Phillip Romero & Ishmael Herring: Musicians For Social Change

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Phillip and Ishmael are the duo behind the band “William Pilgrim and the all Grows up.” They are social activists focused on bringing about societal change by spreading their message through music.. Phillip and Ish are also heavily involved in programs to help at risk teens by teaching them to express their struggles through music.

Favorite Success Quote

“Don’t give up before the miracle happens”
~Flannie Flagg

“If I stay ready I won’t have to get ready”
~Will Smith

Early challenge

For several years, Ish was living on the streets, spending time with druggies and headed no where fast. After hearing “Not Afraid” on the radio Ish realized that he needed to get his life together and put an ad on Craig’s List for a day singing in the studio. Phillip responded to the ad and ”William Pilgrim and the All Grows Up” was born.

Influential Books

Phillip’s

1. Native Son by Richard Wright
2. Slaughter House Five by Kurt Vonnegut
3. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

Ishmael’s

1. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
2. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
3. Heroes and Hero Worship by Thomas Carlyle

Key Points

1. “Don’t quit ten feet from gold” – Napoleon Hill

Life will always throw challenges and adversity our way right before we accomplish our goals. Things often look worst right before a breakthrough, and the temptation to quit will become almost unbearable. The key is to persevere and not give up when the struggle gets hard but to face the trials until you succeed.

2. Approach all of your goals with intensity and determination.

If you want to have high levels of success in your life, you must be willing to put forth the same effort and resolve that our forbears did during movements like the American Revolution and Civil Rights Movement. Nothing worth having ever came easy, and the only way to ensure success is to pursue your goals with a fiery drive.

3. Accept the uncertainty of life and adapt to meet it.

Fate doesn’t care about plans. Life will always present unexpected circumstances and trials and the only way we can succeed in a world of constant uncertainty is to learn how to accept whatever happens and adapt your tactics.