Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Minter.
Caleb, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am born and raised in a very small town of Bolivar Tennessee. I come from a very musical family, my dad is a singer and once was apart of a gospel quartet. Traveling and watching him perform intrigued a desire to be somewhat like him when I got older. I began my musical journey leading songs in my church choir around the age of 14 until after graduating high school.
While pursuing an education at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), I decided to follow my passion and began writing and performing music. While in college, I set the groundwork for my career performing at events and working on original music and collabs with local artists.
After graduating from MTSU in 2013, exactly one year later my only sibling Clarence Minter Jr. was murdered by gun violence. Seeing my brother dead in a casket was the deepest pain I’ve ever encountered. He was not only my role model but my biggest fan. He’d always tell me “You’re A Star, Never Give Up” so I found drive within myself to make light of this dark time and curated The M.A.G.N.U.M Movement (Men/Mothers Against Gun vileNce Unity Movement) to continue Clarence’s legacy in hopes of helping others. The M.A.G.N.U.M movement curate events to bring communities together to educate about gun violence and entertain through song. In results of not giving up and believing in Clarence’s words, I’ve been no stranger to the “mainstream” music and entertainment industry. I have graced the stage as the headline opener for songstress tweet in New York City and Anthony Hamilton and The Hamiltones. Rolling out magazine captured me on the red carpet before I performed for the president of ebony magazine at the tribute to James Brown in Chicago, Illinois where they celebrated actor and my former manager Nelsan Ellis’ ebony magazine cover for his movie role in “get on up”. Chicago’s morning show you and me hosts, Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman interviewed me on their show and I was featured in an article by star central magazine as “male YouTube artist of the month” October 2013 issue.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it hasn’t been smooth since the murder of my brother. I still have dark days when I’m angry and long just to see my only sibling again. Clarence’s murder has drastically changed our family’s dynamic but in turn, has brought us even closer.
Please tell us about Caleb Minter Music.
M.A.G.N.U.M is an acronym that stands for Men/Mothers Against Gun violence Unity Movement. This movement aims to bring awareness to gun violence by creating various opportunities and events that focus on the importance of unity, community, love, and respect. Caleb Minter started the MAGNUM movement after his only brother, Clarence Minter Jr., was shot and killed Dec. 19, 2014.
VISION
MAGNUM foresees communities in which gun violence is no longer prevalent and people make healthy decisions that advance their lives spiritually, physically, and mentally.
MISSION
MAGNUM is aimed at providing positive role modeling and activities to empower the community to make healthy decisions and successfully handle the daily challenges of their lives.
We aim to accomplish this by creating partnerships with schools, communities, and student led organizations while bringing events and entertainment to the community to celebrate unity and foster love.
I’m most proud that I turned a dark time into something that brings light to so many people.
What sets me apart is my genuine love for people.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would definitely take more advantage of relationships to propel one another!
Contact Info:
- Website: calebmintermusic.com
- Email: calebmintermusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calebmintermusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008599385519&ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalebMinter
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/c/calebmintermusic
Image Credit:
Darren Lykes and Spencer Charles
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