As black history month continues this February, we’ve been highlighting artists that have changed popular culture in more ways than one. Whether it be music, acting, philanthropy or social justice. It’s important and imperative to highlight their achievements. Through their craft and their actions, they’ve been able to impact a generation of now, while leaving a legacy for generations to come.

In today’s episode we’re talking about Childish Gambino.

Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino was born in California and raised in Stone Mountain Georgia… Just north-east of Atlanta. While creative as a child, he didn’t start exploring the arts until he reached high school. This is where he found his footing in entertainment. Performing in school musicals and plays. He was actually voted “Most Likely To Write For The Simpsons” in his yearbook. He would move on to study and graduate with a degree New York University’s Tisch School Of The Arts in Dramatic Writing.

While attending university, he started to develop his voice in the booth and Childish Gambino was born. Sort of. How did he get the name? The internet of course. He managed to secure his alias using an online Wu-Tang name generator and began recording, producing and DJing. From humble beginnings, his 2013 release of Because The Internet put him in the conversation with the very best music had to offer, garnering him his first of 12 Grammy nominations to date. He’s s gone on to win 5 Grammys, including 4 for his chart topping, ground breaking song and video THIS IS AMERICA. To date, the video has garnered ¾ of a BILLION views on youtube alone, and was 1 of the largest cultural talking points of 2018.

While we know Childish Gambino for songs like Redbone and This Is America. We recognize Donald Glover from where we’ve seen him. It all started as a writer on the hit TV 30 Rock. Hand picked by Tina Fey, she had this to say “He was literally still living in the NYU dorms,” Fey said. “And that was a great resource for us. We would turn to him and ask, ‘What would a young person say here?” He spent 3 seasons on 30 Rock as a writer, before transitioning to acting in another cult classic “Community”. After 4 seasons on Community, the ever evolving entertainer decided to put all the puzzle pieces together and try his hand at producing, writing and starring in “Atlanta”. He’s won 2 Golden Globes for “Best television series Musical or Comedy” and “Best Actor” – television musical or comedy. His role in Atlanta also landed him in the history books when he became the first black man to win an Emmy for “Outstanding Directing In A Comedy series.”

In 2017, Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino was named to Time 100 list of most influential people.  He has managed to use his influence for some great social causes. In 2020, he reunited with the cast of Community for a live read to benefit World Central Kitchen and Frontline Foods’ COVID-19 relief efforts.

The take away from Donald Glover’s story is to be you. Pursue what your heart desires, don’t let anyone tell you what can and can’t be done. Never confine yourself to one thing. You’re so much more. Your options are infinite.

Donald Glover AKA Childish Gambino is Black Excellence.

Check back for more #BlackExcellence​​ episodes throughout #BlackHistoryMonth​​

CREDITS:
Research By Dames Nellas and John R. Kennedy

Donald Glover Time 100 Most Influential People By Miles Bowe
https://www.factmag.com/2017/04/20/chance-rapper-donald-glover-time-100-most-influential-people-of-2017/#:~:text=Chance%20the%20Rapper%20and%20Donald,those%20who%20have%20shared%20them.%E2%80%9D

Donald Glover “Community” Cast to reunite for COVID-19 relief By Althea Legaspi
https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-news/donald-glover-community-cast-reunite-covid-19-relief-event-995873/