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

Hi Ashton, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I am inspired by the idea of nobility in the struggle. I want to affirm the struggles that communities in this world go through such as racism, sexism, and more. I know I will not see the fruits of all of my labor, but I want to pass the baton to future generations of media personalities and social entrepreneurs. I’m also inspired by balance. I believe in being able to have a successful career, time with family, and a charitable relationship with my community. I believe in dominating all aspects of my life and showing others it is truly possible to live fully in your calling.

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.
I would like the world to know that my brand is based on speaking truth to power for those without a big platform and helping people who want to realize their best selves activate. The journey is difficult and it’s still going. My goal is to be a contributor for a network talking about masculinity and anti-black racism. I also plan on being a successful podcaster and social entrepreneur for black empowerment. These goals are ambitious ones and it is not easy trying to make a name for myself in the media world. However I know that this is my calling and my earthly assignment and once you understand why you are on earth you cannot stop. There is no alternative. My sense of fulfillment and happiness is aligned with the full pursuit of my endeavors. Furthermore the absence of this pursuit not only drastically changes my life for the worse but those whom my purpose is supposed to uplift and hold accountable. What I want people to know is that there is nobility in the struggle, the struggle to speak truth, the struggle to create, and the struggle to accept that the greatest wars are won years after the greatest warriors of battles have fallen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We have to go to Rush St. for Brunch We have to go to the Reserve Night Club for multiple rooms of fun and shenanigans
We have to go to the poom poom room on Tuesdays at Club Bahia for the BEST Raggaeton and Afrobeats party around!
We have to stop by Roscoe Chicken and Waffles for breakfast
We have to visit the Perch and Wayfarer for a Rooftop experience like no other
We have to go to Santa Monica Pier for a night of carnival conundrum and sandy adventures!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give my shoutout to folks like Marc Lamont Hill and Michael Eric Dyson. They have both combined entertainment and pop-culture in a way that is engaging and thought provoking. They have risked their reputations and livelihoods in the pursuit of bringing truth to power and are blueprints for how I want to impact the world around me.

Website: https://linktr.ee/thescholarp

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescholarp/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mediapersonalityashton/

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