Terrence Howard Interview

via CGG The 2008 New York Inaugural Royal Gala on Nov. 20, hosted by Her Majesty Queen of Sweden for The Mentor Foundation, brought together a group of amazing role models, who are actively working to better the youth of today. We were thrilled to see Terrence Howard. The Academy-award nominated actor is hot off the heels of his new album Terrence Howard – Me and the Band of Kings, and he graced the night with songs from his album. As an active mentor, Terrence was thrilled to be a part of the evening. He had seen firsthand his friends and relatives suffer through addictions. We caught up with Terrence who told us the secret to overcoming drug abuse, as well as several reasons to stay away from substances in the first place. And just who does Terrence think is the perfect role model today? You'll have to read on to find out. CelebsGoneGood: What brings you out here tonight? Terrence Howard: Well you’ve got to remember, drug abuse and alcohol abuse has been something that has affected a lot of the minorities in this country and a lot of the mainstream individuals in this country, and what happens to one person happens to all of us. The economic problems that face Americans in the lower income areas that lead to drug abuse so they can have an escape—that’s happening throughout the rest of the world too. So anytime you have someone like Prince Turki or Queen Silvia who’s utilizing their fame, their wealth, their resources of their country, they reach out and say, "The best thing about humanity is our minds and our hearts." So to have a clean mind and a clean heart and all humanity to utilize that as one, I think we can actually make a much more beautiful world. So for me to even be a part, to be invited to this—is to reach these children. You know, I’m an actor, I’m a musician, but first and foremost I’m a parent. That very difficult conversation to have with your children is often times about drugs. CGG: What kind of influence do you think President-Elect Obama can have on this issue with young kids? TH: Well the fact that he’s been very open about his experimentation when he was younger, and has slipped into those pitfalls and those stumbling blocks but has managed to stand up, instead of being someone, “Oh well I’ve never walked down that path.” Very few people can relate to someone who’s never made a mistake. But the fact that he’s been able to overcome it, now there are no more reasons for failure, no more excuses for failure. CGG: Do you know anyone who’s been affected personally by this issue? TH: Many of my family members and my friends. CGG: How did they overcome it? TH: Through sheer will and encouragement, but love most importantly. CGG: What advice would you have to young people who are entering the phase where they’ll be presented with drugs? TH: Well the first thing that people offer someone often times is marijuana, but what someone needs to realize, it’s comparable to the CFCs—the chloroformic carbons and how they affect ozone. When they come in contact with an ozone molecule, the CFCs—the main constant reactor for 60 years—the ozone molecule is destroyed. Well likewise, molecule for molecule, the THC in marijuana is 10,000 times stronger than alcohol in its ability to produce an amount of intoxication. So it has that same affect that the CFCs have in the ozone on individual neurons that they come in contact with. So knowing that, I mean knowledge is power. I don’t want to destroy my brain cells because you need them for the rest of your life. You don’t get anymore.