A Recent interview with the Democrat & Chronicle about the foundation of my success, current barriers, and ways to overcome.
One day, the story of my life will meet the greatest producers who are eager to cover a story by way of film/reality tv about my Success from Sullivan Street. It is meant for me to spread the word to the world about resiliency. Tyler Perry, Steve Harvey, Oprah Winfrey… you guy’s ready?
Vicarious Trauma Project | Photo Taken from Democrat & Chronicle Website
One could say that the common denominator of a resident in Urban America is the despicable stats of Violence. Throughout adolescents young people are exposed to extreme violence and crimes that are left unsolved and never touched after a few weeks of sympathy from local law enforcement.
Families are left in uncomfortable positions, unsure if their loved ones will ever receive justice. I can relate!
Without question, I believe in the Vicurious Trauma Project. Exposing gun violence and unsolved cases on a national level.
Unfortunately we can’t ignore the daily happenings in the streets of urban society. It is our duty to inform the world of what’s going on in our neighborhoods with hope to one day bring change. It’s not a surprise for us to hear about how many drug bust happened in the projects of Detroit. Were quite use to hearing about the homicides in Chicago. Believe it or not we even provoke the killings as we give the A&E ratings when watching First 48. Most of these incidents occur when Young BLACK America is forced to live life in the hereditary state.
Thanks to societal contributions like THE BLACK YOUH PROJECT and THE ROOT (and a plethora of other unmentioned mediums)we have an outlet to inform the people about the News that describes Young BLACK America, from the Flaws to the Fabulous! We have a medium in which BLACK can be RECOGNIZED and not branded for notorious negativity.
Congratulations to the Young, Gifted, & Going Places. You all are the inspiration needed. Your educational achievements are extraordinary. Your ideas are innovative and worthy of praise. Your societal contributions makes it easier to survive. You are the HOPE, the DREAM! You are purposely crafted for the greater need. Your not just current or future multi-millionaires with an idea that made it. You are the vision that Young people are on a mission to become.
By Rashad Smith- Black Youth Project Blog Contributor
Empowering lives through comical and cool characters literally lies within the hands of a beautiful young lady who’s smart, talented, and persistently searching for opportunities to help children recognize their talents, use their talents to benefit others, and plan their future. Megan Piphus, an upperclassman at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, recently appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno with her puppet friends Princess, a wicked kitty, and June Bug, the coolest rapping baby there is, exposing her talents to the world. While eating some gummy worms, my favorite ish to eat back in the day and still to date, I enjoyed the skillful act of Ms. Piphus.
Megan, who began her ventriloquist vocation at the age of 10, seems to be the epitome of the young Black female working to eliminate negative stereotypes and striving for success. Graduating from high school in Cincinnati, Ohio as Valedictorian says enough for the numerical decoders to begin to spectate about the changing statistics of young black females, and that’s what’s up!
Even more-so, Megan’s accomplishments as Miss Tennessee Senior Sweetheart (Tennessee National Teenager Scholarship Pageant) and Miss Black & Gold 2012 for the Kappa Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is enough to make any young girl hopeful that her fairytale dreams aren’t too far fetched.
From my social network research via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Megan’s website, www.meganpiphus.com, it’s fair to say that the young lady is well respected by her peers, loved by kids, and cherished by her loved ones. In fact, its indisputable and even Oprah Winfrey would agree. In 2008, Megan was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show episode “The Worlds Smartest & Most Talented Kids”.
While guest appearances with big time celebrities like Leno and Oprah are major endeavors for Megan, her road to victory is unceasing and fascinating to follow. Whether it’s branding her ventriloquist lifestyle on the Homecoming Stage with her sorority sisters of the Mu Rho chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. or working through her self-created organization “Color My Dream”, Megan seems prepared to address the issues facing young people through her unique skills of singing, acting, effectively communicating, and being a ventriloquist of multiple characters.
Watch one of Megan’s Cool Videos Here:
I’m eager to follow her accomplishments and anticipating announcements in the upcoming years about a contract with Nickelodeon or Disney for Ms. Piphus to star in her own show as she works her God given talent to inspire the future.
The remarkable thing is, even if her talents aren’t of interest to the crazy agents and talent scouts who wouldn’t give her an opportunity, in which I highly doubt, Megan is equipped with an education in Economics and Española and is destined for success period-point-blank!
Only if I had the pull to introduce Megan to Hollywood Producers, if she hasn’t been already. Her presence is undoubtedly necessary in the lives of so many young people. Her messages are positive, her talents give hope, her accomplishments makes for the better making of the Black community and contradicts the negative statistics of the Black female.
Reminiscing about childhood friends like Willie Tyler & Lester or Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop are only thoughts of our imagination or fuzzy Youtube videos. And according to the loser of the 2012 Presidential Election, Big Bird and the Sesame Street gang are meaningless. The Puzzle Place use to my ish as well but I guess Leon, the Black boy from New York City, was a little to real for the rest of the crew. So what’s left?
Embodying the skills of all the puppeteers mentioned plus more, the next best thing is Megan Piphus, using music, ventriloquism, and puppetry, to inspire youth to dream big and in color!
I wonder if we, the people, have what it takes to help our own make it to the top? Let’s generate buzz by commenting, liking, and sharing this article. Let’s help Megan gain exposure and begin to work out some of the kinks of mandated stereotypes society has placed on the young Black female. Let’s help Megan Piphus make change in a Radical way.
While attending a HBCU provides an experience like no other, students often times are slightly blinded and forget that the Nation, even more-so, the world isn’t focused on one particular culture. As a Nation we frequently refer to ourselves as a “Melting Pot” because of the beautiful little pieces of culture that creates a huge Nation of diversity that focuses on developing a people.
We all have missions and visions for our life. When were babies, we attempt to walk by taking little steps, we fall, get back up, and we do it again. While in grade school, we learn how to deal with bullies by crying or fighting, serve consequences, and learn how to handle uncomfortable situations without jeopardizing TV time. When we become young adults (or any age for this matter), we face peer pressure and are forced to do things we may not want to do. These things may result in negative moments that we use to direct our future decision-making process. With out question we will fall, but we get back up. Without question, we make decisions that result in negative consequences which soon provides us with an experience to deal with greater things. Without question we become pressured to satisfy others when we are not satisfied ourselves and it reflects our being. So we either give up or push forward.Regardless of what stage in life we currently experience, we must learn to stick to our mission and our vision of accomplishing those goals we set out for, no matter what! Typically, everyone has a goal of aiding the people of the world to particular needs.
My dream is to travel the world and speak to young adults and institutions of education about overcoming struggles and focusing on prosperity. In order to travel the world I need to be equipped on the various cultures surrounding life. I must learn to dine with kings, laugh with queens, and cry with victims of abuse in all form. I have to know what appropriate attire to wear at dinners or spiritual gatherings or while I’m advocating in the gang infested streets of New York, Chicago, Detroit, L.A., THE WORLD. I can’t be afraid to experience the things that others find to be irregular. So I can’t be afraid to learn about the People!
As I reflect on 2012 and the things that I’ve been through to prepare me for my life’s calling, I acknowledge that the various cultural experiences are preparing me for something great, The Vision. While I enjoy assisting the Black community thrive and will always remain faithful to a people of struggle, I understand that my calling is greater than an individual culture. My love is for The People, not just of one ethnic group, but of the world. It takes The People to create a life that we all can enjoy. It takes The People to support The People and become the greatest people of all time. So I vow, until the day that I die, my focus is to help The People become a greater people so they may continue the work of uplifting the people when people like me are no longer alive.
Just a few photo’s summarizing the ULTIMATE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE!
There’s a verse in my Fraternity Hymn that says “College Days Swiftly Past”. As an undergraduate at a Johnson C. Smith University, older Fraternity bruhs would always reference that particular line as they encouraged us younger bruhs to enjoy college life to the fullest. As I lived in the moments of those days swiftly passing, I wasn’t able to really connect with that line until May 2010 (Commencement).
Hands Down, the experience at a Historically Black College/University is simply Fan-Freakin-Tastic! Call me crazy but there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think about those good ol’ days as a college student. Today, the only thing I can do is reminisce by talking on the phone with my Line Brothers, college friends or looking at throwback Facebook pictures and videos. Of course there’s always Homecoming or the annual CIAA Basketball Tournament in Charlotte, but waiting a full year to relive the moments of college only for one weekend makes me over-anxious and do things like write blogs about how to relive college. Some would say, “get over it and get your life” and I should! But mannn, those were the best years ever and I just can’t let them go!
Who can resist thinking about the late nights of partying and waking up at 7:50am to catch an 8 o’clock class. The Student Government meetings planning major programs and events for the campus while talking about last night’s party and who “got it in”. Or trying not to go upside the head of your partners during study groups or preparation for group presentations. What about the millions of laughs from blunt jokes about any and everybody in existence. And most memorable, being selected and pledging to become a members of Black Greek Letter Organizations- Probating, attend probates, step-practice, and chillen on the plots.
Now of course, these things could never be relived in that order but thanks to Ajon Brodie of GlobalGrind.com and his post about the Top 15 Best Back to School Movies of All Time, I can sort of relive my experiences by way of Netflix, Youtube, & Redbox.
Check out MY TOP 6 of Brodies 15 selections (with 1 addendum) that I’ll be watching over the next few months and quite frankly for the rest of my life.
YES, America is rejoicing! Overwhelmed by our victory in the re-election of President Barack Obama, the ultimate leader of the United States of America. As CNN projected the Presidential conquest, millions of Americans began to celebrate with electrifying enthusiasm and shouting “4 MORE YEARS, 4 MORE YEARS…”.
A few hours later, our President humbly took the stage with his victory speech and his informal oath to continue to serve us American people.
But let’s be clear, the Black community rejoices on a much deeper level than a re-election. We are overwhelmed of this victory we celebrate because of our past in this Country as a people who were planked and shipped, mistreated and beaten, enslaved and demanded to complete excruciating task until the day we were tossed like heavy-duty trash bags.
Black people being snatched from the love of a continent we call Africa then forced onto ships like La Amistad where we were CUFFED & LINKED and brought to an unfamiliar place to serve as slaves with new names. These were the days of our lives. The thought of learning ABC’s and 123′s would have resulted in STRANGE FRUIT, let alone, uttering the word President.
As the years slowly faded, we became rebellious and began to escape our realities, with HOPE to live a life only imagined. When God’s work was done, and Black folk were finished constructing a united nation, he saw fit to move us FORWARD and slavery was abolished.
Of course this left us in an era of being segregated because of the color of our skin. Employment, Food, Clothing, Shelter, Education, Health, Music, Encouragement, Sympathy, Laughter- all these species of interestwere divided by pigmentation and left the Black community in their familiar drought. As the years passed, we became dog-tired and began to protest, march, and speak, despite the consequences we would face like being jailed, beaten, and murdered.
But our voice stood strong! Contrary of “God’s plan” for the construction of the Country, we fought battles that we were forced to fight just to be treated like what God desires, equals. Despite our history of being mentally, physically, emotionally, sexually, and all other librettos that can be used to describe the word abused, we overcame each battle and sang praises to the most-high.
Yes, there’s so much more to be done in the Black community. We are currently dealing with extreme problems in education, health, violence, and modern-day slavery, but our history let’s us know that nothing is impossible, and with HOPE & prayer, anything worth believing can transpire into reality. We have come from being Cuffed & Linked, and now a Black man is wearing Presidential Cuff Links. So please, save the excuses, put in work, and make your dream a reality.
Recently, I created what will become a mandatory morning tweet in the upcoming months, #RadicalMemo. Radical Memos are voice recordings in which I express my attitude for the day. I post them to Facebook and Twitter and receive pleasant feedback from some of my followers. I even have a network of people that I send #RadicalMemos to via text messages. For further discussion on #RadicalMemos just check out the Radical Memo page in the Portfolio.
While analyzing a #RadicalMemo that I put in print with the young entrepreneurs of the Summer of Opportunity Program: Teen Media Academy, I began to recollect myself with understanding that as I encouraged the youngins, I spoke directly to Rashad. I thought about several recent blessing that I have received that is preparing me for an extraordinary life AND how I must be humble as I work towards climbing the steps of success. I thought about my progress thus far in life (if you navigate through the Portfolio you’ll have a chance to see some of that) and I thought about how I’ve had to prepare to get to today.
Check out this #RadicalMemo #Put2Print
Throughout life I’ve noticed three major components that has helped me become who I am today. One of the most important things that I’ve done over the years or better yet, the MOST important thing that I have done is pray. My relationship with the Lord has captivated success for me. Now I understand everyone isn’t spiritual or religious but for me I’ve found happiness in praying. Another component of my success thus far is being a self-motivator. Despite the many obstacles of life, I have always been able to encourage myself and understand that whatever negative or positive situation that I’m in will only prepare me to gain mental strength for the journey of life. Lastly, I simply believe! Since Junior High School I have abided by this anonymous quote:“Stand up for what you believe in, even if you have to stand alone”. Although I’ve always heard, I really begin to understand that you must truly believe in yourself before others can start appreciating what you believe in. These three components still seems to work so as the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it”. Although these components may sometimes take longer than what I would like, I still keep pushing for my tomorrow.
In the midst of preparation for tomorrow, I always have to think about next week, or in Radical terms, Planning for my GrandFuture. Although I am proud of several major accomplishments in my life, I have to prepare to be proud for those accomplishments to come, so I must keep working. I must keep praying. I must keep motivating me and I must keep believing. I must keep pushing as I take the baby steps of life. I consider baby steps every little thing that falls in between my three major components. Every little thing that I am working on to contribute towards my success. For example, creating portfolios, blogs, #RadicalMemos, and booking local speaking engagements are some of the little things that are helping me get to the bigger picture of being an International Motivational Speaker. For others, those little things might be as simple as joining an organization or a club at school, playing sports, reading and writing, or sweeping hair at the barbershop or salon.
Simply put, whatever you would like your future to entail, prepare now by following the three major components and taking those baby steps that will help you in gaining valuable experience for your future. As you routinized this process you will begin to notice how successful you are becoming. This is the simple process of “Planning for My GrandFuture”.
