Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Laurent.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was raised with both parents which later in life, I realize was a blessing as so many were not fortunate to have that. I had the streets and the underworld in full view but not being glamorized. It was a time when community was very much present and those who were involved in street activities, if talent was recognized, they protected it and didn’t try to consume it. I was protected. Not only from my parents, but those who operated in the underground economy and professionals alike. I knew it then and appreciate it even more now. So many examples. So many instances to recount.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. However, as cliché as it sounds, everything I went through makes me everything I am today. There are not many regrets I have if at all. There are things I wished I took more seriously or maximized efforts on or relationships I wish I had nurtured differently or used better discernment but all in all, it is what it is.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
So for me there are a few hats that I wear and I’ll explain high level on each. I am a recording artist and songwriter. I have self produced and financed my own albums, singles, videos and promotional efforts. Most recent proud accomplishment is creating the intro and outro for The Native Land Podcast with Angela Rye, Tiffany Cross and Andrew Gillum on Reasoned Choice/I Heart platforms.

I am also CEO & Founder of Black Dollar, an apparel brand that promotes powernomics in the Black community with intentional message statements that is available online at blackdollarus.com as well as Bogosplit in Copley Mall and the Visitor Information Center in Boston Commons.

Host and Co Creator of Wedlocked N Loaded Podcast. A new episode is released every Wednesday morning at 8am. It is a show about love, relationships, parenting, social issues, therapy and more.

Also, I wrote, produced, starred, co-directed a short film “Cry for Me” that is centered around domestic and sexual abuse. The film has won over 28 awards thus far and has had 3 sold out screenings to date.
Recently,

I co founded For Your Review Services with my partner Kawanda Boyd. We focus on systems and processes of small businesses including everything from employee retention strategies, job descriptions, operating checklists, operation flow processes and more.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are a plethora of people who have poured into me and I am forever grateful. I will list some of the ones that come to mind but this is by no means all.

4 of these were from the Lewis Middle School in Roxbury

Ms. Zuhairah Bilal (Middle school art teacher)
My 1st example of a light. She was so creative, warm spirited, loving and kind.

Ms. Johnson (Middle school music teacher)
Very stern, no nonsense. Lot of kids didn’t care for her and thought she was mean. She would always be outside smoking a cigarette and had a raspy laugh and a filtered potty mouth. She loved and cared and I understood and we found commonalities. I love her.

Mr. Gardner (Middle school music teacher)
Partner in crime to Ms. Johnson. He was more soft and his approach not so off putting but no push over by any means and super funny.

Mr. Rowland (Middle school gym teacher)
Cool as a cucumber and about 6’7 at least. Strong Black man that cared. Never seen him rattled, few words but powerful.

Mr. Chapman (High School admin)
Another cool, powerful Black man that cared and wanted the best for the students and took a liking to me. Always sharp and clean.

Mr. Bryant (High school English teacher)
Similar to Ms. Johnson, a lot of students didn’t like him. He was tough, he would write an F in red on your paper after the 1st line. He would always say “save the fluff” He and I became closer as I again realized his heart and passion.

Mr. Benson (High school Math teacher)
Math was never my favorite subject, but I respected him and his efforts. Real, genuinely cared and showed up everyday ready.

Officer Kenneth Grubbs (Boston Police and also D.A.R.E Program lead)
He was the 1st example of a Black officer that was kind, caring and respectful. Because of him, I never blanketly stated disdain for law enforcement or authority. I learned early the power and impact of community building.
I purposely listed educators as it was so important in my development. Yes I had few key family members and celebrities that I drew inspiration from but these people who I have never seen listed in print were my heroes and I want their names memorialized as such.

Pricing:

• Apparel prices varies, visit https://blackdollarus.com/apparel
• For exclusive screenings and workshops related to the film email [email protected]
• For Your Review consultation and pricing, email [email protected]
• For WEDlocked N Loaded hostings or guest suggestions, email [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Website: www.daniellaurent.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellaurentsme/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniellaurentsme/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellaurentsme/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DanielLaurent
• Other: https://wedlockednloadedpodcast.podbean.com/