We recently connected with Martrae M. Godard and have shared our conversation below.

Martrae M. , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe that success is knowing why you were born. I believe we all were sent here with a purpose. When we find that purpose for our lives we expand. Understanding that method we should all focus on releasing our full God given potential and truly seek our “why” or our calling in life.

The potential, gifts and abilities that God has blessed us with is the true meaning of being successful. Most people equate material items with success, however I believe that we all are born with gifts and the world is our canvas we must all create and give our gifts away to help continue expand our society.

I believe that the death of a seed is the burial of a forest. We have everything that we need to be successful and we were born with unlimited potential, we must view the world as our canvas for us to leave the following generations something which they can learn and be inspired. The abilities to complete your life assignment lie within. The tools are our natural talents, gifts and abilities. Believe and know it is so and it will be.

Martrae M. , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Martrae M. Godard. (Trae Moe) Film Director, Screen Writer and Producer. God has blessed me with many gifts however, the foundation of it all is my media/ production company BlackmARTket.

BlackmARTket’s mission is to amplify the vision and voices of story tellers and content curators while being a resource for African Americans and minorities within film & television. We pride ourselves on thinking outside the box. We are strategically redefining entertainment, media, and technology. While being a must have technology brand that celebrates innovative and original content.

One of our short term goals is to get into the public school sector and teach film to the youth. Creating this platform has been the foundation to help me understand who I am and my purpose. These are the kind of opportunities that expands the minds of our youth and show it’s possible . One of the goals we have is to create a creative hub / working space on the South Side of Chicago for African Americans creatives and a physical location to call home for young creatives. Somewhere they can learn, grow, and become .

This is a safe space where we teach, expand the minds of youth and have professionals within the industry come speak and show the youth how to conquer skill within film, media, radio, podcasting and all other media related opportunities. We plan on being a resource to the community and provide materials, and resources to thrive within the film and television industry.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience for me was …

growing up on the South Side of Chicago. There were always choices to be made. Some of the guys I grew up with didn’t get a chance to see their 18th birthday. I choose to always stay committed to sports or other activities to keep expanding as a young man. I took advantage of my resources, knowing that I had gift and those gifts can make room for me.

I remember using my last few dollars to go downtown to expand my mind and see more of the city, literally getting lost on purpose while journaling about my goals, dreams, and aspirations.

Saying all that to say it’s possible. I chose to be different and not follow the crowd.

You MUST hold on to the vision and work at it daily. FAITH WITHOUT WORK IS DEAD! You must put in the work and even when it seems as if it’s not going to workout keep the faith. Never give up on yourself or vision God has placed in your heart. It is possible if you’re willing to keep persevering and believe.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I believe that we can get whatever we want if we truly focus and decide that it’s already ours. Changing careers from healthcare to film was one of the challenging things that I’ve ever done. I had no formal schooling in film and my degrees where in healthcare administration and planning.

The transition truly started with me stepping out my comfort zone and picking up the camera to start filming a documentary series by the name of “THE ART OF”. At this time I was still working within Corporate America, truthfully buying equipment and just learning along my journey and adjusting through the mistakes.

I would use my salary to fund all of my production ideas at the time, leveraging myself being that I didn’t go to school. I’m a firm believer that when you put one foot in front of the other ( walk ) it always workout.

I met a mentor who happened to be a teacher at Columbia College. He would allow me to sit in his classes and several other people along the way that assisted me with information or opportunities.

Nonetheless, in life I believe we know what our hearts desire and we must continue to seek to find our purpose. Fast forward I was in my third year at my healthcare job when I met my mentor . Jacob had just finished filming for the day when I was walking back to my car after speaking to a youth football team, we began to converse and he was a 2nd assistant director on a show for the network Showtime.

We discussed the industry, all of my projects and my goals, and ambitions of me getting into the industry and becoming a film director. He gave me his email and told me to send my resume. I went home eager and confident but also with some doubt that I possibly would never hear back from this guy.

I followed instructions sent the resume and for hood measures even added my website with more of my content. Eventually I heard from my mentor and he allowed me to shadow him on set. Shortly after that I was given a full time opportunity for a show on Apple TV and quit my 9/5 and broke into the film industry. I choose to share because resilience for all of us looks different but with consistency and perseverance we always W.I.N. (Worthy Individuals Neverlose)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.BlackmARTket.com
• Instagram: _TraeMoe ( personal) Black_mARTket (business)
• Facebook: Martrae Godard
• Twitter: @Trae_the3
• Other: Martrae Godard will like to introduce a short film that he wrote, directed and executive produced . “The Get Back” Its a short film about choices; while striving to be make a way for his family through basketball and remain optimistic despite of social barriers on the South Side of Chicago. A rising basketball high school star Titus McGrady receives a scholarship the same day his little brother is murdered by gun violence. Titus is faced with the choice to raise above or seek revenge that could bring him to his demise. How far will you go for revenge for someone you love ?

Image Credits
Photo Credit Erika Coldman, Natalie Rose,