'The obstacle in the way is the way': CeeLo Green kicks off year for Paine College students

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Self-described 'visiting professor' and hip-hop and R&B star CeeLo Green took his Paine College students on a 'field trip' to success Thursday.

"The road is long and winding, and dim lit. Life is not about the shortest distance between Point A and Point B, it is always about the scenic route," Green said. "You have red lights, right and left turns, forks in the road and speed limits, so there are restrictions that could very well arrest your development. There will be stations and rest stops, but don't sleep, because time won't wait."

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The five-time-Grammy-winning musician shared life lessons and advice on success with more than 50 college students and staff in Paine's Ellis and Anne Johnson Performing Arts Studio.

Grammy-winning singer and Paine College Artist in Residence Cee Lo Green gives advice on the road to success to students, staff and alumni at Paine's Ellis and Anne Johnson Performing Arts Studio in Augusta, GA, on August 4, 2022.
Grammy-winning singer and Paine College Artist in Residence Cee Lo Green gives advice on the road to success to students, staff and alumni at Paine's Ellis and Anne Johnson Performing Arts Studio in Augusta, GA, on August 4, 2022.

This was Green's fourth visit to Augusta since becoming Paine's artist in residence in October. His visits have featured the "Forget You" singer wearing jumpsuits in the college's purple-and-white colors, and offering an open platform for discussion as he provides his own life lessons and poetic advice.

"Your disposition should always be one of which you are prepared to move and be moved, perpetually in a positive and progressive forward motion," Green said. "Where are you going? You're going to find yourself."

Freshman Dakota Baker asked Green about pursuing a career in singing.

"You can definitely sing in the meantime, in between studies," Green responded. "Get this [an education] first. Take care of this first. Do it [singing] as a hobby. Continue to build and grow and develop, and until you can sing your own song, sing along. Continue to be a fan, because appreciation calls the universe down into you."

Paine College students, staff and alumni listen intently to Grammy-winning singer and Artist in Residence CeeLo Green at a lecture on the road to success at Paine's Ellis and Anne Johnson Performing Arts Studio in Augusta, Georgia, on Aug. 4, 2022.
Paine College students, staff and alumni listen intently to Grammy-winning singer and Artist in Residence CeeLo Green at a lecture on the road to success at Paine's Ellis and Anne Johnson Performing Arts Studio in Augusta, Georgia, on Aug. 4, 2022.

Baker, a fan of Green's music, said she'd "really take it to heart. I really appreciate him telling me that."

Green also had some fun with Paine's residential director Raymond Dudley, who said the students have long been calling Dudley "CeeLo Green" because they look similar. Dudley joined Green at the podium where the two hugged and stood side-by-side for photos. Dudley also learned some great tips for his work.

"My job here is to help guide them so they can miss those stop signs and miss those stop signs," Dudley said. "So, a lot of what he said, it resonates with me."

In addition to serving as a personal and professional mentor for the students, Green has also donated a performance for their Presidential Scholarship Gala that raised money for their UNCF Scholarship campaign.

Georgia State Sen. Lester Jackson, a Paine Trustee, said Green's role has been tremendous for the school.

Grammy-winning singer and Paine College Artist in Residence CeeLo Green, right, and Paine Residential Director Raymond Dudley, left, laugh about their resemblances to each other at a lecture at Paine's Ellis and Anne Johnson Performing Arts Studio in Augusta, Georgia, on Aug. 4, 2022.
Grammy-winning singer and Paine College Artist in Residence CeeLo Green, right, and Paine Residential Director Raymond Dudley, left, laugh about their resemblances to each other at a lecture at Paine's Ellis and Anne Johnson Performing Arts Studio in Augusta, Georgia, on Aug. 4, 2022.

"His name, attached to Paine College, is a world-wide recognition that Paine College is here and existing. But, what's more important is his influence with these young people. They know now that he's given up his time, unselfishly, not for money, not for glory, not for fame, but because he cares," said Jackson, who lives in Savannah and represents the 2nd District.

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J.R. Henderson, another Trustee, said they are honored and humbled to have Green as a member of the Paine family, but also there's a real opportunity here "to assist Paine College, not only with recruiting students, but with retention, with raising money, with helping us to really, really grow Paine from all angles."

An eye on the future

Green said he is interested in working with Paine to offer a social media platform to give students an easy way to reach to him with questions, comments or concerns. He also said, going forward, they are not only focusing on academics, but will also be getting into conversations about land acquisition for future developments.

"I think there should be more outlets and more strings of income coming to Augusta," he said. "So, functions, festivals and businesses … but I believe this is the central nervous system of Augusta, GA: Paine College. This is the generations and these are the people that will commandeer this entire community some kind soon."

Paine's first day of classes was Monday, Aug. 1.

Green's advice to students facing issues is: "The obstacle in the way is the way. It's a part of the process. It's not meant to be easy, but it's also not impossible."

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: CeeLo Green: Grammy-winning artist inspires Paine College students