We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexis Milton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alexis, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I find my purpose by becoming an avid reader. Over six years ago, I was grieving the loss of my grandmother, aunt, and uncle. These were individuals that played a major part in my daily life and to be without them was a struggle. I didn’t know how to handle my grieve and I needed an escape to get my mind off of my pain. So, one day I went into a bookstore and grabbed a fiction book. Went home and started reading and I instantly felt better. The next day went back and got another book and my world just seemed to open in a way that it never had. After reading so many others, I wanted to explore and share my joy for black authors and individuals that have contributed to society with others, so I started an Instagram and Goodreads page. A year later, I decided to start a YouTube channel “Lex Reads” highlighting black literature, fashion, art, etc. I have interacted with so many people all over the world and I love that I can share with others my love for black literature. It sounds so simply yet it has changed my perspective on the world, and I can finally say, I have found my purpose.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Alexis Milton, and I started reading as a way to grieve. I had just lost my aunt, grandmother, and uncle within months of each other. I was never a reader growing up, but I needed a distraction. I first started on YT to see people’s recommendations. I wanted to read black literature because growing up in a predominantly white schools, black authors was non-existed. I was able to find some recs and then went into the bookstore, and my journey of reading started. Once I stated reading, I wanted to track it, so I created a Goodreads page and Instagram. When I got on Instagram. I notice everyone posting the same books by black authors, and that’s when I came up with “unsung blacks,” where I highlight black books, art, music, movies, etc., that didn’t get the praise as they should. People started engaging more and more, and that’s when I decided to start a YT channel, Lex Reads, and then a blog, unsungblacks.com. I also have a book club, “UnsungBlack Book Club,” that stated in February 2023, and just recently, an Etsy shop unsung blacks that sells custom bookmarks that highlights black culture. I love that I can showcase black works because we have done so much to contributed to society, yet many people don’t know. I feel it’s my duty as a black American woman to educated everyone about black history.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I have always been a hard working. I am going to at least try it for myself. I ask for help when needed because I was taught fools don’t take instructions and I don’t want to be foolish. I am consisted. I know people always say that, but consistence is key when you want to reach your goals.
Be yourself, don’t compare your journey to others. Be patient, have faith, and believe in yourself. There is no one like you, and you have to think like that on a daily basis. Also, you don’t have to have all the fancy products and equipment; use your phone and be yourself. Period.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
My number on book that has developed me and will always develop me is the book of Job in the Bible. My faith is very important to me, and I could not do anything without Christ in my opinion. Job in the Bible lost everything and everyone and he still had faith. He never gave up and because of that, he was beyond blessed. If you have faith and follow Gods footsteps, you will receive the desires of your heart. So, faith is key.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.unsungblacks.com/
- Instagram: @lexread10
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lexreads/featured
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/UnsungBlacks/edit?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
Image Credits
Alexis Milton
