To pivot or to persevere? Or more bluntly – to give up or to not to give up? This is a haunting question, a question that has ramifications far after an answer has been chosen and it’s also a question that almost everyone in our community has had to face at one time or another. How do you know when to give up and when to keep trying?

Lamar Green | Independent Artist & Entrepreneur

Giving up is never an option for me. I believe you have to keep going no matter how hard it may seem and push through the obstacles you may face to get where you are trying to go. Sometimes people want to hit a home run every time they’re up at bat, but making it to first base is just important. Read more>>

Renae Navy | Artist

I believe that if your working towards something that your passionate about DON’T give up. Yes you will have time when you feel like giving up but always remember the reason why you even started in the first place , that should always be your motivation. Read more>>

Gina Williams | Singer/Songwriter, Pianist, Producer, Choral/Orchestral Composer, and Film & Television Actress

This question is always a difficult one for most of us at some point in time in our career. I find when I hit a real roadblock, I pray for guidance. Then I wait. This is the hard part… waiting for something you’ve never seen. Or ever experienced. It’s not the most comfortable of positions to be in – but it is necessary for true growth. Patience is an underrated virtue and is key for success. Read more>>

Daunta Bryan | Gaming content creator/streamer

You don’t ever give up. As long as you’re passionate about what you do and focus on the bigger picture and how to get there. You’ll always find success. I found what works best for me and that is finding a way out of no way to do something I feel strongly about. Read more>>

Maythavee Tjhang | Independent Film Director & Producer

I’ve always been raised to be an overachiever in everything I get into. I’m not sure if it’s just my Asian American upbringing or my parents general expectations but I don’t give up easily. A good reference on whether to keep going or to give up is how much are you’re willing to sacrifice. Your health, social life, mental health, and life goals are all interconnected and affect each other. Read more>>

The Teekie and Sonja Show | Talk Show

We felt we had minimum support when we started our talk show. Throughout our filming, we received a tremendous amount of outreach from viewers within our community and as far as Africa. However, we encountered many roadblocks, i.e., different work schedules, location, procrastination, booking interviews, and the pandemic. Read more>>

Shunta Graham | Shunnie Marie the Affirmation Queen”

In life there are always choices. And to give up is the easiest choice to do of them all. Everyone can give up when it gets hard. But to keep going takes strength, courage, determination and a grind. When you have a grind, a determination and a calling. You will do whatever it takes to never five up and to keep pushing no matter what. Read more>>