Lucky Number Seven is a a brief interview with someone interesting in the public eye, chopped into easily consumed tidbits of data for your brain space.
The airwaves are jam packed with chatter fests, filled with talking heads and sensationalist agendas. In a somewhat surprising show of altruism, Time Warner Cable has a plan to throw one more on to the pile, this time with a slightly different slant.
Born to Shine promises to "to create diverse original content spotlighting African Americans who are paving the way in entertainment and the community." Seems legit. The company cast a wide net, launching a nation wide talent search (covered here at Komplicated) for hosts with judges as diverse as American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress Tatyana Ali, second-generation songstress Lala Hathaway and geek demigod Phil Morris.
One of the winners was Ms. Black California from 2005, Los Angeles resident Isis McKenzie, and she consented to answer seven questions — some ridiculous, some serious — for Komplicated.
K: There aren't a lot of beauty pageant winners who got into education. Could you tell us about your experience as an educator with LAUSD, and how that experience helped shape you?
I: I started off working as an educator for the LAUSD as a teacher and Special Ed assistant while I was still in undergraduate school. Once I graduated I eventually taught grades 6th through 12th along with English as a Second language for adults. There were many times when I felt that I was on a learning curve. Each grade I taught, each student I worked with helped to develop me into a more socially-conscious person. I enjoyed seeing the “light bulbs” turn on for my students when they understood what I was teaching them. It was a pleasure to develop good relationships with not only my students, but their families as well. Above all, my students taught me to be more patient, and they educated me about their longing for a mentor/role model to give them some sense of direction.
K: Let's say you will only be able to watch 44 minutes of television (not counting commercials) for the rest of your life. What do you watch, and why? How would you adapt to not being able to enjoy TV ever again after that?
I: If I had only 44 mins of TV to watch, I would prefer the Oprah Winfrey Show. It is one of the few shows where I can be informed, educated, inspired, and entertained. If there were no television available to me I would adapt to the next best form of media…the internet!
K: What was it about the Born to Shine show that spoke to you? What sorts of things do you hope to accomplish while working on it?
I: It was an opportunity to have a platform to discuss achievements and contributions that African Americans have done, along with politically and socially stimulating other communities about African Americans as a sub-culture. I have been pursuing a career as an on air TV host/ anchor for several years. I felt this would be a GREAT opportunity to move forward with my career as a TV Host. While working on this project I expect to be a strong voice that educates and entertains all communities about black pioneers, leaders, movers and shakers.
K: Please recite a verse from your favorite song for us, and let us know why that song speaks to you?
I: A verse of my favorite song is called “Here’s to Life” by Shirley Horn. “No complaints and no regrets. I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bets. For I have learned that all you give is all you get. So give it all you’ve got!”
K: You took the day off of your job to audition for this show. How did your co-workers react when they discovered they worked with a nascent celebrity?
I: I am with a different company now then the one I was working for when I had the audition.
K: … didn't really answer the question, but moving on … Have you met the other hosts yet? How do you believe your interaction with them will be, and what sorts of strengths do you feel you bring that they might not have?
I: I have had brief interactions with a couple of the other hosts that I will be working with. I am anticipating great camaraderie between all 4 of us. I will certainly contribute to our success by keeping a welcoming demeanor for all guests and with everyone who is a part of the “Born To Shine” team. My strongest asset is getting others to feel comfortable with me.
K: Would you be comfortable with getting hit in the face with a cream pie on camera? Do you think you'd prefer a pie with a fruit filling? Do you think temperature would matter?
I: Getting hit in the face with a cream pie on camera will have to be negotiable. I would have to talk with my lawyer first to make sure in the contract it stipulates that getting hit with a cream pie in the face is just not worth it unless the pie had a cherry on top!
Born to Shine debuts on Time Warner Cable On Demand this fall.
[Source: Time Warner Cable]
I remember this sister at CSUN. I was her R.A. She always had a smile and she conducted herself like a lady. Definitely a stand out.