Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daniel Laurent. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Daniel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I wrote, costarred, codirected and funded “Cry for Me”, an award winning short film centered around domestic violence.
The film was inspired by violence I was seeing towards women and some a little close to home and as an artist I became frustrated and wanted to say something but not in a speech or online post. Something a little more meaningful.
The song “Cry for Me” that I wrote is chalked full of red flags and things that are often ignored and then ultimately become tragedies. I was intentional about not having actual violent language in the song and also for the visual, I did not want to have actual gratuitous violence shown but actually more an ode to Alfred Hitchcock and leaving up to the viewers imagination.
Men are absolutely impacted and victims of domestic violence and with the acknowledgement of that reality, I chose for this conversation to center women as they are the most disproportionally impacted.
Daniel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born in Boston, spent most time in Roxbury, graduated Valedictorian of my senior class and went to Fashion Institute of Technology in NY studying Advertising and Marketing.
I have always been an artist, whether drawing and sketching or writing poetry or sculpting. I have always found joy and expression in art. I wholeheartedly believe that art can change society for the better and although often misused and disrespected, it is still the most powerful medium.
In my heart I knew I was not going to delve into the world of advertising per se but I wanted to acquire a new skill and tool for my ever-growing toolbox.
I have released over 8 albums, been featured on over 10 artists projects, as an actor worked on more than 10 films and 15 commercials, created and hosted my own internet radio show, cohosted another radio show, lead a successful improv troupe and more. I have always truly understood the power of media and imagery. Currently having a single, music video and award winning short film on domestic violence called Cry for Me, a weekly podcast with my wife called Wedlocked N Loaded, I am still putting the medicine in the candy and hoping to inspire.
I am also CEO & Founder of Black Dollar, an apparel brand that promotes positive group economics and intentionality within and surrounding the Black community. Last year, Black Dollar CARES was announced that allows 80% of the purchase to go to specific organizations that do ground work in the areas of Domestic Violence and Women Owned Businesses.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I am trying to create course correction amongst men. I am being intentional about talking to men directly while also being a present and loud ally with women in the spaces they are in. As an artist, I want to be a conduit for my art to attract the attention and then while the light is still bright, the experts take the stage.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I have had to unlearn most things that I was taught growing up as a young man, also being a part of Hip Hop culture. There were things that I once celebrated and thought were funny and now as an adult, I see it is problematic and far from comedic
Everyday is an unlearning journey that I am openly and proudly undertaking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniellaurent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellaurentsme/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DLSME
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellaurentsme/
- Twitter: not actively using
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielLaurent
- Other: also www.blackdollarus.com is my website
Image Credits
n/a