Toni Hickman

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http://books.google.com/books?id=1ScEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA170&lpg=PA170&dq=toni+hickman&source=bl&ots=o7X8X4DkKf&sig=L4EImoQymQb9dHghSbXFhBmKYPI&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Hvv8U9b-O8X_yQSv4YGwBg&ved=0CEsQ6AEwBjgo#v=onepage&q=toni%20hickman&f=false - Vibe

Today My VTv Has Toni Hickman On Blast



By Sandie Lee-


Hello Ms. Hickman;

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview for My Voicetv. We appreciate the wonderful work you are doing and we are excited to be sharing it with our readers. So let’s get started…


1) Tell us a bit about yourself prior to your health issues.

Well, my name is Toni “Alika” Hickman, and I think I was born to be a poet/musician/activist. I have been writing poetry since I was about 7 years old.I did my first talent show as a hip-hop artist, and that is how I started doing hip hop. I ended up signing to Universal/Suave House records, and have done music with major gold and platinum artist, as well as been on gold and platinum albums.


2) I think it’s important for our readers to know how far you have come, so tell us about your first aneurysm and how that changed your life.



Well my first aneurysm was a scare because I didn’t know what an aneurysm was. I was told I was lucky, because most people die from aneurysms .At the time I was still doing my music heavy, and about to fly out to California for a big meeting with Suge Knight. I never thought something like this could happen to me.


3) When the second aneurysm occured you must have had some strong feelings, how did you get through it?
To tell you the truth, I was scared, and pissed at God.



4) After you had the storke at 32, how were you physically/mentally/emotionally?

Well, the stroke happened while I was on the operating table having brain surgery for the 2nd brain aneurysm. My body went into shock and that is why I had the stroke. I never had high blood pressure, and don’t now. When I came to, I was unable to speak, walk, or add 2+2. I questioned my life, my music, and God.



The 16th Strike is about all the ailments we face as people in America. From the foods we eat, to how we spend our money, to the Jim Crow laws, sisterhood and more
5) What was the turning point that made you say; “I’m going to fight and win this battle”

I was having a pity party for myself, depressed & crying, and my nurse walked in and asked me what was wrong. I said,” I don’t walk the same, I am paralyzed, and the music business wont except me like this! Why me?!” And what she said is, “What you need to be asking God is why did you have 2 brain aneurysms and a stroke and you are still alive when most people die from just an aneurysm. God must have something extraordinary planned for you.” I didn’t really care for what she said at the time, because I was to busy feeling sorry for myself..but now I remember that the most. The rain doesn’t last forever.


6) Through all these trials of your life you are an inspiration to us all. What would you tell others dealing with life-altering circumstances?

What ever it is, your emotions are valid and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. However, don’t let your emotions own you. Go through them, find the lesson, and grow from it.


7) Let’s move on to some of your awesome accomplishments. You wrote a book Chemical Suicide/Death by Association (interesting title), what is the book all about?

When I was in the hospital, the doctors told me to stop perming my hair. When I researched why, I found out about lotions, deodorants, and more. This information is something everyone should know. So I tell the readers about all the chemicals in our beauty products. But I also give recipes to make your own products.


8) What do you want your readers to take away from this amazing read?
I would like them to know that we are responsible for ourselves. The beauty industry is a billion dollar industry, and our health isn’t priority. The preservatives are what kills us. The longer the shelf life, the more preservatives. Learn to make your own products, or at least support more companies that care about our health.


Toni: When I was in the hospital, the doctors told me to stop perming my hair. When I researched why, I found out about lotions, deodorants, and more. This information is something everyone should know.

Toni: When I was in the hospital, the doctors told me to stop perming my hair. When I researched why, I found out about lotions, deodorants, and more. This information is something everyone should know.


9) Where can we purchase the book? It is on my site.

www.tonihickman.com


10) I read you have a documentary, that must have been exciting to make. Could you give us an idea of what it is all about?

The 16th Strike is about all the ailments we face as people in America. From the foods we eat, to how we spend our money, to the Jim Crow laws, sisterhood and more. Again, as in my book, I present problem and possible solutions.


11) You have an album out, give us the scoop on that.

Well after the doctors told my mom that she should consider putting me in a nursing home because I may never speak or walk again, I decided to do an album using my “Voice.” The album is titled “Crippled Pretty,” not only because of my self, but because I realized that in trying to fit into this commercial world, the world in itself is Crippled Pretty. We are getting but injections, lip injections, breast implants, tummy tucks, etc. All because we don’t have confidence in being ourselves. We are in fact, a crippled pretty nation!


12) On top of all your accomplishments you also do motivational speaking. In this avenue face-to-face with your audience what would you love to see happen?

Well, I usually see change. It is motivation for myself everytime I tell someone my story. But it is even greater to see how my lessons help someone else with their own life.


13) Tell us about your new website; givebackbuyblack.com. When is this due to launch?

This site is already up, but shutting down soon.


14) You are an extraordinary woman. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

We all are incredible. We just have to acknowledge it within ourselves. Beauty comes from within, everything else has been tainted by the ego. Thanks so much for this interview! For booking me, or ordering my products, please go to www.tonihickman.com - My Voice TV