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

Known as “America’s Songbird.” The discussion blends her musical journey, community advocacy, and her work in disability inclusion.

🎙️ Guest: Myrna Clayton

Titles: Jazz vocalist, international cultural ambassador, disability advocate, nonprofit founder

🌟 Key Highlights 🎤 Musical Roots & Career

• Began singing in church at age 5.
• Influenced by her father’s love for jazz and musicianship.
• Met civil rights icons like Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, and Andrew Young through her parents’ activism.
• Performed on five continents, including France, Germany, Russia, Ghana, and Guatemala.
• Selected by the U.S. State Department (out of 400 applicants) to represent American music abroad through a competitive audition process.

🌍 Cultural Diplomacy

• Toured countries like Lithuania, Namibia, and Guatemala as part of U.S. cultural exchange programs.
• Emphasized the importance of stepping out of comfort zones to pursue dreams—shared her experience living and performing in Russia for four years.

♿ Disability Advocacy

• Founder of ShowAbility.org, a nonprofit that promotes performing artists across the disability spectrum.
• Educates audiences on the fact that:
  • 26% of the U.S. population has a disability.
  • The disability community has over \$21 billion in discretionary income—more than Black and Latino communities combined.
• Highlights issues like:
  • Inaccessible performance venues.
  • Segregated seating in theaters and stadiums.
  • Societal discomfort and avoidance of people with disabilities.

💡 Philosophy & Faith

• Grounded in faith and community service.
• Believes her musical gift is a calling, not just a talent.
• Inspired by the book The Dream Giver and the idea of leaving the “land of familiar” to pursue purpose.

📢 Contact & Socials

• Nonprofit: ShowAbility.org
• Artist Site: MyrnaClayton.com
• Social Media: @TheMyrnaClaytonExperience (Facebook, Instagram)
• Booking: jay@[email protected]

 

#SHMS

#BEST

#STRAW

Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.