Several weeks ago, I received an email from a Facebook connection, Shawn "Word Addict" Richards, asking me to sign his
petition encouraging BET to add an Urban Fiction category to the network's awards show. I thought that it was an interesting idea at first. As I thought more about it, I became intrigued. Let's face it, BET is not likely to consider such a petition seriously. The awards show is about music, not literature. Still, I couldn't help but feel that Richards' idea was worth exploring. My curiosity got the better of me and I compiled a few questions to send to him. They are listed below along with his responses. Take a few minutes to read the post and if you feel that the Word Addict's idea has merit, consider signing his petition. Thank you for your attention.
Q: What ignited this idea for you?
A: I actually got the idea to peruse this a few years ago. I was having a completely random conversation with a friend when I made a statement about how
BET should do something for Urban Fiction. My friend agreed, then told me I should do something about it.
That's as far as it ever went.
The idea stayed in the back of my mind for YEARS, tugging at my conscience for attention, until I finally decided to take action. Better late than never, right?
Q: Why are you so passionate about influencing reading, especially among the younger generation?
A: For starters, I have a 13 year old daughter. I see the type of energy she brings home from school everyday. It's pure ignorance!
I'm not calling my child a bad child, but in the name of keeping it so 100 right now, someone has to do SOMETHING, because otherwise I don't see a lot of good coming from this next generation, collectively. Last year she came home and told me that the paramedics had to transport some kid to the hospital who almost overdosed on Meth, in the bathroom. THEY WERE IN THE 6th GRADE!!!
I know I'm not going to change the world, or save every child. But it's my hope that by working towards something different, ANYTHING different, that somehow it'll touch someone in a way that motivates them to find a way to make a positive contribution to the universe.
Q: What is the book that has impacted you the most? Give a few reasons why it had the effect on you that it did.
A: The book that I credit as having the most significant impact on me, I'd have to say was
DUTCH by
Teri Woods.
The reason I say this is because that was the first street-lit novel I had ever read. Prior to that book, I'd read all of
Terry McMillan's stuff, plus a few other more 'contemporary' authors... and actually liked it. But Dutch was the first book I ever read that had a really gritty, and street feel to it. I was like reading a classic hip-hop song. That book caused me to, not only change the way I view books, but also to seek out similar titles.
I spent a few years like a fiend, 'inhaling' any street-lit novel I could get my hands on. And then one day I decided that if they can do it (write a good story), I could too. I found my voice as a writer. Surprisingly I'm NOT a street-lit author. But hip-hop, has a clear influence on what I write.
Q: Obviously, you feel that BET has a responsibility to empower and educate its audience, why?
A: I don't know if I would agree with the wording of your question. I don't feel BET has a responsibility to do anything aside from what they are currently doing. I do, however, see a lot of underutilized potential in the network. They are quick to promote Ciroc, a designer clothing label, or brand of car. There is a time and place for all of those things, but when was the last time they promoted something that would actually help a person become a success in life? I'll wait while you ponder the answer to that question...
Q: If you reach one million signatures on your petition, present it to BET executives and your request is rejected, will you continue to fight for it?
A: Of course! This is about more than just collecting a million signatures, presenting it to BET, getting the category added, then popping the top on the Ciroc...
What's really important here are the people who are touched in a positive way, or find encouragement, by hearing about what is happening. Not to mention the multitude of people I will inevitably come in contact with I would have never had a reason to meet otherwise.
So whether a million signatures are ever reached or not, ONLY GOOD can come from pursing a good idea.
Q: Any final thoughts to convey to the readers?
A: In closing, I just want to encourage anyone reading this to pick up a book. Better yet, WRITE a book. Just do something, anything to exercise and stretch your mind. Find a way to try and make a difference. Regardless of what you're into. Regardless of what you've been through, I feel like I got to tell you, you got something to contribute. That goes for ALL OF Y'ALL!!! And with that, I'm out. Thank you for your time.
BIO:
My name is Shawn. I'm an up and coming author, and Financial Planner. I try to live life in such a way that to the casual observer it is OBVIOUS what my values are, and what I stand for. I represent MAGNIFICENT MANIFESTATION rather than a dream deferred. While most people see things that are and wonder, 'why'? I am that weird little guy who sees things that never were, then asks "why not?"
I'm close to becoming everything I once pretended to be, AND THEN SOME.
Sincerely yours,
ME!!!
