic thought processes and behavior in a way that doesn’t come off as preachy or holier-than-thou.  As a result, Lamar has largely avoided being typecast as a conscious rapper; his pithy brand of introspection and deadly technical proficiency on his debut mixtape – Section.80 – earned him props and placements artists as diverse as 50 Cent and Lady Gaga.   

Despite increasing co-signs, guest appearances and album/ticket sales - a trend that’s only continued throughout 2012-2013, following the release of his first album good kid, m.a.a.d. city – Lamar has not lost track of his priorities or his humility.  In a recent interview with Erykah Badu, Kendrick describes his motivations thusly:

 

“[A]s a kid I was always fascinated knowing that I could be the best at something—like Jay-Z or Nas or B.I.G. But putting a positive light on where I come from is also important to me. When you think of Compton, it’s numb with negativity, even to this day. So the whole purpose of this first album was really to spark the idea of doing something different rather than doing a record that’s just about gang culture. That’s the ultimate thing I want to do in making music—to be able to inspire somebody else. 

Tellingly, Kendrick doesn’t just pay lip-service to positivity. As he expresses his lack of concern about album sales in verses, Lamar acts in ways to inspire people in his community and beyond.  Recently, he made headlines for his partnership with GetSchooled,described as “a nonprofit that aims to improve high school graduation rates and help students succeed in college.” Through GetSchooled, Lamar was able to host a motivational Skype conversation with 500 7th-12th graders at Alaska’s Bethel Regional High School, spitting rhymes, answering questions, and uplifting the student body.  In a speech to the students, he said:

“Without education you don’t have anything. My teachers were great positive influences in my life. My middle school English teacher was probably the reason I became a rapper. He used to encourage me to write poetry and challenge me, which helped me improve my vocabulary and made me enjoy writing.” 

Days later, Kendrick took some time out from touring to serve as Celebrity Principal at Providence, Rhode Island’s Mount Pleasant High School, where he encouraged close to 1000 more students through his partnership with GetSchooled. Lamar summed up his experience thusly:

“Any time I can make a difference in the lives of students, it matters to me. Knowing that these students earned this event because they took the time to come to school daily and work hard on a daily basis for the attendance challenge is impressive. For me, education is the key to success. Without some form of education, you don’t have anything.  Education was always important to me, as my mom made sure that I was always in school.”

Kendrick’s commitment to integrity in his life and in his art serves as an example of youth empowerment in the face of cultural and societal challenges.  By choosing to use his talents to inspire young people, Lamar positively achieves his vision.

HIP Enterprise salutes Kendrick Lamar for his maturity and efforts to motivate his community.


This has been Jerome J. filling you in with what’s really going on in the world of entertainment when the cameras are off and the studios are closed.

 

Posted 1 month ago
thinkin’ of a master plan…

thinkin’ of a master plan…

Posted 1 month ago
Black Bond. #cooloil #Caliswish

Black Bond. #cooloil #Caliswish

Posted 1 month ago
Tagged: caliswish, cooloil, .
Did You Know??? (April 2013): Snoop Lion Maturity. It’s a loaded word, for sure, with seemingly as many incarnations as there are people walking the planet. Because of how relatively subjective maturity can be, at times it can be difficult to properly identify.  What may look like a responsible, informed decision from one perspective might appear short-sighted or foolish from another vantage point, removed in time and space.  For instance, in 1993, a 22-year old rapper became a breakout star when he released his debut album, Doggystyle, a work chock with sex, violence, drug use and funk, provoking controversy and major sales exemplary of the public’s insatiable appetite for entertaining tales of street life.  Parental advisory was enthusiastically encouraged for underage listeners of Snoop Doggy Dogg’s first album, as its themes were unapologetically explicit.  Indeed, the young Snoop proved a lightning rod for criticism - along with the rest of the so called Gangsta rappers of the period - for his illicit tales of gangster activity.  Even in 1993, Snoop pushed back against the critical perception of his work; from an interview with Toure: “For little kids growing up in the ghettos, it’s easy to get into the wrong types of things, especially gangbanging and selling drugs. I’ve seen what that was like, and I don’t glorify it, but I don’t preach. I bring it to them rather than have them go find out about it for themselves. I’m going to try to eliminate the gang violence. I’ll be on a mission for peace. I know I have a lot of power. I know if I say, ‘Don’t kill,’ niggas won’t kill”. Despite his stated intentions at the time of his debut, you’d be hard-pressed to find even an implicit anti-violence theme in most of Snoop’s art, then or since. It’s hard not to glorify gun violence and gang-banging when it’s part of your primary subject matter, and for Snoop, detailing the gangster way of life brought him millions of dollars and lucrative opportunities.  What would have happened if the 22-year old Snoop had immediately followed through on promise to try and eliminate gang violence with his platform and his art all those years ago?  While we’ll never know the answer to that question, in the 20 years since the release of Doggystyle, Snoop has grown into both an industry unto himself and a mentor to various youths and artists.  The “power” that he recognized as a self-aware 22-year old breakout star manifested itself in ventures like the Snoop Youth Football League – wherein he is a coach full time – and numerous charitable works.  Few hip hop artists have the kind of cross-over appeal and machine that Snoop possesses, and despite the contradictions between his stated aims and his art, the rapper has influenced many in a positive way.  Still, his past and the content of his catalog of music cannot be overlooked.  Nor should it be, according to Snoop, who has recently taken steps to become a more positive role model and person in the public eye.  In an effort to spur this transformation, Snoop visited Jamaica and studied Rastafarian philosophy, determined to achieve a more peaceful persona.  “I want to bury Snoop Dogg and become Snoop Lion”, he said after his trip, which he documented for his upcoming film/album Reincarnated.  The theme of reincarnation is one the newly christened Snoop Lion takes very seriously, although he seems to be aware that not everyone views his transformation as legitimate.  Taking the skepticism in stride, Snoop doesn’t forget his gangster past.  Rather, today he’s doing the work he talked about doing back in 1993, using his position as an experienced OG to connect with at-risk youth in a more positive way.  Inspired by the tragic stories of gun violence that have captured the attention of the nation, Snoop teamed up with Drake and his daughter Cori B. to create “No Guns Allowed”, an anti-violence protest single that stands in stark contrast to his earlier work.  Says Snoop to Access Hollywood: “I come from that, where I used to feel it was better to be caught with than without [a gun]. As I’ve become an older person in the world I realize guns are very terrible. It’s good to protect yourself and to have in those situations, but I’m talking about those who don’t know how to handle them. People who have them and don’t know why they have them, just use them for unnecessary reasons - I’m talking to those people. What’s important to me is that I speak to the people. I always make party records and I don’t want a party record, I want to speak to what’s going on in the world and that’s a lot of violence with guns.” The maturity in Snoop’s new perspective can potentially serve as a positive influence on at-risk youth, as his own life testifies to what one can accomplished when removed from the violence of the streets. By publicly voicing his opinion about guns and violence as a veteran in hip hop, Snoop has engaged his large fan base in an important conversation about our society.  But his effort isn’t limited to a song.  Snoop recently partnered with MTV and Jewelry for a Cause for a new initiative that will help take weapons off the streets, donating proceeds from bracelet sales at caliber.MTV.com to help fund future gun buyback amnesty programs in Newark, New Jersey.  Says Snoop of the initiative: “This is such an important message we’re sharing. It’s a movement we want generations to recognize, embrace, and get behind. We’ve seen a lot of senseless acts of violence involving guns recently — too many have lost their lives, too many families have been destroyed. Like my friends at MTV, I want to be a part of the change that will help bring peace.” From our vantage point, it appears as though Snoop Lion has grown into a mature man in a position to affect positive change.  While he should certainly be held accountable for any negativity he’s put into the world, we applaud Snoop for taking a stand and working to contribute to the effort against gun violence.  HIP Enterprise salutes Snoop Lion his maturity and efforts to curb gun violence, and for encouraging others to do the same.  This has been Jerome J. filling you in with what’s really going on in the world of entertainment when the cameras are off and the studios are closed.

Did You Know??? (April 2013): Snoop Lion

Maturity.

It’s a loaded word, for sure, with seemingly as many incarnations as there are people walking the planet. Because of how relatively subjective maturity can be, at times it can be difficult to properly identify.  What may look like a responsible, informed decision from one perspective might appear short-sighted or foolish from another vantage point, removed in time and space.  For instance, in 1993, a 22-year old rapper became a breakout star when he released his debut album, Doggystyle, a work chock with sex, violence, drug use and funk, provoking controversy and major sales exemplary of the public’s insatiable appetite for entertaining tales of street life.  Parental advisory was enthusiastically encouraged for underage listeners of Snoop Doggy Dogg’s first album, as its themes were unapologetically explicit.  Indeed, the young Snoop proved a lightning rod for criticism - along with the rest of the so called Gangsta rappers of the period - for his illicit tales of gangster activity.  Even in 1993, Snoop pushed back against the critical perception of his work; from an interview with Toure:

“For little kids growing up in the ghettos, it’s easy to get into the wrong types of things, especially gangbanging and selling drugs. I’ve seen what that was like, and I don’t glorify it, but I don’t preach. I bring it to them rather than have them go find out about it for themselves. I’m going to try to eliminate the gang violence. I’ll be on a mission for peace. I know I have a lot of power. I know if I say, ‘Don’t kill,’ niggas won’t kill”.

Despite his stated intentions at the time of his debut, you’d be hard-pressed to find even an implicit anti-violence theme in most of Snoop’s art, then or since. It’s hard not to glorify gun violence and gang-banging when it’s part of your primary subject matter, and for Snoop, detailing the gangster way of life brought him millions of dollars and lucrative opportunities.  What would have happened if the 22-year old Snoop had immediately followed through on promise to try and eliminate gang violence with his platform and his art all those years ago? 

While we’ll never know the answer to that question, in the 20 years since the release of Doggystyle, Snoop has grown into both an industry unto himself and a mentor to various youths and artists.  The “power” that he recognized as a self-aware 22-year old breakout star manifested itself in ventures like the Snoop Youth Football League – wherein he is a coach full time – and numerous charitable works.  Few hip hop artists have the kind of cross-over appeal and machine that Snoop possesses, and despite the contradictions between his stated aims and his art, the rapper has influenced many in a positive way.  Still, his past and the content of his catalog of music cannot be overlooked. 

Nor should it be, according to Snoop, who has recently taken steps to become a more positive role model and person in the public eye.  In an effort to spur this transformation, Snoop visited Jamaica and studied Rastafarian philosophy, determined to achieve a more peaceful persona.  “I want to bury Snoop Dogg and become Snoop Lion”, he said after his trip, which he documented for his upcoming film/album Reincarnated.  The theme of reincarnation is one the newly christened Snoop Lion takes very seriously, although he seems to be aware that not everyone views his transformation as legitimate.  Taking the skepticism in stride, Snoop doesn’t forget his gangster past.  Rather, today he’s doing the work he talked about doing back in 1993, using his position as an experienced OG to connect with at-risk youth in a more positive way.  Inspired by the tragic stories of gun violence that have captured the attention of the nation, Snoop teamed up with Drake and his daughter Cori B. to create “No Guns Allowed”, an anti-violence protest single that stands in stark contrast to his earlier work.  Says Snoop to Access Hollywood:

“I come from that, where I used to feel it was better to be caught with than without [a gun]. As I’ve become an older person in the world I realize guns are very terrible. It’s good to protect yourself and to have in those situations, but I’m talking about those who don’t know how to handle them. People who have them and don’t know why they have them, just use them for unnecessary reasons - I’m talking to those people. What’s important to me is that I speak to the people. I always make party records and I don’t want a party record, I want to speak to what’s going on in the world and that’s a lot of violence with guns.”

The maturity in Snoop’s new perspective can potentially serve as a positive influence on at-risk youth, as his own life testifies to what one can accomplished when removed from the violence of the streets. By publicly voicing his opinion about guns and violence as a veteran in hip hop, Snoop has engaged his large fan base in an important conversation about our society.  But his effort isn’t limited to a song.  Snoop recently partnered with MTV and Jewelry for a Cause for a new initiative that will help take weapons off the streets, donating proceeds from bracelet sales at caliber.MTV.com to help fund future gun buyback amnesty programs in Newark, New Jersey.  Says Snoop of the initiative:

“This is such an important message we’re sharing. It’s a movement we want generations to recognize, embrace, and get behind. We’ve seen a lot of senseless acts of violence involving guns recently — too many have lost their lives, too many families have been destroyed. Like my friends at MTV, I want to be a part of the change that will help bring peace.”

From our vantage point, it appears as though Snoop Lion has grown into a mature man in a position to affect positive change.  While he should certainly be held accountable for any negativity he’s put into the world, we applaud Snoop for taking a stand and working to contribute to the effort against gun violence. 

HIP Enterprise salutes Snoop Lion his maturity and efforts to curb gun violence, and for encouraging others to do the same. 


This has been Jerome J. filling you in with what’s really going on in the world of entertainment when the cameras are off and the studios are closed.

Posted 2 months ago
OUR TRUTH… AUTHENTIC OR A RESULT OF LIFE?

image

HIP Wants to Know… What’s Your Thought Regarding Truth???

Greetings HIPpies!

A friend of mine forwarded me a YouTube video of Oprah Winfrey profoundly discussing the concept of Truth. Upon concluding the video I shared a response of my personal thoughts and insight as a reaction to her video that can be viewed here… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmmIrB9Rebc. I recommend viewing the video prior to viewing my response or responding with your own. Looking forward to hearing from my thought provoking intellects out there. Share the wealth…

 

Here’s what I responded regarding my personal reflection of our individual truth(s):

My reaction to Oprah’s reflection of truth is twofold on positive notes. I respect what she mentioned regarding never being able to live up to the potential of the natural truth in you by living what you’re not, who you’re not, or what you weren’t meant to be. Additionally, I understand whole heartedly even as she’s mentioned, that the authentic truth of self, whoever that may be for us individually must find us and meet us where we are in that moment when a platform of truth allows us an opportunity to stand on it.

The holistic operational truth she references is a priceless gem that for some of us is simply ‘purposely’ unattainable for several reasons. Some people have denied the truth for so long that it is no longer their truth and becomes psychologically unattainable. Others have pronounced their truths only to be met with uncertainty about tomorrow because their transitions were premature. Personally, I feel that when there are struggles presented by life that hinders one from confidently owning their truth, the struggle is purposeful. God ultimately designed the struggle of the journey so that we can serve in sharing our truth to help someone else decipher and arrive much sooner than even we may have been able to in our own lives in order for others to truly begin to live and operate in their purposes authentically.

Then there are individuals who in their minds have several truth(s) (I think I fall in this category) where at different stages in their lives, their truth(s) are revealed and exposed to them and they make a conscious, confident decision to function in a specific truth because it’s what their heart desires even if skeletons linger in the closet… not for the purposes of one day being exposed, but for the purpose of serving as a progressive reminder to the evolved journeyman/woman that their ability to connect with that specific desired truth over time has been experienced, warranted, and anticipated through living life and through embracing life’s designations in our lives. The truth now has an opportunity to premier and has matured for the moment of full ownership and operation.  

Not saying that my reflection of truth is the all-being truth for all, but it’s based on my experiences and others’ experiences that I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with and have summated their perspectives briefly for you today during my reaction to the video clip. Although I feel that truth is diverse for us all mentally and spiritually, I don’t think it’s something that is proclaimed ill-matured without understanding why it is important for one to inherit and ultimately operate in the truth(s) designated for their lives from birth. I agree with Oprah however. We won’t ever reach our ordained birthrights without discovering and owning our truth(s) (true self, true desires, true beings, and true ability to live with purpose naturally and authentically).

What are your thoughts?

Live Evidently,

-HIP

Posted 2 months ago

 

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS (LCS)

APRIL 2013:

                                                    LaTOYA GRANT

LaToya Grant is a Regulatory Analyst with a securities regulation firm in the Washington, DC area.  Hailing from Greenville, SC, LaToya earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Florida A&M University.  LaToya worked at one of the largest investment banking firms in the country for five years while living in Jacksonville, FL.  LaToya always wanted to live in Washington, DC and stepped out on faith to move hundreds of miles away from family to truly live independently.  With an immense love and passion for community service, LaToya immediately got involved into volunteering upon her move to Washington, DC.  She first served as the Director of Communications for Benevole, currently serves as the Outreach Co-Chair for First Book-DC, Public Relations and Marketing Chair for Michelle in Training, and House Manager for the DC Black Theatre Festival.  LaToya was recently selected as Ms. DC Exquisite 2013 and will represent the nation’s capital at the Exquisite International Pageant later this summer in August13.  LaToya is also a member of the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Ultimately, she plans to obtain a MBA and a Master of Arts in Communication.  LaToya hopes to one day own a public relations firm.   

 

***snapshot interview***

HIP: What has been your motivation behind helping others and how do you implement and promote your strategy in doing so through your current works and affiliations?

LaToya: I was raised in a household where I was always involved in extracurricular activities.  I’ve always loved working with children and anything involving education; these two are why I especially love Michelle in Training.  I wouldn’t say I have a strategy, per se, but if I see a cause that I’m very passionate about and I’m presented with an opportunity to work in that field, I jump at the chance.  With everything that I do, I ensure that it involves the betterment of our youth or has to do with learning. 

 

HIP: How have you allowed your personal goals and aspirations serve as an example of how one accomplishes and sustains true success in life? 

LaToya: I never stop, even though I have been presented with numerous reasons why I should.  I have had goals ranging from wanting to be an attorney to being an author to becoming a business owner.   While our dreams, goals, and aspirations may change, the most important thing is that we don’t stop dreaming and being and doing.  When we become stalemate and stoic-that’s when success eludes us.  No matter what obstacles we come across-because they will come-we can’t stop reaching for our goals.  Once one goal is reached, set another.  Never be satisfied with the status quo; continue reaching for something greater. 

 

HIP: What challenges can you share with others that you may have experienced while getting to where you currently are professionally? 

LaToya: Just as some say you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince, I think the same can be said for me professionally.   After being a contractor for almost two years with the military, when my contract was up, I found myself unemployed and without health insurance. Although I had a part-time job, it wasn’t easy maintaining my independence.  I hustled every day job hunting and going on interviews, even for jobs that I had no real interest in.  I almost accepted an intern position in a new career field in an effort to get my foot in the door and start over.  The main thing that I have found invaluable is networking.  I can honestly say it’s because of networking that I have my current position, which is with a company I love and where I can see myself growing professionally. 

 

HIP: How have those challenges benefited your strides towards success and commitment to community?

LaToya: I honestly believe that I am a walking testimony as to what can happen when you never give up.  I am so much more appreciative of what God has blessed me with.  I feel that it would be robbery if I did not give back to my community.  I wholeheartedly believe in pulling up those around me, just as numerous people have pulled me up.  I think it’s so important in the African-American community, especially with young women, to not only see successful adults, but to have mentors and examples that our youth can follow.   They can know that no matter where one starts in life, that doesn’t have to be the end of your story.  I was blessed to have both of my parents in my life, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends involved in my upbringing.  I am still surrounded by my village, and I feel it’s only right that I become a part of the village for those around me. 

 

HIP: What encouragement can you offer to our readers who may be aspiring marketing professionals, community advocators, or educators regarding the empowerment of success, endurance and the power of leadership?

LaToya: Don’t set out to become rich.  Money can come and go.  Let your number one goal be happiness.  Find what you’re passionate about, work in that field, and everything else will fall into place.  Never become cocky, always strive to do your best, and work on building meaningful relationships.  Do not focus on what somebody can do for you; focus on what you can do for someone else.  

 

HIP: LaToya, HIP Enterprise would like to thank you for your time and for contributing your insight, experiences, and wisdom to our readers. We’ve enjoyed getting to know more about you, your challenges and inspiration on your road to acquiring your personal center in life. Your ability to consider others is noteworthy and know that we appreciate your efforts of today and a time to come! Know that if you’re ever in need of our assistance as you continue to fight the good fight, don’t hesitate to call on us. It’s been an auspicious pleasure to have this time with you and we sincerely hope that you continue to inspire in order to be inspired in all that you do and continue to accomplish. Special thanks to our readers for your continued support and for visiting each month. We hope we’re doing all that we can to keep you HIP, elated, and motivated!!!! Please know that you’re your comments and feedbacks are always welcomed. HIPpies, let’s congratulate once again our LCS of April 2013Ms. LaToya Grant! #getHIP #stayHIP

**For more information or to connect with LaToya Grant, do so by emailing her at latoya.g.grant@gmail..com or connect with her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EvolvingElle.**  

Posted 2 months ago
HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS MARCH 2013:    HONSON LUMA, MPA    Honson Luma is a Family Investment Specialist II who is originally from Miami, Florida. Honson received a B.A. in Political Science/Public Administration from Florida Memorial University, a Masters in Public Administration from Sojourner-Douglass College, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership at Morgan State University. Growing up, although Honson traveled a familiar path commonly frequented by minority males in urban communities, he began to choose a more positive route in life as he began to reach manhood. He personally decided to stop complaining about the major problems in the urban community and embarked on a newfound journey to begin the mission of providing aid in resolving those very problems within inter-city communities. He began working for an organization known as Working America which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. While employed with the organization, he worked directly with the community and helped to inform people about local issues that plagued intercity communities. He also worked for the Association for the Community of Reform Now (Acorn) where he worked closely with citizens to educate them about political issues and the importance of voting.  Additionally he served as an agent of change while working for Little Haiti Housing Association Inc. where he helped people in low income areas purchase affordable housing. His assistance and guidance providing residents the comfort they needed throughout this process and he provided citizens with foundational knowledge regarding handling day to day challenging situations. That particular opportunity propelled him toward an employment opportunity with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City. While there he helped place families and the homeless in adequate and affordable housing. Relocating to Baltimore, Maryland afforded Honson many opportunities in the educational arena as well. Honson later accepted a position with the Baltimore City Public Schools System as a Para Educator. It was in a particular inner city middle school in Baltimore City that he revived and spearheaded a program called Best Man that focused on connecting and reengaging minority males to education. Honson is currently employed for the State of Maryland as an Income Maintenance Specialist II, where he directly assists individuals within communities obtain social services and various government assistances such as childcare vouchers, medical assistance for the elderly, and other general welfare needs such as food stamps, etc. Over the course of his budding career, Honson has proven time and time again that our world matters, our community matters, and that we all in some way or another can actively strive to be agents of change for the betterment of mankind. Mr. Luma currently resides in Baltimore City, Maryland. Professional Affiliations Space Age Investment Group (SAIG); Baltimore City Young Democrats; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.   ***snapshot interview*** HIP: What has been your motivation behind helping others and how do you implement and promote your strategy in doing so through your current works and affiliations? HONSON: I always keep in mind that we all are humans. I respect others so I can get the same respect in return. I believe that we all reap what we sow. Therefore, I help others that are in need and give courage to the weak. So when I’m in need and seek for strength, it can be granted. Very critical.   HIP: How have you allowed your personal goals and aspirations serve as an example of how one accomplishes and sustains true success in life? HONSON:I think we all hold a special key to our destiny. It’s just the matter of locating the key and combination of what you call success. Your purpose driven life. What is your purpose in life is what I ask myself and continue to be driven by that thought every day. I know once one locates this rare find then truly one will cease to worry about what will come or what will be, but live peacefully. Success is not about being rich and having an abundance of material possessions. However, it is an active service to one another that brings true delight to oneself.      HIP: What challenges can you share with others that you may have experienced while getting to where you currently are professionally?   HONSON:When I was growing up there were not as many resources that were available to encourage success as there may have been in a middle or upper class community. With so many negative factors against me I became the statistic that I read about in school. I grew up in Miami, Florida, which at that time was considered the poorest city in the United States because of lack of affordable housing and neighborhoods infested with drugs.  I grew up in Little Haiti but many cities had the same problems such as, Liberty City, and Over Town. Presently, these cities are suffering from gentrification. Ever since I was a young boy, I was told and taught that I would be a failure in life.  Books that I read in school informed me that black men who grow up in urban areas would end up with a criminal record or dead by the age of twenty-five.  Furthermore, the literature also informed me that young males between the ages of twelve and twenty-one who live in urban areas are most likely to become arrested at least one time for a violent crime or for a drug related activity.  Even though there are many negative factors that play a role in a young male’s life who lives in an urban area, those factors were never discussed in school. There was a time when I admired people in my neighborhood for having nice cars and nice clothes because many expensive material possessions were not frequently seen in my community.  I had to reflect on why and how they obtained these material possessions.  Many of the people that acquired expensive possessions obtained those items with illegal activity.  I came to a point in my life where I had to make a decision.  I wanted to acquire wealth, power, and respect.  I had to decide if I wanted to acquire these things the positive way or the negative way.   HIP: How have those challenges benefited your strides towards success and commitment to community? HONSON:When I think about great men like Martin Luther King Jr., I am inspired to hold on to my dreams and make my dreams come true.  I have a dream of becoming a great leader through impacting the community in a positive way.  I would also like to become a leader who seeks justice for his people who are disenfranchised and misinformed.  In the past there were times when I did not have the confidence I have today, but there were positive people in my community, such as teachers and community leaders, who helped to improve my self confidence. In return, I was able to dream again and have some of my dreams come true. Therefore, I would like to give the community the same hope that was given to me.   HIP: What encouragement can you offer to our readers who regarding the empowerment of success, endurance and the power of leadership? HONSON:Well, I would like to close out with this quote by  Orson F. Whitney, “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.”  And my friend, this sums up my whole point, life is not a straight path there’s curves, bumps, forks, and circles. No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That’s the only way to keep the roads clear. HIP: JUST POWERFUL!!! We truly hope that this interview has not only blessed someone who is in search of knowledge and inspiring motivation, but also someone who can relate to its message of endurance and forward motion with the end of the journey in mind. Mr. Honson Luma, HIP Enterprise appreciates your generosity of time, but more so, we thank you for your wisdom you’ve provided during this snapshot interview on today. We have no doubt that your efforts will go unnoticed and it is our hope that your stride encourages another who may be at the breakout or breakthrough of self-discovery or self-reflection to own their own destiny and decide the course. Know that you are an example and we appreciate your contributions of yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever. We sincerely hope that our readers additionally appreciate both your vulnerability and authenticity during this interview and special thanks to our readers for visiting once again. You are our reason for persisting and we hope that we’re doing all we can to keep you HIP, elated, and motivated!!!! Please know that you’re your comments and feedbacks are always welcomed. HIPpies, let’s hear it once again for HIP’s Local Celebrity Success for March 2013… Mr. Honson Luma! As always…. #getHIP #stayHIP **For more information or to connect with Mr. Luma, do so by visiting his website at http://www.spaceageuniversity.com or http://www. honsonluma.wordpress.com.  Honson is also available on Twitter at @hluma1980 

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS

MARCH 2013:

 

 HONSON LUMA, MPA 

 

Honson Luma is a Family Investment Specialist II who is originally from Miami, Florida. Honson received a B.A. in Political Science/Public Administration from Florida Memorial University, a Masters in Public Administration from Sojourner-Douglass College, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership at Morgan State University.

Growing up, although Honson traveled a familiar path commonly frequented by minority males in urban communities, he began to choose a more positive route in life as he began to reach manhood. He personally decided to stop complaining about the major problems in the urban community and embarked on a newfound journey to begin the mission of providing aid in resolving those very problems within inter-city communities. He began working for an organization known as Working America which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. While employed with the organization, he worked directly with the community and helped to inform people about local issues that plagued intercity communities. He also worked for the Association for the Community of Reform Now (Acorn) where he worked closely with citizens to educate them about political issues and the importance of voting.  Additionally he served as an agent of change while working for Little Haiti Housing Association Inc. where he helped people in low income areas purchase affordable housing. His assistance and guidance providing residents the comfort they needed throughout this process and he provided citizens with foundational knowledge regarding handling day to day challenging situations. That particular opportunity propelled him toward an employment opportunity with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City. While there he helped place families and the homeless in adequate and affordable housing.

Relocating to Baltimore, Maryland afforded Honson many opportunities in the educational arena as well. Honson later accepted a position with the Baltimore City Public Schools System as a Para Educator. It was in a particular inner city middle school in Baltimore City that he revived and spearheaded a program called Best Man that focused on connecting and reengaging minority males to education. Honson is currently employed for the State of Maryland as an Income Maintenance Specialist II, where he directly assists individuals within communities obtain social services and various government assistances such as childcare vouchers, medical assistance for the elderly, and other general welfare needs such as food stamps, etc. Over the course of his budding career, Honson has proven time and time again that our world matters, our community matters, and that we all in some way or another can actively strive to be agents of change for the betterment of mankind. Mr. Luma currently resides in Baltimore City, Maryland.

Professional Affiliations

Space Age Investment Group (SAIG);

Baltimore City Young Democrats;

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

 

***snapshot interview***

HIP: What has been your motivation behind helping others and how do you implement and promote your strategy in doing so through your current works and affiliations?

HONSON: I always keep in mind that we all are humans. I respect others so I can get the same respect in return. I believe that we all reap what we sow. Therefore, I help others that are in need and give courage to the weak. So when I’m in need and seek for strength, it can be granted. Very critical.

 

HIP: How have you allowed your personal goals and aspirations serve as an example of how one accomplishes and sustains true success in life?

HONSON:I think we all hold a special key to our destiny. It’s just the matter of locating the key and combination of what you call success. Your purpose driven life. What is your purpose in life is what I ask myself and continue to be driven by that thought every day. I know once one locates this rare find then truly one will cease to worry about what will come or what will be, but live peacefully. Success is not about being rich and having an abundance of material possessions. However, it is an active service to one another that brings true delight to oneself.   

 

HIP: What challenges can you share with others that you may have experienced while getting to where you currently are professionally?  

HONSON:When I was growing up there were not as many resources that were available to encourage success as there may have been in a middle or upper class community. With so many negative factors against me I became the statistic that I read about in school.

I grew up in Miami, Florida, which at that time was considered the poorest city in the United States because of lack of affordable housing and neighborhoods infested with drugs.  I grew up in Little Haiti but many cities had the same problems such as, Liberty City, and Over Town. Presently, these cities are suffering from gentrification. Ever since I was a young boy, I was told and taught that I would be a failure in life.  Books that I read in school informed me that black men who grow up in urban areas would end up with a criminal record or dead by the age of twenty-five.  Furthermore, the literature also informed me that young males between the ages of twelve and twenty-one who live in urban areas are most likely to become arrested at least one time for a violent crime or for a drug related activity.  Even though there are many negative factors that play a role in a young male’s life who lives in an urban area, those factors were never discussed in school.

There was a time when I admired people in my neighborhood for having nice cars and nice clothes because many expensive material possessions were not frequently seen in my community.  I had to reflect on why and how they obtained these material possessions.  Many of the people that acquired expensive possessions obtained those items with illegal activity.  I came to a point in my life where I had to make a decision.  I wanted to acquire wealth, power, and respect.  I had to decide if I wanted to acquire these things the positive way or the negative way.

 

HIP: How have those challenges benefited your strides towards success and commitment to community?

HONSON:When I think about great men like Martin Luther King Jr., I am inspired to hold on to my dreams and make my dreams come true.  I have a dream of becoming a great leader through impacting the community in a positive way.  I would also like to become a leader who seeks justice for his people who are disenfranchised and misinformed.  In the past there were times when I did not have the confidence I have today, but there were positive people in my community, such as teachers and community leaders, who helped to improve my self confidence. In return, I was able to dream again and have some of my dreams come true. Therefore, I would like to give the community the same hope that was given to me.

 

HIP: What encouragement can you offer to our readers who regarding the empowerment of success, endurance and the power of leadership?

HONSON:Well, I would like to close out with this quote by  Orson F. Whitney, “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God … and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven.”  And my friend, this sums up my whole point, life is not a straight path there’s curves, bumps, forks, and circles. No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That’s the only way to keep the roads clear.

HIP: JUST POWERFUL!!! We truly hope that this interview has not only blessed someone who is in search of knowledge and inspiring motivation, but also someone who can relate to its message of endurance and forward motion with the end of the journey in mind. Mr. Honson Luma, HIP Enterprise appreciates your generosity of time, but more so, we thank you for your wisdom you’ve provided during this snapshot interview on today. We have no doubt that your efforts will go unnoticed and it is our hope that your stride encourages another who may be at the breakout or breakthrough of self-discovery or self-reflection to own their own destiny and decide the course. Know that you are an example and we appreciate your contributions of yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever.

We sincerely hope that our readers additionally appreciate both your vulnerability and authenticity during this interview and special thanks to our readers for visiting once again. You are our reason for persisting and we hope that we’re doing all we can to keep you HIP, elated, and motivated!!!! Please know that you’re your comments and feedbacks are always welcomed. HIPpies, let’s hear it once again for HIP’s Local Celebrity Success for March 2013… Mr. Honson Luma! As always…. #getHIP #stayHIP

**For more information or to connect with Mr. Luma, do so by visiting his website at http://www.spaceageuniversity.com or http://www. honsonluma.wordpress.com.  Honson is also available on Twitter at @hluma1980 

Posted 3 months ago

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Did You Know???: Derrick Rose (February 2013)

Things like this aren’t supposed to happen.

     Athletes aren’t supposed to lose their composure while promoting their products, breaking down into tears as cameras flash around them.  They aren’t supposed to weep publicly, diverting attention from themselves and refocusing it on the anguish of their hometown.  Things like this are unprecedented, yet at a press conference for the release of his new shoe last year, Chicago Bulls superstar and Chicago native Derrick Rose did the unthinkable.  When asked to speak about the inspiration his fans had given him while recovering from an ACL injury, Rose dropped his head and let his raw emotions spill out as time seemed to stop. He finally said:

“It’s truly a blessing. With all this stuff that’s going on in this city, a kid from Englewood got something positive going on. That makes me feel so good man.The shoe is great, all this is great, but I can’t explain this. I can’t. To have true fans that means a lot to me and I know it means a lot to my family because we aren’t supposed to be here at all, but God made the way and this is just truly unreal and I’m just happy that I have true fans out there.”

     Rose’s display of vulnerability came at a time when the streets of his city were ablaze with gunfire. By the end of 2012, over 500 homicides had been committed in Chicago, a fact made even more devastating when one considers that most of the victims and perpetrators are African-American men.  “We aren’t supposed to be here” is his solemn acknowledgement that as young, African-American male, his survival - let alone his outrageous success as an NBA player - came against all odds.  It wasn’t supposed to happen.

     Neither was the death of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15 year old Chicago honors student gunned down mere weeks after performing at the Presidential Inauguration. Pendlton’s parents sat in the audience last night at President Obama’s State of the Union address, listening as the POTUS spoke about their fallen daughter:

“She was 15 years old. She loved Fig Newtons and lip gloss. She was a majorette. She was so good to her friends, they all thought they were her best friend. Just three weeks ago, she was here, in Washington, with her classmates, performing for her county at my inauguration. And a week later, she was shot and killed in a Chicago park after school, just a mile away from my house.”

     The President’s acknowledgement of Hadiya and others lost to gun violence comes at a time when the country is embroiled in a contentious debate about the merits of gun control.  However, even if the government passes stricter laws on firearms, there is no reason to believe that such action alone will curb the violence in Chicago - notorious for having some of the strictest gun laws in the country.  Progress on this front will only be made when comprehensive effort is made to better the conditions of those trapped in areas plagued by crime, poverty, gangs, and the like. Such effort will require time and devotion of influential figures like Derrick Rose, whose brave humility on stage last year brought a new level of awareness to the plight of at-risk youth in Chicago. 

     Before and since that moment last year, Rose has quietly served his community as an exemplary role model, renovating parks and gyms around the city, teaming with charities to promote peace between rival gang members, and teaming up with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and fellow Bulls players to sponsor and participate in summer programs, advertisements, and youth leagues. Leading by example, Rose demonstrates the type of positive influence a young person can have on an ailing community.  Suffice it to say, this is what is supposed to happen.

HIP Enterprise salutes Derrick Rose for his willingness to be vulnerable and stand up for at-risk youth in Chicago, and for encouraging others to do the same. 

This has been Jerome J. filling you in with what’s really going on in the world of entertainment when the cameras are off and the studios are closed.

Posted 4 months ago
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                                 HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS                                                 FEBRUARY 2013:                                    MEET MR. CLIFTON L. COATES, SR.   Clifton Coates Sr., an Entertainer/Singer/Songwriter, Journalist, Motivational Speaker, and Educator is from Seat Pleasant, Maryland. He received his Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Broadcasting along with a Certification in Broadcasting from The Columbia School of Broadcasting, a M.Ed in Elementary and Secondary School Administration, and is currently enrolled in a Ph.D Program in Professional Studies at Capella University. Coates has devoted many years to mentoring, inspiring, educating, and encouraging others. He is most noted for giving of his time, patience, experiences to those he deems respectful of life’s process and those with a progressive mindset yearning the promotion of positivity for their lives and future whether they are directly connected to the means to do so or not. Clifton Coates has taken his passion for empowering at-risk populations and turned it into an art form. An extraordinary motivational speaker, he is transforming leadership in school systems, colleges, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Coates offers a unique combination of dynamic speaking and inspirational singing, and his charismatic style engages audience members the moment he takes the stage. His presentations are blunt, fiery, and honest—and they are changing lives.  Early in his professional speaking career, Clifton Coates utilized his own experience with academic struggles to teach individuals, students, and staff about self-esteem, self-respect, and creating the attitude for success. Over time, Coates gained extensive and invaluable experience while working as a journalist, volunteer chaplain, juvenile corrections counselor, public school teacher, coach, and school administrator. In every career, Coates was quickly recognized for his natural ability to lead, inspire, and change lives. As a volunteer hospital chaplain, his discourses comforted patients struggling with illnesses and visitors dealing with the potential loss of a loved one. Coates continues to inspire juvenile center detainees to adopt the lifestyle and discipline they would need once released. As a teacher, his students learn about social responsibility. As a mentor for the school’s at-risk male youth, suspension and absenteeism has dropped while he has witnessed the significant increases of GPAs. Athletes have learned to improve their skills and their characters under his coaching and he has taught them to put academics first and helped them understand the concept of life after athletics. As vice-principal and principal, Coates has been noted one of the most inspirational motivational speakers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Currently, Coates currently serves as the Director of Education for the Motivational Speaker Academy and resides in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.                                               Professional Affiliations Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artist (SAG-AFTRA); National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS); National Speaker’s Association (NSA); Inspiring Speaker’s Bureau (ISB); Global Speaker’s Federation (GSF); International Keynote Speakers Association (IKSA); Toastmaster’s International; American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP)                                                ***snapshot interview*** HIP: What has been your motivation behind helping others and how do you implement and promote your strategy in doing so through your current works and affiliations? COATES: I’ve attempted over the years to live by a standard. “Practice what you Preach,” but also to “Preach what you Practice.” What this simply means to mean…is if you have found a formula that works, share it.   HIP: How have you allowed your personal goals and aspirations serve as an example of how one accomplishes and sustains true success in life? COATES: I was told many years ago by an older gentleman, that you never know who is watching from afar, what you’re doing. I took that to mean, be careful how you conduct yourself, when eyes are watching. So I took that to another level; create an internal system of ethical conduct unique to me. I could give less than a damn what others are doing; my focal point is what I’m doing.   HIP: What challenges can you share with others that you may have experienced while getting to where you currently are professionally? COATES: I use the racehorse theory. If you have ever seen a racehorse walking up to the starting line, you’ll notice that they have blinders on each eye. These blinders are used to prevent the racehorse from getting distracted by racehorses on either side of him, during the course of the race. The same thing with life. Those who have the intention of becoming successful must create blinders, so that they will not be distracted by others, who are running the same race, but whose objectives may be different.   HIP: How have those challenges benefited your strides towards success and commitment to community? COATES: Well…I figured, if at risk African American males can understand the plight and success story of another at risk African American male who attained a measure of success, and then it could be used as a template for similar successes. This is the attitude that I take personally into the at-risk community, like the line in the movie Backdraft, “You Go, We Go.”   HIP: What encouragement can you offer to our readers who may be aspiring marketing professionals, community advocators, or educators regarding the empowerment of success, endurance and the power of leadership? COATES: One of the sections in my upcoming book entitled, “How to Reinvent the Will,” is The Will to Lead. In this section, I talk about leadership from within. It is imperative that we create our own meaning of leadership, not necessarily the classical definition of leadership. Leadership to one person may not be leadership to another. So it is vitally important that each human being develop their own definition of leadership. HIP: Professor Coates, we appreciate your continued efforts and initiative towards the cause of survival. There is no better time for such recognition to be highlighted than during Black History Month, and for your daily contributions of yesterday, today, and tomorrow… we say THANK YOU.  We want you to know that if you’re ever in need of our assistance as you continue to fight the good fight, don’t hesitate to call on us. It’s been an auspicious pleasure to have this time with you and we sincerely hope that you continue to inspire in order to be inspired. We hope that our readers additionally appreciate your contributions to society and to the survival of mankind! Special thanks to our readers for dropping by for a visit and we hope that we’re doing all we can to keep you HIP, elated, and motivated!!!! Please know that you’re your comments and feedbacks are always welcomed. HIPpies, let’s render one more outstanding round of applause for HIP’s Local Celebrity Success for February 2013… Mr. Clifton L. Coates, Sr.! #getHIP #stayHIP **For more information or to connect with Mr. Coates, do so by visiting his website at www.cliftoncoates.com or via email at Jerryl@CliftonCoates.com.**  

                                 HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS

                                                FEBRUARY 2013:

 

                                 MEET MR. CLIFTON L. COATES, SR.

 

Clifton Coates Sr., an Entertainer/Singer/Songwriter, Journalist, Motivational Speaker, and Educator is from Seat Pleasant, Maryland. He received his Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Broadcasting along with a Certification in Broadcasting from The Columbia School of Broadcasting, a M.Ed in Elementary and Secondary School Administration, and is currently enrolled in a Ph.D Program in Professional Studies at Capella University. Coates has devoted many years to mentoring, inspiring, educating, and encouraging others. He is most noted for giving of his time, patience, experiences to those he deems respectful of life’s process and those with a progressive mindset yearning the promotion of positivity for their lives and future whether they are directly connected to the means to do so or not.

Clifton Coates has taken his passion for empowering at-risk populations and turned it into an art form. An extraordinary motivational speaker, he is transforming leadership in school systems, colleges, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Coates offers a unique combination of dynamic speaking and inspirational singing, and his charismatic style engages audience members the moment he takes the stage. His presentations are blunt, fiery, and honest—and they are changing lives.  Early in his professional speaking career, Clifton Coates utilized his own experience with academic struggles to teach individuals, students, and staff about self-esteem, self-respect, and creating the attitude for success. Over time, Coates gained extensive and invaluable experience while working as a journalist, volunteer chaplain, juvenile corrections counselor, public school teacher, coach, and school administrator.

In every career, Coates was quickly recognized for his natural ability to lead, inspire, and change lives. As a volunteer hospital chaplain, his discourses comforted patients struggling with illnesses and visitors dealing with the potential loss of a loved one. Coates continues to inspire juvenile center detainees to adopt the lifestyle and discipline they would need once released.

As a teacher, his students learn about social responsibility. As a mentor for the school’s at-risk male youth, suspension and absenteeism has dropped while he has witnessed the significant increases of GPAs. Athletes have learned to improve their skills and their characters under his coaching and he has taught them to put academics first and helped them understand the concept of life after athletics. As vice-principal and principal, Coates has been noted one of the most inspirational motivational speakers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Currently, Coates currently serves as the Director of Education for the Motivational Speaker Academy and resides in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

 

                                            Professional Affiliations

Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artist (SAG-AFTRA); National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS); National Speaker’s Association (NSA); Inspiring Speaker’s Bureau (ISB); Global Speaker’s Federation (GSF); International Keynote Speakers Association (IKSA); Toastmaster’s International; American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) 

 

                                            ***snapshot interview***

HIP: What has been your motivation behind helping others and how do you implement and promote your strategy in doing so through your current works and affiliations?

COATES: I’ve attempted over the years to live by a standard. “Practice what you Preach,” but also to “Preach what you Practice.” What this simply means to mean…is if you have found a formula that works, share it.

 

HIP: How have you allowed your personal goals and aspirations serve as an example of how one accomplishes and sustains true success in life?

COATES: I was told many years ago by an older gentleman, that you never know who is watching from afar, what you’re doing. I took that to mean, be careful how you conduct yourself, when eyes are watching. So I took that to another level; create an internal system of ethical conduct unique to me. I could give less than a damn what others are doing; my focal point is what I’m doing.

 

HIP: What challenges can you share with others that you may have experienced while getting to where you currently are professionally?

COATES: I use the racehorse theory. If you have ever seen a racehorse walking up to the starting line, you’ll notice that they have blinders on each eye. These blinders are used to prevent the racehorse from getting distracted by racehorses on either side of him, during the course of the race. The same thing with life. Those who have the intention of becoming successful must create blinders, so that they will not be distracted by others, who are running the same race, but whose objectives may be different.

 

HIP: How have those challenges benefited your strides towards success and commitment to community?

COATES: Well…I figured, if at risk African American males can understand the plight and success story of another at risk African American male who attained a measure of success, and then it could be used as a template for similar successes. This is the attitude that I take personally into the at-risk community, like the line in the movie Backdraft, “You Go, We Go.”

 

HIP: What encouragement can you offer to our readers who may be aspiring marketing professionals, community advocators, or educators regarding the empowerment of success, endurance and the power of leadership?

COATES: One of the sections in my upcoming book entitled, “How to Reinvent the Will,” is The Will to Lead. In this section, I talk about leadership from within. It is imperative that we create our own meaning of leadership, not necessarily the classical definition of leadership. Leadership to one person may not be leadership to another. So it is vitally important that each human being develop their own definition of leadership.

HIP: Professor Coates, we appreciate your continued efforts and initiative towards the cause of survival. There is no better time for such recognition to be highlighted than during Black History Month, and for your daily contributions of yesterday, today, and tomorrow… we say THANK YOU.  We want you to know that if you’re ever in need of our assistance as you continue to fight the good fight, don’t hesitate to call on us. It’s been an auspicious pleasure to have this time with you and we sincerely hope that you continue to inspire in order to be inspired. We hope that our readers additionally appreciate your contributions to society and to the survival of mankind! Special thanks to our readers for dropping by for a visit and we hope that we’re doing all we can to keep you HIP, elated, and motivated!!!! Please know that you’re your comments and feedbacks are always welcomed. HIPpies, let’s render one more outstanding round of applause for HIP’s Local Celebrity Success for February 2013… Mr. Clifton L. Coates, Sr.! #getHIP #stayHIP

**For more information or to connect with Mr. Coates, do so by visiting his website at www.cliftoncoates.com or via email at Jerryl@CliftonCoates.com.**  

Posted 4 months ago
Did You Know???: Tavis Smiley & Cornel West (January 2013)        In less than a week, we the people will once again inaugurate our nation’s first black President, this time on a holiday commemorating the legacy of Civil Rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr.  The poignancy of the fortuitous schedule is difficult to understate; since King’s assassination over 40 years ago, our country has taken a number of large steps toward social equality, with few as symbolically resonant as the election of Barack Obama to its highest office.      However, despite these gains, no one could accurately say that we’ve fully realized the spirit of equity King sacrificed his life for.  According to statistics from late last year, nearly 16% of Americans live below the poverty line in the United States - that’s nearly 50 million people - with even more families barely clearing it. Even with so many Americans struggling to meet the basic needs for the survival of their families, it’s sadly believable that poverty isn’t a greater topic of discussion amongst our friends in politics and the media.       Fortunately, people like Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West have been working tirelessly to ensure that the poor have some modicum of voice in a political conversation thats more often than not dominated by big spenders.  As a talk show host and media entrepreneur, Smiley has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Professor West over the past several years, culminating in a joint talk radio show, a number of books, and several lecture tours.  The focus of these endeavors has most often been to raise awareness about the plight of marginalized Americans living either in or near poverty, and the pair have often traveled the country simply talking to these people and publicizing their stories.   Wrote West in his latest book, The Rich and The Rest Of Us: A Poverty Manifesto: “The Poverty Tour provided the opportunity to meet many people who had been living paycheck to paycheck even before the economic downturn. To so quickly slide from the great middle into the underworld of the poor validated our suspicions that perhaps these citizens never really were bona fide, middle class Americans. Indeed, some economists assert that the middle class evaporated decades ago.”     While recent years have shown Smiley and West as outspoken critics of President Obama, even to a fault, few would argue that their main mission - ensuring that poverty becomes a greater part of the national dialogue - has been wrongheaded.  In fact, it is in line with the very tenets King embodied during his revolutionary tenure on Earth.  Just before his death King wrote: “The dispossessed of this nation the poor, both white and Negro live in a cruelly unjust society. They must organize a revolution against that injustice, not against the lives of … their fellow citizens, but against the structures which the society is refusing to take means … to lift the load of poverty…”    In spite of whatever personal issues lie between Dr. West and President Obama, Smiley and West remain valuable components to a serious discussion about the issue of poverty in our nation by virtue of their criticism of the office of the President on this critical issue. Toward that end, Smiley is hosting a bipartisan panel on Thursday, January 17th, at George Washington University called “Vision for a New America: A Future Without Poverty.” With such luminaries as Dr. West, Representative Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), filmmaker Michael Moore and others, the program seeks to engage America on this matter so that the world can see.  Says Smiley: “[O]ur new year’s resolution should be to address economic injustice in this country by continuing to put America’s middle class back to work. Now is the time to create a new vision for America.” HIP Enterprise salutes Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West for their resiliency in the face of poverty, their work in communities across the country, and for encouraging others to do the same. This has been Jerome J. filling you in with what’s really going on in the world of entertainment when the cameras are off and the studios are closed.Works CitedSmiley, Tavis and Cornel West, The Rich and The Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto.  Martin Luther King Jr., “Martin Luther King Speaks Out Against Injustice,” HERB: Resources for Teachers, accessed January 14, 2013, http://herb.ashp.cuny.edu/items/show/684.

Did You Know???: Tavis Smiley & Cornel West (January 2013)


       In less than a week, we the people will once again inaugurate our nation’s first black President, this time on a holiday commemorating the legacy of Civil Rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr.  The poignancy of the fortuitous schedule is difficult to understate; since King’s assassination over 40 years ago, our country has taken a number of large steps toward social equality, with few as symbolically resonant as the election of Barack Obama to its highest office.
      However, despite these gains, no one could accurately say that we’ve fully realized the spirit of equity King sacrificed his life for.  According to statistics from late last year, nearly 16% of Americans live below the poverty line in the United States - that’s nearly 50 million people - with even more families barely clearing it. Even with so many Americans struggling to meet the basic needs for the survival of their families, it’s sadly believable that poverty isn’t a greater topic of discussion amongst our friends in politics and the media.  
     Fortunately, people like Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West have been working tirelessly to ensure that the poor have some modicum of voice in a political conversation thats more often than not dominated by big spenders.  As a talk show host and media entrepreneur, Smiley has enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with Professor West over the past several years, culminating in a joint talk radio show, a number of books, and several lecture tours.  The focus of these endeavors has most often been to raise awareness about the plight of marginalized Americans living either in or near poverty, and the pair have often traveled the country simply talking to these people and publicizing their stories.   Wrote West in his latest book, The Rich and The Rest Of Us: A Poverty Manifesto:

“The Poverty Tour provided the opportunity to meet many people who had been living paycheck to paycheck even before the economic downturn. To so quickly slide from the great middle into the underworld of the poor validated our suspicions that perhaps these citizens never really were bona fide, middle class Americans. Indeed, some economists assert that the middle class evaporated decades ago.”


    While recent years have shown Smiley and West as outspoken critics of President Obama, even to a fault, few would argue that their main mission - ensuring that poverty becomes a greater part of the national dialogue - has been wrongheaded.  In fact, it is in line with the very tenets King embodied during his revolutionary tenure on Earth.  Just before his death King wrote:

“The dispossessed of this nation the poor, both white and Negro live in a cruelly unjust society. They must organize a revolution against that injustice, not against the lives of … their fellow citizens, but against the structures which the society is refusing to take means … to lift the load of poverty…”


   In spite of whatever personal issues lie between Dr. West and President Obama, Smiley and West remain valuable components to a serious discussion about the issue of poverty in our nation by virtue of their criticism of the office of the President on this critical issue. Toward that end, Smiley is hosting a bipartisan panel on Thursday, January 17th, at George Washington University called “Vision for a New America: A Future Without Poverty.” With such luminaries as Dr. West, Representative Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), filmmaker Michael Moore and others, the program seeks to engage America on this matter so that the world can see.  Says Smiley:

“[O]ur new year’s resolution should be to address economic injustice in this country by continuing to put America’s middle class back to work. Now is the time to create a new vision for America.”


HIP Enterprise salutes Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West for their resiliency in the face of poverty, their work in communities across the country, and for encouraging others to do the same. 
This has been Jerome J. filling you in with what’s really going on in the world of entertainment when the cameras are off and the studios are closed.





Works Cited
Smiley, Tavis and Cornel West, The Rich and The Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto. 

Martin Luther King Jr., “Martin Luther King Speaks Out Against Injustice,” HERB: Resources for Teachers, accessed January 14, 2013, http://herb.ashp.cuny.edu/items/show/684.
Posted 5 months ago