Meet Yakira Muhammad | Screenwriter and Playwright

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yakira Muhammad and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yakira, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by art, movies, and everyday people. I grew up in a household where entertainment was centered and intertwined in our lives. The experiences I saw my family go through, my friends on the block and just the stories I heard growing up shaped my writing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a screenwriter and Playwright, my main focus is to bring stories of the black community to life. What sets me apart is that I don’t play it safe with my writing. I want the audience to feel sad, happy, mad and laugh all at the same time. Becoming a screenwriter/playwright has been an incredible journey, but one that is tough. When I see my plays produced, it brings so much joy in my heart, that I stay true to the stories that God put in my heart. Honestly, I’m still overcoming the challenges of rejection and the idea to conform. However, I always remain authentic to myself. One main lesson I learned is be true to who you are. Your best work comes from it. Also, it is fine to rest. Take a break. Just don’t stop. I would love the world to know that we have some incredible stories in our neighborhoods that deserve to be told. I’m happy to help tell them and bring light to the community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I would love to go to the beach. Santa Monica beach is nice and great for tourists. The water clears my head, and I feel at home since I’m a water sign.

Then, we would go to a museum, preferably the Academy Motion Picture museum. When I went there I had such a great time exploring the black filmmakers.

Somewhere on that trip, we would definitely go to the Culver City stairs to get exercise and clear our minds.

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?
My sisters are my rock and my support system. When I have a writing idea, I pass it by them first, because their opinion matters the most, of course after God. God has been an important factor in my life. His presence has open many doors for me. Additionally, my friends, my writers group, and my community deserve so much recognition.

Instagram: @yakirasamira