Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rocki & Chaveevah North End Update. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Rocki & Chaveevah, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Optimism comes from a number of things: shifting your perspective to look at what’s positive–perhaps, even in the face of what’s negative; and amplifying what’s positive instead of devaluing or dismissing it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Our show, Ms Rocki n Chaveevah LIVE! is a weekly social media broadcast that is featured on Facebook LIVE, YouTube, and community access WCT channel 17 in Waterloo. We are a non-profit organization, and we use social media to promote good things that counteract the negative narrative that nothing good is happening in our local community, and to address tough conversations about race. We’d heard enough of the “bad news” that simply wasn’t an accurate picture of what life is like in our community, and we decided it was time to counteract it with the “good news” we see every day. In addition to the good people, places and things that are our focus, we also shed light on what needs to change. We entertain as well as educate, introducing our viewers to businesses, artists, musicians, politicians, and everyday people who are making a difference. In a weekly show that airs every Friday from 4 to 4:30pm, we highlight what’s new and exciting; provide important updates to viewers who have moved away but still want news of what’s going on in their hometown; present locally, nationally and internationally known guests, most of whom have roots in Waterloo; and we have FUN doing it!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Honesty with oneself and with others; being open to what others may have to offer; and realizing the importance of re-inventing oneself at various stages of life. The most important thing about honesty is that there is never a need to remember a carefully-crafted falsehood–no need or intent to fool yourself or anyone else. It is important also to be open to what others may have to offer, recognizing that there is always something to learn from others because NO ONE has all the answers. Being open does not mean you have to dismiss the knowledge and understanding that has sustained you, but potentially adding to your base of knowledge. Finally, re-inventing yourself is important because the one thing that is constant is CHANGE. As we grow older and move into different phases of life, what we need changes as well as what we have to offer. Discovering different talents and interests increases one’s ability to connect with others in meaningful ways
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
As an African American woman, I’d say that the most impactful thing my parents did for me was to love me unconditionally and encourage me to read and to expand my knowledge base; they wanted me to know and experience things beyond what they’d done.–Chaveevah
**I cannot presume to answer for Rocki [Joshalyn Johnson], my best friend and co-host; but having known both her parents, I’d say that they gifted her with the ability to communicate well, and across barriers of race
Contact Info:
- Website: https://northendupdate.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100017320771326
- Youtube: North End Update BOOMSHAKALAKA!
Image Credits
photo inside car–IPTV
personal promo–Carlos Frazier/CLos Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
