Today we’d like to introduce you to Micha Green.
Micha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story is not at all linear. It’s been and is still a roller coaster, and I am thoroughly enjoying the ride. I have loved storytelling from a young age. My mother jokes that as a toddler, before I could completely put together sentences, I would recount stories even changing my voice to describe characters. Having displayed a knack for expression, my parents put me in the arts and dance and theatre were my first loves. I continued studying theatre at Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. and Fordham University in New York.
While at Fordham, I began to understand the various ways of storytelling and began taking communications courses. After graduating with a degree in Theatre Performance and a minor in Communications, I worked as a professional actress and teaching artist. However, one of my highest paid gigs was an anchor reading off a teleprompter, I immediately remembered my love for the Communications courses at Fordham and decided I wanted to pursue journalism. Little did I know that journalism was not simply reading from a teleprompter, however, I learned quickly as a graduate student at the University of Maryland College Park, where I finished with a Master’s in Broadcast Journalism.
Since graduating, I’ve combined my love for the arts and journalism to find engaging and entertaining ways to relay fact-based stories. I’ve done it all- broadcast work, Facebook Live and print journalism, which led me to my role as D.C. and Digital Content Editor for the AFRO. I’m the reporter who has the most fun in a serious interview and on the red carpet because I throw improvisational games at my subjects, ask questions that get to the core of their work and am not afraid to pose tough questions as well.
In addition, people know me as a well-rounded person in general. I’m open about my past, my love for dance, running and teaching Zumba, and my unhealthy obsession with my two beautiful black dogs. It’s the fact that I still teach theatre, fitness and work full time at the AFRO that keeps me going. I love wearing all the hats!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road was not always smooth, and to this day, I acknowledge the bumps and roadblocks as a means to further growth. While in college, I was diagnosed with IBS and eventually what has been called early-stage Crohn’s disease. When I have fare ups, my stomach is not only feeling awful, but my whole body is impacted, and I experience extreme fatigue, muscle aches and even fluctuations in my mental and emotional health. That said, I have found effective ways to cope with stress, thus reducing flare-ups.
Other than my physical and emotional struggles, which sometimes makes working hard difficult, I have also experienced ups and downs in my career. I think everyone can empathize with that tough feeling where you know you have what it takes to be successful, but you keep getting met with the answer “no,” Despite working very hard as a freelancer, I received a lot of nos before getting the job as D.C. and Digital Content Editor at the AFRO. I combined patience with a passion and work ethic that led me to a perfect position that aligns with my skills and allows me to grow as a storyteller and manager.
In my current position, I’ve run into technical and editorial emergencies that have required me to troubleshoot. I’ve learned to roll with the punches, go with the flow and make the sweetest lemonade out of old lemons and no sugar. There have been times where I’ve had to conduct major interviews on my cell phone where people with large cameras and crews are right next to me. I’ve learned to always make it work. Never quit even when the odds seem against you. People respect the hustle.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Ahh, what do I do? It feels like everything. I wear so many hats. I’m most known for my work in media and my fun trap/twerk Zumba videos. My full-time job is D.C. and Digital Content Editor for the AFRO American Newspapers.
I teach acting to young children on Mondays. I teach Zumba. I co-host a podcast called BlvckBroadway and I host/ MC events. I’m most proud of the fact that people show me so much love for shamelessly wearing all the hats. My brand is that I do it all and I love that. I was told a long time ago that I had to choose between journalism, acting and fitness. The fact that I can do it all makes me so incredibly happy and proud!
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
My favorite book is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It’s a perfect reference for life and keepsme going. It truly is the guide to living life freely without constant worry and comparison to others. Another favorite is The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle, which is also a great, spiritual guide for living in the beauty and preciousness of each moment. I also regularly reference The Bible and verses. My favorite apps to help my spiritual journey is the Holy Bible app that offers devotionals to help with several challenges, achievements and journeys in life as well as the #Bible app. I’m also a fan of the Yoga Studio app to make sure my mind and body stay healthy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.afro.com and www.michagreen.com
- Email: mgreen@afro.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mimipgreen/ and https://www.instagram.com/afronews
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micha.green
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaPGreen
Image Credit:
Courtesy Photos.
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