What was your path to becoming an artist? What does it mean to be a multi-disciplinary artist?
As a child, I was first inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. As I listened to his impassioned delivery, I was amazed by the power of words and vision to move the masses. Performing in school plays and choirs followed, while I also became a child motivational speaker. This speaking evolved into creating plays with multiple characters, exploring themes of healing and social justice. My training at Yale, American Conservatory Theater, and working with amazing directors helped me further clarify my artistic voice.
As a community activist, how do your values impact your artistry?
Stories that give voice to the voiceless are core to my purpose as an Artist. I am constantly challenging narratives rooted in systemic racism and division. I truly believe we are more alike than we are unalike. When we tell stories that show underrepresented voices in their full humanity, we are able to embrace our shared humanity.
What is the best part of your job? What is the most challenging?
In both my performances and the classes I teach, the most thrilling moment is when someone is deeply moved and has an awakening, a shift of perspective that opens a window of possibility. Accessing the resources to create the work and reach the audiences is the most challenging aspect of the work.
Where do you find inspiration for your writing? What advice would you offer for someone who is interested in starting a project of their own?
My purpose is to transform pain into power and to give voice to the voiceless. This sense of purpose is the grounding inspiration for my creative work. My advice to other Artists is that purpose is the bridge past ego. By ego, I don’t just mean arrogance. I also mean insecurity. This business has many ups and downs. For me, purpose (what can I give, who can I serve, why does this story matter) is my bridge over the troubled waters of the entertainment industry.
In 2012, you created I Dream, a nationally recognized social justice initiative. In your experience, how can the arts facilitate healing?
We all have challenges that can either defeat or inspire us. With IDream.org, I have been able to create a series of arts-based approaches that allow participants to see the possibility in the social justice challenges we face. Just like Dr. King had a dream, we each have the power to dream. The arts facilitate healing by helping us deeply consider the challenges we face, process the emotional impact of those challenges, dream new solutions, and develop creative social justice initiative to help make those new dreams real in the world.
