An Interview With Edward Sylvan
It isn’t my aim to directly make a social impact, rather share my real-life experiences with the effects of Covid-19 on my mom and family. My purpose is to share personal stories from health care workers, family members and myself. I’ll let others take from it what they will.
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Robert E. Blackmon.
Robert E. Blackmon has become a recognizable face as a Lifestyle Expert, Fashion Designer, GIF Personality (with over 8-BILLION views on Giphy). Robert’s online presence skyrocketed when the world shut down at the start of the pandemic; while off-line his personal life came crashing down when his mom Clara C. Blackmon was diagnosed with Covid-19 in March 2020. As a 72-year-old Black woman with pre-existing health conditions, and 1 of the first 10,000 Covid patients to be hospitalized in the nation, the odds were stacked against Clara. She drove herself to the ER, collapsing as she entered, and spent the next 79-days in a Detroit hospital in-and-out of a coma. Miraculously, walking out alive.
Meanwhile, Robert was living far away in Canada and feeling helpless decided to chronicle his mom’s Covid journey. Encouraged by his peers, Robert turned his journal entries into an educational and inspirational book titled “Courage Behind The Mask: A Story of Life, Death and Surviving Covid-19”. The Amazon Bestseller also includes testimonials from the doctors and healthcare workers that helped Clara. And, discusses the often overlooked short and long-term side effects of Covid. Which for Clara included: having to re-learn how to walk, shower, and go to the bathroom; 80% hearing loss; permanent lung damage; and 6 months of pneumonia. The inspirational book is currently available to purchase on Amazon and Robert’s website.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
I’m originally from Detroit and grew up in a middle-class neighborhood. In a time when every adult on my block was considered my “parent” or authority figure when my own parents weren’t in eyesight. If you misbehaved, you’d “get it” from them, they’d tell your folks when they got home…and then you’d “get it” again. Neighbors looked after each other. This is something sorely lacking these days.
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story about that?
My favorite book at the time was Catcher in the Rye. The main character Holden was 16. His adventures over two days sparked my curiosity about becoming an adult. His rebellious attitude about life intrigued me and inspired my sense of discovery.
Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?
It isn’t my aim to directly make a social impact, rather share my real-life experiences with the effects of Covid-19 on my mom and family. My purpose is to share personal stories from health care workers, family members and myself. I’ll let others take from it what they will.
Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?
One of my mother’s nurses, Stephanie, has an uncle who lives near me. This is ironic because I live in a rural town, and it reminds me that the world is much smaller than we think.
What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
After the book was published, I began receiving messages from healthcare workers globally thanking me for sharing “their” story. There are not many books that offer a first-person narrative from the hospital staff about when the impact of dealing with Covid-19 has done to and affected their lives.
Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped your cause?
All I can say is that this project has helped several family members to have a deeper understanding of how serious Covid-19 is and how lucky my mom is to be alive.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Absolutely! Get fully vaccinated, wear a mask in public around others, and contribute in a positive manner to end the misinformation regarding Covid-19.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
For me, leadership doesn’t always mean taking or being in charge. But rather having the courage and determination to follow through regardless of the actions of others. That is what leadership looks like to me.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
That’s a lot, but here goes…
1) Everything takes longer than you expect, so schedule your time accordingly. Example: The research of a book often takes as long, if not longer, than the writing of a book.
2) Trust your instinct. Example: I’ve worked on projects that others thought would be good for me when I knew in my gut that they weren’t.
3) Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Example: I’ve had to learn that it’s okay not to know all the answers. Do everyone involved the favor of not wasting time.
4) Set boundaries. Example: If you can only do a certain thing, you need to only do that certain thing. Only you know what your bandwidth is.
5) Be happy with what you have accomplished. Example: In the past, I have been so focused on the next project that I didn’t take time to enjoy the successes of what I had just accomplished.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” -Maya Angelou
It’s pretty self-explanatory. I don’t sit and complain about things that I want. If things don’t work out as I’d like I change my perspective and work with what is possible to still obtain my result. We are our own biggest roadblock to personally grown success.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
That is a tough one. There are so many people that I’d love to sit and chat with privately for different reasons. From a media perspective, I’d probably say Tyler Perry or Oprah. They are both strong black people from very humble beginnings who continue to chart their own course regardless of others’ opinions.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
I can be reached at my website www.roberteblackmon.com, and on all major social platforms at @roberteblackmon. Including Giphy, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Thanks for your time! 😊
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Robert E Blackmon Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.