Local Writer and Up and Coming Major Player BeShayBE interviewed your boy so I thought I would share my interview and my thoughts with you our loyal visitors.
Yohannan “Big Yogi” Terrell
A Young Entrepreneur and entertainment icon in Columbus, OH, Yohannan Terrell is the product of hard work and innovativeness. Beginning his entertainment career as a promoter, Yohannan aka Big Yogi, moved into the advertising and marketing sector when he launched his company Image INQ, a boutique marketing firm that specialized in Urban initiatives. Later Yohannan created the popular online magazine, The FlyPaper Online Magazine, which covers celebrity news, local news, fashion, music, technology, community, and more.
Recently Yohannan landed the Online Director Position at Radio One Columbus and is working on some National campaigns through the Radio One network.
BSB: How do you feel about the current state of hip-hop and the music industry in general?
Yogi: Hip Hop is changing, the system is changing. One thing companies can’t predict is human nature. I really am enjoying how the companies are losing big to the internet. They don’t know what to do. But artists are starting to become more creative and I’m glad to see diversity in styles of hip hop again. It’s not where it used to be when artists also tried to educate the people but I can’t wait for the next P.E.
BSB: What do you think about the way the media portrays or covers affairs dealing with African Americans?
Yogi: It’s manipulated flat out. I got into the media game just to cover events and issues that were affecting our communities. I remember doing an event with a local motorcycle club, the Wild Life Riders. We gave away hats, coats, gloves, and sweaters to families in need while the kids skated for free. It was a very powerful thing. We called and sent press releases to all of the news stations and no one covered it. Later that night I turned to the news and watched some old lady who had 13 cats, followed by a cat food commercial (get it?). I bet if I would of slapped one of those little kids at the skating rink, every news station in the city would have been there.
BSB: What steps do minorities need to take to create a better community for our children?
Yogi: We need to hit the reset button and change our way of thinking. We have turned our fears and angers against each other and for some reason can’t figure out how to get out of it. If you have no tradition to follow after you start to run wild. It may even take something drastic to happen, as it has happened in the past, to make us wake up. But as far as solutions and steps are concerned the first step would be to start with yourself, then your family, then your community, then the whole. By improving on all of these levels our children will grow up with positive examples to follow.
BSB: Do you believe that college or higher education necessary to be successful?
Yogi: Yes! Yes! and Yes! It’s not so much about the actual institution of college. It’s the exposure and experiences that open your eyes to a whole new world. I came from a small city, drama, drugs, alcohol, death, and poverty. And that was just in my household. I didn’t know anything but what I was living. Thankfully a lady came to my house one day from the city and asked to be my mentor. She helped me get into college and the rest is history. I suggest going to another city and enrolling into any type of college or university. The experience will open doors to what’s out in the world. Education itself is ongoing but you don’t find that out unless you pursue higher education.
BSB: What is your definition of SUCCESS?
Yogi: Success is seeing a positive result of your efforts or hard work. Hell, losing 5 pounds is success. In which lately I have not been successful but I’m about to go hard at the gym. But seriously, success to me is not measured in dollars or titles. It’s about realizing that you can accomplish something you put your mind to. If you can be successful in that manner than obtaining money and status should come easy. Maybe you want to just make a quilt. If you focus, learn the steps, and then implement them then you can be one of the dopest quilt makers this side of the Mississippi.
BSB: How far do you feel we as Americans have gotten away from “Family Values” and is there any reality in a “White-picket Fence” dream??
Yogi: White picket fences is still very much a reality. It’s just a reality for many fewer people. Back in the day when you thought about the white picket fence you were speaking of the middle class. That was not as hard to obtain and it was easier for us to aspire for that lifestyle. Today the divide between lower class and upper class is 100 times greater. So the white fence has turned into a white steel gate that guards a community miles and miles away from where you live. And that’s not just Black people, that’s everyone. Classism is in full effect. As far as family values, in our community when families are absent it’s hard to instill family values on the kids. How do you teach roles in family when you’re playing multiple roles. But I believe in family values and tradition. I’m trying to teach myself but it is hard and I often don’t get it, but I’m trying.
BSB: Today more than ever, it is becoming increasingly important to generate your own revenue and income because of the slim pickings in the job market. What would you as an entrepreneur tell someone looking to make their passion a career??
Yogi: I would tell them first that just having a “passion” for something isn’t going to make you any money. It’s having the knowledge of how to turn your passion into a business that’s going to make you a successful entrepreneur. I heard somebody (an African American) say one time that Black people think about starting a company first then try to figure out how to make money and other races figure out what makes money first then start the business. I don’t know if that’s really true but it did make me think. Small business is what builds wealth but it’s also having the knowledge of how to run business and who you work with to get your company to the next level. This is one thing I will say, you cannot get there by yourself. The best seller ‘From Good to Great’ touches on this topic by supporting the notion that bringing in the right people on your team is key to helping you get to the top. There is nothing like turning your passion into a business though. Believe me it’s good for the soul. Good luck
