We had the good fortune of connecting with AARON C. BUTLER and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi AARON C., how do you think about risk?
Think of life as a vast ocean. Staying in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for. To discover new lands, to engage in trade, to experience the majesty of the open sea, one must sail out into the unknown. The winds may be unpredictable, and storms may brew, but only by sailing can we reach destinations that harbor-bound ships can never see.

Taking risks is a manifestation of the law of cause and effect. A significant action or decision creates ripples that extend beyond the immediate vicinity. In business, this might manifest as innovation, creating a new product or entering an untapped market. The effects can lead to unprecedented growth or, conversely, failure. Both outcomes offer lessons, wisdom, and maturity.

Aligning with the principle that pain, suffering, and challenges are catalysts for growth, taking risks often places us in uncomfortable, unfamiliar territories. These are the crucibles in which resilience is forged, understanding deepened, and capabilities enhanced. Like the mighty oak that starts from a vulnerable seedling, we must endure storms to reach our full potential. In the business landscape, risk-taking drives competition, innovation, and evolution. Economic facts showcase that companies that have dared to innovate, even during downturns, often emerge stronger. These risks may include investment in research and development, mergers and acquisitions, or exploring foreign markets.

Our very existence is a product of risk-taking. From the earliest human migrations to space explorations, our history is marked by those who dared to venture into the unknown. The philosophical underpinning here is a faith in our potential and a courage to transcend the mundane. The choice to take a risk is a reflection of hope, a belief in possibilities beyond our current horizons. Risk-taking must also be guided by moral and ethical considerations. It’s a navigation between the human constructs of right and wrong, good and evil. It’s about discerning between a risk that serves personal or societal growth and a gamble that might jeopardize others for selfish gain.

Lastly, the very essence of risk aligns with the principle that some things remain a mystery. We don’t know what’s on the other side of a risk, and that uncertainty is what makes life an unfolding adventure. It’s a dance with the unknown, an embrace of life’s richness and complexity.

Taking risks in business and life is essential because it fuels growth, innovation, understanding, and resilience. It’s a path filled with both triumph and failure, but each step is a lesson, a shaping of our character, a movement towards a greater, more profound realization of our potential. It is the essence of being human, a reflection of our desire to reach beyond our grasp, to become more than we are, and to engage deeply with the grand, complex tapestry of existence.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
How did you get to where you are today professionally?

My journey to this point has been one marked by a quest for authenticity, creativity, and a profound belief in the power of storytelling. It started with a spark, a passion for conveying the human experience through the medium of film. My path was shaped by education, mentorship, tireless dedication, and an unwavering commitment to my craft. It was about honing my skills while staying true to my cultural roots, seeking to tell stories that resonate with my community and beyond.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?

The road has been far from easy. As an African American in an industry that has often struggled with representation, the challenges were manifold. I faced skepticism, bias, and even outright discrimination. However, these obstacles became lessons, forging in me a resilience and determination to succeed. I leaned on my community, found strength in my heritage, and focused on excellence in my work. Each failure was a stepping stone, each setback a lesson, and each triumph a testament to perseverance and faith.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Embrace Your Identity: Your unique voice, rooted in your culture and experiences, is your greatest asset. Don’t shy away from it; embrace it.

Resilience is Key: The path to success is fraught with challenges. It’s not the absence of obstacles but how you overcome them that defines you.

Mentorship Matters: Seek guidance from those who’ve walked the path before you. Their wisdom and support can be instrumental.

Artistic Integrity: Stay true to your creative vision, even when faced with pressure to conform. Authenticity resonates with audiences.

Collaboration and Community: Building relationships with others in the industry is essential. Together, you can create something greater than the sum of its parts.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

My work is an expression of a deeper truth, a desire to bridge gaps, spark conversations, and elevate voices that have often been silenced or marginalized. I want the world to recognize that my films are not just about entertainment but a dialogue, a reflection of society’s complexities and beauties, a celebration of our shared humanity. My brand stands for inclusivity, integrity, and innovation. It’s about creating art that challenges, inspires, and transcends boundaries, contributing to a more compassionate and understanding world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would suggest some of the local speakeasys, then travel to one of the many plays or musicals happening throughout the metroplex. Visit several location for food and fun such as Bishop Arts, Ft Worth Zoo, Stockyards, ect. Im very big on live entertainment and movies.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to the African American and Indigenous People of Color in the film and theatre production industry, not only in Texas, but in the world. In the vibrant tapestry of creativity, your colors shine the brightest. Your stories, voices, and visions have not only enriched the world of theatre and film but have also provided windows into our cultures, histories, and experiences that might otherwise have remained unseen.

From the director’s chair to the stage, from the writer’s pen to the silver screen, you have pushed boundaries and broken molds. You’ve dared to portray the complexities, joys, sorrows, and triumphs of diverse communities. You have given life to narratives that resonate, challenge, and inspire.

Your work is not merely entertainment; it’s education, it’s empowerment, it’s a celebration of human connection and cultural diversity. In each line delivered, in every emotion expressed, you’ve proven that art transcends barriers and unites us in our shared humanity.

To those who have found solace, inspiration, or a creative outlet in the works birthed from this industry, your impact is profound. You’ve opened doors and minds, sparking conversations and nurturing talents. You’ve created a space where uniqueness is embraced, where voices are heard, and where dreams take flight.

Here’s to the artists, the visionaries, the groundbreakers, and the dreamers within the BIPOC theatre and film production industry. May your creativity continue to flourish, may your stories continue to be told, and may your influence resonate far and wide.

Thank you for being a beacon of creativity, inclusivity, and excellence.

Website: www.luxorsociety.org

Instagram: @luxorsociety @blackseed_kal_el @montecarlostreetprod

Facebook: THE LUXOR SOCIETY

Youtube: The Luxor Society

Image Credits
picture with award. Came in first place UIL competition Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School DHS Players and their Department Head Ms. Cherie Williams, Pics in class room teaching students of Booker T Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, last pic is Lunch with my Interns from Casa Manana

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