Nominations

Nominated by Ilasiea Gray

“He is an outstanding young man and artist who impacted his former school (Denver School of the Arts) and his community in such meaningful ways. He is a writer and actor, and even wrote and directed the school’s Black History show last year. He was also a recipient of an impactful award from the school before he graduated. He is now a freshman in college out of state, and is pursuing a degree in theatre and political science”

My Black Colorado Interview

What schools do you attend?

I recently graduated from the Denver School of The Arts and am now a first-year student at Drake University.

What do you think others would say that they like the most about you? why?

I think people would say that they most like my confidence and passion! Anyone who knows me knows that I put my absolute all into everything I do. My passion for anything I touch creatively is so strong that it presents itself in my confidence. I am very proud of everything I do which many people can see.

When you are not in a class, what are the things you enjoy being involved with? Why?

I am apart of the board of Equity Diversity and Inclusion at Drake University and I spend a large chunk of my time working with that. Equity Diversity and Inclusion is a problem we see all around the world in so many different places. I have made it a goal of mine to combat this issue and to get started I wanted to be evolved in the solution of this problem on the very campus of the school that I am currently attending.

What is the best advice someone has given you recently?

The best advice I’ve heard recently was “What people think of you is none of your business.”

What is one thing you want to get better at?

I constantly, feel like I should make everyone feel comfortable with my existence. I never want to scare people or make them intimidated, but truly there is nothing scary and intimidating about me. People have this idea of who I should be based on how I look, but I have always tried to cater to and combat that. In reality that is not my problem. I want to get better at not caring about what people think about me.

What do you think is one piece of advice that you think adults need to hear, to help them connect with the younger generation better.

The children of this generation have such a unique understanding and grasp of life. They consistently push down and shut out their ideology, unlike some adults who do nothing positive towards the mending of generations. You most likely can learn so much from them and they could learn so much from you!

What accomplishments or awards are you most proud of? 

I am most proud of a mainstage play that I wrote, directed, and produced called “When We Get Home”. The show was something I worked so hard on and to be chosen to present it as a senior in high school was a dream come true.

What impact have you made in the community that you are most proud of?

In the world of theatre, I think with me being such a young person and being able to write shows about things affecting not only the world but the Colorado community, I have inspired so many people to look beyond the things that only affect them. My work challenges people to look at the things affecting the people and community around them. It forces people to have conversations that they have never had. I plan on not only changing my community more but changing the world.

What do you think you want to do for a career and why?

I can’t say one specific career path that I want to take. I have so many things I want to do and despite what most people advise, I plan on doing them all. I want to be a published playwright, a screenwriter, an actor, a director, a producer, and a social justice advocate.

What role has your family played in your progress?

My mom is my biggest supporter in the entire world. I am the person today because of the role she played in my creative journey and path.