The One with DJ She's A+
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In this vibrant episode of #CareFreeBlackGirl, host April Harley joins the podcast as the new season's featured guest, sharing her journey from a 20-year career in nonprofit and political fundraising to launching a passionate new chapter as a DJ. Born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, April reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her identity—like being moved by Biz Marquis’s legendary DJ set at Howard University’s Love Club, which ignited her love for music and curation. After being laid off in late 2024, she seized the moment to pivot, leveraging her fundraising relationships and event planning expertise to book gigs at venues like Petras and Salud Cerveceria. She candidly discusses the emotional and financial toll of career shifts, emphasizing the importance of saving, community, and self-care. April also shares her philosophy on DJing as a form of joy and healing, especially in turbulent times, and how music can create lasting memories and foster connection. She reflects on her values, her role models like Shirley Chisholm, and her commitment to making lives better—whether through direct service or a well-curated set. The episode closes with playful banter, a 'Who Said That?' game, and heartfelt reflections on memoir titles that capture the complexity of Black womanhood.
Pivot with purpose: April’s career shift from nonprofit to DJing was born from a layoff, but her preparation—saving money and nurturing relationships—allowed her to take bold, intentional steps.
Joy is resistance: Music and DJing are not just entertainment; they're acts of healing, community-building, and survival in the face of systemic stress and societal pressure.
Relationships matter: Her success in booking gigs came from decades of authentic, non-transactional relationships built during her political and nonprofit work.
Know your boundaries: April draws a hard line with artists like R. Kelly, but acknowledges gray areas (e.g., Erykah Badu, Kanye West) and makes personal, values-driven decisions.
Community is essential: She credits her parents, siblings, and mentorship from women like Cheryl Whitaker and Des Tate for her resilience and growth.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to the New Season: Meet April Harley
“I'm not June. I'm not May. But I am the lovely April Harley. Welcome, April. Thank you.”
The Moment That Changed Everything: Biz Marquis at Howard
“Bam, bam, bam. So he kind of cuts into the music and starts playing Ray Charles, I Got a Woman... Then he cuts in Gold Digger and the whole club went up. I mean like, ah!”
From Fundraising to DJing: The Pivot
“I had a choice and the choice was to be pissed, which I was almost like no, I was upset. You know, I mean, you're working somewhere where you're loving what you're doing. Anyway, I had a choice to make and I could stay upset or I could do something different.”
DJing as Joy and Healing
April reflects on the deeper meaning of DJing beyond music—creating spaces of joy, memory, and community. She emphasizes how even subtle cues like a head nod from someone on their phone can signal connection, and how music serves as resistance and healing in difficult times.
Navigating the Gray Areas: Music, Art, and Ethics
April addresses the complex issue of playing music by artists with problematic histories. She draws a firm line with R. Kelly but acknowledges gray areas like Erykah Badu and Kanye West, emphasizing that personal values and moral alignment guide her decisions.
“Joy is resistance. Joy is healing. And I say it all the time, joy is fundamental to our survival.”
“Joy is resistance. Joy is healing. And I say it all the time, joy is fundamental to our survival.”
“Bam, bam, bam. So he kind of cuts into the music and starts playing Ray Charles, I Got a Woman... Then he cuts in Gold Digger and the whole club went up. I mean like, ah!”
Hosts
Guest
April Harley
person
Hazel Harvey
person
Dr. Phoenix Lux
person
Obama campaign
organization
Howard University
organization
Nurse Family Partnership
organization
Build
organization
Biz Marquis
person
R. Kelly
person
Brandy
person
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