Practical solutions for people + planet

The Keith Tucker Show - Part 1 w/ Valeisha Butterfield of the Hip Hop Summit Action network ( HSAN)

VALIESHA BUTTERFIELD

Valeisha Butterfield's meteoric rise from intern to Executive Director of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, the world's largest non-profit coalition of hip-hop artists and entertainment industry executives, is analogous to that of a total eclipse rare, luminous, engaging and a force to be reckoned with. Butterfield is the first woman to lead the organization's philanthropic initiatives and business operations under the direction of Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis.

Considered by most as the youngest African-American executive director in the United States, she is an exemplary illustration of the fresh leadership needed in today's entertainment corporate social landscape. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, Butterfield is the daughter of United States Congressman G.K. Butterfield and North Carolina State Legislator Jean Farmer-Butterfield.

Upon witnessing the recent public outcry, particularly among women, on the issues of misogyny, sexism and racism in entertainment and in society, Butterfield felt compelled to take a leadership role in the discussion and the solution. As the Founder of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN),

Butterfield has dedicated her life to improving the quality of life of women of color and hopes to leave a meaningful legacy on the business and creative practices of the entertainment industry and in society. Her goal is to make significant improvements in the quality of life of women of color in the areas of education, self-esteem, financial independence and overall happiness through entertainment-based mentorship.

HIP HOP ELEMENT 9 STREET ENTREPRENEURIALISM

STREET ENTREPRENUERIALISM: (The study and application of fair trade and Hip Hop business management). Commonly referred to as street trade, having game, the natural salesman or the smooth diplomat. It is the readiness to engage in the creation of a business venture that brings about grassroots business practices. Many of Hip Hop's apprenticeships begin here.

Different from entrepreneur-ism which may include the techniques and practices of the entrepreneur, entrepreneurial-ism focuses upon the motivating Spirit to be self-employed, inventive, creative and self-educated.

It is this Spirit; the Spirit of self-creation, the urge to create and sell one's own talents, discoveries and inventions that is encouraged by these teachings. Its practitioners are known as hustlers and self-starters. Entrepreneur—a self-motivated creative person who undertakes a commercial venture.

Popularized by: Madame C.J. Walker, Russell Simmons, Luther Campbell, Sean puffy Combs, Jack the Rapper, Robert Townsend, Eazy E, Too Short, and others.