Brian Jordan Jr. on 'Sistas', HBCUs, and His Musical 'Riley'

From Baton Rouge to Broadway

• 💡 Young Brian Jordan Jr. grew up with big dreams in rural Louisiana, initially aspiring to be Michael Jackson or a football player before discovering theater in college.
• 🎭 A pivotal moment was meeting Debbie Allen, who recognized his potential and guided him toward drama school in New York, despite his lack of formal training.
• 🌊 Brian shares the profound impact of Hurricane Katrina, detailing the long-term struggles of displacement, food insecurity, and rebuilding, which he experienced firsthand.
• 🏙️ His journey through LSU, NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, and Debbie Allen's program taught him about his place in the world and the challenges of navigating predominantly white spaces in the industry.

Navigating the Entertainment Industry

• 🌟 Brian emphasizes that confidence was not always present; he learned to pretend to believe in himself until he genuinely did, a shift that occurred around 2018.
• 🚧 Challenges in the industry include facing opposition, failure, and rejection, particularly when trying to tell stories that resonate with or are understood by diverse audiences.
• 🎭 He discusses the jarring experience of being a celebrated young Black man in an all-Black school to then entering a predominantly white industry, which required significant assimilation.
• 🎤 Brian's role as Maurice Webb on Tyler Perry's 'Sistas' was a life-changing opportunity, evolving from a recurring role to a significant part of the show's success.

Personal Growth and Artistic Endeavors

• 🏋️‍♂️ Brian candidly discusses his struggles with body image and the conventional beauty standards in television, highlighting the ongoing journey of self-acceptance and discipline.
• 🏃‍♀️ He has found a passion for running and weightlifting as part of his fitness journey, focusing on enjoying healthy choices and maintaining discipline.
• 🎶 His passion project, 'Riley,' a musical celebrating Black colleges and culture, has been in development for eight years, evolving from a play to a full musical with 54 songs written.
• 🏫 The inspiration for 'Riley' stems from his experience at an all-Black high school on a university campus, fostering a deep appreciation for HBCU traditions and their impact.

Lessons from Mentors and Projects

• 🎬 Brian highlights Tyler Perry's mastery of all aspects of production as a significant lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business to achieve true ownership and creative control.
• 🤝 He credits his 'Sistas' castmates for teaching him about enterprise, finance, and building wealth, fostering a sense of family and shared wisdom.
• 🎭 Directing 'The Wiz' was instrumental in preparing him for 'Riley,' teaching him how to make theater accessible and appealing to a broader audience, particularly within the Black community.
• 💡 Brian advises young artists to match their dreams with an insane amount of work, stressing that talent alone is insufficient without a strong work ethic.

Finding Ground and Purpose

• 🧘 Brian finds grounding through connections with friends, family, food, fashion, and faith, acknowledging the importance of stillness and peace amidst a demanding career.
• 🙏 He attributes his success to God, emphasizing the power of prayer and manifestation, and trusting divine guidance when facing challenges.
• 💖 'Riley' represents a vision of Black people deciding not to struggle, celebrating their inherent wealth, independence, and the profound cultural significance of HBCUs.
• 🗣️ He encourages artists to do the work, find their center, and understand when to say no, building an internal nucleus of resilience.