Daily Inspiration: Meet Josiah Russell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Josiah Russell.

Hi Josiah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I began singing when I was about three years old in church. My first song was “Heaven” by Mary Mary. Throughout school, people knew me for singing every single day. Honestly, some were annoyed, but that never moved me. I kept singing because I knew that something inside of me needed to be shown to the world!

Fast forward to college. When I first arrived at NCCU, I tried to hide the fact that I could sing. That lasted for about one month, lol! I began to sing at the volleyball and basketball games in the first year.

During homecoming, I was blessed to sing with John P. Kee at our gospel concert. The next homecoming we had, I was able to open for Johnathan McReynolds and Le’Andria Johnson. To top it off, this April, I performed with Kehlani at the Dreamville festival!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had a lot of challenges for sure. There aren’t a lot of 20-year-old black men who are trying to live their lives for Christ. No shade to them because I love everyone.

I just chose to take the road less traveled. Being able to stand alone in college was definitely and still is an obstacle. My father recently passed away on July 15, 2021, so that is also something that I’ve had to heal from!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Along with being a vocalist, I am studying Communications at NCCU. I wanted to work in corporate, but I recently realized I would enjoy other work best.

I want to work with youth; I have a registered student organization on campus named “Young People For Christ.” I plan on re-launching it this semester. I feel as though I have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I’ve always been goofy. I love to make people laugh and smile! I always wanted to play football at the collegiate level, but my football dreams ended in college.

In high school, I was able to play an All-American game in Tampa, Florida, during my senior year.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/Cb5HOhivnXi/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiah.russell.58
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCVhnbdIE0D0Zlum02PJhJqw

Image Credits
CoreyBPhotography, Destined Official, and JW.Vizuals