For this week’s episode, we asked six black Broadway performers how they practice self-care, especially in the wake of an event like the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville.
“I try to connect with audiences to show them I’m beautiful, worthy of life; I am complex, that i am interesting, that i am brilliant…that I am only interested in spreading love and care…and just remember to breathe, to breathe, and know that change will come.”
-Jelani Alladin, Frozen
“Simply by surrounding myself with love…looking in the mirror and reminding myself every day that my black is beautiful. It’s not a threat. It’s a power. And it’s something to be proud of.”
-Nick Rashad Burroughs, Kinky Boots
“Practicing self-care is four-fold: I’m a firm believer in heart, mind, soul, and strength.”
-Janelle McDermoth, A Bronx Tale
“Find my tribe of like-minded people and artistic souls where we can bounce ideas on how to make the world a better place…”
-John-Michael Lyles, Sweeney Todd
“I try to keep a very positive circle, because that what fuels me as performing artists, as an activist, as a black woman, as me being me. Positivity is what really helps me move through my day.”
-Chondra Profit, The Lion King
“Talking to friends and family, loved ones, having a good laugh [with them], [it] reminds me that I’m not alone in this world.” -Clinton Roane, The Scottsboro Boys