My Interview with Eboyne' Jackson

Eboyne’ Jackson graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Communications from Post University (Waterbury, CT) in 2007. In a short time, Ms. Jackson has had appearances in various publications in the Greater Waterbury region. Additionally, she has started her own mini-magazine insert, Exclusive as well as her own public access show. She has interviewed many people, including musician and producer Ne-yo, the HeavyWeights music producers, and sisters Vanessa and Angela Simmons. She has found her interest in fashion, entertainment, pop culture and life and plans to have her own independent magazine and publishing company.

1) How did you become involved in journalism and writing?
Ms. Jackson has always had a talent for writing whether it was for a grade or freelance. Ironically, she didn’t really have the drive until she attended Ne-yo’s birthday bash in October. There Eboyne' found herself in the press pool with the HeavyWeights and Ne-yo himself. She said being among various reporters from MTV and VH1 and other publications and networks implanted excitement and seeing those reporters as well as her hosts and guests living their dreams made her realize her own dreams the night of Ne-yo’s birthday.

2) Having graduated college just a year ago, did you find it hard to seek out job opportunities or were they looking for you?
Ms. Jackson stated that while she took up nonprofit jobs after college, she enjoyed them but felt that something was still missing inside of her. After realizing her newfound drive for journalism, she found herself writing for the Waterbury Observer, Young Voices Magazine, Fusion Magazine (similar to the New York Village Voice) and has recently joined Street Confinement Magazine, which is mostly dedicated to fashion and entertainment, and the eclectic high-fashion Iconography Magazine. Ms. Jackson is enjoying building up her portfolio, but she states that she really enjoyed working for Fusion. She stated that the Fusion editor has allowed her to explore as well as expand her creative nuance for article ideas and features and this is how she became the founder and editor of her mini-magazine insert, Exclusive. 

3) I received an email from your PR agent about the premiere of your talk show. How does this coincide with your goal to be a journalist, writer and publisher?
Her public access show, The Eboyne’ Show, has a target audience geared towards all women, however everyone is welcome to watch and get inspired. Her show is focused on spirituality, fashion, entertainment, and helps inspire others to reach their dreams. She states that her show works hand-in-hand with journalism because writing and transcribing your thoughts is one form of expression, but hearing someone express their thoughts on television seem to have a stronger impact. Her goal with the show is to help and inspire others in their dreams, life changes, etc. She also mentioned that her show is a tool used to advocate and promote herself while creating another outlet for her audience and readers. 

4) Do you feel any limitations or reservations for the work that you are doing now?
In the field of journalism, honesty, ethics, and the objective view are challenging limitations for a writer. Ms. Jackson has experienced these challenges but she rightly decided to stay open-minded and be fair to the person she’s interviewing. She stated that her goal as a journalist doesn’t involve exploiting secrets and dirty laundry of her interviewees because honesty is important.

5) What has kept you grounded and motivated in pursuing your work?
Having been raised a spiritually grounded woman, Ms. Jackson has expressed that her faith in the Almighty is one of her biggest motivation for doing what she loves. She feels that there has to be a reflection of God in her work and daily life. She also added that her family and friends provide her with support, love, encouragement and the reminder of a reality check if an ego appears. However, it’s evident that Ms. Jackson is too blessed to allow her talents and gifts go to her head.

Regina's Comments:

I choose to interview my friend and colleague, ‘Eb,’ because I applaud her for the many accomplishments that she has achieved in just a short amount of time. While I’m impressed by the idea of her show being an outlet and tool for her media portfolio, I prefer to be behind the camera or use radio journalism as an outlet to reach out to my readers. In some way, Ms. Jackson reminds me that keeping my faith and focus can and will help me to reach my potential and just like Jackson, I’ve got lots of it! Later on in the future, I would love to take on the journalism world with Jackson with a smile on my face and the optimistic attitude of being happy doing what I love.

This blog can also be found at Eboyne's blog:

http://eboynejackson.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-journalist-story-as-told-through.html