I understand the different stances on this artistic vs. entrepreneurial debate. I understand the need for balance and diversity in regards to what future rattlers will be exposed to with the “face” of the university. However, let’s not diminish one craft to make another seem more

“essential”. WE artists have just as much entrepreneurial skills as those with a business degree. The audience sees the movies, the show, buys the track - the finished product. But what you don’t see is the process of licensing and copyrights, the countless brainstorming sessions

with executives before the script even makes it to the director, marketing strategy boards, artist contracts, legal agreements between production companies and state governments, location documents, insurance and budget statements. Though making an award-winning film or creating

the next chart-topper is a gift from the Most High, it’s not a hobby and shouldn’t be regarded as such. “Show business” is literal BUSINESS. Whereas you have on an uncomfortable corporate suit and work in an office, I have on a costume where 9/10 it’s uncomfortable too and I work

on a soundstage that’s been built to look like an office. But guess what...we both getting checks! Whereas you have a salaried job, artists are CONSTANTLY auditioning, even while we’re in the middle of a production to make sure once that job is done we have another one lined up.

And some artists are managing side hustles in the middle of all that! We’re not just people who entertain you when you’re Netflix & Chillin’. There’s a level of “decorum” we have in those audition rooms, film sets, and concert halls as you do in those corner offices.

We’re constantly brainstorming ways to make sure we keep eating! Take this pandemic for instance. The whole world is on lockdown. As a result, movies/plays/concerts/projects that were in production have been shutdown. So how do we eat? Virtual dance, vocal, and acting classes

( #ShamelessPlug - Sign your kids up for the A-List Performers Academy. Link in bio ). Home studios are being pushed to the limits with this newfound time to bring you “Coronatine” music. Can you imagine how many new movies, plays, albums, books, etc. are gonna come out of this?

In the history books they should call this period the “Corona Renaissance”. I may not be in the business of selling insurance but it’s my face you see on the commercial and brochure, and THAT’S MY BUSINESS.

My name is Joy Broadway. FAMU alumna, actress, director, playwright, producer, drama coach, and owner of Jewels Jems Productions and A-List Performers Academy. And I endorse @KimaniJOfficial for Mr. FAMU. #ThisIsIt