Today we’d like to introduce you to Oscar Williams.
Oscar, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I moved to Dallas in 2006 but I was already involved in the music business with touring, writing for artists, and doing some performing myself. Coming to Dallas opened me up to so much more musically by being introduced to great artists and musicians; working with great institutions such as the Black Academy of Arts and Letters and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and being exposed to some great cultural and artistic experiences. Part of my touring schedule has always included a lot of international appearances. I was named a U.S. Music Ambassador in 2010 and my band, Oscar Williams and the Band of Life, been working with the U.S. States Department since that time on several cultural exchange tours that have taken me to places like Lebanon, South America, Haiti, Poland, and many more. Seeing the impact music has on all cultures pushed me to want to further expand my understanding of music from an educational standpoint I begin to yearn to not only be apart of the music but help create and preserve it.
From that point, the idea and vision to create a school that centered around making the performing arts a part of a student’s core curriculum was birthed. Speak life and Speak life Academy of Arts and Music are both entities that center around bringing the arts and music to communities that don’t often get the privilege to experience them. I am both a content creator, meaning I make music and create music, as well as being a content provider, meaning I provide performance outlets for the music that is created, whether it is here locally or internationally. My ultimate goal is to create educational institutions that give weighted treatment to the Arts and STEAM education as well as equip students with the necessary skills to be high-performing and highly proficient contributors to society.
Currently I serve as the Executive Director of Music and Fine Arts at the Potter’s House Church and for T.D. Jakes Ministries. This has afforded me the opportunity to work with one of the premier and leading ministries in the world, as well as be mentored by Bishop Jakes. I have a staff of about 25 people who are among the most gifted creative innovators in music And art today. Together, we lead a volunteer base of about 600 singers, dancers, actors, musicians, and writers across 2 campuses.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always challenges. Leadership comes with its share of challenges….from articulating your vision, to having the right team to carry it out. Early on I made the mistake of leading by command instead of leading through inspiration. I have learned that the best leaders are those who strive to find ways to inspire their people to do better, be stronger, and fight harder
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My business specializes in music content, specifically Gospel music, Inspirational music, Theater/Play Music, etc. I am both a content creator as well as a content provider. I both write and create the music but I also perform it and provide opportunities for others to participate in those performances, whether locally or internationally. I am most proud of the fact that my company has gone to well over 60 different countries teaching, performing, and exchanging cultural ideas – creating a better relationship with foreign diplomats using the median of music and being a U.S. Cultural Ambassador.
When I’m at the Potter’s House i do a little bit of everything. My main job is more executive in that I manage the staff, budget, build community relationships, and give overall direction to our department. But I also love to be creative and work with our writers and actors on our productions; leading worship with our music team; and writing and producing songs. I currently have a song out now called “Heal our Land”….available on all digital outlets
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have had several supporters and advocates along the way. My parents Oscar and Jacquelyn Williams, have and will always be my biggest supporters. There were my first supporters, investors and cheerleaders, and though my father is deceased, my mother and sister continue to be the wind beneath my wings. My pastor, Bishop TD Jakes, has been my mentor as well as a supporter. To watch him navigate in so many circles from religious environments to the business elite has pushed me to want to expand my level of reach and influence and to go after all that dreamed and envisioned. Curtis King, Founder and Director of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters, has been a major influence for me. His tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit has inspired me to continue to create new and innovative ways to explore my gifts. I must shout out my amazing team and staff at both the Potter’s House and Speak Life Academy. They are the real MVP players of the work! Finally, all of the DFW and STL artists and musicians that I am constantly influenced by and inspired by!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.oscarworldwide.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscarworldwide/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oscarandthebandoflife
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