“Essentially Black: Media and the Modern American Family,”

Hampton University hosts annual Black Family Conference, coordinated by HU Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications.  The event will take place March 19th-March 21rst.  The conference will hosts many prominent individuals such as Sheila Johnson, BET co- founder, Dr. Ian Smith, the producers of Preachers of LA, and many many more! Some of the topics of conversation include gun violence, race and ethnicity, media coverage across platforms, and nontraditional relationships.

There will also be live entertainment and comedy after hours.  

This is an event you do not want to miss!  Check out the full press release here.

AKC will be there will you?  Register here!

For media concerns contact:

 Gianina Thompson, University Relations 

(757) 727-5754 gianina.thompson@hampton.edu 

What Do You Love About Your HBCU?

A HBCU EDUCATION IS SECOND TO NONE!  

CHECK OUT THESE HAMPTON STUDENTS SAYING HAPPY VALENTINES TO THEIR HBCU?
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOURS? 

Happy Birthday Trayvon

I know it's been awhile since the Trayvon Martin incident.  But, the truth is a child's life is really gone due to one man's ignorance and fear.  People have moved on,  social media has went back to normal, and I'm pretty sure the Witness Protection Program has Zimmerman somewhere tucked away.   But you know who hasn't moved on, his parents, friends, teachers, and etc.  I'm not posting this to bring everyone down,  I just want to remind everyone to live LIFE.  Don't waste moments, don't waste time.  Live life to the fullest and remember what so many worked for, fought for, and died for.  Let's not make their fight senseless by creating violence or hate. 

 Live life with respect, dignity, and love.  

 Happy Birthday Trayvonn, I pray for your family and loved ones and I pray that

 your passing will continue to inspire others to live life fully and commit to non-violence.

A few months back I came across this video that a friend of mine from college created.  The name of the song is T.R.A.Y and it's by Grammy Rich.  It's a really strong reminder about what happened and how Trayvon could have been any of own kids or siblings. 

<3 AKC

@askKirbyCarroll 

30 Days to Change

Recently, I participated in a challenge created by a previous talent featured on AskKirbyCarroll.net, Kareem Taylor. Kareem is a voice actor and radio personality that can be heard on CNN and various commercials nationwide.  http://askkirbycarroll.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-on-one-with-kareem-dream.html.  The name of the initiative was 30 Days to Change.   It was geared toward the creators; the actors, writers, singers, bloggers, entrepreneurs, and etc.  The timing was not accidental, the 30 days was strategically placed to lead up to the new year.  The goal was to inspire others to work towards their individual projects.  No matter what the situation was, work for those thirty days.

Kareem took to his social media sites to leave empowering messages to motivate individuals participating in the challenge.  What  resonated with me the most was the get up and do it mentality.  Dreaming is great, and anyone who supports me knows I LOVE dreams.  However, it takes work and time to turn these dreams into reality. If you see yourself becoming a singer, you have to train your voice.  If you dream of writing for Essence, you have to develop your writing ability.  Kareem's inspiring and uplifting posts via social media kept myself and others on the right track.

Another thing I enjoyed about 30 Days to Change was the community feeling.  I was not in this alone.  Let's be honest, we all scroll through social media entirely too much.  During this challenge, when I looked through Instagram/Twitter, I saw positivity.  I saw peers creating posts explaining their latest endeavor.  I saw Kareem giving me an uplifting word to keep me motivated.  There are powers in numbers and connecting with others.  I felt a sense of responsibility to keep my word and finish the challenge.

 On a personal level, I'm not afraid to say, sometimes I hinder myself.  I worry about what others will think, resources, or question my talent.  30 Days to Change helped me jumpstart my 2014 and leave those thoughts behind.  I used my time to improve my site and work on a screenplay that is close to my heart.  This year is already off to an interesting beginning.  I'm starting my second semester of graduate school and I made the decision to leave my past employer.  Resources are tighter and my situation has changed.  However, I feel extremely strong and motivated.  I owe a huge thank you to Kareem and the 30 Days to Change challenge.  I encourage all of you to follow him and  learn his motivating story and see how it effects you.
 

2014 is here, make it yours.

<3 AKC

Ask Now

Hey guys!

I just wanted to let you all know that I recently started a new segment on the site called AskNow.  I know the interviews have not been too recent, blame it on grad school!

However, I still want to make sure we're keeping in contact.  AskNow will post every Sunday before 8pm.  It is a chance for YOU to ask a question and receive real answers and opinions from other viewers of the site.

The questions can range from music and TV, relationships, school, sports or whatever crosses your mind! Just be prepared for the honesty of the opinions!

If you have a question, please send it to us at askKirbyCarroll@yahoo.com.

This is a fun way to get real advice! Follow the link below!

Check out the AKC question of the week

<3
AKC

MTV True Life Casting Call

Hey guys I'm helping out with a MTV casting call!  This is your chance to be the next BIG reality star!  Check out the posting below and contact me if you're interested! 

@askKirbyCarroll
Kirbycwright@gmail.com 

I MISS THIS SITE SO MUCH! WE'LL BE BACK SOON I PROMISE <3.  

TRUE LIFE: I'M DATING A CHEAPSKATE

Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend who pinches so many pennies it's pinching your last nerves? Do your romantic evenings out often include coupons? Or does your partner forgo restaurants altogether in favor of dining establishments that feature value meals? Will he or she search far and wide for the best price possible on gas or goods no matter how inconvenient it might be?
Is your partner someone who could actually afford some of the finer things in life but just can't bring him or herself to part with any greenbacks without a fight? Have you had enough of this behavior and are demanding the wallet get less squeaky or you're walking?
If you appear to be between the ages of 16 and 28 and have answered 'yes' to anything above, MTV wants to hear your story! Write to us and give us your name, location, phone number, picture, and a description of your relationship and situation and what you plan to do about it. 

Meet Kamren Davis

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Kamren Davis an amazing singer hailing from South Carolina.  Kamren has a way of grabbing her audience with her powerful vocals and kind spirited and amicable personality.  It is no surprise she's had the success that she has check out our interview below!

One on One: Kamren Davis 

When did you get interested in music? I've been singing since I was three years old.  However, I've been recording since high school, like many people I started out in the church, I just never stopped.  

It isn't surprising that you started in the church because of the spirit in your voice, do you write your own lyrics? Yeah I do, but it varies.  If someone has a song or beat sometimes we collab and vibe, I believe in working as a team.  But, I am currently taking the time to learn production, I realize it is important to have your own vision.

Where do you find your inspiration?  I find my overall inspiration from God.  Musically, I admire Beyonce's energy, and the way she acts with her audience.  As well as Ryan Leslie I admire him professionally and musically.  On the songwriting side, probably Erykah Badu and the Dream.  

So whats next for you? Well I cant say much right now but I'm amping up for a self-entitled mixtape called "3 and Under."

Why 3 and Under? Well every song will be three minutes or less (laughs) but every song will have a message.  We are only in the beginning stages but I'm very excited

It sounds like you have some great things coming up.  What would you say are the best performances or moments you've had so far in your career? That is so hard, I love every moment, but definitely getting the pleasure of singing the national anthem at the Bobcats vs Bulls game.   Also, performing at the Arts to Entertainment Music Conference in Atlanta.  I had the opportunity to perform alongside the leader of the grammy award winning group Arrested Development.

It seems like you are well on your way, if you could give a piece of advice to someone looking to pursue singing what would you say?
As cliche as it sounds I'd say dont give up. Keep fighting for your dream! Even if it feels like you're not getting anywhere, fight for your dream!  Let people see your talent and then make them believe.  Everything has it's time!

To keep in touch with Kamren and her musical journey, stay connected socially!  Also, check out her skills in the videos attached.  Give it a honest listen, I promise you wont be mad at me! =) 
Twitter/IG: @KamrenMusic 

ReverbNation: Reverbnation/KamrenDavis

Youtube: Kamren Music