Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorraine Kingcannon

Hi Lorraine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Trauma and triumph are integral to my story, and they illustrate how challenges and victories shape personal growth. The trauma I’ve experienced represents the hurdles that tested my resilience and highlighted the need to confront and overcome generational issues. Each obstacle served as a crucible, strengthening my character and fortifying my resolve. The triumphs, on the other hand, are the victories that emerged from these struggles, marking significant milestones in my journey.

This interplay of overcoming adversity and achieving success is not just a personal narrative but a foundation for understanding and assisting others. My experiences have equipped me to empathize deeply and offer meaningful support to those navigating their own challenges. By sharing these insights, I aim to inspire and guide others in transforming their struggles into stepping stones toward their own triumphs.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

My journey has been both challenging and transformative. For years, I struggled with traumatic grief, which unknowingly led to PTSD. Traumatic grief arises from significant losses experienced under violent, sudden, or otherwise distressing circumstances, affecting not just our sense of loss but also our psychological well-being.

In my case, the deaths of my maternal grandmother and step-grandfather due to cancer were profoundly impactful. Although their illnesses were severe, it was their sudden passing that truly highlighted the depth of my grief. Compounding this, I experienced the murder of my younger brother through gun violence. These events tested me deeply, but through confronting and managing these traumas, I found healing.

Seeking counseling, despite initial fears of community and family stigma, was a critical step in my recovery. This breakthrough, which occurred five years ago, renewed my strength and clarity. My experiences have made me resilient and have fueled my dedication to moving forward with purpose. By sharing my journey, I hope to offer support and inspire others to face their own challenges with courage and determination.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hip Hop Glamm Nonprofit?

After the tragic murder of my younger brother in 2013, my brother Teandre Hamilton and I founded Hip Hop Glamm Nonprofit (hhglamm.org) to combat gun violence in our community. Our mission is to prevent teens from falling into D.E.A.T.H., an acronym for the despair, emptiness, anger, timidness, and heartbreak that follow sudden, violent, and traumatic loss. We use hip-hop therapy—integrating rap, graffiti, dance, and DJing—to help individuals cope and heal. Our outreach includes hospital visits, sending condolence cards, assisting with funerals, and providing other vital support to families affected by gun violence.

As the Chief Project Officer of Hip Hop Glamm, I oversee initiatives that advance our gun violence prevention efforts both internally and externally. My role is crucial in ensuring that our three main components—law enforcement, community moral voice, and outreach and support—work together effectively. My personal experience with gun violence enables me to empathize deeply with those we serve, allowing me to offer practical, impactful solutions grounded in real-life experience. This personal connection ensures that we stay focused on our mission and deliver immediate, practical support rather than engaging in policy or political debates.

We recently celebrated ten years of service on August 23, 2023. During this time, our message has reached over 25,000 individuals through our website, social media, and other platforms. What sets us apart is our firsthand experience with gun violence and our commitment to supporting entire families impacted by these tragedies. We provide comprehensive assistance, including food, shelter, education, and job placement, by connecting families with resources from our network.

Hip Hop Glamm Nonprofit is dedicated to addressing gun violence through innovative, culturally relevant methods. Our unique approach combines hip-hop therapy with a holistic support system for affected families, driven by our personal connection to the cause. We aim to offer not just awareness but real, practical solutions and hope for those in need.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

My journey with mentorship has been deeply influenced by the guidance of my mom and aunt, Maria Kingcannon and Marti Hawkins. They imparted invaluable wisdom passed down from my grandmother, whom we lost suddenly to cancer. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors within my family, including siblings, uncles, aunts, and cousins. However, as my primary mentors took on more responsibilities, our interactions shifted from direct to more indirect mentorship. This transition was initially challenging, and I struggled to find mentors outside my family, feeling disconnected from those I admired but didn’t know personally.

This perspective changed when I came across advice from Oprah about ten years ago. She suggested that even without personal mentors, we can access a wealth of knowledge from influential figures through their platforms and publications. This insight was transformative. I began exploring the works of these “distant” mentors, reading their books and articles to learn from their experiences. A quote from Condoleezza Rice, found in her memoir *Extraordinary, Ordinary People*, particularly resonated with me: “It’s good to have female or minority role models. But the important thing is to have mentors who care about you, and they come in all colors.”

Currently, I find myself in a mentoring role for others, yet I am actively seeking a mentor based in the DFW area. This ongoing search reflects my commitment to continuous learning and personal growth, and I encourage others to leverage both personal and indirect mentorship to broaden their horizons and support their development.

Finding a mentor and building a strong network can significantly impact your personal and professional growth. Here are some practical tips:

1. Leverage Your Existing Network:
Start by reaching out to people you already know. Family members, friends, and colleagues can often provide valuable mentorship. Don’t hesitate to seek their guidance and support.

2. Broaden Your Search:
If your immediate network doesn’t provide the mentorship you need, look beyond. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage in online forums related to your field. For example, I am a member of PMI for project managers, which has been instrumental in expanding my network.

3. Embrace Indirect Mentorship:
Learn from the experiences and advice of public figures and successful professionals, even if you don’t have a personal relationship with them. Their insights, accessible through books, articles, and interviews, can offer valuable guidance.

4. Contribute Back:
Remember that mentorship is reciprocal. Be prepared to offer your own insights and support in areas where you excel. Mentors appreciate when you contribute ideas and help them innovate, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hhglamm.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hip_hop_glamm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiphopglamm
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/hip_hop_glamm
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/hiphopglamm