Page 40 - N.C. A&T Magazine Spring 2019

While others may not understand or “In this day and age, all you have to do
the objective of
“relationship Goals”
was to provide
attendees with a
greater sense of how
to “level up” in their
relationships.
t.d. Jakes began
by painting a picture
of all the ancestors
who paved the way
for every student
to be sitting in the
audience seats they
occupied.
“artistic evolution”
participants
agreed the industry
can be difficult,
particularly for
african americans
and women;
however, they
concurred that it all
begins and ends with
personal strength.
38 • N.C. a&t MagaziNe
All agreed the industry can be hard
believe in you, it’s critical that you is put something out there with your and difficult, particularly for African
believe in yourself, stressed Guy, who whole heart and see where it lands,” Americans and women; however, they
is best known for her portrayal as said Halle, the younger of the two. concurred that it all begins and ends
Whitley Gilbert in the hit TV series, “A “Social media has really been helpful with personal strength.
and special for us. If it weren’t for
Different World.”
YouTube, we may not be here.” “As black women, it’s important to know
“Proving yourself is part of the game … “Getting the ball rolling is a little easier your voice and power,” said Chloe. “And
always remember, you do have power.
transition is often difficult, but you have
to have heart and tenacity,” she said. than keeping the ball rolling. That’s Yes, the industry is difficult, but be kind
Sharing the trials and tribulations of the hard part about Hollywood,” said and find kindness.”
Devine, whose star-studded stage and
being young, somewhat unknown and screen career spans nearly 40 years.
African American, Chloe x Halle, who Summing it up, she added, “Ultimately,
star in the “Black-ish” TV series spinoff, you must be able to inspire yourself.”
“Grown-ish,” echoed Guy’s sentiments
with a small caveat.
Left to right: Halle Bailey, Kevin Wilson, Chloe Bailey, Loretta Devine and Jasmine Guy
T.D. Jakes
Jakes masterfully merged the Students in attendance were given
series theme and principles of his advance copies of Jakes’s book.
then soon-to-be-released book,
“Crushing.” His quotes of motivation Artistic Evolution
and inspiration echoed the sentiments
of understanding, developing and The spring town hall (April 25) focused
embodying the strength and fortitude on “Artistic Evolution,” and performers
to regroup and continue forward even Loretta Devine, Jasmine Guy and
in the midst of what may seem to be a Chloe x Halle provided insight and
crushing defeat. inspiration drawn from their careers
“How you withstand the crushing is and experiences.
what’s on trial in your life right now.” While all the special guests, including
Jakes questioned, “Are you tough moderator and N.C. A&T alumnus
enough to withstand what’ you’re
Kevin Wilson Jr. ’11, work in the
up against? entertainment industry, the stories and
“If you’re not careful, you’ll think the advice they shared were applicable
across all disciplines.
crushing is there to destroy you … but
because you fought back when you Oscar-nominee Wilson began the
didn’t think you could come back,
conversation sharing his personal story
you’re really strong and tenacious.” of following his dreams, even when
Having recognized their own power to family and friends told him to follow
the safe path, get a business degree
succeed beyond present and seemingly and a respectable job. Instead, he
crushing circumstances, attendees were chose to pursue his passion in the arts,
standing to their feet by the end of the where he ultimately thrived beyond his
event, armed with concepts for living wildest dreams.
their best lives.
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