HIP Enterprise Blog

Did You Know??? (May 2013): Kendrick Lamar Few artists can...

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:38:47 -0400

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.

thinkin’ of a master plan…

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:35:06 -0400

thinkin’ of a master plan…

Black Bond. #cooloil #Caliswish

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:00:17 -0400

Black Bond. #cooloil #Caliswish

Did You Know??? (April 2013): Snoop Lion Maturity. It’s a...

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:04:28 -0400

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.

OUR TRUTH... AUTHENTIC OR A RESULT OF LIFE?

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:55:00 -0400

HIP Wants to Know… What’s Your Thought Regarding Truth??? Greetings HIPpies! A friend of mine...

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS (LCS) APRIL...

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 19:06:18 -0400

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS (LCS) APRIL...

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS MARCH 2013: HONSON LUMA,...

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 01:26:18 -0500

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

Did You Know???: Derrick Rose (February 2013) Things like this aren’t supposed to happen. ...

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 10:08:51 -0500

Did You Know???: Derrick Rose (February 2013) Things like this aren’t supposed to happen. ...

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY...

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:42:00 -0500

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.**

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

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:11:09 -0500

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.

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY...

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:08:00 -0500

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS

JANUARY 2013:

MEET BRIAN HENDERSON

Brian Henderson was born and raised in Washington D.C. While growing up, Henderson was influenced by music and art. He started playing the drums in elementary school and was exposed to various art forms by his mother, a District of Columbia Art Teacher.

Henderson received a bachelor of arts in Mass Communications from Grambling State University and also played the tenor drum in the marching band. While in undergrad, he worked at People Magazine in New York, the Gannett News Service, The Washington Post and the Internal Revenue Service desktop publishing center in Washington D.C. He was a part of the first ever New York Times Journalism Institute and the Time Magazine Journalism Institute. After completing undergraduate, Henderson attended graduate school at Ohio University and studied Visual Communications.

He has had the opportunity to work at The Washington Post, The Arizona Daily Star, The Baltimore Sun and Brimmage Communications. His work has won him awards from The Society of News Design, The Maryland/Delaware/District of Columbia Press Club, and The Arizona Press Club. In 2009, he was selected to attend a fellowship at the Maynard Institute, at Harvard University — a program in entrepreneurship, leadership and management.

Currently, he lives in Washington DC and works for Prince George’s County Public School’s as a Sr. Public Information Officer. In the future, he plans to launch a business that focuses on visual media and marketing services.

He has three beautiful kids that are full of joy and imagination: Gabriel, Jadelyn and Brian.

***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?

BRIAN: My motivation comes from God and being blessed to have worked with some great people past and present. These experiences continue to build my creative arsenal and allow me to share with others.

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

BRIAN:My definition of success has definitely changed over the years and I would define success as happiness. Happiness provides either a starting or ending point in reaching accomplishments. If one aims to obtain true success in life, I believe happiness is key component, as it will fuel the drive to get there.

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

BRIAN:While working in newspapers, technology created a reality check for the industry. I was blessed to work with some great individuals but in the past, their business model never had to change. This shift caused a lot of people to lose their jobs but it also provided innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit for some. Never be afraid to be a dreamer, as dreams do come true.

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

BRIAN:I share my experiences with others, as each experience has taught me something. I love teaching and learning, it’s something that provides me a level of happiness and allows for me to give back to others if they choose to want to learn.

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

BRIAN:Perseverance is key in both life and the professional world. Some days will be harder than others and you will never know the answers to what life throws at you immediately. Always have the need to learn more and never be afraid to be different, as these are driving forces in helping you have original ideas and growth in any part of your life.

HIP: Brian, we appreciate your time and for providing us with such crisp insight and inspiration that will hopefully motivate and inspire our readers well into the New Year. HIP Enterprise genuinely appreciates your zeal in promoting greatness of self while striving to encourage other up and coming trailblazers that are sure to also impact our world greatly. Know that HIP’s is behind your upcoming endeavors and initiatives 100% so if you ever need our direct support or platform… you got it! Once again it’s been a great 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 impressions and the bright future of your continued contributions to mankind! Thanks again to all of our readers for visiting our page 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 January 2013… Mr. Brian Henderson! #getHIP #stayHIP

**Connect with Brian Henderson via email at bh@brimmage.com or follow him on Twitter @brianehenderson.

Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial (Reuters/Landov) Did You...

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 07:47:15 -0500

Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial (Reuters/Landov)

Did You Know???: Christmas/Holidays (December 2012)

Tis the season to be jolly.

Before many of us could read or tie our shoes on our own we were taught to believe in the inherent wonder of the winter holiday season. Almost everything we enjoy in December, from the decorations and music to TV programs and presents is meant to reinforce the idea that there is something unique and special about this time of year. Traditionally, very few things have had the power to distract the American public from our chosen time for celebration and giving. However, recent tragedies like last month’s devastating Hurricane Sandy and last week’s horrifying shooting in Connecticut have placed a tangible damper on the mood of many, forcing the privileged among us to come to terms with tragedy during what is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.

It is in difficult times like these, when the artifice of our traditions is stripped away by reality, that we must seek value in the true significance of our holidays. For instance, in the wake of the Sandy’s destruction, the healing properties of music and comedy were thoroughly tested as entertainers came together at New York’s Madison Square Garden for 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief. Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Kanye West, Jon Stewart, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Alicia Keys, and many other celebrities joined forces for last week’s event, pooling their talent in a national broadcast to raise more than $30 million for the relief effort. To put aside ego and other commitments to serve the communities affected by the natural disaster required great strength of character and demonstrated the kind of charity and compassion that sits at the heart of the Christmas tradition.

The initiative and resolve demonstrated on behalf of the victims of Sandy reaffirms our nation’s commitment to each other at a crucial time. As many of us watch the news coming out of Newton, Connecticut in the coming days, it is contingent upon us to remain united in our effort to heal and love our ailing community in the spirit of the season. The bereaved families of the victims of the shooting will need our support in order to regain any semblance of normalcy following the senseless violence that befell Sandy Hook Elementary School. While there is sure to be a great deal of debate about the politics this tragedy evokes, it is of the utmost importance that we avoid divisiveness and stand with the people of Newton. In a statement to the country following the tragedy, a visibly emotional President Obama offered these words to the people of Newton and the country:

“Whatever measure of comfort we can provide, we will provide. Whatever portion of sadness we can share with you to ease this heavy load, we will gladly bear. Newtown, you are not alone.”

As many of us look forward to spending time with our families, the warmth of good food, and the smiles of happy children with new presents this holiday season, we would be remiss if we didn’t stop to consider the plight of those suffering around the country right now, whether they be victims of Hurricane Sandy, the Sandy Hook tragedy, or some other circumstance. Only by showing empathy can we hope to truly embody the spirit of the season.

HIP Enterprise salutes everyone trying to make a difference in these trying times. Please continue to give back to your communities and encourage 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.

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS DECEMBER 2012: Meet Bradford R....

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 23:53:22 -0500

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS

DECEMBER 2012:

Meet Bradford R. Christian

Bradford Christian was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in Dayton, Ohio. Bradford used the game he loved as a tool to take him around the world… basketball. As a talented basketball player, Bradford was able to matriculate at Upper Iowa University where he played NCAA basketball while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Shortly after graduating from college Bradford spent the next 7 years in Washington, D.C honing his skills in both Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

Bradford is currently employed as a Senior Account Executive for a marketing firm based in Washington D.C, where he services the financial industry. Wanting to stay busy, Bradford saw a need and possessed a desire to enhance the entertainment and professional sports industries founding Tunnel Vision Marketing (TVM) in 2007. He uses TVM as a platform to lend his talents as a Marketing Consultant expertise and skills to a plethora of clients in the New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles areas. He has evolved over the years as an elite event planner/promoter for special events utilizing a strategic marketing approach to garner positive attention.

A man of many talents, Bradford also supports and leads the production team of ‘RnB Spotlight, a music showcase hosted in New York City featuring local and national R&B artists. He also is a partner in a new entertainment company slated to debut in 2013.

During the summer months or when not traveling for work, Bradford volunteers with the Chris Canty Foundation to support and enhance the lives of youth in the New York/New Jersey areas. He also spends time mentoring to young professionals and athletes.

He currently resides in the New York City area with his wife Lyndsay (Levingston) Christian.

***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?

BRADFORD: God is my motivation. I have learned that in order to make an impact, I must live as a vessel of inspiration and servant to others. As an example, I currently work with athletes to help build their brands, a service I extend to them pro-bono at first to help build a level of trust and commitment, I also use this as an introduction to my skills and service since my primary objective is focused on building relationships and helping my clients grow. I rely solely on networking and ‘word of mouth’ exposure to market my abilities, while focusing on a strong work ethic and maintaining a humble heart.

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

BRADFORD:I was raised in an inner-city neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio, surrounded by crime and negativity. I knew that I wanted my life to surpass that of an urban mentality. I used basketball as a conduit to attaining a premiere education and immediately recognized the opportunity to receive a college degree. After graduating college, I live with the attitude and mentality of “success,” while later incorporating “God First” into my daily activities. The mantra, yet so simple, allowed me to successfully transition from a regular job to a meaningful career, where I’m able to help others achieve their goals. The next chapter in my life is to develop my personal brand and continue to inspire people, internationally.

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

BRADFORD:I experienced a personal challenge back in 2007 while transitioning between job after I was unsatisfied with my current position and life purpose, because of this revelation I experienced an inner-struggle that eventually surfaced. I stepped out on faith and quit my high paying job and participated in dozens of job interviews and wasn’t receiving any call backs. I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t receiving any callbacks or interest from employers. After months of this experience, I finally realized I was interviewing for jobs I wanted to do, rather than jobs God wanted for me. As soon as I let Him take over the process, doors opened to opportunities I would’ve never imagined. It’s so simple, get out of your own way and let Him lead your career path.

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

BRADFORD:I grow every year as an individual and have learned to keep things simple and allow the spirit to move in my life. I encourage my peers and those in the community with whom I work to change their attitudes to avoid such challenges. I also maintain a Positive Mental Attitude and in all things I give thanks which have helped me become a better steward in the community. I am also working on launching my own NPO in 2013 that will directly impact urban areas.

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

BRADFORD:Learn to gracefully accept criticism. Take advantage of internships. Seek mentorship from those who you aspire to become. Use mistakes as opportunities of growth. Success is all about attitude and spirit. Live each day with purpose. Discover what fulfills your soul and follow your heart with faith as your guide. And remember you have not because you ask not. I like to remember “A.S.K.” Ask then Seek and Knock. Asked for a hand up not a handout, Seek positive people and those you can learn from and Knock on doors until someone lets you in! Lastly, “Increase Your Network To Increase Your Networth.”

HIP: Well… Well… well, on that note there you have it folks! The keys and fundamentals to your success lie within you. Access them and open the doors to your many destinies. Bradford, HIP Enterprise can’t thank you enough for taking time out of your schedule to provide us with an insight to your world, great deeds, and your realm of inspiration! You truly are an example of your faith good brother and we appreciate your opportunity to provide reciprocity to our readers through this interview. Know that HIP’s got your back and we support you upcoming endeavors and initiatives so if you ever need our platform… you got it! The power and purpose of networking stretches far beyond its capacity we know or operate in it on the surface. Its benefits possess a greatness we can only begin to imagine exists, but will only ever reap those fruits by activating our legacies daily. Mr. Christian, you’ve reminded us that not just anything, but everything’s possible and we again applaud your personal and macro movement of progression. It has been an honor and a pleasure interviewing you and we hope that you continue to inspire in order to be inspired. We hope that our readers additionally appreciate your story and your cause! Thanks again to all of our readers for visiting our page 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 feedback are always welcomed. Ladies and Gentlemen an auspicious round of applause for HIP’s Local Celebrity Success for December 2012… Mr. Bradford R. Christian! #getHIP #stayHIP

Connect with Bradford Christian on Facebook and Twitter at the following:

Facebook:http://facebook.com/bradfordchristian
Twitter: @bradchristan24

Images courtesy of Derick G. Did You Know???: Thanksgiving...

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 13:27:00 -0500

Image courtesy of Derick G.

Image courtesy of Derick G.

Images courtesy of Derick G.

Did You Know???: Thanksgiving (November 2012)

With Thanksgiving only a week away, many of us are looking forward to taking a break from work, sitting around a smorgasbord of turkey, stuffing and sweet potato pie with our extended families, and reflecting on our good fortune. Such is the nature of one of the United States’ most popular holidays, and on the surface it’d be hard to argue that taking a day to enjoy and appreciate your particular situation is a negative thing. In my experience, the day has been as much about renewed dedication to family and principle as it has been about yelling at the Cowboys on the TV screen. For many, however, November 22nd will register as nothing more than a typical day; How can you watch the Thanksgiving Day parade or the football game without a TV? How do you partake in a Thanksgiving feast if you can’t afford to put the essential foods on the table? How do you celebrate family when your family is gone or estranged?

Please forgive me if I’ve killed your vibe à la Kendrick’s mom by bringing up this disparity, but too often we don’t consider the sobering reality of the less fortunate in our rush to enjoy the occasions this season brings. In the cases of celebrities with abundant resources, opportunities to get sucked into self-absorption are even more present, so it is with great awareness that DYK acknowledges the efforts of those with great platforms and resources who take time to give of themselves this Thanksgiving.

One collective that we anticipate will do great things in the community next week is Cash Money/Young Money Records. For the past 17 years, Baby, Slim and the crew have returned to the New Orleans neighborhoods that produced them with enough turkeys to feed hundreds of families.   While reflecting on the past of the giveaway with MTV, rap superstar Lil Wayne had this to say:

“Those times I did it years ago, I was just a kid and I was just doing it because Baby and Slim, we were giving away turkeys at a park and that’s what we were doin’. Now it’s a totally different feeling, because I can actually give you that and say, ‘Here, happy Thanksgiving.’ I can do that, and I can provide that for you. That’s a different feeling in general, and it’s a beautiful feeling overall.”

Given the penchant of Weezy and his Young Money family to glorify decadence, its refreshing to see a consistent and well received effort on the group’s part to uplift members of their community.

Like the stars of Cash Money, Ludacris is another hip hop voice whose braggadocios rap persona conceals a true commitment to the well-being of those from his community. For the past 11 years, Ludacris has organized the donation of turkeys and food boxes to over 500 families in the greater Atlanta area via his Ludacares Initiative. Through an organized collection effort, the organization was able to feed twice the number of families it initially set out to serve last year, speaking not only to the clout of Ludacris and his initiative in the area, but also to the generosity of many ATL natives.

While the gracious Thanksgiving efforts of Ludacris and Cash Money may seem small when compared to the number of times expensive cars and jewelry are referenced in their rhymes, the annual gestures have still been the difference between a satisfying holiday and empty stomachs for many less fortunate families. As we look forward to next Thursday, lets hope that other entertainers continue and expand on the precedent set by Luda and YMCMB in years past, while we do our best to keep those less fortunate than ourselves in our hearts, minds and actions.

HIP Enterprise salutes The Ludacris Foundation and Young Money/Cash Money Records for their continued commitment to giving back to their communities and 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.

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS NOVEMBER 2012: MEET TRAVIS...

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 08:24:54 -0500

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS

NOVEMBER 2012:

MEET TRAVIS EVANS

Travis Q. Evans was born and raised in Winnsboro, South Carolina. He attended the Fairfield County Public Schools, 2008 cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from the South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, South Carolina. He focused on family development, child development and intergroup relations while completing his studies. In 2010, he obtained a Master of Art in Counseling from Webster University in Columbia, South Carolina, gaining insight into holistic concepts of physical, emotional, behavioral and spiritual health.

Travis is a former Educator, served as Nutrition Counselor with the Department of Health and Environmental Control, serving children and families in Richland, Lexington, and Fairfield counties. He currently serves as a Program Specialist for the Save the Children United States Program in the State of Alabama. Save the Children is leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children and families in need in the United States and around the world.

In addition, Travis is the Director of The Gentle Man Mentoring Project based in Winnsboro and Columbia, South Carolina. A mentoring program that caters to empowering young men by helping them set a standard, aim for success by becoming a positive role model and nothing less. The Gentle Man program, offers youth mentoring, leadership activities, and workshops; along with community service projects that strengthen relationships within the community. Travis works with youth groups that support positive interaction, dynamic identity as a root for life success and achieving purposes. The project is in the beginning phase, but will soon add an additional component for young ladies.

Being gifted and anointed at an early age, he began serving as youth ministry leader at the County Grove Baptist Church where he seeks to help youth understand their purpose, seeking and knowing God for themselves, strengthening their faith, understanding unity, and extending the mission of the church to serve and assist those in need. In addition, he serves as a youth speaker and family advocate; he has addressed many youth and adults, always with the intent of stirring the soul to remember itself. His work is his mission, ministry, and life.

Travis serves on various committees and organizations to include Director of A Gentle Men Mentoring Project, Program Coordinator for The Mighty Men and Women of God, Recruiter for Team Love Yourself, Mount Hebron Baptist Association Youth Department Leader, South Carolina Head Start Association, an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and serves on several other community committees and nonprofit groups.

Travis is a young man not built on pride, or selfishness. He simply looks to fulfill his destiny according to the plan God has set for his life. He is determined to be successful in life and help others achieve that same success. He enjoys attending church, fellowship with family and friends, volunteering, helping the community grow, and traveling. His motto in life is “Failure and Defeat is not in my future.”

***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?

TRAVIS: My grandparents have always been my motivation since I was a child. They would always provide wisdom that help shape me into the young man I am today. I grew up with young parents that were always there for me, but were guided by my grandparents as well. My grandmother was a woman that was about progress and she would work hard at anything she would do. She always modeled what a woman should be and how she should act. She encouraged my siblings and I to never give up, fight for what you want, and don’t worry about if you lose. Keep fighting until you overcome all obstacles. My grandfather taught me the importance of being humble, becoming educated, and why I have to be a male leader. He supported individuals in the community that wanted to be better in life, particularly males. My grandparents owned their own mobile home business and masonry company. In both businesses at a young age I learned the importance of staying focused, working hard, and why we have to help others. My grandmother provided homes for single parent mothers and grandfather gave jobs to the men in the community. My grandparents started me in church at a very young age. They would always tell me to trust in God, not man. I knew from her always making this statement, which God was her motivation and now through her I found out that he is my true motivation.

My motivation for helping others is God. He is the head of my life and the more I seek him daily. God uses me to help others that I come in contact with daily. I learned from my Pastor Jimmy L. Duggan that you never know who may be in you basket. He always used this statement to simply say, you never know who may be looking for you to carry them to the next level in life. The person that you think may not be looking at you is simply mirroring their life off of you because of the progress that you have made in life. So you have to be careful in the word you speak and actions you take in helping others. I must say that I have looked to several people for help since I was a child. I have had many to lead and guide me to become a successful individual, however many have had a negative impact. However, lessons were learned from the mistakes made. I love to see people progress, particular young people because most of them are not lost, but need direction.

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

TRAVIS: I would say believe in you, set goals, and know that all things are possible with God. You must know that you were created to be successful in life. God wants us to have life, but experience the abundance of life. Life can be outstandingly good if you’ll see it and allow it. Live a positive life, seize moment by moment, and live very well. I always set goal after goal that will get me closer to where I want to be in life. My focus was not just about making money, but was to do something that I would love doing, knowing that money would come. I think lots of people get caught into the materialistic things in life instead of living on purpose. I believe that my work and success came from realizing that what I do should be mission, ministry, and have purpose. People have to realize that going beyond what you know you can do, and soon you’ll begin to know and do more. If you feel stuck, the way out is not to hope for someone who will come along and make it all better. The way out is to be the motivated, passionate, purposeful person who will indeed make things much better. Began to find yourself by challenging yourself, and in working to meet that challenge you’ll encounter a more powerful person in yourself. People have to realize that we want things immediately, but it takes work to get what you really want out of life. When it comes easy I truly believe that you have not challenged yourself and not living on your purpose.

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

TRAVIS:Challenges are a part of life. I had to first realize that it’s up to me to face the challenges or either let them hinder my progress. I was challenged in my teen life with gaining support from family and friend when attending college. I grew up in a community where people settle for anything job. It’s because that what they were seeing as a trend in their family. If mom worked at the super market for a year, they feel they could do the same and experience the abidance of life. However, they were not fully tapping into the gift, talents, and skills given by the creator. A community that awe-inspiring but was not about progress in life and professional growth. I must say that I started a trend by attending college. I did not want to fall into the gap like others settling for just any job, not living on my purpose. I’m not saying you have to attend college to be successful, but seeing other settle for anything had become a norm for me at a young age. So my parents always wanted me to go farther in life than they did. I had to research information about college with parents before attending college. That’s another reason for me starting A Gentle Men Mentoring project in my community because a majority of males do not know their options. I did not know my option until given the chance to attend college. They do not have other community males that have talks with them, take them outside the community to see that life can be better, teaching them to be a male leader, and help them progress. When attending South Carolina State and Webster University, the challenges still came, but I knew that in order to obtain the goals set I would have to stay focus and overcome those challenges. People may come in your life to distract you, you may have set backs, and sometimes you’re going to fail. I decided that continuing to moving in the direction of my dreams was going to be complicated, challenging, risky and tedious. I just decided to dive right in and do it anyway, because my real, authentic dreams are worth it. Another challenge was people that I associated myself with. The less I associate with some people, my life began to improve in ways I did not believe it could. So I realized that not all people are willing to help me obtain my dreams. I was challenged with negative thinking and negative acting people. The more you grow personally and professionally your associates will change. People will support the change, but expect a majority to become haters. People sometimes want you to stay at a level because that’s the level they cannot get past. I have learned to never turn my back on them, but separate you from them and tell them the potential they have and help them grow. The people that don’t recognize their purpose don’t want to increase in life. Do not allow them to decrease you.

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

TRAVIS: A life of abundance, achievement, and fulfillment comes with a lot of trouble and inconvenience for people. All my challenges I have learned something from that would help me grow as a person. Instead of avoiding the challenges and complaining about them, see those challenges for what they are. They are pathways to valuable and meaningful achievement. My community has always known me as a young man willing to labor for the cause. My community knows I like to set the example for the younger generations that follow. I say this as humble as possible, but a majority of my friends, family, and community members look to me as a leader. I am a person committed to serving no matter where I am in life. My progress has come from helping others in the community. Life offers a limitless variety of challenging experiences. So open yourself, and step forward to experience them so that they can help you grow. You can make an enormous difference every day when the lesson is learned. So when you meet the challenge, reach back to your community and offer the commitment.

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

TRAVIS: We have to stop trying to figure out how to put it off until later in your life. Use your energy, brain, and time wisely each day you are allowed to live again. Live on your purpose and stop complaining about how things are in your life. It is up to you to make the change for yourself. Be that person to make the world a better place to live, and challenge you in each second to do just that. Always connect with that commitment and remain passionate about what you have been wanted to be and do. Look for mentors and be a mentor to the younger generation because you never know whose life you can change. Success only comes when you are challenged. So one must challenge themselves every day until lessons are learned and change takes place personally and professionally. Be a leader and follow so that when you are in a leadership position you will know how to take lead, and guide others to a level in life that will help them want to help other. The world needs your help so step up to live truly on your purpose.

HIP: Mr. Evans, your contributions, insights and outlook are indeed empowering. We at HIP Enterprise can’t thank you enough for donating a portion of your time to contribute your time, words, and inspiration during our interview session. We wholeheartedly understand the power and connectivity of encouragement and let us be the first to say that we appreciate your connection to our movement and your passion towards your mission. We additionally appreciate your gesture and call to service and your community activism. No good deed goes unrewarded, and we know that your blessing from being a blessing to others is in route. It has been an honor a pleasure interviewing you and we hope that you continue on in your journey boldly without resistance, and assured. We hope that our readers additionally enjoy your story and your cause! Thanks again to all of our readers for visiting our page 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 feedback are always welcomed. Ladies and Gentlemen a sensational round of applause for HIP’s Local Celebrity Success for the month of November 2012… Mr. Travis Evans! #getHIP #stayHIP

**For more information about Travis Evans and his initiatives, contact him at mistertevans@aol.com, follow him on Twitter @mistertevans, or via phone at 803-743-6601.**

the reflection: the future is here. yesterday left behind. toils revered. disparities victorious. today is anew. tomorrow is our forever.

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 07:31:09 -0500

good morning america (pun intended)! it is indeed a new day. the bar has been raised. new heights...

Did You Know??? (October 2012): Swizz Beatz & Alicia...

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:44:28 -0400

Getty Images

Stephen Lovekin/Getty

Did You Know??? (October 2012): Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys

Sometimes the love that two people share for one another can be a catalyst for the good of many others. Such is the case with Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, two immensely talented and influential musicians who, since marrying in 2010, have supported each other in a number of philanthropic efforts around the globe. Their dedication to each others’ social work is demonstrative of the way love and communion can amplify the great works of individuals.

Prior to their marriage, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys had led hugely influential careers as individuals and philanthropists. Beatz came to prominence in the late 90’s as a teenage producer for everyone from fellow Ruff Ryders DMX, Eve, and The Lox, to Jay-Z, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and Drake. His experiences inspired him to advocate for art programs, work with the Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation, and encourage youth to stay in school. Said Beatz at a motivational event in NYC back in 07:

“It’s an honor to be a voice that can encourage young kids to stay in school. Growing up, I looked up to celebs like myself. So to be able to talk to these kids face to face and answer their questions and interact with them is great.”

Like her husband, Alicia Keys has received numerous accolades for her work as an artist over the past decade. The multiple Grammy award winner achieved a following around the world off the strength of four albums wherein she served as not only a singer, but also a writer and composer. Keys’ work as an artist has always gone hand in hand with her work as a philanthropist. She co-founded the Keep A Child Alive Foundation, which works to create awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa and provide medicine to families with the disease, and serves as a Global Ambassador for the organization. She also donates to numerous charities and supports scholarships for children seeking to further their education.

Ever since uniting, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys have made their charitable work a key priority in their relationship. Swizz Beatz serves as an ambassador to his wife’s foundation, the couple remarked on the example they could set for others, including their own children. Said Beatz:

“Having a partnership with my wife with this organization is so amazing because it’s one thing to donate to something else, but it’s different when you donate to something when you see the blueprints. You see the force behind it. You see how hard people are working to save the kids and you see the results.”

Keys continued, “The baby is going to see everything we do and I think that we are giving individuals. Even something small like reaching out to one person in the world can change that one person. That’s a big deal. I plan to show that [to my child].”

The lessons they teach their children have already begun to show their worth. This year, at a fundraiser for the Bronx Charter School For the Arts (BCSFA), Swizz Beatz’5-year-old son Kasseem Jr. (from a previous relationship) donated $5000 to the school. Of course, the average 5-year old isn’t balling on that level, but the couple is evidently instilling a foundation in their children to give back to the community generously.

As Beatz and Keys grow in their relationship and as individuals, we look forward to seeing their continued shared dedication to philanthropy and the effect it has on the world around them.

HIP Enterprise salutes Swizz Beatz & Alicia Keys for bettering their community and 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.

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS OCTOBER 2012: MEET MAURICE E....

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 02:55:01 -0400

HIP’s LOCAL CELEBRITY SUCCESS

OCTOBER 2012:

MEET MAURICE E. JOHNSON

Maurice E. Johnson is a Professor at the Community College of Baltimore County. Under his leadership in facilitating the college’s ACDV 101 experience, Mr. Johnson affords African American male students and opportunity to share similar academic experiences and career pursuits. Each has an opportunity to develop skills that will help them succeed academically. In addition, students explore occupational choices and create an “academic road map” to navigate through their community college experience. Mr. Johnson is also a Graduate Research Assistant for the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program at Morgan State University. He has recently completed his first year of coursework in the CCLDP and is continuing to pursue his goals of obtaining a Doctor of Education degree in Morgan State University’s Community College Leadership Program with anticipations of graduating the program in May of 2014. Prior to attending Morgan State University, Mr. Johnson also attended two historical black colleges and universities. The first was Bethune Cookman University where he studied Political Science with a minor in Public Administration. He then advanced his educational pursuits at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where he received a Masters of Applied Social Science in Public Administration. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of Community and Social Affairs with Morgan State Graduate Student Association at Morgan State University. There one of his most important noted responsibilities on the leadership team is to assist graduate students in promoting network opportunities with other students on a personal or professional level. He has over five years of working experience with public school systems and non-profit organization working with at risk youth. Mr. Johnson feels that his experience thus far in his career has led him to the Community College Leadership Program at Morgan State University.

***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?

MAURICE: First my mother is my motivation she sacrifice her entire life so all three of her sons can have a better life. My mother highest education is a high school diploma but she has a doctorate in life. My family as a resource center is my support system, my community, and my kitchen of mentors.

My motivation for helping others is because somebody has always helped me discover my pathways to success. In order to continue this trend as effective leaders we have to continue to pay it forward. As a young black professor with over 100 plus black males’ students, my strategy of implementation and promoting strategies is me. I am a living vessel of validation for young black males. As an example, they can see through me that with hard work and dedication any and everything is possible to obtain in life.

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

MAURICE: My personal goals and aspiration is to become a President over a two year and/or four year institution. My personal mission is to complete my doctorate degree and pay it forward. Core values are the essential traits instilled within an individual. As the world is constantly changing core values will never change in an ever changing world. My core values are determining traits of who I am as a person. The values that I hold dear, those I will never violate are responsibility, empathy, respect, honesty, acceptance, courage, and humbleness. The values underline me as a person and how I interact with people. In pursuing my personal goals my core values lead me to lead with a serve first mindset. Theorist Robert Greenleaf stated that servant leadership begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature.

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

MAURICE:Once I finished with my master’s degree, I returned home to pay it forward. My current job title was Community Service Project Manager. Working for a 501-Sec C 3 organization, the budget is never concrete. Therefore my position was eliminated due to lack of funds within the organization budget.

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

MAURICE: Persisting through the challenges, I discovered the next chapter of my current life today. Prior to the termination of the position, I was able to plan, coordinate, and attended a college tour in the northeast region. As a cohesive group of mentors and high school students we were able to expose students to Morgan State University, Coppin State University, Norfolk University, Howard University, museums, and “The White House.” The college tour was supposed to be beneficial to the high school students. As they were exposed to a variety of degree programs, I was exposed to different graduate programs as well. Once my job position was eliminated, my life opportunity experiences were just getting started. I applied and got accepted to the Community College Leadership Doctoral Program for fall 2011. Doing my first year within the program as a graduate research assistant, I have been exposed to a network of opportunities for career advancement.

My uncle Dr. James Easley and I started a non-profit called “The Life Center” down in West Palm Beach my hometown. I want to be a resource to all kinds of people who need revitalization to their lives. I am still committed to my hometown holistic needs by establishing a Non-profit 501 section C 3 providing holistic needs to the community.

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

MAURICE: My community knows me by my servant leadership. Over the past 10 years I have provided change within the heart of the community. I am humbled in the same personal persona. The characteristics of people I admire the most are people who want to be great and be more in their life. There are NO EXCUSES because SUCCESS LIVES EVERYWHERE! It’s time for me to make my attributions and historic mark on the world by leading young adults into prosperity as Dr. Maurice Eric Johnson. I would like to leave your readers with some additional words of encouragement from of our nation’s First Black President Barack Obama:

“This is our moment. This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote that cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm the fundamental truth, that out of many we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with the timeless creed that sums up spirits of people. Yes we change.”

HIP: Ladies and Gentleman, I would like to take this time to personally thank Mr. Maurice Johnson for donating his time to share of his experiences, talents, and personal aspirations towards his very own future. It’s always amazing to experience firsthand knowledge of another’s trials, tribulations as well as their positive triumphs and testimonies. HIP Enterprises both appreciates and commends you for continuing to answer the call of servant leadership. Not only for your own life, but for the many lives of others who will forever be impacted and positively affected by your journey towards betterment and self-actualization. It has been an esteemed honor to have you as Local Celebrity Success for the month of October 2012, and we sincerely hope that your personal legacy of life continues to flow abundant impact and power and you continue to touch the lives of others. We hope that our readers additionally enjoy your story and your cause for promoting African American male success in our academic systems. We appreciate your contributions and salute you for your endeavors of the past, present, those of the future!!! Thanks again to all of our readers for visiting our page 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 feedback are always welcomed. Ladies and Gentleman one more round of applause for Mr. Maurice E. Johnson!!! #getHIP #stayHIP

For more information about Maurice Johnson and his initiatives, contact him at mauricejohnson86@aol.com, follow him on Twitter @Dr_Jauntiness, or visit his website for “The Life Center” at http://www.thelifectr.org.

"go. stop. live. die. insanity. prayer. fail. try. chronicles of today. choose."

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 11:31:00 -0400

“go. stop. live. die. insanity. prayer. fail. try. chronicles of today. choose.”

Did You Know??? (September 2012): LeBron James Trials...

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 13:09:00 -0400

Photo credit: Lynne Sladky/AP

AP Photo/Akron Beacon Journal, Karen Schiely

Did You Know??? (September 2012): LeBron James

Trials don’t have to be grand to be impactful on the stature of a person. Small struggles can whittle away the excess from the block of his character, either shaping him into a model worthy of admiration or malforming him into something worse. Of course, not all struggles are small; great trials often place heavy loads on people, molding them into great, flawed figures or crushing them completely.

The life of LeBron Raymone James has been full of great trials. Born to a single teenage mother in the slums of Akron, Ohio, James struggled with poverty, instability and the absence of his ex-convict father from an early age. He almost missed out on an education, nearly dropping out of the fourth grade as his mother shuffled him from place to place. It wasn’t until Frankie Walker, James’ Pee Wee Football coach, took the young man into his home and under his wing that James began to shape up as a charismatic, bright and gifted athlete. Increased stability meant LeBron could stop worrying about where he’d next lay his head and concentrate on fulfilling his potential as a burgeoning basketball phenom.

As we now know and many suspected at the time, James’s potential was limitless. As technology began to push sports and entertainment to unforeseen levels of accessibility and influence, LeBron’s reputation as a basketball prodigy grew and threatened to overtake him. Unprecedented hype surrounded his high school career, and although James definitely lived up to his billing as “the best high school basketball player in America”, great recognition lead to both an inflated ego and increased pressure for success.

In 2003, a 19-year-old James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the professional basketball team of his home state, as the first pick in the first round of the NBA draft. Under the weight of basketball nation’s expectations, LeBron struggled for seven years to win an NBA championship with minimal help and plenty of frustration. Despite leading his team to the playoffs five times, it became evident that he would not be able to win a championship in Cleveland with the resources at his disposal. In 2010, James’ left his home team in a highly publicized special called The Decision to take his talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat. In that hour long special, all the goodwill he’d gathered in his years in Ohio seemed to go out the window, as Cavaliers’ fans burned his jerseys and maligned his character across social media platforms. He became the most vilified figure in professional sports.

Despite all of the struggles that James had faced prior to The Decision, nothing could have prepared him for the public outrage that his leaving the Cavaliers caused. Even as he earned a reputation for being arrogant and found himself at the center of controversies sparked by his acceptance of illegal gifts from eager sponsors as a high school student, LeBron had never been considered a vile person up to this point. In fact, James dedicated his young adult life to giving back to Cleveland and the surrounding communities, including his hometown of Akron, Ohio. His various initiatives, including basketball camps, mentoring and fundraisers, benefited hundreds of kids in need of assistance. Says James of one of his initiatives, an annual Bikeathon in Akron:

“We’re looking to continue to create awareness for these young kids. Not only in this community, but in the world. Me having an influence with my voice, I’m blessed. So the No. 1 thing is creating awareness and I think this gives us an opportunity to make sure these kids not only get educated but have fun and being around people that can have a positive influence in their life.”

That The Decision - widely regarded as one of the biggest PR mistakes in sports history and a watershed moment for James’ popularity - served to raise $2.5 million for The Boys and Girls Clubs of America and $3.5 million for other charities should tell you all you need to know about the man’s character and dedication to community.

Although LeBron was treated like a villain throughout the 2010-2011 NBA season, he continued his philanthropic efforts around the country and in Akron, including his Bikeathon and a celebrity basketball game for charity, to the chagrin of some of the city’s residents. While winning a NBA title and a gold medal in 2012 may have gone a long way toward rehabilitating his image in the public eye, Lebron James’ character could never truly be questioned, despite his mistakes and hardships.

HIP Enterprise salutes LeBron James for bettering his community and 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.