Meet Dominique Howard: Actor, Writer, Artivist

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

Hi Dominique, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
It is completely human to want to at some point or another give up. Most of that can be attributed to lack of instantaneous results or the results of long hours and/or hard work put in. If I ever feel stuck or feel like I’m moving in a constant state of going nowhere, I always go inward to remember why I started in the first place. I change my perception of what is happening in my world and take a different approach. My motivation is simple – I either do what I love or don’t. If I don’t, that means choosing a robotic lifestyle, working wherever and being completely miserable. Every time I was on the brink of giving up, I’d always get a phone call for a project and that for me is a sign that I’m on the right path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been a Theatre kid – it’s my first love. I’m no stranger to the worlds of TV, Movies and Stand-Up sets as well. However, thanks to the pandemic, I challenged myself on quite a few levels. First, I had the wonderful opportunity to sing background for the talented R&B/Soul Artist, Indira Khan, opening up for her mother, the legendary Chaka Khan in a special concert series aired on Thanksgiving. It was an honor to be selected for me personally, it was a vocal Master Class. I am forever grateful for this experience. Secondly, I wrote, directed and acted in my first Short Film “Unchain Me” that was released February 1st to honor Black History Month. “Unchain Me” is comprised of three poetic monologues about racism, the burden of being a woman and being at war with self under the umbrella of being Black in America. I am grateful for everyone involved in this project. This is what I define as Artivism, which activism, raising awareness through art. I am currently in the process of creating more short films for the “Unchain Me” series and look forward to sharing more content. Lastly, when it’s safe to attend venues, I will be producing my first stage production. The ultimate lesson I’ve learned through it all, is to just do it….even if you are scared! For the sake of staying out of your comfort zone, growth and the experience, doing it scared explores the possibility of a beautiful outcome you are yet privy to and it can be a rewarding process, especially when the message of your art is effectively conveyed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of things I love most about my city (Los Angeles) is it has just about everything for every mood. If I had to host my best friend visiting Los Angeles, I would take them to the typical tourist attractions which are the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, The Getty Museum, Griffith Park Observatory, The Grove and Venice Beach to start. I would also take my friend to a beach where locals hang out, a karaoke bar, a dive bar, a dine-in movie theater and any taco truck. Simple yet fun! 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 dedicate this shoutout to my support system that I talk to on a regular basis (they know who they are), who have been instrumental in encouraging me to keep going.

Instagram: @jesuisdom

Twitter: @_jesuisdom

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dc.howard.58

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCM4cYIB6XHQGP5dJUVROsA

Image Credits
JAlan Photography Chaka Khan TV