Meet Juhanna Rogers, PhD. | Playwright, Actress, Equity Expert, Community-Builder and Scholar

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juhanna Rogers, PhD. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juhanna, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was sick with Covid and bilateral- lateral pneumonia, pursing my artistic work and passions were all I could think about. Pursuing my talents or better yet, putting them out and into the world was my only conceivable regret. So, instead of just being satisfied with the PhD. or my 9-5, I decided that with the remaining of my day, I would pursue my art and my ability to create, cultivate, and produce shows that bring audiences to their feet and centers the narratives of African American people. Once I regained my strength, committing my company to working on the arts has been my only and most intentional focus. Behind the Woman aired on PBS. I was invited to an artist in residence at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park for two years which led to my production of a new play, “Queendom”. I am working with and collaborating with artists to create a play based on historic realities of life in the American south but is still relevant and needed today. My goal is to secure funding to produce the work on stage.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a scholar-artist. I came to that term in the midst of finishing my doctorate degree as my advisor reminded me that I was not solely an academic, I was an artist. She empowered me to think about how I would and could marry the two identities after mastering the art of research, storytelling and interviewing people in the African American community. I came to the realization a few years back, that I am a powerful storyteller and performer. My skills as a researcher and educator help me better connect ideas, constructs, and the challenges that face African American communities. I am most proud of doing this work and as I see this work on PBS and on theatrical stages, I am most proud that I didn’t shun the artist in pursuit of the academic. I found ways to marry them and fight to become who I am today.

Was this easy, absolutely not! I had to fight back the disappointment and doubts of not pursuing the same things my colleagues and peers were. I had to believe that not following the outlined path was going to work out for me. Even though everyone else was securing higher education jobs and such – I sat with my discussion to work outside of the academy. At times, I felt like I was not in alignment. However, I started to see how working in the community was praxis. I felt I was thinking and theorizing about the impact of race. I was creating work that acknowledged its existence and centering it on stage and television.

My lesson learned- Pursue the desires of your heart. Trust your gut and trust the process. The beauty of this life is holding steadfast to your dreams even when the unknown is most frightening.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The question would be which part of the city do we want to explore?! I like in Central New York (CNY) and I have spent some time in California and New York City in the last two years. I think if my best friend was coming to town, I would show her the best of both worlds in CNY. We would visit wineries, lakes, and waterfalls. Then we would switch it up – especially in summer — and spend the weekend enjoying the music and cultural festivals that happen every weekend. If we were in LA, it would be about the food and culture. I would find the food hall downtown and try that out. Then head to Baldwin Hills to write and chill at coffee shops and cafes. I love the place Issa Rae is part owner in, Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen. The quotes and vibe in that spot was definitely something to experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

There are several women who I owe my growth, my development, and my survival to, and I dedicate this piece to them.

My Mother and the other mothers, my aunties, who helped me grow through the challenges of my life at every turn.

To my Tribe – my Sister-friends in New Jersey who always open their hearts and homes to me when the world is attacking me and I am in need of a couch to regain my strength.

To My Great8 academic sisters who I survived and now I am thriving due to their love and nurturing spirits.

My Syracuse Women crew who inspire me to create, live, and be all of who I am called to be.

Website: www.juhannarogers.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scholarstar/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juhanna-rogers/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScholarJuhanna

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juhannag8

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diasporaqueen