ROBERT GALINSKY

By Cedric Nettles

How did you get started in the arts? I got started through poetry, the beatniks. Late nights in 24 hour book stores and readings in a speak easy called The Wretched Garrett in New Haven and NYC. I found that the power of the spoken and written word moves people to change, to become irate, to fall in love. I never stopped performing and evolving from that point on and recently debuted as a playwright and actor Off Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theater.

What does the arts add to our society and how can it help us during this pandemic?

Arts tell the truth and considering how many sources there are currently espousing the truth, art is the front runner in accuracy. Great art has no agenda but the truth from unique points of view. That educates and arms audiences with new information and inspiration to change the world. As for this pandemic? The necessity of art at this time is the counter balance to the flowing streams of propaganda and lies currently being sold on

What do you believe will be the new normal in our arts community during this health crises restrictions? I don’t think it’s as horrifying as many are making it out to be. We can continue our routines with a few new protocols: masks, gloves, distance. So the tools we have as artists now include those elements and if any one can manage these changes, it is certainly artists. The new normal will be a little more thoughtful, careful, and magical too.

Could you talk about your work with youth in the prisons system? I love my work with youth in prison, the forgotten population. These are the kids that are the ‘best of the best’ because they have so much stacked against them and they continue to strive. I try to express to my students in prison, that they each have the opportunity to break old habits, learn new things, get space from the elements in their neighborhoods that drag them down and also the experience of being in jail/prison is an asset that not everyone has. There is room to put that experience into play and to not only make a living because of it, but to change others lives.

How does teaching those young people in prison impact them when it is their time to return to society? With what they learn in my program, “Unscripted Leadership”, my students understand how to be creative in dire situations and how that relieves stress. They also gain an understanding of the professional world and the etiquette of that world. So when back in society, they have more knowledge about the landscape and they have more tools to operate with. They are high achievers and become even higher achievers as a result.

Could you tell us what you have going on and share a further endeavor you are working in? Currently I am producing and hosting a live online talk show on Facebook called ‘10pm With Galinsky’ five nights a week. Great guests from all walks of life, in a thirty minute format, one on one. The past and present guests are at this link http://www.galinskycoaching.com/10pm. Also I am teaching children and adult theater classes online as well!

Overcoming homelessness, being uneducated and underemployed with six children was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Honestly, had it not been for God’s mercy and grace I wouldn’t be here. Statistically at thirty five years old, there was no way I was supposed to make it out. Within the last twelve years I’ve gone from being homeless with six children in the streets of Atlanta to a Political candidate in the “2017” election, from a GED to a Doctorate degree in Leadership Studies and became a 12x published author. I’m now an Inspirational speaker, I recently

Could you talk candidly about taking away your excuses for not succeeding? I believe we all come to a fork in the road at one time or another in our lives. When we were living as squatters, I had a decision to make. At that time I had no clue what liberation look like, but I

DR HOLDEN: OVERCOMING BY CEDRIC NETTLES

Could talk one by one and by name about your kids somewhat following in your footsteps? Yes, my children has blessed me as they are leaders in their own right. By the grace of God, they haven’t had run ins with the law, gangs or drugs.

Felipe’ - medically retired from serving in the Marines 10 1/2 years and now a sophomore in college.

Nico - employed and was a caretaker for his grandparents

Sierra- EMT, pharmacy tech, college student.

LaTisha- Joined the Army two years ago and will be graduating with her Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies May “2020. AnTonia - Highschool graduate, 2x published author, spoken word artist

Omega- Rising senior, employed, athlete

Let’s discuss your film project and what is the approach in telling your story?

I’m so excited about this project. We are in the preproduction stage of turning my story into the movie “Hidden Glory.” It is a beautiful thing that God is allowing me to witness this in my lifetime. Follow the Hidden Glory Facebook page for movie updates, casting calls and other important information.

What impact do you want the film to make for single mothers out there?

I want the film to inspire, encourage and give others hope that they have the power to rewrite their story.

What do you have coming up in the near future? The movie, growing my inspirational speaking career and working on growing my inspirational T-shirt and product line.