Photo by Xem VanAdams(c)2008The below listed Post is a response that I submitted recently to the Editor-In-Chief of a Well Known and Highly Regarded BlogSite that caters to the African American audience. In paragraph format, candidates were asked to respond to an Advertisement for an Open Features Editor Position. I wanted to SHARE this with ALL of you, for I just this evening received a POSITIVE, follow-up response from their publishing team.
Photo by Xem VanAdams(c)2008 As we sit on the pulse of electing the first, Black President of the United States, my sense of hope, combined with my faith in achieving all that I have struggled to attain in the past ten years has been resurrected. Hailing from my stomping grounds of Baltimore, Maryland, I moved here to Los Angeles, California, six months ago, in pursuit of fulfilling a lifelong career as a full-time, media writer. Driving across country for three days, with a car filled with clothes, my computer, a camera and my personal journal, I embarked upon this life phase of trial and triumph. Sitting alone in my tiny, 2006, black, Chevy Cobalt, I knew that God had taken the wheel. In May of 2008, I received an invitation to my ten year, high school reunion. As I placed the seal on the RSVP mailer, confirming my attendance, plus one, I also decided against sealing my fate as a 'shoulda-coulda-woulda' thirty something in the years to come. Two weeks later, I resigned from my fifty thousand dollar a year job, working as a Therapeutic Behavioral Specialist. I decided to pursue happiness as oppose to material comfort, reclaiming the essence of my lifelong dreams.
As a graduate of the Towson University School of Electronic Media and Film, as well as the Founder and Creative Director of Emerald Eye Entertainment, my desire to illustrate the world through the power of my pen, continues to frame my daily existence. Launched in September of 2007, my public blog has stood as a testament to my commentary, critiques and opinions regarding pop culture, entertainment, politics and social relations. Spanning the spectrum of people, places and some'things', I pride myself on using the written word as a platform to share ideas, facts and points of view that are fair, but not always universally accepted. My ability to translate the in and out happenings of contemporary society, into a vivid array of sharp and featured stories, gives me the freedom to be edgy and yet, accurate in my approach. My controlled obsession with album sales, blockbuster reviews, and red carpet banter, contributes to my lifestyle of consumption, review and public production.
Presently employed as a full-time writer for The Hitt Music Group, located in West Hollywood, California, my daily responsibilities include writing biographies for up and coming artists, bands and musicians who are seeking development and distribution deals. While this experience allows me the privilege to follow my writing passions on a daily basis, I most enjoy being able to walk the line of innovation. I love using the basic, career oriented information that has framed a musician's background and turning it into a story that not only sells the music, but also the personality and drive of the artist as well. As I have recently written and posted a blog review of John Legends most recent LP, Evolver, it brought me great pleasure to not only focus upon the stellar material of this most recent compilation, but to also reflect upon the vintage, soul sound that has defined John Legends illustrious career. I've always been mezmerized by witnessing the growth and maturation of individuals; highlighting the points at which they garnered new levels of acclaim. I think my love for Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Keyshia Cole, Lenny Kravitz, Will Smith and other industry favorites has everything to do with their personal evolution. Artistically and stylistically, I respect and envelop change. As I have followed the likes of Concrete Loop, AOL Voices, Young-Black & Fabulous, Media TakeOut, Clay Cane and a slew of other online forums over the past few years, I have been inspired by their ability to maintain a cross-genre audience. Responsible journalism that is reported in a fun, intriguing and dare-to-be-different format, is always the staple of future promise, power and prestige.
I am in search of turning over the next stone that paves this continued journey that Im traveling. As a young, black writer who has always been inspired by those who have paved the way for me to speak my truth and solidify my voice in mainstream society, I feel that I am on the pulse of influence. I launched a YouTube page on 8/8/2008, in association with my year old blog, which has garnered a collective 87,000 views to date. The success of the project has led me to the realization that there are thousands of people in the world whose whispered and muted voices can still be represented by those of us who possess the confidence and strength to take the platform. My God given gifts of vocal prowess and the written word, have blessed me with opportunites to shatter glass ceilings, one chip at a time.
As a graduate of the Towson University School of Electronic Media and Film, as well as the Founder and Creative Director of Emerald Eye Entertainment, my desire to illustrate the world through the power of my pen, continues to frame my daily existence. Launched in September of 2007, my public blog has stood as a testament to my commentary, critiques and opinions regarding pop culture, entertainment, politics and social relations. Spanning the spectrum of people, places and some'things', I pride myself on using the written word as a platform to share ideas, facts and points of view that are fair, but not always universally accepted. My ability to translate the in and out happenings of contemporary society, into a vivid array of sharp and featured stories, gives me the freedom to be edgy and yet, accurate in my approach. My controlled obsession with album sales, blockbuster reviews, and red carpet banter, contributes to my lifestyle of consumption, review and public production.
Presently employed as a full-time writer for The Hitt Music Group, located in West Hollywood, California, my daily responsibilities include writing biographies for up and coming artists, bands and musicians who are seeking development and distribution deals. While this experience allows me the privilege to follow my writing passions on a daily basis, I most enjoy being able to walk the line of innovation. I love using the basic, career oriented information that has framed a musician's background and turning it into a story that not only sells the music, but also the personality and drive of the artist as well. As I have recently written and posted a blog review of John Legends most recent LP, Evolver, it brought me great pleasure to not only focus upon the stellar material of this most recent compilation, but to also reflect upon the vintage, soul sound that has defined John Legends illustrious career. I've always been mezmerized by witnessing the growth and maturation of individuals; highlighting the points at which they garnered new levels of acclaim. I think my love for Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Keyshia Cole, Lenny Kravitz, Will Smith and other industry favorites has everything to do with their personal evolution. Artistically and stylistically, I respect and envelop change. As I have followed the likes of Concrete Loop, AOL Voices, Young-Black & Fabulous, Media TakeOut, Clay Cane and a slew of other online forums over the past few years, I have been inspired by their ability to maintain a cross-genre audience. Responsible journalism that is reported in a fun, intriguing and dare-to-be-different format, is always the staple of future promise, power and prestige.
I am in search of turning over the next stone that paves this continued journey that Im traveling. As a young, black writer who has always been inspired by those who have paved the way for me to speak my truth and solidify my voice in mainstream society, I feel that I am on the pulse of influence. I launched a YouTube page on 8/8/2008, in association with my year old blog, which has garnered a collective 87,000 views to date. The success of the project has led me to the realization that there are thousands of people in the world whose whispered and muted voices can still be represented by those of us who possess the confidence and strength to take the platform. My God given gifts of vocal prowess and the written word, have blessed me with opportunites to shatter glass ceilings, one chip at a time.
3 comments:
You are not the only one stepping out on faith. I appreciate you Xem for being who you are and continuing this crazy world in life. This commentary you presented to us about you only confirms my belief in all the good black gay men who set out to make our world better. You are among the reasons I smile in my soul as I know I am not alone. Much love as always.
amazingly written and truely inspirational. It honestly speaks!
WE NEED MORE MEN LIKE YOURSELF TO STEP OUT ON FAITH...
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