022 - Stories for Juneteenth - Stories by Kimberly JaJuan, E Clayton Cornelious, Ran'D Shine, and Stanley Wayne Mathis

This week's storytellers are broadway actor and singer Kimberly JaJuan, broadway actor E Clayton Cornelious, magician Ran'D Shine, and broadway actor Stanley Wayne Mathis.

This week, in observance of Juneteenth coming up this Saturday, I'm featuring stories all from Black entertainers. If you're unaware of what Juneteenth is, having only glanced past it as a seemingly obscure holiday on your calender, Juneteenth, observed on June 19th is a day in which we celebrate the day that the slaves in Texas found out that the Emancipation Proclimation was happening. In short, it declared that "all persons held as slaves are, and henceforward shall be free."

Although that happened in 1863, 158 years ago, Black people today unfortunately are still facing challenges of equality. It may or may not come as a surprise that these challenges also crop up for those in the entertainment industry as well.

It's my goal this episode to shine light on some of these challenges to bring awareness and inspire change because this is something that needs to be addressed, not just by those experiencing it, but by all people.

Kimberly JaJuan

The first story is told by Kimberly JaJuan, a singer and actor both on and off Broadway. She's a graduate of The Eastman School and of Julliard School earning both Bachelor's and Masters Degrees. Some of her more notable (and favorite) roles have been Singing with Gloria Estefan and Harry Connick, Jr. at the Papal visit at Madison Square Garden, portraying the role of Sarah in RAGTIME on Broadway, and creating the role of Lisette alongside classmate Audra McDonald in MARIE CHRISTINE. Most recently she could have been seen bringing HERCULES to life with the Public Works at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. She's a long time member and manager of Broadway Inspirational Voices, a diverse, professional choir of broadway artists, united to change lives through the power of music and service. She's also a broadway investor debuting as an Associate Producer on productions like American Son, Ain’t Too Proud, and Hadestown to name a few.

Here she is talking about a time she had to be judicious with her words in regards to cultural differences having been asked for her thoughts on a scene being rehearsed.

E Clayton Cornelious

The second story is by E Clayton Cornelious, a 22 year broadway veteran with credits including The Caterpillar in Wonderland, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Scottsboro Boys, and A Chorus Line. Add to this, a number of National Tour credits that include Kinky Boots, Sister Act, Jersey Boys, and Dirty Dancing. In addition to his countless theater credits, he's a broadway investor and producer as well as a member of the Broadway Inspirational Voices. He's also a recent recipient of the, "Legacy Robe" for his role in the Broadway hit, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.

Here's E Clayton telling about a time he didn't land a role because he didn't fit the picture of what they were looking for.

Here's where you can find out more about E Clayton: 

E Clayton's Website: 
https://www.eclaycorn.com 

Ran'D Shine

The third story is my magician Ran'D Shine, the face of the new millennium magician who's magic has taken him around the world from Cape Town South Africa performing his one-man show, "Mysterious Ways," to Presidential Inauguration banquets at the White House. He is one of the most sought after magicians on the college circuit, and has been featured at Hollywood's 'Magic Castle' as well as 'Monday Night Magic', New York's longest running Off-Broadway magic show.

Here's Ran'D talking about a time he was mistaken for waitstaff at a networking event and then questioned as if he didn't belong there.

Here's where you can find out more about Ran'D: 

Ran'D's Website:
https://www.randyshine.com  

Stanley Wayne Mathis

The final story is told by Stanley Wayne Mathis, a broadway veteran who made his debut in 1990 in the revival of Oh, Kay!. His other credits include The Book of Mormon and the original casts of Jelly’s Last Jam, The Lion King and Nice Work If You Can Get It, as well as revivals of Wonderful Town, Kiss Me, Kate and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Here's Stanley telling a few stories about things he's had to deal with as a Black man in the entertainmnet industry.

Share Your Own Stories! 

Do you have comments, suggestions, or want to share your own stories? Drop me a line! [email protected]

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