Flip Rodriguez, is a star of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior,” he launched his new book, “The Man Behind the Mask” in NYC on Monday, July 18, 2022.
The book signing supports a great cause near and dear to Flip’s and Harlem World Magazine’s hearts.
84 pieces of original art, spanning decades, created by child abuse survivors were on display inside Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal in New York City from July 15 – 21, 2022.
“Overcame: Art of The Abused Child,” is presented by The Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center (BSCC) and is a deeply personal, immersive pop-up experience that demonstrates how these brave survivors overcame trauma and found a sense of healing thanks to art therapy.
The VIP reception for Overcame: Art of The Abused Child, at Vanderbilt Hall, inside Grand Central Station.
The event was exclusive, invite-only, including a tour through the exhibit, with special guests John Thoresen, CEO of the Center.
Also, the event included Maleyna Gregorio, a featured artist, and survivor, who spoke of her own creation hanging at the exhibit, as well as Flip.
Here’s an interview with Flip:
Harlem World Magazine: Who inspired you to become a stunt performer and American Ninja Warrior?
Flip Rodriquez: My Mentor Sli Lewis has been a stunt man for over 20 years.
HWM: What advice do you give to our readers who want to support kids who are child abuse survivors?
FR: There isn’t a blueprint to healing. Everyone has their own way of dealing with trauma. Be patient & be there in any way you can.
HWM: What is one of your favorite places in Harlem?
FR: Unfortunately, I haven’t spent much time in Harlem although I should. Could you give me tips on where to go?
HWM: Okay, let us know we’ll give you a tour of Things To Do in Harlem.
HWM: Where did you get the talent to become an American Ninja Warrior (ANW)?
FR: Ninja Warrior is a very different kind of skill set. I owe a lot of it to playing outside as a kid with all the neighborhood kids. Plus a lot of hard work day in and day out on obstacles.
HWM: When did you realize you had stunt skills?
FR: When ANW put me to the test with their courses. I had no idea I was capable until I gave it a try.
HWM: Can you talk more about why you support child abuse survivors?
FR: I am also a child abuse survivor. I never want anyone to feel what I felt. If my story helps someone feel less alone or helps them understand that it’s not the end, it’s actually the beginning.
HWM: Flip, sorry to hear that. One of our staffer’s family members is an abuse survivor – very sad. If you change only one life, that’s one life changed.
HWM (Bonis): How did you find time to write your new book “The Man Behind the Mask” and perform on ANW?
FR: I had a fantastic team behind me. My Mentor Sli Lewis, my manager Noah Tal Kaufman and my editor David Jacobson. Without them, this book wouldn’t have been possible.
HWM: Thank you.
FR: Thank you.
Get Flip Rodriquez’s book The Man Behind The Mask here on Amazon.
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