I heard about Diamond Breland on a cold, snowy winter day here in Syracuse (we get a lot of those). On a day when nearly all the schools and businesses were closed, Diamond was organizing a protest to fight against the poor educational quality of the city's inner city school system. I've seen a lot of students come through Syracuse University, but none have been quite like Diamond. What I love most about Diamond's work (separating her from scores of other students I've met who want to enter the entertainment industry) is that she represents a legion of young black students who are working to take the lead on fighting for civil rights issues in our country. She is a Biophysics major, reflecting the depth of her analytical skill. But she also understands that intellect means nothing without passion and courage to fight for what is right. You can see her passion and candid commitment to the black community on her video blog, which has a growing following. In addition to advocating for issues of social justice, Diamond discusses everything that matters to people her age with a down-to-earth, thought provoking style of humor and common sense that will have you nodding your head and laughing in no time. It is for these reasons that Diamond Breland is featured in our Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight on AOL Black Voices:

What is your name and what do you do?
Diamond Breland. I'm a student at Syracuse University and an internet video blogger.

You seem to have a lot of opinions for a young person. How did you become so outspoken?
I became outspoken from always being silent as a child. I was mentally abused by my peers and was always made to feel inferior. Then I realized that I had a lot going for me and no longer accepted the nonsense. Instead I began to speak out. I later began to realize that I had a talent for speaking and that people enjoyed listening to me, so I pursued it.

What are some of the challenges you face as a young black women entering into the media/entertainment industry? What are your expectations?
One of the main challenges is finding outlets to express yourself through. It's like I'm always waiting for that big break, wondering and hoping if I will get discovered. My expectations are high. I believe you have to set high expectations to achieve anything. A lot of people don't want to set high expectations because they fear disappointment. I'm willing to take that chance. I would like to eventually have a national radio show discussing topics from politics to dating but with a signature style that no one has been able to do.


Tell us about your new radio show.
It's still in the works. I have a meeting this Thursday with Clear Channel. I want the radio show to be young and with fresh ideas. The radio show will encompass my thoughts on different topics. As well as having people call in. I have a lot of ideas that I have pulled from other shows and added my own advancements to it. It should be exciting.

What are the issues you care about the most? Can you talk specifically about your battle within the educational system?
I really care about the uplifting of the black race but doing it with constructive criticism and common sense. I'm really trying to understand the education system in Syracuse, New York. Everyone knows what the main problems are and it's amazing to me how no one want to address the main issues. There are too many programs and self-promotion in this community and no one wants to work together to actually solve the problem. I am hoping to offer solutions and follow through with them.


What is your advice for other young women entering college?
My advice is to stay focused and know what exactly you want to do. There is really no time to play games and pick your major your junior year. Go in ready with your mind made. Experiment with different fields in high school, not in college. Most importantly, do well in high school.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our AOL Black Voices audience?
Just keep hope alive honestly. Instead of worrying about the world and the state of black people, fix yourself and help your neighbor. If you've never helped your neighbor then you can't possibly help anyone else. You can see more of Diamond by clicking here.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the bookBlack American Money To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. To suggest a subject for a Dr. Boyce Watkins Spotlight, please click here.