BLK ON THE SCENE - NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY!
By DeDe Brown
BLK ON THE SCENE - NEW EPISODES EVERY WEDNESDAY!Dec 08, 2021
Episode 46: Blk on the Scene with Greg Tarzan Davis
🎙️ Dive into the electrifying world of Hollywood success with actor Greg Tarzan Davis in the Season Five kick-off episode of BLK on the Scene. From uncovering his origins of growing up in New Orleans, LA and his unique moniker to sharing intimate reflections on the impact of his background on his career, Greg Tarzan Davis is a star on the rise having appeared in the hit TV show Grey’s Anatomy to two back-to-back blockbuster movies TOP GUN: MAVERICK and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: DEAD RECKONING. He takes listeners on a captivating journey filled with triumphs, challenges and invaluable insights.
Through candid discussions on how Denzel Washington inspired him to become an actor, his “I don’t get tired - I can’t get tired” work ethic, navigating hidden fees in the industry, and addressing gaps in traditional acting education, Davis offers a wealth of wisdom for aspiring talents. Reflecting on the power of manifesting and beliefs, he emphasizes the importance of resilience, determination, and community support in achieving success.
Closing with heartfelt words of motivation, Davis leaves listeners inspired to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration. Tune in now to BLK on the Scene and join the conversation! Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.🎬✨
Greg Tarzan Davis - https://www.instagram.com/gregtarzandavis/?hl=en
Greg Tarzan Davis on Grey’s Anatomy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSsGqGvwNFg
Denzel Washington’s Iconic Training Day monologue - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ3Ph5nzJUQ
Abbot Elementary - https://abc.com/shows/abbott-elementary
The Equalizer 3 - https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/theequalizer3
Episode 45: Blk on the Scene with Steve Jones
On the final episode of season 4 of BLK ON THE SCENE we are ending on a very high note - with the multi-talented, multi-hyphenate Steve Jones! Steve is a former marketing executive turned producer and content creator who has worked with such notables as Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Lopez. He executive produced OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network Presents: Inside Waco’s Wearable Art Gala Special featuring Tyler Perry, Viola Davis, and three seasons of OWN’s NAACP nominated record-breaking docu-series, BLACK LOVE.
DeDe and Jon talked with Steve about how he got his start, plus his passion for educating aspiring entertainment professionals on the inner workings of the industry through a panel series he created entitled Hollywood Confidential, which has hosted thousands of attendees with over 500 million digital impressions. Most recently, Tyrese Gibson graced the stage with Steve, and past guests include Regina King, Angela Bassett, Tiffany Haddish, Sterling K. Brown, Issa Rae, Snoop Dogg and more. Additionally, Steve openly shared one of the most challenging times in his life both creatively and financially, and how faith, friends AND therapy helped him through it. Trust us, when we say his inspirational story is the perfect end to a season filled with stories of hope, life and career pivots plus twists, turns and triumphs.
Thank you for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope to see you back for Season 5 of the show in Fall 2023. In the interim please check out seasons 1- 3, and be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.
Episode Mentions:
Steve Jones - https://www.instagram.com/iamstevejones/?hl=en
Hollywood Confidential - https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodconfidential/?hl=en
Ohio State University - https://www.osu.edu/
A Different World - https://youtu.be/JeoYAw26sos
SWV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=976b8TPPFJU
Escape - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_BTEFAVwjU
Episode 44: Blk on the Scene with Jonathan Kirkland
This week’s episode features one of our hosts' favorite people, Jonathan Kirkland. Kirkland as we like to call him is one of the most creative individuals, his brain works in such a unique way and as he says, he has always been smart. Growing up in Connecticut, he never loved hearing the word and has always been someone who pushes limits. From New York to Los Angeles to now Dallas, Kirkland has been a disruptor in his career and he takes us on a fun journey full of laughs, life lessons and an attempt at a run for Mayor of Los Angeles. From his young 20’s to now being Head of Marketing & Brand at BLK, Kirkland will keep you entertained on this amazing episode of BLK on the Scene. Tap in to learn more about Kirkland and his wonderful journey.
Thank you for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope that you will tune in for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.
Episode Mentions:
Jonathan Kirkland LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanckirkland/
North Carolina A&T University - https://www.ncat.edu/
Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. - https://www.kappaalphapsi1911.com/kapsi/s/
BLK Dating App - https://www.blk-app.com/
Vax That Thang Up - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa_gk3X5UEE
Episode 43: Blk on the Scene with John Gibson
From a little boy growing up in Chocolate City to a distinguished and influential change agent in Hollywood, John Gibson the first Vice President of the Motion Picture Association’s (MPA) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program is blazing trails across the entertainment industry. He works across all of the major motion picture studios, TV networks and streamers where he strategizes and cultivates key partnerships with over 50 leading organizations such as the American Black Film Festival, Atlanta Film Society, Georgia Latino Film Festival, New York Latino Film Festival and the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program, of whose advisory boards he serves on and many other groups working tirelessly to promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion, and ‘authentic’ cultural representation. Additionally, he oversees multicultural initiatives, while also managing the MPA’s partnerships with national civil rights, non-profits, and multicultural groups as part of the association’s outreach to leading third-party organizations. John takes hosts DeDe and Jon on his very circuitous journey from real estate and politics to the entertainment industry where his passion for equity, civil rights and keen sense of diplomacy have prepared him to gracefully navigate the precarious waters of championing DEI in entertainment.
Tap in to learn more about John and his mission to help make the industry look like the community it aims to serve.
Thank you for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope that you will tune in for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.
Episode Mentions:
John Gibson - https://www.theqgentleman.com/post/2022-06-john-gibson-ten-years-motion-picture-association
Motion Picture Association - https://www.motionpictures.org/
American Black Film Festival - https://www.abff.com/miami/
Urbanworld Film Festival - https://urbanworld.org/
Episode 42: Blk on the Scene with Imani Ellis
Right in time for CultureCon LA, we are thrilled to welcome the CEO and Founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective, Imani Ellis on this week’s episode.
If you’ve been under a rock for the past 5 years and don’t know what CultureCon is, please allow us to school you… CultureCon is a community dedicated to facilitating brave spaces for Black and Brown creatives that was born in Imani’s one-bedroom apartment as a means to foster meaningful connection.
It is the fastest-growing community and festival for and by creatives of color that has hosted past speakers such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Will Smith, Regina King, John Legend, Spike Lee, Lena Waithe, and so many more. Imani built TheCCNYC while climbing the corporate ladder at NBCUniversal where she started as a page over ten years ago to Vice-President of Communications, Unscripted TV Publicity for Bravo. Imani shares her journey from a young girl growing up as a preacher’s kid who loved ballet but left it behind to pursue track - ultimately winning a track scholarship to Vanderbilt University - to moving to NYC to pursue a career in Public Relations.
Her passion for community, inclusion and access has positioned er to be recognized as the "2021 Breakthrough Creative" by Ebony Magazine and a "Diversity Champion" by Adweek. Imani has been recognized by Forbes as a "Visionary" and "One To Watch" by Black Enterprise.
If you’ve been trying to figure out how to tap into your creative passion and hold down your 9-to-5 this is the episode for you! Thanks for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope that you will tune in for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.
Episode Mentions:
Imani Ellis - https://www.instagram.com/imaniimani/?hl=en
The Creative Collective NYC - https://www.culturecon.theccnyc.com/
Culture Con - https://www.instagram.com/culturecon/?hl=en
Clarie's - https://www.claires.com/us/
Vanderbilt University - https://www.vanderbilt.edu/
Episode 41: Blk on the Scene with Joi Brown
We are over-the-moon to welcome the founder of Culture Creators - Joi Brown! Cuzzin Joi as DeDe likes to call her, is a music and entertainment industry OG. Throughout her career she has been an executive at Atlantic Records and ICM, PLUS has worked with major music talent like Lil Kim, Cardi B, Bruno Mars, Janelle Monae, Brandy, Gucci Mane, Lizzo, Missy Elliott and Wiz Khalifa to just name a few, and brands like Beats By Dre, Jack Daniels L’oreal, MasterCard, LVMH and Microsoft.
We deep dive with Joi who shares that she grew up in a family where music was integral to family gatherings and tapping into that childhood love and “joy” (pun intended) led her to party promoting at Howard University to developing relationships in the industry to accomplishing the goal of breaking into the NYC music industry – by any means necessary. That drive and a bit of serendipity paid off when she landed a coveted role as Heavy D’s assistant at Uptown Records and then after seeing a need for Black artists was going unmet eventually pivoted into marketing partnerships.
Joi hustled hard to rise through the ranks to give underrepresented artists the marketing partnerships that proved mutually beneficial to the label, brand AND artists. And, after the encouragement of her boss, industry vet and then president of Atlanta Records, Julie Greenwald, Joi learned a valuable lesson about prioritizing her personal life too and went on to become a wife and mother to twin girls. After years in corporate, Joi took that passion for representation, culture and partnerships to launch Culture Creators, who’s “mission is to ensure substantive influence and growth by spotlighting and amplifying the contributions of individuals who have shaped the global view of Black culture.” Therefore, it is our honor to spotlight Joi for all that she has done and continues to do for the culture! We know you will leave this episode just as lit up and inspired as we did!
Thanks for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope that you will tune in for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.
Episode Mentions:
Joi Brown - https://www.instagram.com/iamjoibrown/?hl=en
Culture Creators - https://culturecreators.com/
Howard University - https://howard.edu/
Atlantic Records - https://www.atlanticrecords.com/
Julie Greenwald - https://variety.com/2022/music/news/julie-greenwald-ceo-atlantic-music-group-1235400605/
Uptown Records - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uptown_Records
Heavy D - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNEgUPKxk7A
Music Will - https://musicwill.org/
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated - https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/
Episode 40: Blk on the Scene with Melissa Potter
We are delighted to welcome Melissa C. Potter to the Blk on the Scene fam this week! Melissa is a New York native and an expert at the issues of Race, Identity, Culture, Equity, and Social Justice, which she masterfully manages moments of crisis with her unflappable and vibrant style. Just peep her Instagram to see the fabulous eyewear and fashions! Melissa is a thought leader with a proven track record of creating meaningful social change through her expertise in spearheading social impact strategies and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across non-profit organizations and global brands.
Currently, she serves as the Vice-President, Strategy and Impact at Paramount Global, where she supervises each brand’s commitment to the long-term social impact of cultural shifts in society. We get to learn how she got her start as a teenager “interning” with a family friend who was a DJ, leveraging that hustle, curiosity and passion to being a college record label rep at Northeastern University in Boston at the height of the explosion of Hip-Hop and Rap to learning the business from OGs like Mona Scott and Chris Lighty. She witnessed first hand the impact that entertainers such as Method Man, 50 Cent and more had when they hosted their community focused events which served as early inspiration to the field of social impact. Melissa openly shares her trajectory from the music industry to the political and social impact space where her ingenuity led to her winning the prize for Human Rights at the Venice Film Festival plus receiving a 2018 NAACP Image Award nomination as Impact Producer for the film “The Rape of Recy Taylor”.
Potter received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northeastern University and Masters in Corporation Communication and Public Relations from New York University. She serves as the first woman and the first African American Chair of the Board for the National Job Corps Association and is Chair of the Board of Directors of Fostering Change for Children. She was awarded “Change Agent of the Year” in 2018 from the Digital Diversity Network, is a Webby Anthem Awards juror and a Diversity Committee Member for Transform Films. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Melissa’s RECEIPTS and her story from a self described “little bossy girl” to being an all around BOSS is just the inspiration we all need to trust our vision and keep the faith!
Thanks for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope that you will tune in for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.
Episode Mentions:
Melissa C. Potter - https://melissacpotter.com/
Content for Change - https://contentforchange.paramount.com/
Mona Scott - Young - https://www.instagram.com/monascottyoung/?hl=en
Violator Records - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violator_(company)
Northeastern University - https://www.northeastern.edu/
Alpha Kappa Alpha - https://aka1908.com/
Style Eyes Optical - https://styleeyesoptical.com/
Episode 39: Blk on the Scene with KJ Rose
She sings! She dances! She acts! She coaches! This week’s guest Keanna “KJ Rose” Henson seems to do it all! The always effervescent and energetic KJ graced us with her presence to share her passion for entertainment and her pivot from being a corporate baddie to performing with some of the biggest acts in the world like Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Puff Daddy and the Family to being a creative entrepreneur. She’s author of “The Rose Effect: Eight Steps to Delivering The Performance of Your Life” and founder of the “The Rose Effect, LLC" a Global Stage Consultancy that helps creatives, executives, and artists of all disciplines push beyond their perceived capacity. She’s coached Lil Nas X, the Lumineers, 24k Goldn, The Kid Laroi, plus worked with top brands including UberEats, Roblox, Amazon, Google, Disney and Sony Music to name a few. KJ dropped so many gems on this episode about being tenacious, living and working in her purpose that Jon and DeDe felt like they were front row in a masterclass. Jump into this episode and be prepared to schooled, too!
Thanks for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope that you will tune in for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.
Episode Mentions:
KJ Rose Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kjroseeffect/?hl=en
KJ Rose website - https://www.kjrose.com/
The Rose Effect: Eight Steps to Delivering The Performance of Your Life - https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Effect-Eight-Delivering-Performance/dp/173470280X
FAMU - https://www.famu.edu/
Clive Davis - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6494358/
Heavy D Big Daddy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6sGofCFmKg
Sundance Channel - https://www.sundancetv.com/
Episode 38: Blk on the Scene with DJ Suss One
What a thrill to welcome one of the hardest working men in entertainment - theeeeee infatigable Steven “Suss One” Sussman! Suss One is a multi-talented DJ who produces music, rocks the mic on syndicated radio and the clubs, hosts The Feature Presentation podcast plus the go to movie tastemaker screening program Dinner & A Movie with Suss One. Growing up he developed a passion for music and DJing plus movies and horror films, in particular. Suss openly shares with hosts DeDe and Jon his journey as a bi-racial kid growing up in West Chester, NY idolizing DJ icons like Kid Capri and Red Alert to meeting THE “songbird” Mariah Carey. Along the way he’s built a lane all of his own by leaning into his passions and working HARD to make his dreams a reality. Get ready to be inspired by Suss One’s hustle and heart on episode 38 of BLK ON THE SCENE.
Thank you for the support over the past three seasons. We hope that you will stay tuned for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.
Episode Mentions:
DJ Suss One - https://www.instagram.com/djsussone/
DJ Suss One Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/djsussone
The Feature Presentation Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheFeaturePresentation
The Feature Presentation website - https://thefeaturepresentation.com/
The Feature Presentation Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thefeaturepresentation/
Kid Capri - https://www.instagram.com/kidcapri101/?hl=en
Red Alert - https://www.instagram.com/kooldjredalert/?hl=en
Scream - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scream_(franchise)
Wes Craven - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wes_Craven
New Line Cinema - https://www.instagram.com/newlinecinema/?hl=en
Freddy Kreuger - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddy_Krueger#:~:text=He%20was%20created%20by%20Wes,the%20real%20world%20as%20well.
Episode 37: Blk on the Scene with Cori Murray
BLK ON THE SCENE is back for season four! We can barely believe it but we did it, and can’t wait to share it with you. So to kick off this season, DeDe and Jon finally got one of their favorite people for the entertainment industry and who they’ve stalked next since the pod started… the incredible, beautiful, funny and multi-talented Cori Murray! Cori is a legend in the entertainment content world, having brought the best and brightest stories to Essence Magazine, as their former Deputy Editor. As an award winning editor, she led the brand’s digital and print platforms that serves 31 million Black women. During her time at Essence she hosted the Yes Girl podcast, plus for 10 years, she led programming for the Black Women in Hollywood awards and served as co-producer of the annual Oscars week event—ESSENCE’s second largest franchise. Cori sits down with BOTS to talk about her time there, and her pivot into self-employment - freelance writing, producing and so much more! Cori shares how she feels the fear, sets time to “Dream. Play. Make it happen” when it comes to her writing and the lessons she’s learned from her beloved Big Momma to the one’s she hopes her mini me, daughter Jillian, is getting along the way.
Thank you for the support over the past three seasons. We hope that you will stay tuned for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating.
Episode Mentions:
Cori Murray - https://www.instagram.com/corimurray/?hl=en
Cori’s recent work - https://www.miamiherald.com/detour/article274817676.html
Essence Magazine - https://www.essence.com
ASME Awards - https://www.instagram.com/bevysmith/?hl=en
Mara Brock Akil - https://www.instagram.com/maraakil/?hl=en
Episode 36: Blk on the Scene with James Bland
On our final Season 3 episode of BLK ON THE SCENE, we are thrilled to welcome the insanely talented multi-hyphenate James Bland. James is a proud graduate of FAMU who is a sought after writer, director, producer and actor in Hollywood. He executive produced and starred in the Daytime Emmy Award winning drama series, Giants, which is currently streaming on Bet+. James is #bookedandblessed with current projects like writing on the upcoming Peacock limited series The Best Man: Final Chapters and developing a new original series for 20th Century Fox, which he'll write and star in. Being the masterful storyteller that he is, James takes us on the circuitous journey from being a creative kid growing up in Florida that also happened to have height and athletic talent that propelled him toward sports rather than performing. Ultimately, his passion and true calling, plus learning to embrace his authentic super power of being himself brought him to Los Angeles with very little money to intern for another FAMU graduate Will Packer. Settle in and get ready to truly be inspired and ready to go after your dream just like James!
James Bland - https://www.instagram.com/jrbland/?hl=en
Giants - https://www.amazon.com/Giants-Season-1/dp/B08MD188SN
SAG AFTRA Conversation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R4D8hpLNDE
Will Pack Productions - https://www.willpacker.com/home
The Best Man: Final Chapters - https://ew.com/tv/the-best-man-final-chapters-preview-malcolm-d-lee
Florida A & M University - https://www.famu.edu/
Remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE. And, please pardon the audio issues on this episode.
Episode 35: Blk on the Scene with Vanessa Anderson
Vanessa Anderson, the owner and President of the AM PR Group is our honored guest on this week’s show. Vanessa launched her pr agency in 2010 and has become THE premier talent pr agency for Black entertainment royalty with clients such as Amanda Gorman; Marsai Martin; John Boyega; Tika Sumpter; Tamron Hall; multiple Grammy Award winner Cardi B; Golden Globe winner Andra Day; and the one that started it all - Issa Rae. During the episode we discover how she learned from her beloved Grandmother Nettie to check in with herself and follow her intuition which has continued to guide her to this day. We also learn how her lack of resources and mentorship during the launch of her business has inspired her to champion the My Publicist is Black initiative and other Black women throughout the industry including her employees at the agency. Future publicists and entrepreneurs you’ll definitely want to take notes!
AM PR Group - https://www.instagram.com/amprgroup/?hl=en
Barnard College - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnard_College
My Publicist is Black - https://www.instagram.com/mypublicistisblack/?hl=en
Yvette Noel Shure - https://www.instagram.com/yvettenoelschure/?hl=en
Phylicia Fant - https://www.instagram.com/purplephy27/?hl=en
Ernest Dukes - https://www.instagram.com/erndukes/?hl=en
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 34: Blk on the Scene with Janee Bolden
This week’s episode features Janee Bolden – one of the pod’s favorite and most thoughtful entertainment journalists, authors and speakers. Janee is the Senior Content Director PopCulture at iOne Digital and has interviewed countless actors, musicians and culture creators across film, TV and her first love music. She shares how she came into her own after having a challenging childhood not feeling seen as a young Black child who was a bookworm in Iowa to really stepping into her light which enabled her to fully embrace her Blackness as an intrepid undergrad at New York City University exploring the cultural riches of NYC. Throughout the episode, she also shares getting her start writing erotica and pivoting to entertainment journalism. Janee is the epitome of hustle, grit and grace as she has navigated the entertainment industry shining a spotlight on Black creators especially with her advocacy for Black women in the music industry. Dive in and get ready to be inspired!
Janee Bolden - https://www.instagram.com/janeebolden/
Global Grind - https://www.instagram.com/globalgrind/
Bossip - https://www.instagram.com/bossipofficial/
Janee’s first published poem - https://www.amazon.com/Role-Call-Generational-Anthology-Literature/dp/0883782391/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21AJL4A1J0T9N&keywords=role+call+anthology+tony+medina&qid=1662065475&s=books&sprefix=role+call+anthology+tony+medina%2Cstripbooks%2C64&sr=1-1
Erotica Poets -
- Tony Medina - https://www.facebook.com/tony.medina.52
- Samiya Bashir - https://www.facebook.com/scryptkeeper
- Quraysh Ali-Lansana - https://www.facebook.com/qalansana
- AC3 Festival - https://www.instagram.com/a3cfestival/
Director Barry Jenkins - https://www.instagram.com/bandrybarry/
James Baldwin - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Baldwin
Janee’s Tribe
- Angela Yee - https://www.instagram.com/angelayee/
- Karen Civil - https://www.instagram.com/karencivil/
- Tristan Walker - https://www.instagram.com/tristanwalker/
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 33: Blk on the Scene with Brooke Obie
This week’s episode features the indomitable “abolitionist” Brooke Obie, who is the Editor & Chief of XONecole the premier digital destination for Black women millennials and the host of their podcast She Comes First. And, what an episode it is! Brooke gives us a window into her life and how the “Christain culture” she was raised in shaped her life in both positive and negative ways that ultimately helped her discover the passion and purpose to tell, share and advocate for authentic Black stories that embrace ALL of our community. Get ready to truly be inspired by her life and career pivots in the pursuit of personal liberation that will help you discover your own!
- Brooke Obie - https://www.instagram.com/brookeobie/ & http://www.brookeobie.com/
- XONecole - https://www.xonecole.com/
- She Comes First - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/xonecole-podcast/id1484872409
- Brooke’s article on Dr. Donald Shirley - http://www.brookeobie.com/blog/brooke-obie-on-how-green-book-and-hollywood-swallowed-donald-shirley-whole/
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 32: Blk on the Scene with Gyrl Wonder
In our first dual conversation on Blk on the Scene, we welcome two brilliant and inspiring ladies from the Gyrl Wonder not-for-profit - Founder and Executive Director, Tola Lawal and Director of Media and Talent Relations Nikki Cameron who from 9-to-5ish is also the Director of Development @Bunim/Murray Productions. Gyrl Wonder is a professional pipeline 501c3 initiative giving rise to ambitious young women of color between the ages of 17 - 22, who’s mission is to empower the "gyrls" through social impact, career exploration and objective alignment.
Tola and Nikki share how they met and became fast friends, plus how that friendship inspired manifested the Gyrl Wonder organization from their shared passion for giving gyrls of color more resources and access to the entertainment business. This episode is a must listen if you want to learn more about the NFP world and support young aspiring entertainment executives.
Episode Notes:
- Tola Lawal - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tola617/
- Nikki Cameron - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencameron/
- Gyrl Wonder - https://www.gyrlwonder.org/
- Bunim/Murray Productions - https://www.bunim-murray.com/
- Carol’s daughter - https://www.instagram.com/carolsdaughter/
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 31: Blk on the Scene with George Alexander
Our guest this week is George Alexander, an Alabama native, HBCU and Ivy League graduate, NAACP Image Award nominated producer and founder of Galex Media, a TV and video production company. George has the receipts from executive producing Coca-Cola and ESSENCE series, If Not For My Girls, starring former Destiny’s Child member and Greenleaf star LeToya Luckett but the beautiful video tributes for the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Oscars Luncheon to name a few.
George gives BLK ON THE SCENE the playbook about how he went from an established corporate banker to a successful multi-hyphenate creative by utilizing his business skills to leverage his new passion for story-telling. He talks about doing everything from driving trucks to cleaning toilets on production sets on weekends in the early days of his creative pursuits which filled him with such joy that it made going back to work on Monday more enjoyable. Get ready to truly be inspired by George’s trajectory, determination, and joy in living a life with purpose and intention to tell the most authentic stories about our culture.
George Alexander - https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-alexander-4609512/
Books by George Alexander:
- Why We Make Movies - https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Make-Movies-Filmmakers/dp/0767911814
- Queens: Portraits of Black Women and Their Fabulous Hair - https://www.amazon.com/Queens-Portraits-Black-Women-Fabulous/dp/038551462X
American Race with Charles Barkley - https://www.tntdrama.com/shows/american-race
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 30: Blk on the Scene with Careshia Moore
This week's BLK ON THE SCENE episode features Careshia Moore, Esq! Careshia is an author, licensed attorney, advocate, life long educator and currently serves as the President and CEO of Usher’s New Look (UNL), the youth empowerment foundation started 22 years ago by THE Usher Raymond. She shares with the BOTS community how she learned to listen to her instincts by trusting God to lead her to direction HE wanted her to be. Careshia is truly the embodiment of a servant leader who continues live her life with passion and purpose to transform the lives of our youth.
Careshia Moore - https://www.linkedin.com/in/careshiam/
Usher’s New Look - https://2020.ushersnewlook.org/20for20
Mikaela the Koala - http://competetosucceed.com/
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin - https://gretchenrubin.com/books/the-happiness-project/about-the-book/
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin and Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 29: Blk on the Scene with Roy Broderick
This week’s episode features Roy Broderick who is the owner of Authentique Agency, a full service marketing agency that services clients like BET and Papa Johns based in Atlanta, GA and Nashville, TN. Broderick is an Atlanta, GA native who is a marketing genius who stepped out on faith to embark on a path of entrepreneurship while also serving as an LGBTQ+ advocate. He truly is someone who shows up as himself in all that he does and the projects he works on. Additionally, he is a man that has always believed in himself and knows that his faith will help him navigate throughout his life and career. Please enjoy this thoughtful, authentic and honest episode and make sure you take all the notes - truly an inspiring conversation!
Episode mentions:
Turner Broadcasting -
To Wong Foo Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Wong_Foo,_Thanks_for_Everything!_Julie_Newmar
Rupaul's Drag Race - https://www.instagram.com/rupaulsdragrace/?hl=en
University of Florida - https://www.ufl.edu/
MTV - https://www.mtv.com/
Vicky Free - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-l-free/
Lori Hall - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorihall/
Morgan DeBaun - https://morgandebaun.com/
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin & Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE
Episode 28: Blk on the Scene with Caralene Robinson
This week’s episode features Caralene Robinson who is a writer, director, award winning producer and marketer that hails from the boogie down Bronx. Not only does she share her trajectory from the Bronx to the halls of Howard University and NYU to a being a top executive in the media field, Caralene gives hosts DeDe, Jon and the BOTS listeners the playbook to how she strategically reimagined her career and life. Caralene proves that no matter where you start it’s never too late to go after your dreams if you give yourself grace to learn as you go. Dive in and get ready to be inspired to go after your dreams too!
Episode mentions:
Carelene Robinson - http://www.caralenerobinson.com/about
Versaille 73 - https://www.amazon.com/Versailles-73-American-Runway-Revolution/dp/B071HF9QZ8
The Bill - https://allblk.tv/thebill/
Ms / Managed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gF2C35BaVM
BET Her Presents: The Hotline - Episode "Her Lyfeline"
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13964302/
Connie Orlando https://www.instagram.com/connieorlando/?hl=en
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin & Instagam @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 27: Blk on the Scene with Elizabeth Leiba
In this episode we welcome one of LInkedin Top Voices and a member of the inaugural Creator Accelerator Program, plus the host of the Black Power Moves podcast - Elizabeth Leiba. Liz is the founder and course developer for Black History & Culture Academy, a subscription-based, unlimited access, e-learning platform with 40+ self-paced courses on African history and literature, African-American history and literature, and DEI. Our conversation with her lit us up as she shared her journey from Peckham, England to Miami, Florida to mastering self-discovery, acceptance, and confidence. We hope you dive into this episode with as much passion, heart and inspiration as Liz gives to us.
Episode mentions:
Elizabeth Leiba - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethleiba/
Black Power Moves Podcast - https://ebonypodcastnetwork.com/black-power-moves/
Black History Culture Academy - https://www.blackhistorycultureacademy.com/
Peckham, England - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peckham
For Colored Girls Ntozke Shange - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Colored_Girls_Who_Have_Considered_Suicide_/_When_the_Rainbow_Is_Enuf
The Autobiography of Malcolm X - https://www.amazon.com/Autobiography-Malcolm-Told-Alex-Haley/dp/0345350685
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin & Instagam @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 26: Blk on the Scene with Jill Munroe
Our guest for this episode is the multi-talented Jill Munroe who is a Los Angeles-bred sports and culture analyst, bestselling author, producer and host. Jill’s in depth content has been featured on FoxSports.com, MSN.com, ESPN.com, The Wendy Williams Show, TMZ, The Hollywood Reporter and various other outlets. She shares with the community how a serendipitous encounter led her to the music industry at the peak of the 90s hip-hop entertainment movement that pivoted her into launching her blog www.JocksandStilettoJill.com -- which gave us a window into the world of the personal lives and fashions of the sports and entertainment glitterati waaayyy before we had social media. Jill chronicles her many pivots with very thoughtful insights about the importance of having several internships, revenue streams, diverse skill sets to keep you marketable and repping for the culture. You are going to want to bookmark this episode of BLK ON THE SCENE, so grab your beverage and snack and dive in!
Episode mentions:
Jill Munroe Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stilettojill/?hl=en
Jill’s book Post Game Pass: Access into the life - https://www.amazon.com/PostGame-Pass-Access-Stiletto-Chronicles/dp/0996353003
Jill’s Blog Jocks and Stiletto Jill - www.JocksandStilettoJill.com
James Andrews - https://www.instagram.com/keyinfluencer/?hl=en
NBA Rap Album 1994 B-Ball Best Kept Secret - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B-Ball%27s_Best_Kept_Secret
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin & Instagam @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 25: Blk on the Scene with Ernest Dukes
Season three’s kick off episode is with Ernest Dukes, founder of the Nottingham Group, who is a publicist, branding genius, and next level entrepreneur. Ernest shares his journey about how he started from a youngin’ living in Orange County, CA with the dream of being an actor, opting not to go to college to get real world experience and a paycheck to pivoting into Public Relations -- which led to his success at helping to catapult some of our favorite reality stars, entertainers and Fashion Nova to super stardom. Ernest truly pours into the BOTS community by being super transparent with the trial-and-errors he faced building a successful business including under charging at times, learning his value and always being willing to learn and seek knowledge all while fighting imposter syndrome. His passion for representing our people and culture led him to an iconic moment with “the jacket” and co-founding the not-for-profit My Publicist is Black. Grab your pen and notebook before you start this episode of BLK ON THE SCENE because Ernest Dukes will be dropping some major gems.
Episode mentions:
Ernest Dukes Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erndukes/?hl=en
Earn Your Leisure interview with Ernest Dukes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HZpepHXUVE&t=11s
THE jacket - https://www.instagram.com/p/B_d-gXkFZ0N/?hl=en
My Publicist is Black https://www.instagram.com/mypublicistisblack/?hl=en
We Are Translation - https://www.instagram.com/wearetranslation/?hl=en
PR Manifesto - https://www.instagram.com/prgirlmanifesto/?hl=en
Diverse Representation - https://www.instagram.com/diverserepresentation/?hl=en
Constant Contact - https://www.instagram.com/constantcontact/
Cision - https://www.instagram.com/cisionglobal/?nav_location=footer
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on Linkedin & Instagam @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 24: Season 3 Premiere
DeDe and Jon are back with the season 3 premiere episode of BLK ON THE SCENE. Join us as we preview the exciting guests and conversations from this season. You definitely will not want to miss a single episode, so be sure to subscribe to get the notifications.
Episode Mentions:
Alex Hill - https://www.justaddhotsauce.com/
Danielle Young - https://thedanielleyoung.com/
Shawn Finnie - https://www.instagram.com/shawnfinniebeflourishing/?hl=en
Shayla Cowan - https://www.instagram.com/shayla_pc/?hl=en
Paramount Pictures - https://www.paramountpictures.com/
Top Gun: Maverick - https://www.topgunmovie.com/
DJ Suss One - https://www.instagram.com/djsussone/?hl=en
Hampton University / Watch the Yard - https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd_5kPupZfz/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Keisha Senter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keishasenter/
Sony Pictures Entertainment - https://www.sonypictures.com/
Ellene Miles - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellene-v-miles-96560514/
The Woman King - https://www.instagram.com/womankingmovie/?hl=en
Gina Prince-Bythewood - https://www.instagram.com/gpbmadeit/?hl=en
I Wanna Dance With Somebody - https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/iwannadancewithsomebody
Kasi Lemmons - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0501435/
Episode 23: Blk on the Scene Season 2 Finale
Annnnddd just like that....it's a wrap for Season 2 of Blk on the Scene! This season served up some insightful thought provoking conversations that brought a multitude of gems, but ones that truly resonated were about prioritizing self-care & mental health, plus each guest's “circuitous” journey. Even more than the gems we learned, we have so much gratitude for our guests who shared the realest parts of themselves, and to each and every person that listened, shared and supported the show this season. Please stay tuned for Season 3 coming soon with more authentic and inspiring conversations! Shout out to the following BOTS team for making this season possible!
Editing: Kelby Joseph @KKP Production
Photography: @TamariskB
Logo: @PrimoDesignShop
Social Media:@Avid.Wave & @Charliefoxtrotpapa
Circuitous: adjective (of a route or journey) longer than the most direct way.
Check out all of the previous Season 2 episodes below:
Danielle Young: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-10-Blk-on-the-Scene-with-Danielle-Young-e1aaqgj
Alyson Furch: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-10-Blk-on-the-Scene-with-Danielle-Young-e1aaqgj
Victor Jackson: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-12-Blk-on-the-Scene-with-Victor-Jackson-e1aojbs
Lexi Felder: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-13-Blk-on-the-Scene-with-Lexi-Felder-e1ate87
Vaughn Alvarez: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-14-Blk-on-the-Scene-with-Vaughn-Alvarez-e1bdllh
Chardae Jenkins; https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-15-Blk-on-the-Scene-with-Chardae-Jenkins-e1bn3mu
Alex Hill: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-16-Blk-on-the-Scene-with-Alex-Hill-e1cnq4g
Darius Brown: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-17-Blk-on-the-Scene-with-Darius-Brown-e1d3ap3
Keisha Senter: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-18-Blk-on-the-Scene-w-Keisha-Senter-e1dekuq
Gilda Squire: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-19-Blk-on-the-Scene-w-Gilda-Squire-e1dqko2
Shayla Cowan: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-20-Blk-on-the-Scene-w-Shayla-Cowan-e1e29bp
Shawn Finnie: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-21-Blk-on-the-Scene-w-Shawn-Finnie-e1edg0k
Capital City Black Film Festival: https://anchor.fm/blkonthescene/episodes/Episode-22-Blk-on-the-Scene--the-Capital-City-Black-Film-Festival-e1eoett
Episode 22: Blk on the Scene @ the Capital City Black Film Festival
On this very special episode of Blk on the Scene, we wanted to share this in-depth and fun conversation with one of our FAVorite people THE Desirae Jones of Desirae Jones Co. Agency and Program Director of the Capital City Black Film Festival. We’ve known the talented Desirae for many years and participated in a panel with her on a panel in 2019 around Marketing for Independent Films in Austin, TX. That conversation went so well, she recently invited us back to the conference (virtually) this year to share our career journey and inspiration for starting the BLK ON THE SCENE podcast. We hope you enjoy listening to the conversation as much as we had having it!
Capital City Black Film Festival https://www.capcitybff.com/
The Best Man - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUwBXEjIVKM
The Best Man Holiday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va7uNZS39ZY
Get Out - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzfpyUB60YY
Girls Trip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jE61BzKmgQ
Queen & Slim - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Th84oGDno
BET - https://www.bet.com/
Twenties - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZlsRqZEkwA
The Oval - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd1Oh1e_HEE
Games People Play - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDp6iQmFLKw
Remember to subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on Linkedin & @BLKONTHESCENE on Instagram where you can share your love letter to BLK entertainment, too.
Episode 21: Blk on the Scene with Shawn Finnie
This week's episode of BLK ON THE SCENE features an engaging conversation with the amazing Shawn Finnie, who is the Executive Vice-President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. To keep it short, Shawn is a bright light in the entertainment space. During this conversation he shares with us the idea of intention, his career journey and how he shows up as his true self in all aspects of his life including work and personal. This is a conversation not to be missed!
Remember to subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on Linkedin & @BLKONTHESCENE on Instagram where you can share your love letter to BLK entertainment, too.
Episode 20: Blk on the Scene with Shayla Cowan
On this episode of Blk on the Scene, we are joined by boss lady and all around fabulous Shayla Cowan, Chief of Staff at Will Packer Productions. Tune in for this episode as Shayla walks us through her career journey in music to transitioning to working in film with mega producer, Will Packer. Additionally, she shares career gems and learnings like "operating on purpose" and the idea of "receiving credit and kudos" when working. This episode is definitely special, so make sure to grab your pin and paper to capture some of "Shayla-isms". Enjoy!
Episode Shoutouts:
Will Packer Productions: https://www.instagram.com/willpackerproductions/?hl=en
Stomp the Yard: Homecoming: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stomp_the_Yard:_Homecoming
Think Like A Man: https://www.netflix.com/title/70218677
Kelly Rowland: https://www.instagram.com/kellyrowland/
Tim Story: https://twitter.com/timkstory?lang=en
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” - President Harry S. Truman
Remember to subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on Linkedin & @BLKONTHESCENE on Instagram where you can share your love letter to BLK entertainment, too.
Episode 19: Blk on the Scene with Gilda Squire
This week’s guest on BLK ON THE SCENE is Gilda Squire, founder of Squire Media & Management, Inc. a boutique management and PR firm that oversees the career of groundbreaking American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, and cultural icon Misty Copeland. Her firm also manages Public Relations for award-winning actors Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance. Gilda shares her journey from growing up in a small town, her incredible journey from starting college in her mid twenties, working in government to killing it in the entertainment industry. She is the QUEEN of the career pivot and schools us on the power of planning, nurturing relationships and meeting people where they are. This conversation with Gilda will light you up as much as it did us!
Alek Wek - https://www.instagram.com/msalekwek/?hl=en
Misty Copeland - https://www.abt.org/people/misty-copeland/?type=performer
Courtney B. Vance - https://www.instagram.com/courtneybvance/?hl=en
Angela Bassett - https://www.instagram.com/im.angelabassett/?hl=en
Goldman Sachs - https://www.goldmansachs.com/
Harper Collins - https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/amistadbooks
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on Linkedin & Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE where you can share your love letter to BLK entertainment.
Episode 18: Blk on the Scene with Keisha Senter
Episode 18 of Blk on the Scene features Keisha Senter from Monkeypaw Productions. Keisha has worked in politics, social impact and the non-profit space and has truly made an impact in every space she's occupied in her career. She discusses her journey from Kentucky to New York a stop in Ireland and Los Angeles. Keisha is a woman who puts her all into everything she touches and strives to seek out transformational change in all that she does, her career is one to be admired and revered. Please enjoy this conversation and take note of the intention Keisha has throughout each chapter in her career.
FAMU - https://www.famu.edu/
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority - https://aka1908.com
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority - https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/
TSU - https://www.tnstate.edu/
Chuck Schumer - https://www.schumer.senate.gov/
Generation Progress - https://genprogress.org/
Please remember to support our passion project and subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 17: Blk on the Scene with Darius Brown
This episode of BLK ON THE SCENE is a deep dive with Emmy and Clio award winning entertainment news show producer and booker, Darius Brown. Darius is an industry vet who worked at major TV networks including ABC News, BET, NBC, and FOX and is currently the Director of Talent & Partnerships at Harley & Co, a New York-based creative studio that produces multi-platform social justice and culture projects. On this episode, we learn why Kim Kardashian got mad at him, how he got a 4 hour interview with Usher, the importance of tithing even when you THINK you can’t afford it plus what he learned about why it’s important to bring your authentic self to the job. Plus, as we do every week with our guest, he shares his love and inspiration for Black entertainment.
Harley & Co - https://www.linkedin.com/company/harley-&-co/
Being Seen - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hollywood/id1529315116?i=1000524631885
Extra - https://extratv.com/
Clio Awards - https://clios.com/
Please remember to support our passion project and subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 16: Blk on the Scene with Alex Hill
We are back with the first new episode of 2022 of Blk on the Scene. This week, we have chef, content creator & marketing expert Alex Hill joining DeDe and Jon. As a D.C. native, Alex spent the majority of her career in the entertainment space working in marketing/publicity but made a complete shift in her career to actually pursue a lifelong passion and dream. Enter her food blog…Just Add Hot Sauce and the rest is history. She takes us down the road of her journey to where she has been to where she is now. Never an easy road to go down she discusses and breaks down the challenges of reaching your goals and dreams to achieve what you love. Alex is meeting fear at door, getting over the anxiety of not knowing the next step and understanding the journey isn’t going to always be easy but at the end it always is well worth it. If you’ve been looking for the inspiration to take a leap in your career, you’ll want to make sure to download this episode of BLK ON THE SCENE immediately.
Just Add Hot Sauce - https://www.justaddhotsauce.com/
Allied Moxy (Multicultural Agency)
Team Epiphany - https:// www.teamepiphany.com/
Pharrell feat Jay-Z (Entrepreneur) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTOoY5MIkvM
Leah Chase - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leah_Chase
Ina Garten - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ina_Garten
Please remember to support our passion project and subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on LinkedIn & @BLKONTHESCENE.
Episode 15: Blk on the Scene with Chardae Jenkins
On this week’s episode of Blk on the Scene, Jon and DeDe are joined by THE FORCE known as Chardae Jenkins. She is a woman who is a true Cultural Authority for all things black. Chardae was someone who was destined to land in the world of multicultural due to her commitment to learning space from her time in college to her days at a variety of marketing agencies and now being at Netflix. This episode is a true reflection of appreciating one's journey...Chardae walks us through what that journey has looked liked for her - including all of the ups and downs. Through it all, Chardae is dedicated to the work, always showing up ready to bring her A game and most importantly always staying true to self.
Allied Moxy (Multicultural Agency)
California State University Dominguez Hills - https://www.csudh.edu/
Beyond Meat - https://www.beyondmeat.com/
Ryan Ford - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fordryan/
Ice Cube - https://www.instagram.com/icecube/?hl=en
The Birth of a Nation - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Birth_of_a_Nation
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on Linkedin & @BLKONTHESCENE where you can share your love letter to BLK entertainment.
Episode 14: Blk on the Scene with Vaughn Alvarez
In this episode of BLK ON THE SCENE, entertainment publicist, entrepreneur and LGBTQIA activist, Vaughn Alvarez joins DeDe and Jon for one heartfelt dialogue. Vaughn who started as a child performer takes us through his career journey and how being a creator is inextricably linked to his current work as a talent publicist. Additionally, he discusses how he has futuristic vision and leading from a place of service after seeing Brandy and Ray-J on TV early in their career, to creating one of the first fan blogs dedicated to R&B singer Brandy to then representing both brother and sister as their publicist! Vaughn truly exemplifies how coming from a place of service and hard work, leading with faith and following his path has been divinely ordered.
Russ Parr (Radio Dad) - https://www.instagram.com/russparrshow/?hl=en
The Brandy Blog - https://thebrandyblog.com/
Brandy - https://www.instagram.com/brandy/?hl=en
Ray J - https://www.instagram.com/rayj/?hl=en
HLM with Robin Meade - https://www.cnn.com/shows/morning-express
Atlanta Black Gay Pride - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_Black_Pride
Please remember to subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on Linkedin & @BLKONTHESCENE where you can share your love letter to BLK entertainment too.
Episode 13: Blk on the Scene with Lexi Felder
This week’s episode of BLK ON THE SCENE features a conversation with Lexi Felder, aka Lexi with the Curls who is an HBCU grad, influencer, ultimate side hustler and full time nine - fiver. Lexi shares with us how she got her start in the entertainment industry (does anyone remember Craigslist?!) and being one of the first natural hair care content creators in the mid 2000s plus how she manages it all by prioritizing her mental health, regular nail appointments, and her main job with the help of a few key tools. Be sure to stay to the end to hear her love letter to Black entertainment!!
Bossip - https://bossip.com/
Tia Mowry - https://www.instagram.com/tiamowry/
The Game - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1HaA2xjp9Y
Keyshia Cole The Way It Is Show - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5AXyimducE
OG Black Owned Hair - Care Brands
- Carol’s Daughter - https://www.carolsdaughter.com/
- Miss Jesse - https://missjessies.com/
Keeping organized - dry erase board, notes on iPhone, Summit app https://apps.apple.com/us/app/summit-daily-planner/id1266410931
Subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on Linkedin & @BLKONTHESCENE where you can share your love letter to BLK entertainment too.
Episode 12: Blk on the Scene with Victor Jackson
An Atlanta native, Victor Jackson (@MrGlamRockSoul), is a true multi-hyphenate talent by definition, he is a gifted singer, actor, writer and stylist - the so much more. He has been an artist all of his life and always wanted to “just create” from the moment he was a little boy. Victor brings a special and beautiful warmth to this episode of Blk on the Scene with sharing his intention to always wanting to "just create" and what that journey looked like for him.
Episode Mentions:
HBOs Lovecraft Country https://www.hbo.com/lovecraft-country
Broadway Dreams Foundation https://broadwaydreams.org/
Kenny Leon's True Color Theater Company https://truecolorstheatre.org/
Real Housewives of Atlanta https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-atlanta
Trappy Hour https://www.instagram.com/trappyhourharlemreloaded/?hl=en
Tri-Cities High School https://www.fultonschools.org/tricitieshs
Creating Loafing https://creativeloafing.com/homepage
Gotta Dance Atlanta https://www.got2dance.net/
Apache Cafe https://apachexlr.com/
Kandi Burruss https://www.instagram.com/kandi/?hl=en
Bedroom Kandi https://www.bedroomkandi.com/
Donja R. Love https://www.them.us/story/donja-r-love-one-in-two-interview
Purpose Awakening by Touré Roberts https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Awakening-Discover-Motivated-Birth/dp/1455548375
Victor Jackson https://www.mrglamrocksoul.com/videos
Victor Jackson New Music Video “Groovin” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnUkEvtG1kA&t=1s
Please remember to subscribe, leave a rating and follow us on all social platforms @BLKONTHESCENE where you can share your love letter to BLK entertainment too.
Episode 11: Blk on the Scene with Alyson K. Furch
Alyson K. Furch brings so much transparency and tangible action to this episode of BLK ON THE SCENE. She discusses how sports runs in her family, how to tap into your network for opportunities and why she loves working with some of the most talented players in the NBA, and why sports is her north star.
Episode mentions:
Lisa Leslie - https://www.instagram.com/lisaleslie/?hl=en
Gabrielle Reese - https://www.instagram.com/gabbyreece/?hl=en
Rajon Rondo - https://www.instagram.com/rajonrondo/?hl=en
Zach Lavine - https://www.instagram.com/zachlavine8/?hl=en
RJ Barrett - https://www.instagram.com/rjbarrett/?hl=en
Blue Book Sports - https://bluebooksports.com/
Be sure to sign up for our upcoming newsletter at www.BLKONTHESCENE.com
Subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on Linkedin & Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE where you can share your love letter to BLK entertainment too.
Episode 10: Blk on the Scene with Danielle Young
On the kick-off episode of BLK ON THE SCENE, Danielle Young serves a record number of gems so we might have to change her name from the content queen to the gem dropping queen! Her journey took us from South Carolina to NYC to LA and had DeDe & Jon both laughing and crying along the way. We especially love that her work and contributions to the world as a talented multi-hyphenate is her love letter to BLK entertainment and BLK people as a whole.
Episode mentions:
Brande Victorian
https://www.instagram.com/be_vic/?hl=en
Essence - The Overexplainer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egPk9CBHAQA
Freelance - Real Quick
One/35 Street Agency Shante Bacon
Be sure to sign up for our upcoming newsletter at www.BLKONTHESCENE.com
Subscribe, leave us a rating and follow us on Linkedin & Instagram @BLKONTHESCENE where you can share your love letter to BLK entertainment too.
Episode 9: Season 2 - Kicks Off
Welcome back to BLK on the Scene Season 2! DeDe and Jon are back for an exciting yet slightly different season but still dedicated to sharing their love letter to Black entertainment! Though they enjoyed chatting with each other in season one, it felt like after 7 years of it just being the two of them on their yet to be launched pod, that they needed to invite some other people to the party. And that they did - they invited some of their favorite BLACK AND BRILLIANT marketers, journalists, producers and creatives to chat about their professional and personal journeys. And each guest shares their own love letters dedicated to BLK entertainment.
Additionally, DeDe and Jon shout out some of their favorite current and upcoming Blackity, Blackity, Black movies and TV shows they are looking forward to this fall and winter.
TV
Our Kinda People - FOX
Starring: Yaya DaCosta, Nadine Ellis, Rhyon Nicole Brown, Morris Chestnut, Joe Morton & Lance Gross
Created: Karen Gist
Executive Producer: Lee Daniels
https://www.fox.com/our-kind-of-people/
The Wonder Years - ABC
Starring: Elisha "EJ" Williams, Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh, Laura Kariuki, Amari O'Neil, Julian Lerner & Milan Ray
Executive Producer: Lee Daniels
https://abc.com/shows/the-wonder-years
Insecure - HBO & HBOMax
Starring: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Natasha Rothwell &Amanda Seales
Created By: Issa Rae
Starring: Brandy, Naturi Naughton, Eve & Nadine Velazquez
BET & BET+
Tyler Perry’s The Oval
Tyler Perry’s Sistas
Twenties
Games People Play
Ms. Pat Show
Soul Train Awards
The Equalizer - CBS
Starring: Queen Latifah
https://www.cbs.com/shows/the-equalizer/
IN THEATER MOVIES
Needle in a Timestack
Starring: Cynthia Erivo & Leslie Odom Jr.
Directed by: John Ridley
A Journal for Jordan (December 25)
Starring: Michael B. Jordan & Chante Adams
Directed by: Denzel Washington
https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/ajournalforjordan
King Richard - In Theaters & HBO Max (November 19)
Starring: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton
Directed by: Reinaldo Marcus Green
https://www.kingrichardfilm.com/
STREAMING
Netflix https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWOA1ZGywLbqmigxE4Qlvuw
Colin in Black & White - Netflix
Starring: Jaden Michael
Created by: Colin Kaepernick & Ava DuVernay
The Harder They Fall - Netflix
Starring: Regina King, Idris Elba, Jonathan Major, Zazie Beetz, LaKeith Stanfield, Delroy Lindo
Directed by: Jeymes Samuel
Passing - Netflix
Starring: Tessa Thompson & Ruth Negga
Bruised - Netflix
Starring: Halle Berry
Directed by: Halle Berry
Episode 8: Multicultural Marketing & Publicity 101 + Season 1 Finale
On the final episode of BLK ON THE SCENE - Season 1, DeDe and Jon dive into their bread and butter, the wonderful world of Multicultural Marketing & Publicity. They talk about how it started vs. how it’s going, plus give a shout to a few of the films, TV shows and brilliant people they’ve worked with along the way.
Grab your notebook and a glass of wine for our love letter to marketing and publicity to Black audiences. Be sure to like, leave a review and subscribe to the show. Don’t you worry, we will be back in September with season 2 of BLK ON THE SCENE that will include a variety of guest interviews with brilliant and passionate people we adore and admire who are pouring into the culture.
Films mentioned:
- THE BEST MAN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUwBXEjIVKM
- BEST MAN HOLIDAYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESSsStp3pFU
- BEST MAN LIMITED SERIES https://deadline.com/2021/02/the-best-man-final-chapters-limited-series-original-cast-peacock-malcolm-d-lee-dayna-lynne-north-morris-chestnut-melissa-de-sousa-taye-diggs-regina-hall-terrence-howard-sanaa-lathan-nia-lo-1234688009/
- Director & Writer Malcolm D. Lee https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/malcolm-d-lee-space-jam-1234982036/
- #USFIRST MC campaign https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/savvy-cultural-marketing-finally-pays-hollywood-1205150/
- QUEEN & SLIM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFqPDKXp_iY
Shout out to the MC Marketing & Publicity legends mentioned:
- Talitha Watkins https://deadline.com/2020/07/issa-rae-enlists-caa-talitha-watkins-colorcreative-management-hire-1202992297/
- Erika Bennett https://www.linkedin.com/posts/erikajbennett_apiheritage-rethinkourinfluence-culture-activity-6796591610961514496-N7RZ
TV shows mentioned:
- South Side https://www.cc.com/shows/southside
- Sherman’s Showcase https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaD8LhjaBtE
Black events mentioned
- NABJ Convention https://nabjonline.org/event/2021-nabj-convention-and-career-fair/
- American Black Film Festival https://www.abff.com/miami/
Other items mentioned:
- Mckinsey & Company Diversity Report https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters
Episode 7: Celebrating an Icon - Ruth E. Carter
In this episode, BLK ON THE SCENE shows love to the immensely gifted costume designer extraordinaire Ruth E. Carter. If you don’t know, Carter, a Hampton University alum and Academy Award winner, has worked on some of the most riveting and culturally impactful films including SCHOOL DAZE, SELMA, BLACK PANTHER and COMING 2 AMERICA. She is a true gem in this industry and we take a moment to honor her work and her new exhibit, 'Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design' at SCAD in Atlanta, GA. Enjoy this episode and make sure you check out some of her amazing work in film and television!
Episode Mentions: Ruth E. Carter Official Website
Link: https://ruthecarter.com/
Ruth E. Carter Instagram
Link: https://www.instagram.com/therealruthecarter
List of films worked on by Ruth E. Carter: SCHOOL DAZE, I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA, DO THE RIGHT THING, MO' BETTER BLUES, HOUSE PARTY 2, JUNGLE FEVER, THE FIVE HEARTBEATS, MALCOLM X, WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT, COBB, CROOKLYN, SURVIVING THE GAME, MONEY TRAIN, CLOCKERS, THE GREAT WHITE HYPE, B*A*P*S, ROSEWOOD, AMISTAD, SUMMER OF SAM. PRICE OF GLORY, LOVE & BASKETBALL, SHAFT, BAMBOOZLED, BABY BOY, DR. DOLITTLE 2, I SPY, DADDY DAY CARE, AGAINST THE ROPES, SERENITY, FOUR BROTHERS, SPREAD, SPARKLE, TEEN BEACH MOVIE, OLDBOY, THE BUTLER, THE BEST OF ME, SELMA, DA SWEET BLOOD OF JESUS, CHI-RAQ, KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES, KIDNAP, MARSHALL, BLACK PANTHER, ABOVE SUSPICION, DOLEMITE IS MY NAME and COMING 2 AMERICA
Ruth E. Carter Wins 'Best Costume Design' at Oscars
Link: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/oscars-ruth-e-carter-wins-best-costume-design-black-panther-1189121/
James Lopez (President of Will Packer Productions)
Link: https://www.willpacker.com/james-lopez-bio
Coming 2 America Costumes via Harpers Bazaar
Link: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/a35855261/ruth-e-carter-coming-2-america-interview
Refinery 29 article
Link: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2015/01/81104/selma-movie-costume-design
'Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design' Presented by SCAD
Link: https://www.scad.edu/event/2020-12-17-ruth-e-carter-afrofuturism-costume-design
Episode 6: Boyz in the Hood Forever A Classic: Celebrating the 30th Anniversary
In this episode, BLK ON THE SCENE gives mad love to the iconic and game changing director John Singleton and the 30th Anniversary of Boyz in the Hood. BNTH took the world by storm in 1991 with its raw, emotional and authentic story-telling about coming of age in South Central LA. Be sure to check out some of the reference materials we mention in the episode and outlined below.
Episode 5: Black Excellence - 2021 Oscar Winners Recap
In part two of this special episode, DeDe and Jon take you on a recap of this year's 93rd Annual Academy Awards ceremony. The hosts take audiences through all of the black winners, losers, surprises, speeches and of course the best fashions of the night. Enjoy!
Complete list of BLACK Winners at the 93rd Academy Awards:
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Daniel Kaluuya in “Judas and the Black Messiah” - Acceptance Speech
Best Live Action Short
“Two Distant Strangers” Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
“Fight For You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Music by H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II; Lyric by H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas
Achievement in makeup and hairstyling
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson
Best animated feature film of the year
“Soul” Pete Docter and Dana Murray
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
“Soul” Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste
Best Dressed Mentions
- Regina King & Colman Domingo both styled by Wayman & Micah
- Zendaya
- Angela Bassett
- Halle Berry
- Stacey Walker King & Charles King - King and Queen of the Ball
Episode Shoutouts
- Tyler Perry Speech
- Chloé Zhao and her Oscar Wins (Best Picture & Best Director)
- Lil Rel in-show game with Glen Close
- Ariana Debose (Warner Bros. Upcoming WEST SIDE STORY)
- TIME documentary directed/produced by Garrett Bradley
- A Love Song For Natasha
Episode 4: Black Excellence - 2021 Oscar Nomination Recap
Part one of this special two-part episode features DeDe & Jon celebrating all of the amazing black nominees at this year’s Academy Awards. This past year was truly an exceptionally stellar year of Black films where the Academy honored a variety of actors, producers, directors and more with nominations in a variety of categories. This year's group of nominations was definitely one for the books and DeDe and Jon dive in to celebrate all of their Black excellence. Enjoy!
Complete list of BLACK nominees at the 93rd Academy Awards:
Performance by an actor in a leading role
Chadwick Boseman in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Daniel Kaluuya in “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Leslie Odom, Jr. in “One Night in Miami…”
Lakeith Stanfield in “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Performance by an actress in a leading role
Viola Davis in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Andra Day in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday”
Best animated feature film of the year
“Soul” Pete Docter and Dana Murray
Achievement in cinematography
“Judas and the Black Messiah” Sean Bobbitt
Achievement in costume design
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Ann Roth
Best documentary feature
“Crip Camp” Nicole Newnham, Jim LeBrecht and Sara Bolder
“Time” Garrett Bradley, Lauren Domino and Kellen Quinn
Best documentary short subject
“A Concerto Is a Conversation” Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers
“A Love Song for Latasha” Sophia Nahli Allison and Janice Duncan
Achievement in makeup and hairstyling
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
“Da 5 Bloods” Terence Blanchard
“Soul” Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross and Jon Batiste
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
“Fight For You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Music by H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II; Lyric by H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas
“Speak Now” from “One Night in Miami…”
Music and Lyric by Leslie Odom, Jr. and Sam Ashworth
Best motion picture of the year
“Judas and the Black Messiah” Shaka King, Charles D. King and Ryan Coogler, Producers
Achievement in production design
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Production Design: Mark Ricker; Set Decoration: Karen O’Hara and Diana Stoughton
Best Live Action Short
“Two Distant Strangers” Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe
Adapted screenplay
“One Night in Miami…” Screenplay by Kemp Powers
Original Screenplay
“Judas and the Black Messiah” Screenplay by Will Berson & Shaka King; Story by Will Berson & Shaka King and Kenny Lucas & Keith Lucas
Episode 3: Blackity Black Summer in Movies & TV
This episode features DeDe & Jon highlighting some of the most anticipated black content releasing this summer. Theaters are open again and there will be plenty of films to check out from ZOLA to SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY to CANDYMAN, there is something for all audiences. They also take a dive into the variety of television shows hitting our favorite streaming services and television networks. Take a ride with BLK ON THE SCENE special episode dedicated to all things Black content to watch this summer. Enjoy!
FILMS MENTIONED
- ZOLA (A24) - Release Date: June 30
- SPACE JAM: A NEW LEGACY (Warner Bros.) - Release Date: July 16 in theaters and HBO Max
- RESPECT (MGM) - Release Date: August 13
- CANDYMAN (Universal Pictures) - Release Date: August 27
CURRENTLY AIRING TV SHOWS MENTIONED
- RUN THE WORLD (STARZ)
- THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD (Amazon Prime)
- HIGH ON THE HOG: HOW AFRICAN-AMERICAN CUISINE TRANSFORMED AMERICA (Netflix)
UPCOMING TV SHOWS MENTIONED
- INSECURE (HBO)
- ATLANTA (F/X)
HONORABLE (NOT) MENTIONED BUT WE ARE EXCITED TO SEE!
- MARY J BLIGE’S MY LIFE (Amazon Prime)
- SUMMER OF SOUL (Hulu) - Release Date: July 2
- AILEY (In Theaters) - Release Date: July 23
- PAUSE WITH SAM JAY (HBOMAX)
EPISODE SHOUTS
Episode 2: What does it mean - Multicultural Marketing & Being BLK ON THE SCENE?
This week, co-hosts DeDe & Jon kick off the episode where they share their love for Multicultural marketing and how their experiences in the space contributed to the launch of their show. The hosts also take a moment to announce BLK ON THE SCENE as their new title and share why this title in particular resonated with both, plus they reveal some of the hilarious titles that just didn't make the cut (some for obvious reasons - ummm, no cinephilia and black light). Enjoy!
Episode Shoutouts
- Nikki Cameron (@NikSaintLaurent)
- Brittinee Royes (@BrittineeRoyes)
- Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)
- Lovecraft Country (HBO)
- Robin Theade (@robinthede) - Black Lady Sketch Comedy (HBO)
- Issa Rae - Insecure (HBO)
- Misha Green (@MishaGreen) Creator of P-Valley (Starz)
- Kevin Stuckey & Chardae Jenkins @Netlfix
- Ellene Miles @Sony Pictures
- Terra Potts @Warner Pictures
Episode 1: How It Started...How It’s Going
On the very first episode of BLK ON THE SCENE, DeDe and Jon welcome you into their world by taking audiences on a journey of their humble beginnings in the multicultural marketing space to now preparing to launch the show. Join us for a hilarious walk down memory lane in true DeDe and Jon fashion as they kick off an exciting new chapter by sharing their “love letter to Black Hollywood” to the world. Enjoy!
Episode Shoutouts
Black & Brilliant Tribe:
- Carolyn Sloss @404girl *honorary member and mentor
- Kevin Stuckey (@KevinJStuckey)
- Micah McDonald (@McDonaldMicah)
- Jey Floyd (@JusJey)
- Talitha Watkins (@TalithaWatkins)
- Erika Bennett (@ErikaJBennett)
- Chardae Jenkins (@Chardaej_)
- Alex Hill (@Justaddhotsauce_)
Black & Beautiful Content:
- Essence Festival
- 42
- GET ON UP (RIP CHADWICK BOSEMAN)
- JUST MERCY
- SELMA