Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Milli Banks of South Central

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Milli Banks. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Milli, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’m chasing the opportunity to transform our culture, the way we develop ourselves, and create a better world around us. I didn’t fear anything until the time I worked as a Juvenile Detention Officer, and I realized that trauma that is not confronted in our youth will send us down a bad path. Today’s generation are growing up on the internet; despite having quick actress to other resources, I still witness the worst tragedies in today’s age. I grew up in South Central Los Angeles, where I come from, there is no guarantee you will make it out. I was lucky to make it to the other side. I had to learn my lesson after the mistake was already made. I’m chasing the opportunity to leave a legacy, change the world, and become one of the most influential people of my generation; therefore, the power of influence brings the power to change our minds.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Milli Banks, and I like to see myself as a serial entrepreneur! On the upper surface, I appear as an artist, but I do much more behind closed doors. I’m currently building a non-profit organization called the Alexzandria Foundation, and I will be able to donate and provide housing, education, and business planning to homeless youth. I have always had a hustler’s mind set most of my life. I watched my family struggle, people in my community struggle, and I want to be the person to make an impact and change the system. When it comes to music, this is the one thing that separates me from the pack. Telling my story through a microphone, who knew I would one day use the same voice people made fun of to impact the world. I’ve been on my own since I was fourteen, working for everything I got and more, doing my best to support the little family left to support me. Some may say I appear to have it all together, but I’m still growing as a person and an artist. I wish I had more figured out, but I’m learning daily.

I am currently working on my next mixtape; however, this mixtape will be “direct to consumer” only. I would tell people to catch on to this wave fast because my boat will not hold everybody.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
“Clap for yourself, even if you have to do it alone!” I could never forget how it felt walking across the stage when I graduated from college, it was the first this I did when I got away from my trafficker. Yes, most would judge me or relate, but I’m not ashamed to admit I was young and full of rage, looking for love and acceptance in all the wrong places, where I ended up being talked into getting on a plane, trafficked at sixteen years old, but that is a closed chapter in my life. I’m the first in my family to complete both high school and a college education. It wasn’t just about walking across the stage. It was showing everyone in the family, they could do it too! I learned, though, even know you could want to motivate your family, it doesn’t mean they are going to accept it. I didn’t have one person in the audience that day to support me besides my own classmates. Today, I still struggle with the support from family, but I’m no longer trying to support them; God is using my story to support the world. I have a strong faith mindset, that is my power!

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
They are always going to judge you, but you are about to become way more than them.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
I take pride in not always being the smartest person in the room. I have taken advice from movies, people, and even places I have visited. On most occasions, you can find me listening to 50 Cent’s Hustle Harder book or a successful artist interview. As an independent artist, I can’t say I have everything figured out, but studying the success of my peers has brought me closer. I also really like to read the 48 Laws of Power, The Leader in You, and books like Outward Mindset truly changed my way of thinking. Outside of inspiration, I have a few close friends I only trust my thoughts with.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would hope people would remember me for how much I gave back to my community. I’m looking forward to building many youth centers and duplicating myself so that I have inspired many more to do the same. I want to be known for the help in schools, hospitals, juvenile detention centers, prisons, and most importantly, the change in gang culture. When I’m gone, they will have placed me in history books.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/@itsmillibanks
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/millibanks