Meet Rebecca Azor | Political Journalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rebecca Azor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, what matters most to you?
Being true to who you are in workspaces that pressure you to be someone else. ESPECIALLY as a black woman. That matters to me more now than ever because I remember when I allowed predominately male white work spaces with whites male bosses to tell me how to look, or speak. And I was afraid to speak up in those environments for a very long. I was afraid to be black and bilingual. I was afraid to wear anything but straight hair because it looked more proper. I had to endure being in rooms where I was the only black woman and the conversation would sometimes be offensive to me. But I had to keep quiet because I did not want to lose my job. It was draining though. As soon as I started speaking up, and proposing more stories that related to people who looked liked me, I realized that I was more fulfilled. I had purpose. Wearing my hair natural, or a bright color on my nails, or being a black woman does not effect how qualified I am at my job. Walking in my true self helped me find my voice in the media space, and in turn inspired other people to do so.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets my work apart from others? I think it’s my personality. I am a lot and just enough. I know how to take complex news stories and break it down where everyone no matter how old you are can understand it and FEEL it. I was always told that I was relatable, and easy to understand, wether you agreed my take or not. I can proudly say, I have videos that have millions of views on them. Over 10 million views and counting. My work influenced and impacted millions of people. Started debates and conversations, highlighted issues not only here but even in my family’s homeland of Haiti. And millions of people thought to stop and watch me. I am grateful. While I may be well known for my work in the digital political journalism world, I started out doing hard news during my undergrad years at Florida A&M University. Then I left and went to New York and started hustling to do Fashion journalism. While juggling my job as “stylist” in the men’s section of the gap on 34th Street. It was fun. Got gigs, but nothing was enough to pay the bills. I even worked on a women’s reality show (which will remain nameless). I needed more stability still with freedom. So I moved back south and got my Master’s degree in New Media journalism. The rest is history. But that’s long story , short. The journey was not easy, heard a lot of no’s and failed a lot. But I kept pushing. I made adjustments in my life. I set goals and worked unspeakable jobs while in school. I practiced and honed in on my craft. I also put myself in different rooms to network with people. Prayer really got me through. I learned that it’s ok to speak up. I learned it’s ok to break down. I learned that success in your life does not always come the way you imagined it. Keep your mind open. I also learned that it’s ok to step away from all of it for the sake of your mental health. And come back healed. The learning process included a lot of self discovery. Rebecca Azor, the journalist is so much more than politics. I am all about women’s empowerment and positive stories as well. At the state of our nation right now, we could use some positivity. We could use some love. We could use a smile. I would say hug, but it has to be virtual because, yea- Coronavirus. *Cardi B voice*

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For the weekend we would probably do brunch in the day time, somewhere social distancing. Like South City Kitchen is a great place for that with impeccable mimosas. We get the views, the food and proper precautions. Then we go bike ride at The silver Comet Trail, or the Belt Line. Hike Kennesaw Mountain, or Stone Mountain. Take a short road trip to Dawsonville, Ga over to The Fausett Sunflower Farms to go Sunflower picking. Find a hookah lounge and of course either go to a Haitian restaurant to eat and dance or an African one. Again, with social distancing of course.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Benjamin Dixon, my former co-host of the digital political show “Like It Or Not” really pushed me as a political journalist. One thing I am good at is being a journalist, but he taught me that in politics (especially in these times), it’s ok to have your voice. The more you know and understand in politics and the way it effects people, the more viewers will understand and be educated. He taught me that my voice matters and it’s imperative that I learn about more than just the basics about politics so when I am in the room I could challenge and be able to analyze and dialog with the best of them. It was funny, when I didn’t have much airtime I was called a “Black Barbie”. And Ben pushed for me to become a regular on his show at the time where I was able to showcase more than just my looks.

Instagram: @TheeSongstress
Twitter: @RebeccaAzor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LikeItOrNotShow
Other: https://www.facebook.com/ContentNewsVideos

Image Credits
EMvision Photography @barnabhey Photo in yellow and the one in black and white @afilmdirector Photo on mic No cred