It’s an honor to interview you Mr. Aaron Robinson, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude for giving me an opportunity to interview you today despite your busy schedule.
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT CONSCIOUSNESS MAGAZINE?
Consciousness Magazine is a lifestyle, entertainment and inspiration publication. We are continuing to make strong positive impacts on the world by featuring empowering and educational content. Our mission and goal is to spread awareness as we continue to ‘keep our pen on the pulse of the community’. We highlight topics such as business, lifestyle, health, environment, sports, technology, community efforts, arts and culture and product reviews. We also share help tips and give advice in our columns.
WHAT IS THE MESSAGE OF CONSCIOUSNESS MAGAZINE AND WHO IS THE AUDIENCE?
Consciousness Magazine’s message raises the level of consciousness, promotes understanding, makes a difference in society, touches hearts, as well as, emphasizes positive celebrities and significant social figures through strong articles and compelling visuals. We have a multi-culture audience. These individuals are looking to be inspired, enlightened and empowered by our content.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PUBLISH CONSCIOUSNESS MAGAZINE?
I started Consciousness Magazine right after I graduated from Columbia College Chicago. It was a vision that I foreseen as I needed to bring awareness and inspiration to people. At the time I lived in a predominantly black, yet disadvantaged community on the Westside of Chicago. One day I was standing in a store on Chicago Avenue and had an epiphany moment. I realized that my life would never be the same. I felt a burden upon me that was extremely heavy. I wanted to give back to my African American community and felt that it was up to me to make a difference in my community by bringing awareness to the people in various aspects, not only locally, but eventually around the world.
WHO ARE SOME OF THE INDIVIDUALS YOU HAVE INTERVIEWED FOR YOUR PUBLICATION?
We have an abundance list of interviews. Just to name several, we have interviewed individuals such as Danny Glover, the late Dr. Maya Angelou, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Tito Jackson, Blair Underwood, David and Tamela Mann, Tony Little, India Arie, NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, DJ Premier, WWE Superstar Booker T Huffman and so forth.
WHO HAS BEEN SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE CELEBRITIES TO INTERVIEW?
I have so many. If I had to choose in respect to everyone else, it would be Isiah Thomas and Danny Glover. I feel as such because when I met them they were very professional, meek, humble and tremendously down-to-earth. They are some upstanding individuals. They have giving spirits and I really embrace the fact that they always give back to the community. To this present day I remain in contact with Mr. Thomas. We became good friends over the years.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE LOOKING TO MAKE THEIR ENDEAVORS COME TO A REALITY AND/OR START A BUSINESS, HOWEVER HAS A CHALLENGING TIME DOING SO?
If you have a passion, follow your dreams and never give up no matter what the circumstances are. Get legal consultation and advice from legitimate sources. Set realistic goals and do not procrastinate. Create a team of people around you who supports you and has your best interest. Seek out resources that will guide you and steer you in the right direction. Never let obstacles or challenges discourage you. Stay focused.
OUTSIDE OF PUBLISHING A WELL-KNOWN MAGAZINE, WHAT ARE SOME OTHER THINGS THAT YOU ENJOY DOING?
I sit on the board of a youth non-profit organization called Still I Rise. We facilitate various initiatives and events in our community located south of Chicago. Feel free to visit us at www.still-iRise.org. I am the author of several books including How to Self-Publish a Magazine, The Artwork of Aaron Robinson and Prestige Interviews. I also write and produce records. I have recently worked with chart topping producer Michael DeBarge and his artist Tiffany J on her current project “If You Don’t Love me”. I also operate a record label called They Authentic Records, LLC. I am in the studio producing a hip hop/pop artist by the name of Tocarra. I have recently produced her soon to be released song “It’s A Party” featuring the legendary hip hop artist Keith Murray. Outside of that, I love to design. I am a professional graphic designer.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?
Yes. This year marks our 16th year anniversary. I want to thank everyone who stuck by us and those who support Consciousness Magazine. I would like to give a shout out to my sister Mozella Malone. She has been by my side since day one with publishing the magazine. I would like to give a shout out to Kevin Jones, the president of Business in a Bucket Institute. He is doing some great things with his youth program. Also, a special thanks to my publicist Renae Francis. Moreover, I thank you for this wonderful interview!
You can read Consciousness Magazine by visiting www.consciousnessmagazine.com, Instagram @consciousnessmag and Twitter @consciousmag
For more information about Aaron Robinson, don’t forget to follow him @iamcomprehend on Instagram and Twitter.
