DAY 27, almost to 30! Today we have Brandi N. Williams, a spectacular public relations specialist. Brandi has been doing this for over a decade and over that time has showcased expertise in media, community/grassroots, multi-cultural relations and lifestyle brands, and has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments, including work for: Grammy-award winning soul and R&B singer Anthony Hamilton; the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid Office; City of Charlotte (NC); The Coca-Cola Company; Denver Broncos Vonnie Holliday; Designer to the Stars Cary Mitchell; and the Get ‘Em Girls.
A Charlotte (NC) native, Brandi was trained at the University of North Carolina’s prestigious School of Journalism and Mass Communication and received her Accredited from the Public Relations Society of America. She is currently the owner of studio b public relations, a niche public relations specializing in community and socially- responsible public relations.
1!> How do you feel about the current state of hip-hop and the music industry in general?
I feel like hip hop has become commercial, but that is because that’s how artist are able to realize their dreams. If they make music that is true to them then they won’t be put on because labels aren’t signing real artists anymore (I refer you to Rin and Tin from the movie Brown Sugar). Artists have the real power in the equation. When they realize that, the industry will change.
2!> What do you think of when you hear the words "Record Deal"
That someone is about to get raped (excuse my lack of tact). I feel like many deals these days are commercial and are not highlighting good music. When I speak of good music I am talking about timeless classics, music that crosses racial and age boundaries, music that I can listen to with my kids and grandparents, music that I will still want to listen to in a year.
3!> What do you think about the way the media portrays or covers affairs dealing with African Americans?
I am torn on this. I don’t have the same complaint as most when it comes to the media’s portrayal of us. I feel like they are reporting what is happening. The argument can be made though, are they reporting only what is happening to us? I can’t tell. I will say that I would hope that people would see what they are reporting, that these things are happening and would make a change … in their lives or by helping someone else make a change in their life.
4!> Do you feel like the recession is over?
Yeah, no! Lol! The recession is not over. It won’t be over until people have jobs and can support their families … well, that will be a start.
5!> What steps do minorities need to take to create a better community for our children?
We need to wake up! [Picture the scene from Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing]. We need to show up for our kids, pay attention to what they are doing and talk to them. I don’t believe in sheltering kids from a lot of things. I believe that if kids are introduced to something then you talk to them about it. We need to introduce our kids to things or they will be green and not really understand then world.
We also need to live so that we can be models for our children.
6!> Are we living the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King spoke of in his "I Have A Dream" speech?
That’s a deep question. I doubt it. We are still too divided as a race.
7!> What beliefs do you hold onto that motivate you to do what you do?
I can do anything through God who strengthens me.
8!> Who in your life has pushed you the hardest concerning your dreams?
Probably myself. I am really hard on myself and I push me to be better. My dad challenges me from time to time and my cousins push me to keep going when I want to give up.
9!> “Black women have always been these vixens, these animalistic erotic women. Why can't we just be the sexy American girl next door?" Tyra Banks
Does the media sensationalize black women in particular more so than any other race??? What do you think of this quote?
We aren’t the girl next door … that’s why we can’t be that person. I do think we have been sexualized, but we perpetuate it by allowing ourselves to be paraded around in videos as such. If we started only representing ourselves in a way that we wanted to be seen then we could start overcoming that image. As a PR professional I teach my clients that they are the master of their public perception destiny. They decide how people will view them by the company they keep, the work they do and the words they speak. The same goes for black women.
10!> What do you feel about the influence the entertainment industry has on children and adults alike?
I feel like there is an influence, but you control how much of it controls you.
11!> What do you think do you think about the divorce rate being at %50 percent and what do you think could change this?
I hate that it’s like that, but I definitely think the way our parents lived impacted the current divorce rate. What I mean by that is many women (specifically African American women) don’t know what it takes to please a man (and same for AA men for women) because they didn’t see that growing up. If daddy is gone you don’t get that guidance. For example, my son told my daughter the other day that she needed to cut her sideburns. He said men don’t like women with sideburns because they look like men. He is learning to be okay with his manhood, to know what he likes in a woman because he has his father around. My daughter is learning to know what men like because her dad and brother tell her. I didn’t have that. If I had, maybe I would be on the other side of the 50 percent divorce rate.
12!> How vital/valuable do you believe your family is to your success?
Very! My kids constantly motivate me … silently. I don’t ever want to disappoint them. Though I know I will, I want them to know how hard I tried. I want them to as hard and harder.
13!> Do you believe that college or higher education necessary to be successful?
No. I do believe people need education and to be educated. College introduces you to a lot of things. It’s an experience everyone should have, but I also believe everyone should have a skill.
14!> What is your definition of SUCCESS?
Living a life that is true to God, me and my family.
15!> "Lyricism is the AIDS of Hip-Hop. Young rappers (and some older ones) want nowhere to be found near a lyrical rapper or MC—for fear of contamination, and subsequent public censure." thoughts???
That’s so true. These kids don’ t know what it means to put words together. When I hear people like JadaKiss rap I feel like I am making love to words. He says things that are powerful and have so much meaning … and more than that the words are like music.
21!> Today more than ever, it is becoming increasingly important to generate your own revenue and income because of the slim pickings in the job market. What would you as an entrepreneur tell someone looking to make their passion a career??
Be like Nike and just do it. You are more willing to work hard for what you believe in and love … what you are passionate about … than something that you are forced to do. Do what you love and the money will follow.
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