Danielle Ricks Productions

01/01/2025

This year, skip the resolutions- focus on intentions! Make your intentions laser focused because energy flows where attention goes.

01/01/2025

This New Year, don’t stress about making resolutions that often fade by February. Instead, focus on setting intentions that inspire you all year long. Small, consistent steps lead to big changes. Celebrate your progress, not perfection!

Here’s to a year of growth, joy, and purpose—on your terms. Happy New Year!

12/06/2024

Ready to Turn TikTok into a Business Machine? TikTok isn’t just for dance trends—it’s a powerhouse for building brand awareness, connecting with your audience, and driving real results.

Whether you’re new to TikTok or looking to level up your marketing strategy, this class will provide actionable insights to take your business to the next level.

Join us for a TikTok Workshop on Thursday, December 12, 2024, from 5-6PM at Media Lab in Silver Spring, MD, or tune in via Zoom! The class will be taught by MCM Board Member and social media expert, Carmen Frazier!

📅 Date: Thursday, December 12
⏰ Time: 5PM
📍 Location: In-person at our MCM Silver Spring Media Lab OR join us virtually on-line.

🔗 scan the QR code to register now and take a big step in expanding your digital marketing skills!

11/04/2024

I was a very young producer when I met Quincy Jones for the first time. He is the only celebrity that made me nervous, not because he was standoffish or offputting, but because he was so iconic that being in his presence was a bit overwhelming.

You have to remember this was several decades ago. I was producing for Video Soul on BET. At that point, I had already met Diana Ross, Eddie Murphy, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder and many other well-known celebraties. But none of them were as iconic as Q.

I stumbled going over the show with him. He probably thought I was utterly incompetent. But I was sitting next to a man who had worked with Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson along with Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Count Basie, and Frank Sinatra - and that’s the short list. He was a living legend.

I often wish I could’ve produced a show with him without being a babbling fan girl. But all is as it should be, and I cherish this memory.

Rest In Power, Quincy Jones. Your job here was well done.

11/02/2024

On the Bison Freedom Bus headed to Philly to canvas for . Our bus is led by two of Kamala’a line sisters and is filled with many of Kamala’s sorority sisters, Baby Bison and . We are fired up and ready to go!

10/21/2024

My crew!! We go way, way, WAY back!

10/21/2024

With the iconic at the Cathy Hughes School of Communications Reception, she gave us a history of how the School of C came to fruition and implored us to donate to the new building—we need one billion dollars—to remain competitive and continue to graduate communicators who exemplify Black Excellence. As an Adjunct in CHSOC, I support this cause!

10/04/2024

It has been an honor guiding the Montgomery Community Media Fellows on their digital storytelling journey. I can’t wait to see what they do next.

10/04/2024

09/13/2024

HU!!! 📣 You KNOW!! 📢

REPOST Forbes Magazine names Howard University the #1 HBCU in the nation. As part of the 2024-2025 America’s Top Colleges rankings, Howard is leading the way in producing high-earning, influential graduates from diverse backgrounds, all while maintaining a strong focus on reducing student debt.

Howard’s recognition doesn’t stop there — the university has also secured a spot among the top 100 schools in the Northeast! With groundbreaking programs and record-breaking gifts like the $175M from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Howard is at the forefront of innovation in education, research, and culture.



🔗 | Read more on The Dig. Click the link in our bio.

08/23/2024

Wednesday was my first day back in the CHSOC classroom. I had an interesting conversation with students after class yesterday.

Student: Prof Ricks, how did you get where you are today?

Me: Shared my long and varied career path.

Her: How did you learn to command a room like you do? I want to be able to do that.

Me: I promise to do my part to get you there. At the end of this semester, I expect you to be able to speak confidently in front of an audience. Use these next few years at Howard to sharpen your skills outside of my class. Having the desire is half the battle, but now you must take action. Get involved in clubs and student activities. Apply yourself. Get into the honors program and volunteer for leadership roles. Speak in front of an audience every chance you get. I know you’ll be great. You got into Howard, the MECA of higher education and Black excellence. How could you not be great?

The second student—who I already identified as a leader during the in-class project—spoke to me about affirmations and how he manifested his enrollment at Howard. He shared many of his dreams and what he hopes to accomplish while at the university. He’s gonna be a rockstar.

I love these Baby Bison.

08/19/2024

I loved working with these young creators this summer. The young lady pictured next to me is coming back to work with us during the fall/spring school year. We are fortunate to have her. Check out the PSA the students produced for on our IG page.

—————————————————
REPOST: MCM Education & Community Engagement Director Danielle Ricks paused yesterday for a photo op with two of our Summer RISE students at the closing ceremony. Over 1,200 students and hosts came together to network and celebrate the culmination of this year’s program. Thank you to our Summer RISE students and for allowing to host these outstanding students. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

08/19/2024

Meet the inaugural BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ Digital Storytelling Fellows, taking part in an equity fellowship aimed at amplifying the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities through the power of digital media. You can meet all three Fellows and hear why they joined the program on our website here:

https://www.mymcmedia.org/bipoc-lgbtqa-digital-storytelling-fellowship

07/22/2024

I was one of the 44K!!!

Repost:

06/20/2024

Our Montgomery Community Media interns hit the streets in downtown Silver Spring to see what the folks in MoCo know about Juneteenth and share what the day means to them. Take a look.

Side note: Our college interns rock! They not only produced this shoot, they also created the graphics, and edited the package. My team and I are proud to lead the next generation of digital media creators. They are our future storytellers and guardians of the truth.

Join us as our enthusiastic interns hit the streets of Silver Spring to capture the community's thoughts on Juneteenth! From personal reflections to historic...

06/08/2024

Hey Facebook Fam, I am excited to announce the newly launched Montgomery Community Media Digital Futures Institute! The MCM Digital Futures Institute stands at the forefront of integrating racial equity and social justice into the heart of digital storytelling and media production. As such, I am looking for four passionate and creative individuals who work, live, or go to school in Montgomery County for our first-ever BIPOC & LGBTQIA+
Social Impact Fellowship!

Consider applying if you or someone you know in MoCo has the drive to engage in community storytelling through digital platforms using cutting-edge tools and storytelling techniques. We have a few excellent candidates, but I extended the application deadline to June 21st to give even more people a shot at this opportunity. Spread the word and apply at mymcmedia.org/jobs

I’m also looking for an entry-level manager to work with me on this initiative. The job opening is posted on our website at mymcmedia.org/careers

06/08/2024

Today, Howard University announced that the Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to accept the return of Sean Combs’ honorary degree, originally conferred in May 2014.

The vote took place during a regularly scheduled board meeting.

For more details, read the full announcement on The Dig (link in bio).