AVE and there are…
NO FRIDAYS FOR ME

AVE, short for my last name, is my first and only nickname. One of my closest friends Chink shortened it for me about 25 or so years ago and it stuck. No Fridays For Me; I had to live a bit more before I’d get the “tagline” to go with the name brand lol. With living came experiences that would tie my passions with my purpose. When that happens work seems a lot less like work. You also find yourself looking forward to Friday quite a bit less. No TGIF here! For there are NO FRIDAYS FOR ME! I’m just as thankful for Sunday, Monday and Wednesday as I am any other day of the week. Simply put, it’s a mantra that reminds me to be thankful and to live in and for each moment.

5 THINGS I’M TRYING

I’M TRYING TO LIVE OUT LOUD…ask me.
I’M TRYING TO BE WHO I DIDN’T SEE.
I’M TRYING TO LEAVE A LEGACY (Hokey but true)
I’M TRYING TO IMPROVE MY PEOPLE…Humans mostly lol
Since we only get one go’ round; I’M TRYING TO MAKE THIS A MERRY GO.

HOW I’M TRYING

NO FRIDAYS FOR MUSIC

The mission of No Fridays For Music (NFFMusic) is to inspire self-expression, creativity and self-worth in each youth involved in our program. Using music creation, STEAM academics, skill-building workshops and community service, NFFMusic provides youth with the opportunities to develop skills and principles required to thrive in our society. NFFMusic supports inclusion, has a goal of narrowing the digital divide and seeks to provide greater equity and accessibility in Southeast Raleigh and greater the community at large.

ROYGIBIV — Pride + Diversity + Inclusion

Because I’ve grown to see the World in such a different light, I have no problem exposing my prior ignorance. I was a homophobe. Not until my mid-thirties, after I decided to attend The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham and spent a few years with Apple Inc. as a retail specialist, were my eyes opened. I was able to witness the lives of people outside my bubble. I was able to develop relationships before being privy to information that would allow bias. I was Human first. And so were they. ROYGBIV is a direct reflection of my growth from those experiences. I wanted to brand Pride, Diversity and Inclusion as a way to show people ALL Humans are on the same spectrum; a full rainbow with all the “colors” removed. Equal and proud. Now to spread that message…

wear a shirt!

CONVERSATE FOR A FEW - HIP HOP PODCAST

This one falls under the “Live Out Loud” banner. I co-owned, operated and was a lead producer of a music production company for much of my life. And to modest success I might add lol. With that being said, music has been an essential to me for as long as I can remember; Hip Hop especially. For me living out loud means sharing my creativity, viewpoint and insights with the World. Conversate For A Few is a vehicle for that.