True To Yourself
The True To Yourself Talk Series began in 2018 with guest speaker Casting Director Winsome Sinclair. Ms. Sinclair left such an impact on our community it was a must to bring her back this year. The Youth Talk with Casting Director Winsome Sinclair proved this series isn’t just for the grown-ups!
Ms. Sinclair was part of last year’s series and her message to our youth was one The Arts Council knew they wanted to revisit. I attended this year’s talk with my oldest daughter who just turned 12. She has always shown an interest in writing stories and was excited to have the chance to hear about the industry from a Casting Director who looks much like her. I was excited to share a moment with her when she could see the success possible to women of color and determination.
Fayetteville Cumberland Youth Council
The Youth Talk took place at the Fayetteville Cumberland Youth Council on Friday evening prior to the True To Yourself Black History Month Talk Series Featuring Boris Kodjoe. I’ve come across the FCYC in passing as a volunteer for Cool Spring Downtown District when they were promoting their Glowfest during the summer. I was impressed even then by the determination each member had to accomplish their goals as a team. So on this night, I was excited to see a bit more from them.
The Fayetteville Cumberland Youth Council’s mission is to serve as a voice for the youth in a youth-led organization, focusing on the betterment and promotion of our community. FCYC serves as a cross-generational link and participates in service projects and social events to promote character building and leadership development.
The first thing I noticed when we walked through the doors of the youth center was how many young people were there. I immediately impressed as was my daughter. She leaned in and whispered, “Ma, the kids are in charge!”. I loved it. Not only were they in charge but they were dressed to impressed and carrying themselves with professionalism and dignity. I needed to know more.
Several members of the Fayetteville Cumberland Youth Council gave their own ‘testimonials‘ about why they have joined the council and what it means to them. One of the recurring themes was how their Coordinator pushes them forward and into leadership positions to ensure they gain the skills they’ll need once they move beyond this training ground.
I had the chance to speak with Youth Development & Cultural Arts Program Coordinator Crystal Glover to ask a few questions and she took a moment to explain how I can get my children involved with FCYC. If you’d like to know the same and learn a bit more about Fayetteville Cumberland Your Council be sure to check them out here!
The Talk
The youth-lead question and answer gave members of the audience the space to ask questions about pursuing their dreams, overcoming adversities and pursuing careers others may not understand. Ms. Sinclair was able to encourage them through her own experiences and accomplishments proving that if you remain true to yourself the blessings meant for you will come to you.
View this post on Instagram“Find your people – your tribe. They’re going to be the people who remind you of your greatness when your forget.” – @thesomeysinclair _ Tonight’s #TrueToYourself event partnership with @theartscouncil and @ncfcyc was full of wisdom fit for the everyone. _ #TheArtsCouncil #ArtsCouncil #NCFCYC #BlackHistoryMonth #IAmBlackHistory #BlackHistoryIsNow #WinsomeSinclair #MyFayetteville #MyNC #FayettevilleNC #DowntownFayNC #TheMrsTee
One moment and question that stood out came from an FCYC member who asked how she could learn to get out of her own head and at times her own way when pushing towards her dreams. Ms. SInclair’s response was one that reinforced the need for more interactions like this for both our youth and our community as a whole.
View this post on InstagramQuestion: “What do you do when you get stuck in your own head?” _ Answer: “How you speak to yourself is the loudest voice you will hear it. Change that story first.” – @thesomeysinclair _ This moment was why this event is one needed in our community. Mentors like Ms. Sinclair can offer our youth examples of the success they work and strive for. _ #TheArtsCouncil #ArtsCouncil #NCFCYC #BlackHistoryMonth #IAmBlackHistory #BlackHistoryIsNow #WinsomeSinclair #MyFayetteville #MyNC #FayettevilleNC #DowntownFayNC #TheMrsTee
Casting Director Winsome Sinclair
Winsome Sinclair is a casting director who started her career path in the face of adversity, challenge and doubt – both her own and from those around her. Yet in those obstacles, she found her strength. Standing on her faith and the foundation she was given from her parents she made choices and decisions that built her career and now help her to build up the careers of others.
With over 2 decades of experience to her credit this industry veteran sits on the board of directors of the African-American Women In Cinema Foundation. She is also a member of the New York Women In Film and Television. She has also led the Star Project for the American Black Film Festival and moderated symposiums and panel discussions for the prestigious film festival.
WSA International
Throughout her talk with the youth, Ms. Sinclair often referred to her faith and the confidence it gave her to remain true to herself. She has been able to work with notable Directors such as Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Oliver Stone, and John Singleton. Her respect for her craft and the people she works with have given her the reputation to build and grow her dreams and passions.
Have you ever attended a True To Yourself Take Series presentation?
If so, what were two of your takeaways?
“Believe in yourself, your passions, and your dreams. Your voice is unique – build on that. Embrace what is different about you and make it your greatest asset!”
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