Politics
Gregory Hines: Canadian backup dancer and entertainer turned politician
So how has all this helped me?
Well, working in church, volunteering, being a part of a community church has always helped to ground me and find purpose in everything that I do. Working with Community Living and working with people with intellectual disabilities and serving them where they are at helps me to be grounded and feel like I am doing something; like I am giving back. It always feels better seeing people smile. At Community Living I am cooking, cleaning, and being a care-giver to the people we support. Some people may find it to be hard work, but somebody has to do it. And sometimes it’s the person that loves the most that gets the most reassurance in life. I think that if more people would serve they would see much more rewards. It is not about the money, but serving. That is where you get the most reward. You feel the most purpose. You feel the most fulfilled in life.
KB: Okay, and last question. So, what tips do you have for the up and coming person wanting to get into entertainment? And also, what tips would you have for someone wanting to get into politics? So, start with entertainment.
GH: With entertainment it is very easy and hard. So the easy part is knowing what lane you are in. Find out what it is that you are good at and focus on those points. I knew I was a good dancer. And I knew I was not a strong actor yet. Dancing was a lane I was good at so I tried to use that lane to open up other avenues and other doors. So you have to know your lane and stay in it and strengthen it as best you can. If that means dance lessons or singing lessons, strengthen that lane. If it’s writing, write. If it’s producing music, produce.
Right now we are in a generation where it is a lot easier. You have so many different social media that can allow you to become an artist tomorrow. You do not even need a label. You just need YouTube, a vocal coach or whatever it is that you are doing and just get started.
KB: And for someone who wants to get into politics. What advice or tips would you have for them?
GH: For politics, just be you. Honestly, when I was just starting this whole campaign, I was trying so hard to be a politician. People in my riding were saying, “No, no. We like you the way you are.” I’m a little bit of a comedian sometimes. I make a joke here and there. But within the first two weeks I was trying to be a candidate. And then, I just said, you know, I have to just be me. I want people to see me as a candidate, not the fluff that goes on, but really and truly get to know me. And I think if you’re going to run for politics, know what it is that you want to do. Why do you want to do it? Are you doing it for self-gratification or do you actually really want to help other people? Because if you really want to help other people then you’re in the right lane again. It takes a while to know what you want to do and why. And then you have to also be good at debates.
As caregivers, as people who are working in the community or churches or volunteering, you have to deal with people on a regular basis and that prepares you for politics. So, if you are going into politics, one thing that I would say is you can have the law degree, this degree, that degree, but if you have no people skills, and you are not willing to serve the people that you are around then you are probably not going to be a great candidate. You have to love people and love the lane and everything that comes with it. Some people don’t like pain. But some of the pains, the growing pains, are to refine you and make you even better. So for anyone that wants to go into politics, I would say the same thing; just know who you are. Stay true to yourself and serve as many people as possible with purpose.
KB: And for people listening. How can they donate to your campaign?
GH: It’s very easy. On my Facebook page there’s a link they can click. Once they click the link on my Gregory Hines NDP candidate website you can see it will say Markham-Stouffvile NDP Riding Association and you can just fill out the information there and it goes directly to my riding. For those who want to send us a check they can definitely do that. You can write a check to the Markham-Stouffville Federal NDP and, again, it’ll go directly to my riding association.
