Your Last Decade #23: Derek Minor

As we enter this new decade, I thought it would be fun to talk to a few friends and reflect back on what life was like 10 years ago. In these conversations, you’ll hear guests speak about what God has done in their life, their dreams and goals, things they would have done differently, and things they’re most proud of. And, looking back always causes me to look forward, so we’ll also chat about dreams for the next ten years!

My guest today is Derek Minor. Derek has earned the title of veteran in the game not only as a rapper but also as a producer and businessman. After a decade of making music, the award-winning artist has established himself as a leading voice of hope in the midst of darkness. Friends, Derek is a light and I so enjoyed our conversation today. In this episode, we chat about his last 10 years, starting his own record label, Reflection Music Group, his introduction to the white Evangelical church, and navigating the tightrope of being Black, Christian, and a Hip-Hop artist. He also shares transparently about his struggles in a predominantly white church during the shootings of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Philando Castile, and other Black men lost to police violence. I found it especially moving (or convicting?) when Derek says, “The version of unity that [the church] is asking for always involves the Black people being quiet about their pain and the white people getting to move on.” I am so grateful for Derek’s voice and the way he uses his platform so honestly; the world is better for it. To see some of Derek’s other ventures, check out Ownership is the New Black -- a movement promoting and supporting black ownership, shifting our consumer power to ownership power.

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