An Interview With Maria Angelova
I am inspired and motivated by knowing there’s always someone out there in need of help or resources that aren’t being provided to them. It is motivating to know that a platform I’ve created can raise awareness and easily get those resources to those people. Through my participation in the Black Changemakers program, I’ve been even further inspired to think bigger and bolder to help my community and empower others to do the same.
As a part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing DJ Mr. Rogers.
DJ Mr. Rogers is a hip-hop DJ, record producer, engineer and Mixtape composer hailing from Dallas and currently based in Houston, TX. Rogers has helmed national tours for Letoya Luckett as well as Slim Thug and has produced billboard charting records for the likes of Trae The Truth, Hurricane Chris, Dorrough, and The Party Boyz. Under his production company, DSF Productions, Rogers collaborated with Drake on the Chopped & Screwed version of his highly notable “So Far Gone” mixtape, produced “Daddy Stroke” by The Party Boyz and fan favorite “1997” by Dom Kennedy.
An award winning DJ, Mr. Rogers is regarded as the best club DJ in Houston, and currently enjoys packed out residency’s 6 nights a week. #TheNeighborhoodMix is now on 93.7 The Beat at 8pm.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path and point in your life?
There really isn’t a particular story that led me to becoming a DJ. There were so many factors, influences and people throughout my life that made this my calling. Music has always been one of the most important things to me since I can remember. Basically, when I reached the point in my life where I had to choose a career that I was passionate about, I chose to become a DJ.
The story of Hurricane Harvey is what brought me into servitude. Long story short, while my home/family wasn’t affected negatively by the storm, many people in my immediate surroundings were. This developed a form of survivor’s guilt that moved me to do whatever I could to help those in need. That’s when fellow Houstonian, Trae Tha Truth, and I founded Relief Gang, a nonprofit organization to help our community. I used my platform to get the word out, and I used sheer bravery to actually get out in the water to help people to safety. As others saw my efforts, they joined forces with me, which created our organization.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
After Hurricane Harvey, we were called to assist an elderly lady who had remained in her heavily molded home after the water resided. I believe she was in her late 90s at the time, but was still fully capable of her day-to-day functions, which was quite impressive. She even played the piano for us upon our arrival even though her home was uninhabitable! We relocated her to a temporary assisted living apartment then assembled a team to gut and rebuild her home. The awareness we created generated real help from our community which in return provided her with a fully remodeled home. Mattress Mack even donated all of the furniture for the home.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
We often feel that only the wealthy can give back and help others in need. As entertainers that actively give back by putting our boots on the ground rather than just donating money, we inspire others to get involved. It is important to realize you can help and make an impact without having money. With Relief Gang, we hope to empower people to give back to their community in their own way.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual or organization who was impacted or helped by your cause?
During our relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey, we were providing food, water, and daily essentials to a neighborhood that was without power/water for a few weeks after the storm had passed. We encountered a young father who was in obvious despair and on the brink of losing it. He literally told us that, out of sheer desperation, he was on his way to rob someone so he could feed his family and get essentials for his kids. Luckily, we were able to provide those things right on time. We likely saved an innocent life that day.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Being that we primarily operate during/after natural disasters, there’s no true solution to the problems caused by Mother Nature. I do feel awareness is key when it comes to helping certain communities affected by storms or natural disasters, that are then neglected from relief. Having access to the right resources is also crucial in alleviating this issue. Earlier this year, I was selected as a participant of the Doritos® SOLID BLACK® Black Changemakers and received a grant to expand Relief Gang’s efforts to aid Houstonians devastated by natural disasters, now serving communities in other parts of Texas and Louisiana. Oftentimes, people have the heart to support their community, however, they lack the resources to put ideas into actions. This year, Doritos® SOLID BLACK® is partnering with the PepsiCo Foundation for a similar philanthropic program dedicated to advancing and celebrating Black leaders of nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. Applications for the 2023 program are open until December 11th. You can find the link to apply here: http://blackchangemakers.org.
What you are doing is not easy. What inspires you to keep moving forward?
I am inspired and motivated by knowing there’s always someone out there in need of help or resources that aren’t being provided to them. It is motivating to know that a platform I’ve created can raise awareness and easily get those resources to those people. Through my participation in the Black Changemakers program, I’ve been even further inspired to think bigger and bolder to help my community and empower others to do the same.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I feel that what we started with Relief Gang is that movement. We’ve helped a countless amount of people in our community since we started back in 2017 and continue to do so each day.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
I don’t have a life lesson quote honestly. I just try to be the best version of myself at all times.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow my work by visiting www.djmrrogers.com and my Instagram @djmrrogers
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
About The Interviewer: Maria Angelova, MBA is a disruptor, author, motivational speaker, body-mind expert, Pilates teacher and founder and CEO of Rebellious Intl. As a disruptor, Maria is on a mission to change the face of the wellness industry by shifting the self-care mindset for consumers and providers alike. As a mind-body coach, Maria’s superpower is alignment which helps clients create a strong body and a calm mind so they can live a life of freedom, happiness and fulfillment. Prior to founding Rebellious Intl, Maria was a Finance Director and a professional with 17+ years of progressive corporate experience in the Telecommunications, Finance, and Insurance industries. Born in Bulgaria, Maria moved to the United States in 1992. She graduated summa cum laude from both Georgia State University (MBA, Finance) and the University of Georgia (BBA, Finance). Maria’s favorite job is being a mom. Maria enjoys learning, coaching, creating authentic connections, working out, Latin dancing, traveling, and spending time with her tribe. To contact Maria, email her at angelova@rebellious-intl.com. To schedule a free consultation, click here.
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How DJ Mr. Rogers 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.