Who is The BlackStar?: @_adoseofgi with Gianni Brooks

Whats up #SerenadeSquad and Happy Black History Month!!

In the song "Astronomy (8th Light)" Mos Def & Talib Kweli ask "Who is a Black Star?"

This month we are rolling out our Black Star features where we are dedicating our platform to highlight  and celebrate the barrier breakers and ground shakers that are making difference in their communities. Whether in person or virtually, big or small, we want to give them their flowers NOW.

This week we sat down with Gianni Brooks of @_adoseof gi on Instagram as she explained how she uses her platform to uplift her audience, help recognize self worth,  and give a voice to those who may feel silenced.

 

SSA: What’s up Queen! Let the people know who you are and what you do:

GIANNI: Hey everyone! My name is Gianni, but you can call me Gi for short. I have an Instagram page @_adoseofgi where I post empowering messages while also sharing different sides of me (The good, the hilarious, the growing pains, and a dash of fierceness okurrrr).

SSA: We love the message behind your page! What motivated you to start “A Dose of Gi” ?

GIANNI: In late 2019, I wanted to share the lessons I learned over the years regarding topics such as insecurities, our inner voice, pressures we put on ourselves, etc. I love empowering others and speaking life over them. So I wanted my page to reflect who I am. I titled my page A Dose of Gi because I wanted my words to feel like spiritual medicine that caters to the healing heart.

SSA: Using your journey to uplift, help, and inspire others are just some of the characteristics of what a Black Star is to us. What does that title mean to you?:

GIANNI: A Black Star to me is someone who uses their light to create a pathway for people to grow and develop. It is someone who ignites that spark in you. They’re not afraid to use their voice to advocate for others. They are change agents whose main goal is to bridge the gap by using their knowledge, resources, creativity, voice, etc. 

SSA: We believe in giving ourselves our flowers EARLY and acknowledging the things we’ve achieved.  What is an accomplishment of yours that you are most proud of and why?

GIANNI: An accomplishment that I’m most proud of is definitely getting my masters in school counseling. Grad school was a period in my life where not only God was pruning me, but I was forced to step out of my comfort zone on multiple occasions. I went from being a mentee to becoming a mentor, became a success coach to college students who were a part of the Ascend program, and even interned at a local high school. I grew professionally and personally. Those opportunities showed me that I do have what it takes and if I just trust the process, I can excel in it.

SSA: As we go through the highs and lows of our journey, we come to learn that there is beauty in the struggle (shout out to J. Cole!). What keeps you going through tough times?

GIANNI: My faith plays a huge role in how I move throughout life. When I’m spiritually connected to God, everything else within myself aligns. The power of prayer and being intentional about forming a relationship with God really helped me a lot during some of my darkest moments. I thank God everyday for all He has done and all that He will do in my life.

SSA: Whew, a word queen! Where would we be without? And it's so important to share those God given gifts with the world. How have you or how will you use your platform to uplift the culture/people ?

GIANNI: Whether I’m on social media or you meet me in person, I try to create a safe space that encourages people to be themselves. I want people to feel seen and heard. I use my platform to speak to that inner critic that tries to distract you with harmful lies that hinders your growth. Hey, i’m growing too so I feel it’s important to also share my hiccups so people can understand that growth is not a linear process. We’ll have high and low moments, but the key is to not throw in the towel. It’s not over for you.

SSA: To see the growth we have made as a people up until this very point even, has been both a trying yet beautiful and rewarding journey.  What would you say Black History means to you?

GIANNI: Black History to me is sharing our truth. It’s a celebration of how far we have come as a culture, but also an awareness of the work we still have to do. It’s giving thanks to our ancestors and deepening our knowledge of self. Our history didn’t start with slavery. We are more than that. We are infinite! We are magic! We are resilient! We are royalty! 

SSA: What’s one lesson you’ve learned that has really influenced the person you are now?

GIANNI: Dare to be different. Don’t follow the trend. Be a trendsetter. Thanks mama❤️

SSA: As you look back on what you've accomplished and think of what is yet to come, What do you want your lasting impact to be?:

GIANNI: I want to say that I was able to give the people who feel overlooked a voice. One of my major prayers in life is that through my words and actions, I am able to lead people closer to God (If you’re a believer) and help motivate people to break some generational chains. I want to see my peers and future generations walking to the beat of their own drum and creating new spaces that promote self love, healing, and evolution. I’ve always said that I’m a simple woman planting. My seeds are the words that come from my heart. The harvest will be seeing the people I interacted with flourishing.

SSA: Can you leave our Serenade Squad with a piece of advice you’ve received that has helped you flourish?:

Gianni: Love yourself. I mean every piece of you. Embrace all your quirks and imperfections. You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to be like everybody else. Be yourself. That’s what makes you special. You are so worthy and valued. You’re not a mistake. You are someone’s answered prayer. Shine your light in this world and make a difference. I believe in you❤️.

 

Make sure you follow @_adoseofgi on Instagram for more positive and uplifting content