Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace McDuffie.
Hi Candace, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Back in 2006, I was participating in a summer internship at Pace University when I decided to start my music journalism career. I couldn’t afford to go to concerts then and thought it was the best way to get access to artists I loved, so I reviewed their albums and interviewed bands as well. I graduated a year later with a Bachelor’s in English and pursued a Master’s Degree in Education. During graduate school, I balanced studying with teaching preschool and writing. I published my first book, 50 Rappers Who Changed The World, in October 2020. It was released a month after I returned to teaching preschool in person following the pandemic. In 2022, I landed my first full-time writing job at The Root, where I pen articles and essays about culture, entertainment, and politics.
Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Over the years, I have encountered people who had never written an article yet felt the need to share their thoughts about my career path. They told me I was doing too much, told me who I should write for, and told me how to manage media relationships. It feels gratifying to do things in a way where I remain true to myself despite all of the outside voices. A career should be a marathon, not a sprint. Also, as I’ve gotten older and become more visible, I realized that people often respond funny to your success. They’re fine with it as long as you’re not doing better than them or if they can still have access to you at any given moment. People love to say they want to do what I do but don’t lift a finger to make it happen. Protecting my peace is realizing envy is real, understanding that “friends” you’ve known for years don’t always have your best intentions at heart, and keeping a healthy distance.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Although I originally started my career solely as a music journalist, my lived experience as a Black woman shapes how I interact with the world and how the world interacts with me. As a Senior Writer at The Root, that perspective is critical regarding my topics. Because of my authenticity and ability to not worry about the opinions of others, I’ve been afforded opportunities I’ve only dreamed of. In 2022, I was a guest on MSNBC, met the Vice President at a press event, and interviewed musicians I’ve admired for years. I am truly grateful for all of it.
What characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to if you had to?
Black women–especially Black women in media are still expected to perform both Blackness and femininity in a certain way. And when you don’t, you are swiftly and cruelly punished. For years, I’ve struggled to embrace my complexity as a journalist that can’t easily be pinned down or pigeonholed. I can publish a book on rap music, then turn around and write an emotional Death Cab for Cutie interview. I can write about a notorious celebrity breakup and then pen an essay on ways white supremacy oppresses Black people. Regardless of the pressure I often feel to conform, being true to who I am has been crucial to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.candacemcduffie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candace.mcduffie
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLr16jRPyc8aUSON3SNsrOjvCLodYkhC9q
- Other: https://kinja.com/candacermcduffie
