Contact information: Angela Flowers (216) 394-3012
Twitter: Double_o_promo
http://www.makingadifferenceconsulting.com/
1.How do you feel about the current state of hip-hop and the music industry in general?
I think the current state of hip-hop is in a transition phase where a lot of the artists are trying to find an avenue into the mainstream music industry so they are willing to record anything that will get them into the door. I think we have a lot of talented artist underground that are not being heard on the National Radio Stations, but are still able to make a living from the industry as underground artists. Music is a multi-billion dollar industry that runs on revenue so some of the messages that are being programmed to listeners may not always be positive but because it sells, we market it. It’s not right but the media needs to partly be blamed when we begin to attack artist for their songs.
2. What do you think about the way the media portrays or covers affairs dealing with African Americans?
I think the media portrays African-Americans in a stereotypical manner as being loud, disrespectful, drug dealers, and “thugs” on the news outlets. You rarely see positive images on television so it reinforces the stereotypes that some people may have about African Americans. I feel as if the media sometimes reinforces covert racism in the films that they chose to support, stories covered, and amount of time that they spend on negative imagery. Our children our being exposed to these negative messages and begin to feel inferior because they are constantly reminded through the media that “black males sell drugs, commit crimes, etc.” versus seeing black males graduating from college, working, or volunteering in their community.
3.What steps do minorities need to take to create a better community for our children?
I think minorities need to embrace the old African Proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” because we need to join together and make sure that none of our children and young adults in our community fail. We need to reach out and begin to care again about what happens to our children, build resiliency within our youth, and teach them how to be economically stable and create wealth, not just make money. Reinforcing education is key to the re-development of our communities but also having adults that have become successful reach back and mentor the young adults who will then help us with our children. It becomes a symbiotic relationship where we will all thrive.
4. What beliefs do you hold onto that motivate you to do what you do?
I have always been the type of person to be self-motivated to achieve so I am committed to doing whatever it takes to reach my goal. I love working with youth which is why I started “Making A Difference Consulting” but I saw an unmet need as far as the types of intensive services provided to our most vulnerable populations. As far as the music industry, I am a firm believer that you can have multiple talents and gifts and so I was given the opportunity to help promote talent in the youth that I was working with and it turned into a company because I realized that one way that I could connect and teach the vulnerable youth social skills was by tapping into their talents and strengths whether it be through music, athletics, or drama. Double “O” Promotions was formed to give young adults and youth the platform to not only display their talents but build their self-esteem in the process of creating art.
5.Who in your life has pushed you the hardest concerning your dreams?
I don’t believe in giving credit to one particular person as far as my success because I have been molded by everyone that I have come into contact with whether it has been a positive or negative experience. My early education teachers played a vital role in making me passionate about school but overall my mother has been the most influential person as far as encouraging me to reach higher goals and continuing to push forth.
6.Do you believe that college or higher education necessary to be successful?
I believe having a degree is essential in order to have something to fall back on but it is not always necessary. For me, I think in order to be do the type of work that I do with children, my education has allowed me to network and meet people that I would not have met due to having an advanced degree. It has opened doors for me I don’t think college or higher education is necessary in order to be successful because my definition of personal success might be different than your definition. that might not have been there if I didn’t have the additional knowledge and expertise. I could have been a successful artist or photographer and never stepped foot in college, so it depends on how we measure success and the type of career a person is striving for.
7.What is your definition of SUCCESS?
My definition of success is being able to live comfortably, generate wealth for future generations of my family, and be able to become a philanthropist and give back to my community.
8.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??
I would tell an entrepreneur to really enjoy what you are doing and find a mentor who is successful at what you are trying to accomplish. It is hard trying to build a business but if you are committed to working just as hard for yourself as you would for someone else’s organization then you have what it takes to make it in this business. If you fail, keep pushing and trying and re-evaluate what went wrong and keep trying.
Angela C. Flowers, MSSA, LSW
http://www.makingadifferenceconsuling.com/
Twitter: Double_o_promo
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