Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cedric Walker.

Founder of the UniverSoul Circus, shares his journey from producing gospel plays to creating a globally recognized, culturally rich circus experience. He discusses the inspiration behind the circus, the challenges he faced, the importance of representation, and the evolution of the show. The conversation emphasizes family entertainment, cultural authenticity, and global talent development.

🧭 Key Points 1. Origins and Vision

• Cedric began in gospel theater, producing plays that reflected real-life challenges in the Black community.
• Inspired by the power of theater to reflect culture, he envisioned a circus that celebrated African-American heritage and family unity.

2. Challenges and Breakthroughs

• Faced skepticism from both Black and white industry professionals.
• Overcame legal hurdles with Universal Studios by renaming the circus to UniverSoul Circus.
• Maintained his original vision despite pressure to conform.

3. Cultural Representation

• The circus was designed to be inclusive and multigenerational, with acts that resonate across age groups and backgrounds.
• Emphasized showcasing Black excellence in performance arts, from aerialists to unicyclists.

4. Global Talent and Training

• Talent is sourced globally from Ethiopia, Cuba, China, and the Caribbean.
• Performers undergo 4–5 years of training before appearing under the big top.
• Ethiopia is now a leading source of Black circus performers.

5. Evolution of the Show

• Transitioned away from animal acts due to changing laws and ethics.
• Integrated Afrobeats, hip-hop, and global dance styles to reflect evolving cultural trends.
• The show is described as a “family reunion under the big top.”

💬 Notable Quotes

“The idea was to create something where a father, mother, daughter, and grandson could all sit together and enjoy the show.”

“We wanted to uplift and celebrate the positive achievements and cultural contributions of African-Americans.”

“Everything you see under the big top is curated—it takes 4 to 5 years before an act hits our stage.”

“Ethiopia is leading the world in producing Black circus performers.”

“It’s like a family reunion under the big top.”

“We’re not going after any specific audience—we’re going after the world.”

“UniverSoul Circus starts on time. Don’t be late—you’ll miss something great.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jotaka Eaddy.

An award-winning strategist and advocate, founder of Win With Black Women (WWBW)—a collective of over 200,000 Black women leaders.

Key Highlights from the Interview: 🎙️ Opening Message

• Rushion emphasizes the importance of living your own success story and introduces the show’s mission to inspire and educate.

👩🏾‍💼 Guest Introduction: Jotaka Eaddy

• First Black woman student body president at the University of South Carolina.
• Founder of WWBW, which aims to uplift Black women in leadership, politics, and business.
• Works to bridge the gap between Washington, D.C., and Silicon Valley.

🌍 Win With Black Women (WWBW)

• Originated during the 2020 election cycle in response to sexist and racist attacks on potential Black female VP candidates.
• Focuses on:
  1. Combating racism and sexism.
  2. Supporting Black women in elections.
  3. Elevating the economic and cultural power of Black women.
• Organized impactful initiatives like theater buyouts for The Little Mermaid to demonstrate economic influence.

💡 On Leadership and Identity

• Jotaka reflects on her upbringing in rural South Carolina and the influence of her late mother and community.
• She discusses the importance of representation, mentorship, and self-belief.
• Emphasizes that leadership is not just about position but about empowering others and evolving daily.

💻 Bridging to Silicon Valley

• Shares her journey into tech, overcoming imposter syndrome, and becoming a C-suite executive.
• Advocates for demystifying tech careers for Black communities and creating inclusive opportunities.

🧠 Perception vs. Reality

• Addresses stereotypes about Black women and contrasts them with data: Black women are the most educated demographic and fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.

💬 Closing Thoughts

• Rashawn praises Jotaka’s motivational presence and impact.
• Jotaka shares her commitment to living a life that uplifts others.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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