Interview with AC Content Producer A.M. Morgan

A.M. Morgan's presence on AC can not only be seen - it can also be felt. A content producer since July of 2007, she has penned a body of work as a writer that invokes deep thought and emotion. Addressing a range of themes from love to self-acceptance, her writing is enlightening, philosophical and fluid.

Ms. Morgan's series of interviews entitled "Conversations with My Father" has garnered much attention both within and outside of the AC community. As she and her father explore various issues together, including significant life lessons, the importance of family and the evolution of self, it becomes increasingly obvious that the apple does not fall far from the tree in terms of wisdom, depth and creativity.

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Morgan and was impressed by her openness, introspection and insight.

JM: Why do you write?

AM: I write because I enjoy the beauty of words. Words can elicit emotion, provoke thought and are simply a great form of self expression.

JM: Your series of interviews entitled "Conversations with My Father" is quite compelling. What inspired you to embark on this journey with your father?

AM: In this day and age, there are a lot of discussions about the absence of fathers in households, so I wanted to share some positive experiences I've had with my dad. Our relationship is not perfect, but I have definitely been inspired from his perspectives on love, life and relationships. I am amazed at how responsive
everyone has been. I never imagined it would be this well received.

JM: What insights have you gained from these interviews with your father?

AM: My perception of men in general has changed. I have been able to ask my father questions I have often wondered about and get some real and informative answers.

JM: Your motto is, "I will no longer fight me." You wrote a poem on this very topic. Please elaborate on the meaning and significance of that motto as it relates to you personally.

AM: I am a reserved person and people often perceive that I am hiding something or that I am trying to manipulate a situation or circumstance. I am an introvert by nature and I typically don't have much to say. I went through the stages of being passive, insecure, shy and on the flip side in being frank. "I will no longer fight me," is my declaration to the world that I am who I am and I cannot fit inside anyone's box just because they want me to.

JM: You are a New Orleans native. In what ways did growing up in the city of New Orleans influence your creativity?

AM: While growing up in New Orleans, I was exposed to various forms of music and cultures. New Orleans is like a pot of gumbo cooked with different flavorful recipes from people around the world. My creativity was born in The Big Easy and further developed by reading about and exploring various cultural events throughout the city.

JM: How would you describe life in New Orleans now compared to the way it was before Hurricane Katrina?

AM: The first thing I noticed that was different about New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina was the stoic look in people's eyes. It was a combination of anger, hopelessness and despair. A lot of people are experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. My parents didn't lose everything but they are still trying to get assistance through The Road Home program for small repairs that need to be done. The broken promises have caused many people to lose faith in a system that was designed to help them.

JM: You noted that you have a background in the performing arts. Please share a little about your background and how you developed an interest in it.

AM: When I was in the sixth grade I performed in my first play. I have always enjoyed public speaking and entertaining an audience. It sounds strange since I am reserved but I love using my voice to bring words to life. Also, about three years ago I performed as a narrator in my friend Mercedes Robinson's Nina Simone Tribute Play. It had been years since I did something like that and it was as if I never stopped performing. I felt free on stage and in my creative expression. I would love to continue performing in stage plays in addition to one day writing my own.

JM: You have written several poems about love and relationships. What are your views on the state of love and relationships in American society today?

AM: I think love is misunderstood and given an unrealistic expectation. Love is stronger than pride and often we try to control it despite the fact that allowing yourself to be vulnerable is a part of it. You have to love someone unconditionally to build a strong relationship with them.

JM: What does love mean to you personally and how does it influence your creativity?

AM: Love is like Vitamin C to me. I need a little bit of it in some form every day. Whether it's a simply hello, a phone call from someone I love or a sweet, warm embrace. When I write something I have to genuinely love or connect with the words through my personal experience or something that I have observed.

JM: You have a degree in engineering. What led you to choose this field initially and how do you feel about your decision now?

AM: I was pretty good in math and science. I don't regret the decision to become an engineer, but it's not something I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. My goal is to foster my passion for writing into a career outside of engineering. Eventually, I would also like to teach a creative writing course at a community college or university. My ultimate dream would be to open my own creative writing and performing arts school.

JM: You have some experience with mentoring young people. What would you say are some of the greatest challenges that today's youth face?

AM: The biggest challenge facing today's youth is that they are often misunderstood. As adults we possess a wealth of knowledge and experience, but sometimes we need to listen and let their voices be heard. You can't inspire someone to grow and change if you aren't willing to gain an understanding of who they are in their own words. Opportunity is abundant for young people; they just have to focus and work hard.

JM: If you had the power to bring about change in the world, what are some changes that you would make immediately?

AM: This is a difficult question to answer. I would like to erase the division in the quality of education in schools. There would be no such thing as a public school or private school education. Excellent education would be the norm no matter where you live. All schools would have the same books, computers and qualified teachers. I have mentored in different inner city schools and it breaks my heart to see students without all the resources needed to succeed. I believe a lack of knowledge and education impedes many of the changes that need to happen in our world today.

JM: What legacy do you wish to leave and for whom do you wish to leave it?

AM: I would like to create a body of work that can inspire, encourage and uplift many generations to come. Overall, I would like to inspire the individuals that I have mentored to mentor someone else.

To read A.M. Morgan's work here on Associated Content, visit her Content Producer page.