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A New Way Forward
Historically, for generations of youths from underserved urban communities, and for better but mainly worse, the largely mythical and “legitimate” paths forward - escapes from the poverty and trauma that so often surrounded them - were limited to two primary careers: rock or jock - music or sports. Military service was and is rarely considered (except as a court-directed alternative to incarceration) and, of course, joining one of the neighborhood’s gangs was frowned upon. So, millions of black and brown kids aspired (against any and all realistic odds) to become the next Jay Z, Walter Payton, or Michael Jordan.
Needless to say, this was an extremely poor bet and a fantastical life plan that led to early and regular disappointment for millions of young people. In addition, it was almost always an entirely selfish dream – a very narrow and particular path – all about becoming a standout – a star – an exception to the rule - rather than an important part of a team, a member of a group making or building something, or even part of a family. Only after they succeed, do the best and strongest athletes look back and acknowledge that they would never have reached the heights they achieved without the help of a dedicated and committed team which had their backs.
The good news, however, is that especially in the last 10 years, an enormous change in the perception among teens and young adults of what success looks like and how it can be achieved has taken place. This presents all of us with a once-in-many-lifetimes chance to help millions of these kids find a third way forward - a new career path - with the active and aggressive support of the very sports and music celebrities that they continue to adore and idolize. Every kid today wants to be an entrepreneur - to create and control their own destinies - and to make something that matters – in whatever field or area of interest might be their greatest passion. And, for millions of them, music and media top the list.
Entrepreneurs of every size, shape, gender, and color have become the new rock stars of the digital economy. And the proof of the pudding - as well as all the validation and confirmation ever required - is that there’s not a single performer, celebrity, athlete, or other star who doesn’t think of themselves and describe themselves on every possible occasion as an entrepreneur and businessperson as well as an extraordinary talent and performer. Jay Z says: “I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man!” And that says it all to today’s teens. They know that you can’t build a business by yourself.
Making and producing music, even in this time of super powerful and sophisticated technology, is basically a collaborative enterprise. The musician is an essential part of the process to be sure, but so are the several other crucial jobs which are required to complete the production. This is a critical consideration and part of the Libraries Live program because the intention is that the LL program should promote, enable and inform the patrons about all of these various roles and opportunities for future growth and employment rather than simply being a solitary enterprise for the individual musician. This is the central idea of programs like Find Your Grind which help students identify, learn about, and get interested/excited about pursuing careers in vocational areas which they may have considerable aptitudes for but never previously considered for a variety of reasons including primarily lack of information and lack of encouragement/mentorship. (See https://findyourgrind.com/ )
Obviously, this approach opens up dozens of additional career paths regardless of any individual’s particular musical performance skills. Similar programs like Guns Over Guitars (See https://www.guitarsoverguns.org/ ) which have already had substantial success are basically focused on the performer in particular. Our vocational target – the focal point – is accessing and gaining eventual employment in the overall music business, not merely the music itself. You do the work because, as Diddy would say, “it’s all about the Benjamins, baby”. But, even more importantly, once these kinds of digital creation and production skills are mastered, they are readily transferable to well-paid positions in dozens of other industries – all of which are actively engaged in the transition of every part of their communication strategies to the digital world.
The biggest stars, the best athletes, and the most celebrated celebrities and influencers all talk far more these days about their work ethic, discipline, and craft than simply about their raw talent and creativity. The message is clear: you don’t get what you wish for, you get what you work for – all day, every day, and in every possible way.
Effort and attitude are what make the ultimate difference, but none of this is possible without resources, education and training, and a safe and supportive environment in which to pursue your dreams. Everyone starts somewhere and for millions of young people interested in making music that place can be their neighborhood library. And that library can be a gateway and a steppingstone to important vocational training in a variety of related and adjacent fields and a solid future.
We don’t want the LL program to be a mile wide and an inch deep. We don’t believe that you can be (or should try to be) all things to all people. But to be very clear, in a time where lifelong learning is essential to continued employment and security, there are future patrons and users of these kinds of library resources of all ages desiring to learn critical digital media creation and production skills in a low-stress, inexpensive and hands-on environment. The kids won’t be the only ones learning and having fun at the same time. There are approximately 3 million podcasts today and the number continues to grow exponentially.