HRH Princess Angelique Monét

HRH Princess Angelique Monét is an actress, film producer, celebrity television hostess, socialite humanitarian and former Ms. Black South Carolina USA. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee and raised in Greenville, South Carolina by her Mother and Maternal Grandparents. She is descended from enslaved Africans, Native Americans, and Europeans settlers on both mother and father’s side of the family. Globally she is considered mixed race heritage. As a child Monet suffered from a learning disability and did not talk until the age 5. Once she began talking she was behind in school and was placed in temporary special education by the fifth grade. Through piano classes within one year she was ready in some levels for high school (age 9). 

HRH Princess Angelique Monét is the Founder of Nothing On Television TV, a Video On Demand digital platform which first launched on DISH Satellite TV. She has interviewed  top tier veterans such as Academy Award Winner Morgan Freeman, Golden Globe Winner Alan Alda, Music Mogul Russel Simmons, David Morse, Olivia Wilde, John Slattery, Ezra Miller, Blythe Danner, Shailene Woodley, Penelope Ann Miller, James Cromwell, Christie Brinkley, Matthe Broderick, the late Albert Maysles, the late Anton Yelchin. The platform was launched in 2011, and was one of the first OTT (SVOD, AVOD, PPV) set ups owned by a woman and specifically an African American woman.  In the growing demand for OTT platforms during COVID-19 and studies she Founded AM ONE TV and AM ONE FESTIVAL the first platform aimed specifically for “Made by Smartphone,” with an E-learning Academy. She is also the Founder of the 1st film Festival for UNESCO Center for Peace and smartphones was the main medium for creation of content. Her goals for 2021, are to use the arts and media to help with diversity, and launch AM ONE TV dedicated for smartphone cinema and independent content.

FWM: Your Highness Princess Angelique Monét, you are related to many pioneers to American politics and civil rights leaders. Please share your upbringing. 

This is an emotional question and there are so many layers. Growing up in South Carolina and being raised by my Mother and her parents we had a strong sense of community, pride, heritage and I was raised in the church. Both my late Mother and Grandmother were first grade teachers and very supportive especially seeing I was very shy. My maternal Grandmother was from out west and her upbringing was very different than my Grandfathers who was raised by a single mother and his Grandparents in the South and went to school in segregation. In Colorado during pre-Civil Rights and Civil Rights and even post slavery African Americans did not deal with the segregation laws and her pictures range from debutant balls, to horse back riding, to dance and piano lessons. Where my Granddad as a little boy use to pick up golf balls at the country club to earn enough money to buy a hot dog and I learned at a young age they took all the children to the HBCU’s and they auditioned for track and field and football. Whichever school they got a scholarship they were left. This is the beauty of a church family. It was football and track that landed my Grand-dad a scholarship at Fisk University where many top leaders attended. Here he met my Grandmother. Going out West to visit our family certainly was different than being in the South and I wanted to hear the stories of my grandparents who raised me. 

It is a blessing to have known my great grandparents and great aunts and listened to stories passed down. This is called oral stories and I’m blessed to be an oral storyteller. In regards to my upbringing, I was raised to say ma’am, or sir, thank you, respect your elders and have respect for all because you never know who you are talking to, or who they will be one day, and we are all equal. Don’t let achievements go to your head and seek to be better each day than you were yesterday. I strive to be humble like the elders I witness in my family. These are virtues that remain close to me. 

In regards to being raised as a political child in an African-American household and seeing my Great-Grandfather, Grandfathers, Uncles and extended family work so hard consistently for diversity, and equality for all, I often felt this struggle and pain. I recall even spending birthdays on the road campaigning because my birthday falls before elections as my late Mother’s. As a child,  I remember the campaign rallies, and visiting churches and also winning on the election nights. I remember the elegant speeches and emotions my Grandfathers had when speaking to their audiences. 

I also felt and still feel proud because my Grandfathers achieved so much despite all set backs and struggles. They paved the way for much of what we have today and sacrificed so much. Being a leader during the Civil Rights and 80s took a lot of bravery and being a hero. Today even many heroes go unsung and even unheard. When the Confederate Flag hung in the 80s in South Carolina, my Grand-father whom raised me was the 1st and to date only African American to receive a major nomination for Gubernatorial Race from a major party (Democratic) in South Carolina (2nd in US history) and my Paternal Grand-father was the Co-Chairman of the GOP (Republican Party) also the first in South Carolina African American elected to office. It was this time Jesse Jackson also from Greenville, SC was running for President and he flew in to endorse my Grand-dad’s bid for Governor. The two of them went to school together and also played football in High School. There were a lot of leaders that came out of South Carolina, and the South and I would often hear their stories and we were all a big family. Despite my Grand-fathers being in different parties they were close friends and shared a mutual respect because of me. 

Being a witness of their struggles and seeing the change made specifically by my Grand-father who raised me I’ve an obligation to continue. It was something I never really planned but the lessons taught me a thing or two about life. 

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I remember seeing friends at school so grateful for free breakfast a program implemented by my Grandfather (maternal) who use to come once a month to have lunch with me from elementary, middle, to high school even though he also was raising me. He didn’t have to do that. I remember the fountain made in his honor which created affordable transportation in South Carolina, later a national policy and later learned he implemented a bill to stop trade with South Africa during apartheid which was later adopted in most states in America. I can honestly say my Grand-dad who I like to think as my Dad was ahead of his time. My late Grand-mother was so humble, meek, and graceful and she taught me how to be a lady along with my late Mother. In African traditions, it takes a village to raise a child. I’m so grateful that my Mother who had me at a young age and over come many obstacles had amazing parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles and sisters. They truly gave me a home and made sure my Mother who is no longer here could be her best. Now looking back and reflecting as I’m expressing myself in this interview, my life has been unique, challenging, what some would say over the top and rare. I can now admit, I’ve been through a lot, seen a lot at a young age, and overcome a lot of obstacles and I’m again grateful for these experiences that I can now share and hopefully these stories will make an impact. Seeing I’ve also my own legacy independent of my family name which is something I was always taught, “Find your own path, make your own mark in society.” Now that I’ve done this it’s crucial to discuss my background which can aide in current issues we are faced with now. 

“Leadership is not planned. It’s normally something you’re so passionate about that you become a leader because of consistency, dedication, sacrifice, and hard work.”

As we are now in a new decade with many of the same challenges our forefathers fought for so we can have a better world, it is crucial we as the New Generation establish order where “Everyone is somebody, and we are one regardless of race, color, creed, and religion.” 

FWM: You have a true love of the arts. Tell us about your extensive work in film. 

I do have a true love for the arts. In regards to film, I’ve written and produced, and acted in films that have screened in major marketplaces like Cannes Film Festival. However, my passion now is helping distribute, exhibit and promote films of purpose that can make an impact on the world. Many of the films star A-list celebrities but are niche oriented or cause base. Working behind the scenes has its benefits and many projects I’ve influenced or have worked on I work silently behind the scenes. 

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FWM; In your view, is there synergy between film and social causes? 

Film and social causes can go hand in hand. It’s the purest way to get messages before a wider audience. An example of this is a film which won our award “Living In The Future’s Past,” starring Critically Acclaimed Jeff Bridges and most recent we honored two-time Oscar nominee Barry Alexander Brown and his film “Son of the South.” 

FWM: As a Royal, what are your responsibilities? 

Well, my responsibilities are to be true to myself, seek the Kingdom of God first, and honor my ancestors. As far as Royal responsibilities, “being a royal comes with great responsibility.” To add to this, I have the responsibility to be accessible and available to the people and be for the people and their needs come first. Since childhood I’ve created platforms that ensure equality, diversity, and opportunity, regardless or race, creed, religion, or status. The New World is a world where anyone can become something great if given the opportunity, and the opportunity is accessible. 

It is my responsibility to help build individuals one person at a time. As a royal I put in work not just making speeches and appearances. This is not a glamorous job, if it was I would have stuck to stage acting and celebrity tv hosting. I volunteer for many organizations outside my own, and speak to the people to hear their needs. In the end, it is my deeds and contributions to make this world a better place that make me a royal not only a title, right, or privilege. Each day I am blessed to live it is my responsibility to build individuals up no matter how young or old. These are my responsibilities and I do my best to uphold. My duty and responsibility as a royal is to build legacies and be willing and able to share resources and opportunities and pass the torch so future generations have sustainability and take any visions and work I’ve done further for generations to come. 

FWM: Leadership is… Please finish the sentence. 

Leadership is not planned. It’s normally something you’re so passionate about that you become a leader because of consistency, dedication, sacrifice, and hard work.

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FWM: “My crowns have increased.” Expound on this philosophy. 

“My crowns have increased,” is the meaning of my African royal name coming from the Adedoyin lineage and the great Ayo Empire where we can see history at museums such as the British Museum. The name “Ademiposi” is a Yoruba name and means my crowns have increased. With this name given by the ancestors to HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin for me, it is befitting seeing my mixed heritage, royal and nobility heritage coming from Native American, African, and Anglo-Saxon(Germanic) European roots. It is my obligation to work on restoration and peace globally and also ensuring Indigenous People, People of African descent, and People of African descent that are descendants of the Transatlantic Slave Trade heal and have equality. I also work for diversity with under-served and under-represented people world wide.

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Names carry value and also meaning. Ademiposi “My crowns have increased” to help facilitate this reconciliation, restorations, and also helping to secure the Indigenous People that are the gatekeepers of our earth are protected. Mother Earth is a place we are blessed to live, but it will remain even when we are no longer here. We must do our best to protect our earth. I am proud to have support because together we are stronger. Hence the “My crowns have increased.”

FWM: What are the misconceptions of being Royal? 

I want to teach little girls and women you can be your own Princess and stand brave without being Cinderella. 

FWM: What would people be surprised to know about you? 

I did not talk until age 5 and suffered from a learning disability which led to being bullied and having from low self esteem. I was placed part time in special education in the 5th grade. Despite tutors, it was difficult to learn and pronounce words properly so I was also in speech. At age 9, I was blessed to receive piano lessons for one year and after taking standardized tests my scores went from being four levels behind to being ready for high school upon entrance to middle school. Music gave me hope, self-esteem, and helped my mind process information. It was something that was mine and with practice and discipline I could achieve making beautiful sounds without talking and others would say how beautiful. This was my way of expression. 

Today I understand a lot of children who are diagnosed with autism or learning difficulties may also need an outlet such as the arts. I do my best to support youths and have two celebrity God children and a host of many other children I am mentoring. If I didn’t have the support, I don’t know where I would be now. 

The next issue was being shy and not knowing how to relate to other children, I learned the art of ventriloquism on my own and created a puppet named “Gracie the Pig” that was a boisterous bully and a pig. When I performed at school the bullies would get angry and they actually changed their ways and became my friend. In the end they admitted they wanted to be liked. So I found my voice in ventriloquism and later on at the start of the Millennium went on to change modern day ventriloquism with the Off Broadway play on Theatre Row in New York City entitled “Multiple Me” written by Edgar Chisholm. I portrayed seven different personalities and my ventriloquist figure also shifted. The one woman show and my name is written in the history of ventriloquism and I’m a pioneer in a ancient art “having changed modern day ventriloquism.” I never dreamed any of this would happen for a shy girl from South Carolina who couldn’t talk and was often called stupid and ugly. All I can say to anyone out there, if I can be something and now made a living legend you can too. I did all this without a royal title and do most things in regards to my talent without titles. I believe in life you must earn everything and work hard and this is our legacy. 

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FWM: You are considered a trailblazer. Tell us about the UN supported organization using the arts and media to help with diversity, launching of the AM ONE TV dedicated for smartphone cinema and independent content. Why is this so important to you? 

Thank you for saying I’m considered a trailblazer and often yes ahead of my time. I will answer each question as follows: 

New Generation In Action has Consultative Status to the United Nations and the main Initiative is AFI World Peace Initiative. We host year-round programs using the arts and media to tackle issues in the world. Our primary focus is ensuring under-served and under-represented people have a voice and programs can educate, enlighten, and enrich. Issue addressed are: world peace, social justice, cultural preservation, girl and women empowerment, conservation/wildlife, anti-bullying campaigns, diversity & inclusion, mental health. Our events have taken place at the UN Headquarters, Hamptons (USA), Cannes Film Festival where we debut films and host an awards presentation, and now with COVID-19 virtual conferences which also include various UN meetings and hosting side events. 

AM One TV is going to be a new platform focused on smartphone cinema but not limited to smartphone. We have produced many films on smartphone and also citizen journalism. The concept was developed in test models to help rural communities have the ability to make film independent of a major studio. In 2019, we made history by being the first time ever smartphone films were screened in Cannes and films were a part of my company lineup Greta Joanne Entertainment in the Marche du Film. We had a jury for the Professor Karl Bardosh Cell Phone Cinema Awards made up of Hollywood, Bollywood and Nollywood. Professor Karl Bardosh is a pioneer of cellphone cinema. Now COVID-19, many studios have had to take to using their smartphones for filming. It feels great to be a pioneer in this and even last year at our online smartphone awards during Cannes Film Festival virtual Lawrence David Foldes sent regards from the Oscars for our work in this technology. We call this Hollywood in your pocket.  AM ONE TV is in different phases of production of film projects and a few of our releases will be launching during Cannes Film Festival 2021 and Marché du Film. 

In 2020, I founded AM One Smartphone Youth Festival for UNESCO Center for Peace along with Professor Karl Bardosh and we trained students from around the world, made films and an awards all in 72 hours. Students participated from Mexico, India, Nigeria, China, the Middle East and many have gone on to advance their studies in cinema. As an advocate for Sustainable Development Goals, the platform meets many of the SDG2030 agenda. 

My passion of this comes because anyone can be a filmmaker as long as you have a smartphone and with education this same person can make a great film. We have a goal to be the TESLA of modern-day cinema making filmmaking accessible for all. My mission in life is to create solutions to challenges and it is a challenge for many without budgets or major studios to produce a film. Now you’re a source, can receive education, and have a platform and even smartphone awards. Again we’ve taken the actual launch in stages and have done a lot in regards to impact, education, and production of films for niche marketplaces.  The platform itself will be launched later in the year because many of our films are also going to have regular runs for theatrical releases.

FWM: What is your vision for the AFI World Peace Initiative in 2021? 

The vision is to create one global family one person at a time. The arts can do this. We are one. 

FWM: Is there a new movement today? 

We are in fact a New Generation In Action. This is the name of our organization and from what we’ve been witnessing a lot of individuals are ready and are a New Generation In Action with a plan. We will soon to begin memberships. However, in the meantime we have a Facebook page and a host of year round events for now online during to COVID-19. We also have our web-site www.afiwpi.org 

FWM: Tell us about the Royal Empires Unite. 

Though Royalty fascinates the world, little to no films are made of African royalty, heritage, or traditions. During the Cannes Film Festival 2019 and “Year of the Return,” history was made when “Wakanda Royalty meets Native American and European Nobility. The historic moment marks the first time ever an African Royal Empire or any royal ceremony performs a Royal Installment during Festival de Cannes. 

“Royal Empires Unite,” is the first of a series of films highlighting African Royalty and the impact the lineages and traditions have historically around the world. HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin a pioneer in Nollywood and television hostess is also the Producer. I personally wanted to ensure a film documentary about African royalty is before a mainstream audience because this has never been done. The film has participated in film festivals such as Cyprus International Film Festival and our parallel event during Commission on Status of Women UN. By the summer we will have on digital streaming platforms the first of a series to come. I would also like to thank United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Queen Mother, Dr. Delois Blakey for attending this historical event. It was also historic because top Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood were present. The ancestors certainly spoke and are speaking and we are looking forward to the series this also includes my role as a tv and media expert with Order of Templars (Monaco). The series highlights my role in African, European and Asian courts and our effort for peace, heritage, and enlightenment. To stay in touch with Royal Empires Unite and release dates we also have a Facebook page. 

FWM: Tell us about your upcoming projects in 2021. 

This year has been extremely busy and we have facilitated and executed many projects. This includes the MLK World Peace & Tolerance Summit & Awards this past January 18th, 44 delegates for the Commission on Status of Women United Nations where we also hosted a parallel event this past March, participation and side event for the Indigenous People UN (April). Now we are in May the organization is set to continue our work daily in fact to make an impact. We are planning our events in Cannes and Monaco during the Cannes Film Festival both online and in-person this July.

In regards to film projects, we will be releasing a few films at the Cannes Film Festival Marche du Film. Many have been in the works a few years and our line-up will soon be ready to announce and more history in the making. 

As far as getting back on the screen, I’ve been working on a few interviews to launch my tv program of trailblazers and I’m also going to be working on a few children projects with my ventriloquist figure Milk the Cow for television. Children in the midst of COVID-19 need something different so Milk the Cow and a new figure named Cowduck are set to launch. Production begins in the summer for around 5 episodes.

I want to end with, we have seen trying times in COVID-19, and lost so many. Despite all there is hope. We may be in a time of uncertainty but it doesn’t mean to stop aiming for your goals. No dream is to small or big, and if we have a dream we can will it into existence. It just takes faith which is the essence of all things and all things unheard.

Thank you Jules for the opportunity to share my story and I wish you and all of the readers a prosperous, healthy, and happy rest of the year.