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Over the past 18 years, Blake has delivered Growth Mindset and Grit presentations to more than 535,000 students, educators, and parents around the world. He has also worked directly with thousands of students in and out of the classroom to help them develop a growth mindset and become successful in school and in life. Whether speaking to thousands of K-12 students in assemblies, working with gang leaders in Georgia, or mentoring new immigrant students in California, Blake connects with students where they are and supports them to achieve their dreams.
Growing up, Blake faced bullying and depression, and as a teen who loved hip-hop but wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in life, he understands what it’s like for students who are trying to find their life purpose. He also struggled to make schoolwork relevant to his life, especially in subjects that didn’t naturally interest him.
Blake began to combine his passion for hip-hop with his studies and discovered a new level of engagement in his schoolwork. Building on this powerful discovery, he began regularly incorporating hip-hop into his academic career, and even performed a freestyle rap during his interview for the Marshall Scholarship, which he was subsequently awarded. This allowed him to obtain his Master’s and Ph.D. in Hip-Hop and Global Youth Cultures from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom.
During his graduate work, Blake lived out his passion for music as a manager and producer of Top 40 radio songs in Europe, and continued making music after he became chief program officer for a national non-profit focused on helping kids. In 2016, he co-founded the personal development company Motivational Millennial and has since co-hosted 90 episodes of the Motivational Millennial podcast.
As an award-winning freestyle rapper and beatboxer, Blake was invited to perform for the celebrity judges on America’s Got Talent, shared the stage with Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of the hip-hop musical Hamilton), and has recorded and performed more than 2,000 shows in the US and Europe. Blake uses his love of music to connect with students about their own interests and life journeys and helps them to develop a Growth Mindset in areas where they are struggling.
Currently, Blake delivers virtual and in-person student assemblies, parent nights, and professional development workshops about the power of the Growth Mindset and Grit to help students discover their passions, adapt to changes, and thrive in the face of challenges. He has customized programs with age-appropriate content for elementary, middle, and high school students, parents, and educators.
Dr. Blake has produced Top 40 songs in Europe and performed over 200 shows around the world. He has even rapped with Lin-Manuel Miranda, the composer of the musical Hamilton!
America’s Got Talent asked Dr. Blake to audition for Season 9 of the show, and he made it to the Madison Square Garden round where he auditioned in front of 3,000 people and the celebrity judges: Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Mel B. This audition dramatically shifted Dr. Blake’s perspective on himself and his future in numerous ways. Hear him retell his story at one of his assemblies!
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