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An in-depth conversation with REVOLT TV CEO; Detavio Samuels & REVOLT TV President Monique Chenault. 

As Revolt continues to push boundaries and elevate Black culture, the media giant remains a critical voice for the next generation of creatives and changemakers. Our team had a chance to sit down with two of the most influential figures driving Revolt’s mission: CEO Detavio Samuels and President Monique Chenault. In our conversation, we explored the media landscape, the role of creatives, and the impact of Revolt as it continues to expand its influence. We also touched on the upcoming election and the crucial role of voting in shaping our collective future. 

Revolt has grown exponentially since its inception. This growth is no accident but rather the result of Revolt’s deliberate efforts to stay culturally aware while creating space for authentic Black stories. Revolt now stands as a powerhouse among media and entertainment organizations. Creating a state of the art headquarters in the heart of Atlanta, and countless employees, Detavio gave us his take on what made Atlanta home for a major network. 

“For us, we look at Atlanta as the heartbeat of global culture, as well as the heartbeat for black culture. So many of our movements, our music, and our movies are coming out of Atlanta.” 

This response was soothing for me as an Atlanta native. Atlanta possesses an unwavering sense of community and familiarity that the city is fighting to preserve; it starts with our connections to entities and corporations that continue to foster community.

“When you’re a brand like Revolt that wants power and pushes the stories of our people, to empower and push for transformative change, what better place than the city where it all takes place. “ 

REVOLT President, Monique Chenault echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Revolt’s expansion is about more than just media—it’s about empowerment. 

“ We were very intentional on coming here to pay respect, not only because our audience is here, but because this is the hub for many HBCUs and creatives” 

She continues to elaborate on the both economic and social impact that played into REVOLT further expanding into the city. 

“ A lot of HBCU graduates flock to Atlanta to begin their careers. So for us our young audience being interested in being progressive , being upwardly mobile plays into why we really wanted to expand our footprint here. 

Detavio was intentional in emphasizing that while cultural and quantitative data played into the decision to move to Atlanta , he praised Monique for her dedication and consistency in making the Revolt headquarters a world class facility. 

Monique continued on to say; 

” Atlanta gets a lot of credit for that , it’s a really inspiring city to be in when you’re young and you’re dreaming and we want to partner with those creatives and dream together.” 

Fostering Growth Among Non-Conventional Creatives 

Our conversation continued as we discussed the current evolution of media and entertainment. As the industry evolves, so do the manners in which creators are able to access their careers. We’re witnessing the rise of AI, independent creatives, and technological integration into media and film. In recent years we noticed an influx of both self taught or apprenticed creatives integrating into the workforce with the constant flow of college graduates who are all actively vetting their career fields. 

Our conversation continued inquiring about the role. REVOLT will play in the constant evolution of new creatives. 

Detavio states, “ I see our role as providing our audience and community with the tools and the resources and networking opportunities they would need to get there. We see the future, we see where the future is going, what we know is that we have an audience that is driving global culture and cultural trends.” 

This guided us into what creatives can expect from this year‘s REVOLT WORLD and how REVOLT as a network is continuing to provide meaningful opportunities both in the city and around the world. 

“This year’s theme for REVOLT WORLD is We Create The Future, so if we have the audience that is creating the future, let’s have these conversations about AI at REVOLT WORLD, let’s

continue to put these young creatives in front of executives that could help change their careers. Our strategy is to build the future by investing in our people and investing in our communities.” 

We also inquired with Monique on what were some of the trends among young creatives that Revolt soffit to integrate into their expansion; 

“One of the amazing things about this facility is that we have so much space for different creators, influencers, and industry professionals to build, but to also keep us as a network informed on what the editorial or technological side may look like and letting us know where they need help.” 

Monique gave concise insight into not only the importance of these young creative being present, but also the importance of us as a community continuing to stay connected with one another 

“ I think that is what the young creatives are now looking for, different ways to amplify their voices in a very crowded space. Our role is to help these creatives cut through the noise, and create something that stands out.” 

The Importance of Voting and the Upcoming Election 

With the 2024 election approaching, we set aside some time to really touch base on what we can expect as a community, but equally what is expected of us and how we can play our role into positive change. We asked them both what they believe the role of REVOLT plays in bringing awareness to the concerns of the youth who will be voting for the first time in this election. 

“ From the very beginning, we have always stated we’re not on the side of red or blue left or right but we are on the side of black, and what will serve us best as a community” 

Revolt has taken on the responsibility of not just entertaining its audience, but educating and mobilizing them. In our discussion, both Detavio and Monique stressed the importance of voting, particularly in this critical election cycle. 

We asked what they would say to someone who may be on the fence about voting in this election. 

“Speak now or forever hold your peace, this is a transformative election, the world will be different after this election. If you put Kamala in office, the world will be different, if you put Donald Trump in office, the world will be different, but you won’t have a say in that change if you don’t let your voice be heard in this election” said Samuels. 

Monique went on to express and continue  “You have nothing to lose, when you look culturally, economically, you have nothing to lose. There is no cos Monique Chenault highlighted how Revolt is leveraging its cultural influence to ensure that young people, especially in the Black community, recognize their power in the electoral process. 

“We have to meet people where they are—on their phones, on their timelines, in their conversations. That’s where change starts,” she explained.

Opportunities for Emerging Creatives: Creating Space for the Next Generation 

One of the most exciting parts of our conversation centered on the opportunities for young creatives. Revolt has consistently provided a platform for new voices in media, music, and film. I made it a point of taking some questions from collegiate creatives and up and coming media professionals to integrate into this interview. When asked how an up and coming creatives can combat rejection in the professional world Detavio explained 

“ I always say, they thought they could bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds, creativity is boundless, and if our ancestors didn’t take no as an answer, and we, as a people have never taken no as an answer, we’ve remained resilient, then there is no force or rejection. That should stop you from getting these ideas out here and changing the world around you” 

Monique Chenault added that the network is always on the lookout for fresh talent, encouraging those who are passionate about storytelling to seize the opportunities Revolt offers. 

“Creativity is the currency of our time, we are entering the globalization of content creation and development, so we want you to connect, we want those ideas.” 

As Revolt continues to shape the future of Black media, the commitment to the community remains at the forefront. Samuels and Chenault both envision a legacy where Revolt continues to grow as not just a media outlet but as a cultural institution. From voter mobilization to nurturing the next wave of creative talent, Revolt’s influence is undeniable. As the network continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Revolt isn’t just keeping up with the culture—it’s leading it.

Photo Credit: Revolt TV