I don’t let nothing get in my way about anything I want to do.
Clarence Avant
It seems all of us can start a whackadoo story with the line, “I have an uncle…” We pretty much expect a level of kookiness, right? Of course, the proverbial weird uncle seems born into every family. So, I had an uncle. He often said he was friends with former Representative and Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. When pressed, his definition of friendship meant he lived in D.C. where Gingrich served; and not at the same time when Gingrich was there, but roughly 10 yrs before. No actual contact. Meh, just details.
Clarence Avant, on the other hand, can claim Quincy Jones, Jamie Foxx, Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, P-Diddy, Hank Aaron, Bill Withers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and a list of others who are indebted to his influence. All of these individuals and more appear in the Netflix documentary The Black Godfather. The film is worth its laugh outloud gold due to Foxx and his uncanny ability to impersonate anyone, whether speaking or singing.
Clarence is a “rainmaker,” a connector of people, who sounds savant-like in his ability to cut through the BS and solve problems. Even after watching the film, I’m not sure I understand what his big magic is, but clearly he has the ability to silo opposing individuals and help them find a path to the best solution. The dripping adulation of the various celebrities and entertainment CEOs portray a man who is unwavering in his conviction of fair negotiations and equal pay for African-Americans. He’s influenced the highest echelon including the afore-mentioned Presidents, and studio heads David Geffen and Lew Wasserman. In a business known for effing people as P-Diddy said, Avant would advise his vast number of friends seeking help, to ask for the equivalent fee, royalty or severance as their white counterparts. Even more fascinating is Avant is not a Tony Robbins giant of a man. In the younger photos and videos, he doesn’t appear physically formidable in any capacity, validated by Al Sharpton in the film.
When I first saw the preview and title, I assumed the story would show a shadowy figure working in the underbelly of entertainment, all seedy and mobbed up. However, the complete opposite occurs, where a man bends over backwards to help others. As often as he talks about life being “numbers” only, his true purpose shines through.
When is moxie a bad thing?
To a T, everyone in the film says Avant is fearless, that he has a tenacity to get things done. His ambition also led to near bankruptcy as he overextended himself; a period his daughter describes as him not listening to his friends, and his pride possibly getting the best of him.
Ahhh, there’s a topic with which to wrestle. The same chutzpah that enabled Avant to kick in the doors of the gatekeepers, might also be the thing that leads to downfall. Avant recovered due to his loyal friends helping him out of the financial hole. But the question is when — IF EVER — should we stop chasing our crazy dreams, and pause for reflection? When does the drive to blaze a new map teeter over into toxic ambition? Rob Siltanen, the creative director at TBWA\Chiat\Day, wrote the celebrated commercial that launched Apple’s Think Different campaign. He penned this classic:
Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
Rob Siltanen
Gives me chills and feels every time I read it. Amen to all of it… as long as the purpose is righteous. A couple of word edits here and there, and you’re talking about any number of dictators throughout history. Avant had a singular mission: to advance his race towards equality, he essentially was making disciples, teaching them how to do business with integrity. Kudos to him! There’s a poignant scene where a younger exec mentions his call with Avant, where the exec said he told Avant he planned on divorcing his wife. Avant emphatically cursed him out (watch the credits as everyone speaks to Avant’s talent with calling people a muthuh-f*&%$#), and convinced him to stay with his wife.
Scripture reminds us of how important it is to ensure our compass is pointed north, that our drive to make change must be centered on good missions wired in us from above.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Proverbs 3:5-6
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Do not be wise in my own eyes. Oh the tension in that statement! But what about when my gut feels SO DAMN right about a path I’m taking? What about when my heart feels completely invested in a venture, mission, or person? Avant seems to be able to navigate the fog, I hope I can too.
See ya next time. ML