I’d like to acknowledge real life super hero, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is one of the 9 Associate Justices of the United States of America — one of the 9 people in our country tasked with making sure our laws are in line — and has become a social icon over time, due to her relentless fight for equality. The Notorious RBG, as she has been dubbed by her fans and recreated on SNL, was part of the first Harvard Law class to accept women. In 1956, the Brooklyn native was one of 9 women (in a class of ~500) who faced the world paved the path for women in business and politics.
Read MorePolitician - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez | @Ocasio2018
Image via The Intercept
Written by President ELLA
New York’s Representative Elect, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is something to be proud of. The Bronx native is an example of how far hard work can get you and how important it is to be smart. Her resume is incredibly admirable. The young scholar had an asteroid named after her, after winning second prize in her High School Science fair. Around the same time, she became involved in politics through high school extracurriculars. Through and after college (as detailed by Wiki, at least), this young woman is an inspiration to all young girls that your mind is your best asset, and you must continually put it to use.
Read MoreJewelry Designer @JLANIJEWELS
Written by President ELLA
You ever meet someone so spiritually lit everything else they do shines, too? That's Lani, founder of JLANI JEWELS, and every single piece of jewelry she creates. I met her in a perfectly lit room at Calvin Klein, when I worked in the Advertising department and her mom worked in Finance. Her mom had organized a pop up and she was selling the cutest gold rings that said things on them like "love" "prosperity" and "bestie". I really just liked the girls' jewelry *shrugs* then I ended up really just wanting to have lunch with her -- and that's how I anticipate tons of people will feel soon enough. Today, those little rings have turned into a collection of masterpieces; gold and silver melded together by beauty, passion and lots of black girl magic. I want y'all to meet Ms. Nesbit today, because you're sure to love her tomorrow.
Read MoreAnimal Lover, Mike Holston AKA @TheRealTarzann
Written by President ELLA
This guy makes me proud. The amazing world of Instagram introduced me to TheRealTarzann, known to the government as Mike Holston, and I've been stuck since. His page is full of awe inspiring creatures and KNOWLEDGE. With each video, you actually learn -- and that is something I think we should all stand and applaud him for.
I have to be honest, I'm mostly proud he's a brotha. *Shrugs* Call it what you want, but I love to see men of color following their dreams, making the world a better place and spreading good vibes. It's inspiring to see a role model like Mike. Not saying all brothas don't embody this, but we just don't see enough of it in media, in my opinion. His educational videos were enough, but the co-signs from Will Smith and Diddy solidified the deal. I love that he takes the time to work with kids. The videos of him cleaning up and talking about and showing the effects of littering make me feel guilty, tho (as they should). He instills a beautiful sense of responsibility, community and his upbeat vibe is contagious.
Check out some of Mike's video's below and make sure to follow and subscribe to his Youtube.
Soul-Pop Duo (In)Body
Another spotlight, and more on the way! Today, we have soul-pop duo (In)Body, a collaboration between singer/songwriter Ryan Amador and producer/multi-instrumentalist Daniel Weidlein! Coming together as a group, Ryan and Daniel came up with the name (In) Body, which is a mantra for them.
Read MoreHip-Hop/Pop Artist & Producer - @DrewParks | @DrewParksOfficial
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Hip hop/pop artist, Drew Parks, originally from Detroit, is also a producer and songwriter, and has gotten major love from top networks and magazines like MTV, ESPN’s First Take, Billboard, Respect Magazine and VIBE. He started getting into hip hop around eight or nine years old, and became obsessed.
Read MoreChristian R&B + Hip Hop Artist - @RahnAnthoni
Written by Brittany Shawnté
I have the privilege to share the story of Christian R&B/hip hop artist Rahn Anthoni!
In addition to his experience as a TV host, Rahn effortlessly creates inspirational music with R&B, hip hop, and gospel elements, hoping to reach someone else with his words. “Music is soothing to the soul and, when you have the right lyrics, it makes life easier especially when it’s words of encouragement,” he said. “If a person is going through [an] issue in life, music can help.”
Read MoreChay Rodriguez, Creator of @GoalsthePodcast on Ups and Downs of Pursuing #GOALS
Written by Brittany Shanwté
Glad to be able to feature another great person out here helping to impact others! If you or someone you know is actively working towards bringing awareness to a cause, promoting self- esteem, or working to make a difference in this world, visit my Features/Submissions page to see how to be featured!
Today, the spotlight is on Chay Rodriguez, entrepreneur and creator of #GOALS, a podcast “that caters to to the dream chaser, risk taker, and goal getter” in each of us. Chay uses the show to highlight the motivating lessons from entrepreneurs, which, in turn, pushes others to be greater and walk purposefully in their dreams and goals as well! When Chay reached out to me about the podcast and her story, I had to know more and then share her inspiring story with y’all.
Read MoreIndie Pop Artist: @lwallermusic | @looselylauren
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Today, we have indie pop artist Lauren Waller! Growing up in L.A. and spending a good amount of time in central California, the singer said she has always been surrounded by music. Lauren’s father is actually a singer and musician as a hobby, and she and her brother even grew up taking piano lessons. Lauren also took on the drums for a while, until she realized, to her dismay, that her parents weren’t ever going to ever get her an actual drum set!
Read MoreSinger/Songwriter @Nisan Joseph
Written by Brittany Shanwté
Here we have Atlanta-based neo-soul artist Nisan Joseph! Raised in Houston, TX, the artist revealed that he was brought up by traditional parents, who raised him on timeless gospel and old-school R&B, which eventually influenced his own sound and lyrics. Nisan actually didn’t start singing until he was a senior in high school after he was forced into choir as an elective. “It was pretty much fate, or in God’s plan, that I got into music,” he said. Currently, the singer is finishing up a chemistry degree at Clark Atlanta University, and is signed with Loud N Klear Entertainment, balancing school and music. Though Nisan admits that he has a love of science, he plans to focus completely on music after graduation.
Read MoreNeo-Soul, R&B Artist @Just_KJames
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Neo-soul and R&B artist, K. James, whose music video for track "Koolin' " was recently featured on the site, has always had a great appreciation for good music with a message, containing real experiences. "Music has always been in my blood," K. James said. "Since I was 5 years old, I grew up listening to my mother’s radio full of artists such as Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendergrass, R. Kelly, and The Temptations." He went on to add, "It has been a dream of mine to express my creativity through song, giving people something to relate to and making a living while doing something I love was all the motivation I needed to pursue this dream of mine."
Read MoreAlternative Pop Singer/Songwriter - @MadyxMusic
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Alternative pop singer/songwriter Madyx! Born Michelle Blanchard, has wanted to be in the music industry since she was a kid. “When I was 8 years old, my parents bought me a guitar for my birthday and my life was forever changed,” she said. Growing up, Madyx’s parents also always played a variety of music from classic rock to country, and that helped shape her diverse writing style. After playing in a bunch of bands during high school, Madyx moved out to LA to really build her music career and even started a band called Life Down Here. “We made a pretty good name for ourselves: getting to open for Paramore, played a bunch of high schools across SoCal and several LGBT pride festivals in addition to the Warped Tour,” she said of her band experience. However, as she grew older, her musical style changed and she parted ways with the band, and branched out her own as Madyx! “It’s been a wild ride ever since,” the singer excitedly admitted.
Singer/Songwriter: @YojiMusic
Written by Brittany Shawnté
R&B/pop singer, Yoji, was raised in London with a family of artists. With the support of her family, Yoji began learning how to play piano at the age of 8, but was trying her hand at song writing even before that. “I used to write songs in the playground with my friend and then perform them to everyone in a big showcase,” she said. “They didn’t really make any sense looking back but it was the best part of my day making music in the breaks.”
Read MorePlaywright: Richard @lwcidr Lawrence with @makeufamousent
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Richard is the creator of upcoming inspirational and comical musical, Lord, Why Can’t I Do Right?, which premieres on June 17 at the Porter-Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur, GA. The stage play, directed by Shelly Garret (Godfather of Urban Theatre, Beauty Shop), is a powerful work about two brothers with their own demons and contradicting motives, who collaborate to start a church. “I honestly didn’t know I had this in me,” Richard admitted, attributing the vision of the play to God. The play stars Ashford Sanders, who is known for his appearance on Season 5 of BET’s Sunday Best, along with other social media stars.
Read MoreFounder of @327cosmetics, @GNVAS
Written by PresidentELLA
Genevia inspires me. Every day, I decide what face to put on to face the world and she helps me decide. My former co-worker & fellow Aries has developed a phenomenal line of liquid lipsticks that remind me to be brilliant, resilient and beautiful. In June 2017, Genevia launched 3:27 Cosmetics, a beauty line for women who are comfortable with who they are; especially you, Brown Girl.
Read MorePoet: Jonte "@LukisPlace" Barrett
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Today on The Spotlight, we have brillianty talented and breathtaking poet Jonte "Luki" Barrett! Hailing from Washington, D.C. ("It's DC or nothing!" sje confidently said), Jonte started creating poetry back in 2007, and has recently started performing as Luki (pronounced "lucky"). In fact, she recently performed at the Moonz Conference 2016, an annual conference for fans of Wale to connect, support and build with each other!
When I asked her about her inspirations, Luki gave honor to the people in her life. "My grandmother [and] the dope people I do poetry with that are more than a squad but a family, have all inspired me to be a better poet and more importantly a better woman," the poet admitted.
French, Alternative Artist: @TaliscoMusic
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Music piqued Talisco's his interest at a young age, listening to his grandmother, who was Spanish, sing a lot, and Spanish music became his first inspiration. “I think it’s in my blood,” Talisco said of music in general. By 11, he had a guitar and by 13, he composed my first song. As he went on to create a career for himself, he found other instruments to get into as well. “I like tinkering with sounds,” the artist admitted, also getting into producing. In terms of his unique stage name, Talisco revealed that he took the name to “pay tribute to someone who mattered to me.”
Read MorePop and R&B Singer: @IamJulianeMusic
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Juliane realized that music was what she wanted to do with her life after a label approached her with a deal when she was 15. “Unfortunately, I had to refuse their offer but I knew I was made for music and that waiting for the right team would pay off.” And it did! In October 2015, Juliane dropped her debut, self-titled EP, which she says is the introduction of who she is as an artists and a person to the world! “These are the sounds I love and create and this is who I am as a person. Sweet and friendly, a dreamer, but a real go-getter and not afraid to fight for what I want and believe,” she said.
Read MoreRadio Host/DJ/Podcaster: @ADisElevated/@ElevatedLivin
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Today we have CBS Radio’s 98.5 KLUC DJ/radio host Alex "A.D." Davis! A.D. currently handles working at KLUC out in Vegas as the night jockey every Monday-Friday from 6p-11p. He also balances co-hosting the Fresh DOPE podcast, writing for music site GroundSounds.com AND operating the brand Elevated Livin’ LLC (Check out our spotlights on Elevated Livin' artists Sav and J. Smith)! We talked mainly about the podcast, some fitness and sneaker talk, and how A.D. balances it all!
Read MorePodcasters Chloe Zora and Chanel Glover of Overqualified & Drunk
Written by Brittany Shawnté
Last year sometime, the friends decided to crack the mic and throw their hand into the budding medium that is podcasting! Naming the show, Overqualified & Drunk , they describe the show as "raw, extremely jaded and uncut talk between two overqualified and drunk black lesbians living in New York City about spirituality, lesbian love and the two things that bind them together, music and booze."
