Behind The Real Podcast

A production assistant with Tyler Perry Studios by day and a writer by night, Sakari Milan is the author of The Tales of Camelia B. She is a civic leader, activist and Winston Salem, NC native who believes every book she writes – a child is yearning to hear – The Truth!

Prior to writing historical children’s literature, Sakari obtained her B.A.- May 2020 in Global Studies and Public Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was involved in student government and The Black Student Movement which is devoted to improving cultural diversity, inclusion and equity on campus. With the intent to move to Washington DC to work in government and obtain her Masters, Sakari like many others was struck with a major turn of events – the widespread COVID 19 pandemic and racial tension. During this tumultuous time, while in lock down, she was able to complete her first literary work and introduce The Tales of Camelia B. to the world. She was inspired to write the series due to the lack of black representation in her studies throughout her crucial developmental ages and beyond. She is valiant in her efforts to awaken “the system” and rewrite history one book at a time.

A passionate community servant with the ability to motivate and inspire others, Sakari is a voice for change and believes that education is key. Throughout her college years, she worked diligently focusing on educating, advocating and empowering young people. Globally, she taught early stages of literary education to children in Spain and the Dominican Republic. Working in a myriad of ways with refugee outreach organizations, the school system, and educational workshops, Sakari seeks to promote values of social justice, equity, sustainability and academic freedom. As a scholar, researcher and lifelong learner, she hopes to be able to improve racial solidarity and cultural tolerance through her writings.

She is a lover of naps, fuzzy socks and a warm cup of tea – a perfect writer’s nook. When she is not writing, Sakari spends most of her time reading, traveling, and spending quality time at home with her family and her favorite pooches California (a Boxer) and Rio De Janeiro (a Maltipoo). Milan enjoys writing sweet, fun, action-packed poignant children’s stories that teach, impact and uplift each reader. Her characters are clever fearless, adventurous and seekers of the truth. Like her characters, she is on a never-ending quest to travel back in time uncovering hidden deleted and altered facts in black history.

The Tales of Camelia B. is a guided journey that aims to inspire and empower children of all backgrounds focusing on K- 5. She hopes her books will teach awareness, cultural tolerance, reflection, pride and are a call to action. Her hope is to one day be amongst the many scholars who have made a great change in academia. As a new author during a crucial moment in history where division is prevailing, she hopes that “The Tales of Camelia B. will encourage our youth to claim the identities and cultural legacies that shape who they are.” She acknowledges inequality is deeply entrenched into the “system” but believes education is the key. She says, “knowing the past, opens the door to the future and every school in America should have The Tales of Camelia B. for learning”. Milan understands that she will face challenges uncovering the HIDDEN TRUTHS in history, although often times uncomfortable to hear, she believes it is necessary for change.

Keep in touch with Sakari via the web and follow her journey at:

Website: www. https://www.sakarimilan.com

https://www.facebook.com/sakarimilan/

https://www.instagram.com/sakarimilan/

https://twitter.com/sakari_milan

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVATy7PJ9R87HtVgNos9D1w/featured

Books Available for sale at Sakarimilan.com/books, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository, Kobo, Indie Bound and other global retailers.

My guest speaker is Rapper/Gourmet Chef Circle Marsh he is an artist whose passion was influenced by the church and local neighborhood guys during his childhood. He began playing the drums for the choir that intrigued him at the West Angeles church. This sparked something in him that he holds to this day, which is the gift of creating his own music and sound. This sound inspires. This sound is struggle and success. This sound is to give hope to the hopeless. Marsh’s latest effort, Loving Memory, featured 15 tracks that tell a unique story with each song. It chronicles difficult parts of his life that he has overcome and honors his late mother. With that said, Circle Marsh will be dropping a project on November 11th on all streaming platforms. We here about this and more on “Behind The Real”.

My guest speaker JaDarrel ( JD to his friends) was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. His lifelong desire to be an actor was nurtured by a love of sketch and improv comedy, in particular shows like ‘ In Living Color’ , ‘SNL’ , ‘ Whose Line is It Anyway’ , ' Mad TV' and ‘ Chappelle’s Show’. His acting role models are Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray.He did a 5 year stint in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman ( medic) for the Marines from 2003 to 2008. His acting career started in 2010. He has previously performed and/or trained at The LA Connection, The Second City Hollywood, IO West and The Underground. His film and TV credits included "MegaShark Vs Crocosaurus", the All Def Digital movie ‘Major Label’, HBO’s ‘Insecure’ , 'Dueces', ' White T' and Netflix's ' 100 Humans'. His music video credits include Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Humble’, Kevin Gates' 'Push It', Buzz Low's ' Thong Song Remix' and Tim Hicks ' No Truck Song'. He has done commercials for Geico, Tekkan Tag Team, Kelley Blue Book and Disney Plus. In addition to acting, JaDarrel is a writer for pop culture site ‘God Hates Geeks’, the lead contributor to the popular blog ‘ Belser-Verse’ on Facebook and Instagram. JaDarrel is currently a memeber of the sketch show ' TMI Hollywood' and co-host of the pop culture podcast ' Droppin' That Culture With JD and AJ'. We learn about all of this and more on “Behind The Real”.

My guest speaker Imari Reynolds was born in Detroit, Michigan. Everyone considered Imari as the "kid with many talents." Imari developed a passion for drawing, playing sports, and learning different instruments. When he was 15, Imari moved to Sterling Heights, Michigan. He attended Stevenson High School; there he became popular with many of his peers and school instructors whom always encouraged him to pursue his dreams.

Imari quickly got involved in various sports, programs, and clubs at Stevenson; with his incessant need to grow and learn Imari wanted to try something new, soon Imari soon joined a local church in Detroit as a youth member. He began playing the drums, singing in the choir, and working with the soundboard staff doing whatever his hands and talents found to do. Imari would soon find his niche when he was asked to sign up for the church Christmas play; after participating in several plays he grew to love performing, Imari has been both a lead and supporting actor in these productions and was very well applauded after each performance.

Imari has since dedicated most of his time to learning the craft. As of today, Imari have been in over 30+ film projects. Imari truly expects big things for the future and certainly believes this is only the beginning! We learn about all this and more on “Behind The Real”.

https://imarigreynolds.webs.com/

http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-imari-reynolds-na-atlanta/

https://youtu.be/qVPflKC-0lc

They say take a dash of Niecy Nash, mix with a pinch Yvette Nicole Brown, then toss with a bit gravitas of Oprah and you get…

Déjà Dee!

From impersonating Diana Ross with her blue bathrobe as her long locs to the Emmy Awarding winning show BANSHEE; Déjà Dee was destined to entertain!

Déjà had an incredibly successful radio career but after 17 years she left the mic to pursue her Dream full-time in LA. Five months later Déjà Dee landed her first series!

In 2012 to 2015, Déjà Dee spent 3 amazing season’s as the fun, loving and “take care of business” Alma on the Cinemax crime drama BANSHEE. During that time Déjà also recurred on FOX'S hit drama "SLEEPY HOLLOW,” Guest Stared on CBS’s THE INSPECTORS, and appeared on CBS’s CRIMINAL MINDS. However, with the majority of her auditions and bookings coming from the Southeast it was time to make another move. Déjà Dee relocated to Atlanta in the fall of 2015 and in the first 2 weeks she was cast in ABC’s NASHVILLE and her first comedy series recurring as the DEA Agent in TBS’ THE DETOUR from the writers of THE DAILY SHOW. And the opportunities kept coming from recurring Guest Star credits for QUEEN SUGAR on OWN as Nova’s grounded best friend, Sundance AMC's HAP AND LEONARD with Michael K Williams, and Lee Daniels’ musical drama STAR with Queen Latifah.

This hard working, passionate and versatile actress will be everywhere this year with films like RICHARD JEWELL directed by the Legendary Clint Eastwood, FREAKY FRIDAY THE 13th with Vince Vaughn to Guest Starring in PARAMOUNT’S PARADISE LOST, and Steven Spielberg’s AMAZING STORIES on APPLE TV+ with Nick Nolte and Josh Hartnett. Plus, later this year in what is sure to be a powerful and conversation catalyst from Oscar Winning Director Barry Jenkins’ UNDERGROUND RAILROAD on AMAZON PRIME as the wise and charismatic mother Sybil. When Déjà Dee is not on set she enjoys helping other actors as an acting coach, and taking long rides on the trail as a novice cyclist. Under her company DREAM IT FIRST PRODUCTIONS, LLC, Déjà Dee also produces The Working Actor Mentorship Program.

Déjà Dee is represented by Vanessa Adams at Sol Talent in the Southeast and Theo Caesar at 90210 Talent in LA. You can follow Déjà on Instagram @dejadeetv.

My Guest Speaker Deonte' Bolden is an Actor, Writer, Director, Host, and now an Award Winning Author, Deonte' has appeared in numerous independent films and staged plays. Some of his credits includes the lead roles in "A Raisin In The Sun", "Holidaze", and "Dylan Douglas Does A Do Over" in Los Angeles. He recently hit the stage in Atlanta playing three roles in “ A Christmas Carol” alongside of actor Palmer Williams of Tyler Perry Productions. He is also the CEO/ Founder of his inspirational production company, Deonte' Bolden Productions, and has written and directed many productions such as the online award nominated Web Series “ The Price Of Fame" which was the official selection at The Miami Web Fest in 2016. He recently relocated to Atlanta and put on his first Award Nominated hit stage production titled "Looking For Love In All The Wrong Places" which sold out two shows. He also is the founder and host of the award nominated DNA Podcast Show, where they are discovering, nurturing, and applying God’s word to their everyday lives. In March 2020, he released his first book titled “ Purpose Pains,” in which he was recently awarded the 2020 Accomplished Literary Award at The 9th Annual PEACH Theater Awards. Deonte' continues to strive for greatness as he is now in pre-production for his upcoming short film titled " The Skin I'm In Vol.1 Melanin Melanie" in which he uses his voice, platform, and creativity to provide an inspirational message concerning the sensitive topic of racism. The film will be released in 2021 along with many other projects that will launch from Deonte' Bolden Productions.

My guest speaker Jeni Jones has worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, as a professional, award-winning director, screenwriter, playwright, actor, dancer, rapper, producer, editor, martial artist, and radio host. Jeni has spent her entire life seamlessly navigating behind the camera & in front of it, as well as on & off stages of all sizes.

Jeni earned her BA in Theatre Directing & English Literature from Fordham University in NYC & her MFA in Film Directing from CalArts.

Throughout her film & T.V. career, Jeni has worked behind the scenes as a production & development executive at several

notable companies such as Starz Media, The Film Department & Exclusive Media, during which time she has been credited for her creative contributions to numerous feature films including Law Abiding Citizen starring Jamie Foxx & Gerard Butler, End of Watch with Jake Gyllenhaal, Snitch with Dwayne Johnson, Parkland alongside Tom Hanks’ Playtone, John Carney’s music-driven film Begin Again, Golden Globe- nominated Rush starring Chris Hemsworth (to name a few - more credits avail on IMDB). As an independent filmmaker, her films have played at & received recognition from festivals such as Cannes, Rotterdam & Sundance.

As a director, her recent direction of the stageplay WOMEN ON THE VERGE earned the production an NAACP Award and a sold-out run in 2019. She also recently directed the award-winning short film CLUB RAT$, which premiered at the Oscar-qualifying L.A. Shorts & Chelsea Film Festivals & was used to raise money & awareness for RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). The film has gone on to play numerous festivals & to win multiple awards. As an independent filmmaker, her films have played at & received recognition from international festivals such as Cannes, Rotterdam & Sundance. She often shoots, directs & edits music videos for other artists, as well as promotional videos.

Jeni is also an accomplished playwright & screenwriter, who has been brought on board to consult on & write original screenplays for many notable indie producers. She is the co-creator of two original music- driven T.V. Shows, as well as the screenwriter of multiple original feature films currently in development.

Please visit IMDB & www.JeniJones.com & follow her on IG: @JeniAnneJones for more info.

My guest speaker Actor/Educator/Choir Director Ty Snow is a special needs school teacher for the Pasadena Unified School District, as well as a actor that has been in numerous hit reality TV shows and a stage play entitled “99/half just won’t do”, he has his own gospel choir called Xtreme Purpose and he also leads the KJLH gospel choir. We talk about his recent TV show on Netflix “100 Humans” How the “TIC TAC TOE” song he had sung on the show 100 Humans going viral and we also talk about the TV pilot he is working on entitled “Family Still Matters”, along with other projects that he is currently working on. We talk about all of this and more on “Behind The Real”.

My guest speaker Actor/Deacon of the True Light Baptist church Jake Johnson we talk about his latest film “Mama Tell Me Why” directed by Tanja Henderson how this stage play was into a film. Also we talk about The BLM movement, what was the spark that lead him to pursue acting and his experience in Greensboro North Carolina. We get into all of this and more on “Behind The Real”.

Born in America and raised in Bahia Brazil... award winning writer, director R.L. Scott has to date produced seven feature films and a large number of shorts. Before the internet was invented, he began his journey as a filmmaker at age 15, writing, directing, shooting and choreographing action scenes (on Betamax) with his friends.

His motivation for becoming a visual storyteller, was to show the world the beauty, intelligence, strength and uniqueness of his culture To date, R.L. has worked with the likes of such talent as Bill Cobbs, Costas Mandylor, Harry Lennix, Richard Gant, Sean Riggs, Victoria Rowell, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Karrueche Tran, Amin Joseph, Nicki Micheaux, Robert Miano, Adolfo "Shabba-Doo" Quinones, Alimi Ballard, R&B Superstar Mya and many others.

His movies have been released theatrically in North America, Korea and Africa, as well as streaming on global platforms like Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, TV One, Playstation, Xbox and Sky... and even as far back as Blockbuster video, Hollywood video, Sam Goody, Tower Records and more. With his new feature film "Lazarus," R.L. has begun his quest to create "Wonder Studios" a new superhero universe, populated by vast and diverse heroes of every race and creed. “We learn about this and more on “Behind The Real”.