Romeo Miller made his first public appearance since the news of the death of his 29-year-old sister Tytyana Miller, at the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture on Friday. From the Essence Wealth & Power stage, Miller, fellow panelists Lori Harvey and AT&T executive Michelle Jordan discussed ways to help advance Black representation in business. The 32-year-old entertainer also shared special words of wisdom for Black leaders who wish to become successful entrepreneurs.
“Laws and keys to success from the bible,” Miller began, reading from his bible study notes saved on his cell phone.
“You must understand your potential. You must have passion. Although you have vision and passion, you must have principles to protect them,” he read. “You have to plan your strategy to be successful. If you’re going to be successful, you have to protect yourself from the wrong people. That’s the big key right there. And the longest way to success is a shortcut.”
Miller finished by emphasizing the idea that Black leaders shouldn’t “cheat yourself,” while reiterating a key point in his speech: “the longest way to success is a shortcut.”
Throughout the discussion, the Growing Up Hip Hop alum provided personal life details including his status as second generation, only after his father, successful rapper and record label founder, Master P. He also opened up about his own entrepreneurial journey.
“I was literally in one of my film classes at USC a few years ago and all of the movies we were watching, it was only white actors,” he recalled. “How do you think the young Black girl, the young Black boy is going to think the world is represented?”
And that’s the reason events like the Essence Fest are important, Miller says, “Because we need generational love in the Black community.”
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