We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raquelle “rocki” Harris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raquelle “Rocki” below.
Raquelle “Rocki”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a customer success story with us?
Taking extra steps to make it happen is an essential part of my work ethic. As a publicist, I worked with a client in Chicago for the grand opening of her one-of-a-kind flex co-working space, located on Chicago’s South Side in the historic Beverly neighborhood. My diligence and persistence led to coverage of her story on ABC 7 Chicago — which according to Nielsen is the highest-rated and number 1 source for news in Chicago. After reaching out to Emmy Award-winning anchor, Val Warner, not once, not twice, but three times, she responded and told me she would pass my pitch on to the news desk, and she advised me to call to follow up. I started calling the ABC 7 news desk at 7 a.m., the morning of the grand opening. One of the producers told me to call back twice to confirm, and I did, which led to the story airing, and was reported by Emmy Award-winning veteran anchor, Cheryl Burton.
TV placements are gold, and this was a defining moment for my client who is a native of Chicago. I facilitated coverage of her story on several other seminal outlets including Fox 32 Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My traditonal 9-5 is as a social worker with over 25 years of experience in Child Welfare; the transferrable skills I developed along with my formal education (I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in psychology and Afro-American and African studies), and my urban upbringing, helped to shape my journey as a multimedia journalist/storyteller. My first loves are reading and writing, and my transition to on-air personality was natural because I love to talk and explore experiences that elevate my energy. Most of my clients seek my keen attention to detail and ability to help them reach their core audience and deliver their message engagingly and effectively. Since childhood, I have wanted to be on the radio because it’s a reliable way to reach the masses and connect with the audience. Although streaming has taken over, terrestrial and satellite radio music has always been a universal language that communicates every emotion, feeling, or thought we experience as humans. Reaching others through my honest observations and witty interpretations are gifts that I’ve learned to leverage. My articles on entertainment and relationships are relatable and often thought-provoking; my one-on-one interviews reveal depth about WHO people are, along with WHAT they do.
Social work was part of my calling, yet I always knew my purpose was beyond serving at-risk children and families. After I was married with two kids for a while, I obtained my diploma in Broadcast Media Arts from Specs Howard School for Media Arts. While there, I started a blog called Rocki’s Reality, which eventually transformed into my award-winning podcast. After 8 seasons, Rocki’s Reality is the number one podcast for unfiltered and unapologetic culture, entertainment and relationships. We broadcast live on Facebook, YouTube and Roku to over 2M followers/viewers. My show has featured notable guests such as Anthony Hamilton, Eric Roberson, Hill Harper, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, and other celebrities, influencers, entrepreneurs, and everyday people. Along with entertainment and relationships, I cover topics that are crucial to my community such as domestic violence awareness, estate planning, and the importance of voting.
While submitting my writing to various blogs, a former high school classmate connected me with rolling out magazine which began my career as a multimedia journalist covering events, interviewing celebrities and entrepreneurs. I have contributed to several other publications including Parade.com, BlackLove.com, ThisisRnB.com, Billboard, and most recently, VIBE. Via my business, Write Down To It, I write/edit/compile, articles, bios, manuscripts, press releases, EPKs etc. I also provide Public Relations, emcee events, and moderate panels. My penchant for authenticity and transparency connects me with people from a range of disciplines. I am someone who “knows everybody” because I learned early that relationships are currency, and how to adapt to different environments — I can relate to people in the hood, and in the boardroom. I am unafraid to verbalize what others are thinking and I don’t shy away from taboo topics or dicey conversations — I welcome them as a way to shift narratives and perspectives. Throughout my media career, I have focused on representing stories that illuminate African-Americans — especially women — with as little sensationalization as possible. It’s been a challenge to balance accuracy vs. click bait, yet I pride myself on integrity.
Need the 411 on community/social justice issues and how you can affect change, referral to a reputable business/service or resource? My platform offers that. Want the tea on celebrity shenanigans, the latest binge worthy TV series, or must watch movies? I’ve got that too. People often tell me that they like my energy because they feel at ease, they see that I uphold facts and fairness –with a sprinkle of humor and BDE. I don’t believe in frontin’, I prefer to be straight up with no ill intentions. My spontaneity is refreshing, yet I can pivot when necessary and handle business with unmatched precision. My brand exudes style with intentional substance that is rare in this social media era. I am proud of how I always bet on myself and my abilities despite the self-doubt and the weariness that comes with this industry. I know the value I offer, and I share insight that others sometimes prefer to gatekeep. I am from a generation that came before the current technological zeitgeist, so I prefer to communicate without pretense or facade. My followers and supporters can depend on me to educate, entertain, enlighten and shake shit up! They can also expect a feisty, yet compassionate spirit who will cheer for champions AND underdogs.
As a Black woman from the east side of Detroit who graduated from Michigan, who is also a curvy cutie with indomitable confidence, I am an anomaly, I am complex, and I embrace ALL of it.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Positively impacting how others love, live, and learn has been the most rewarding aspect of being a creative, thus far. It warms my heart when someone inboxes or texts me about my content and how it affected them, motivated them, woke them up, or changed their perspective. I believe in sharing resources and that whatever I put out — good or bad — is reciprocated. Maintaining authenticity and seeking new information and connections, while nurturing previous ones, has helped me leave an indelible impact. And of course, I enjoy exclusive entry into events while rubbing elbows with dignitaries, celebrities and influencers. I have interviewed many of my favorite artists, actors, and influencers. It is a bonus when they reveal something that they’ve never shared before. I also love hearing the backstories of how events, businesses, or projects came to fruition. Using my platform to highlight stories that should be told reinforces my sense of purpose.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
My consistency, authenticity and diligence have built my reputation —people know can count on me to be thorough. Even those who don’t like me can respect how I unequivocally present my brand. I am known to connect others with valuable resources and relationships. Showing up when it matters and offering support is a part of who I am; building and maintaining reciprocal relationships is key.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://writedowntoit.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writedowntoit/ https://www.instagram.com/rockisreality/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockisreality https://www.facebook.com/WDTI324
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelle-%E2%80%9Crocki%E2%80%9D-harris-268b1392/
- Twitter: https://x.com/Writedowntoit3
- Youtube: Rocki’s Reality
- Other: Rocki’s Reality LIVE on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@rockisreality861?si=lr0qeAMV7Pcznqjl (https://youtube.com/@rockisreality861?si=lr0qeAMV7Pcznqjl)Rocki’s Reality LIVE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rockisreality?mibextid=LQQJ4d (https://www.facebook.com/rockisreality?mibextid=LQQJ4d)
SOUL TV LIVE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soultvofficial?mibextid=LQQJ4d (https://www.facebook.com/soultvofficial?mibextid=LQQJ4d)
SOUL TV LIVE on Roku https://www.soultv.page/ (https://www.soultv.page/)
Image Credits
Image 1:Facebook Detroit Is Different
Image 2: Book With Benji
Images 3: Lightfeet Images
Image 4: Anthony Peat Simmons
Images 5, 6, & 7: are courtesy of me
Images 8: Book With Benji