Austin Thompson is an alumni of Howard University in Washington D.C. graduating magna cum laude in May 2009. Driven by a passion for cultural understanding and economic development, Austin has traveled throughout some of the poorest countries in the world including Ecuador, Haiti, and Rwanda among several others. Along each step of the way, Austin worked to improve his knowledge of other cultures and the tragic effects of poverty on the lives of people around the globe. In 2007, a cheese producing micro-enterprise development project he coordinated in the Andes assisted 300 people and 11 large families for example. His contribution landed him a top story in a local Ecuadorian newspaper. During a trip to West Africa in 2008, Austin documented his firsthand account of Senegalese fishermen loosing their way of life due to over-fishing by more advanced fleets from Europe, China and Russia. None of his journeys came easy as he faced unexpected challenges like civil unrest, life threatening illnesses, police brutality, and other adversities. In 2008, he was featured in a Washington Post article reviewing his struggle to overcome experiences with colorism in New Delhi, India during a study abroad trip. Through it all, Austin has maintained his commitment to economic development and social progress. As a young humanist, anti-poverty advocate, and student of international development Austin is already making noise sharing his political commentaries through guest appearances on television news broadcasts such as Al-Jazeera's "Riz Khan Show" and NBC's "Today's Show". His unique written perspectives on global development and politics have appeared in the Howard University Hilltop Newspaper, Campus Progress blog, and Black College Wire. In 2008, Austin created his very on information blog called the "A.Thompson Monitor" to feature detailed analysis of trends and debates regarding global improvements in the conditions of people’s lives, such as health, education, and income. The A.Thompson Monitor presents news, commentary, and occasional interviews with some of the biggest names in global development. In addition to his blog, Austin is developing a independent, non-partisan research organization that studies labor markets, natural resource degradation, and political change in developing countries where quality information is scarce. He wants to one day arm decision-makers with the accurate information they need to face climate change, poverty and hunger. Austin will spend the next year in Dakar, Senegal before attending graduate school in international development and economic policy.
Chris Hines is one of the hottest, talented, and ambitious up and coming producers in the music industry. Hines began developing his musical prowess as early as age four when he began playing the piano by ear, then taking lessons for a few years. As with many young men, Chris Hines dabbled in sports but found his interests gravitating back to music when he began break dancing competitively in Detroit. Soon after he began taking piano lessons, taught himself how to play the drums and joined a high school production group, 47th Note. By his freshman year at Howard University he had already started production on up and coming R&B singer Brandon Hines’ recording album “Love Music” while partnering with production company Heavyweight Entertainment.
Chris Hines is one of the hottest, talented, and ambitious up and coming producers in the music industry. Hines began developing his musical prowess as early as age four when he began playing the piano by ear, then taking lessons for a few years. As with many young men, Chris Hines dabbled in sports but found his interests gravitating back to music when he began break dancing competitively in Detroit. Soon after he began taking piano lessons, taught himself how to play the drums and joined a high school production group, 47th Note. By his freshman year at Howard University he had already started production on up and coming R&B singer Brandon Hines’ recording album “Love Music” while partnering with production company Heavyweight Entertainment.
During the Summer of 2008 Chris Hines was selected as an intern for MTV in the Integrated Marketing Department. He then returned to Howard University for his Senior year and released his first compilation album titled Chris Hines Presents … “Master Mind” April 28th, 2009, which was a mixture of innovative R&B, Hip-Hop and Pop music. Hines Produced, Composed and Arranged all 15+ songs on the album and co-wrote on some of the songs as well. Given his early success and being a Howard University alumnus, Chris Hines is now taking his talent to the next level, servicing the greater music community with his production and songwriting skills. You can purchase Chris Hines Presents … “Master Mind” on iTunes.
Online:
www.twitter.com/ChrisMastermind
www.myspace.com/chrisjukejoints
www.youtube.com/MastermindEntTV
www.youtube.com/turbodancer3000
