Meet Jashua Sa-Ra | Communications Artist & Spirit Bender

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jashua Sa-Ra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jashua, how do you think about risk?
The simplest of things involve risk. If you stand up, you risk falling. If you eat, you risk choking. We learn to use our bodies in a way that reduces risk so that we can do anything in life. I think that you can acknowledge risk but you can’t fully prepare for it, no matter how much data you compile. If you are willing to do what needs to be done, then failure is just an accepted part of the possibilities. But to focus too much on that possibilities of failure is to take away from focusing on the execution of success. Risk is what makes the process alive and exciting. If there was only the possibility of winning, then I think the human spirit gets bored with that and relishes a challenge that brings out our best abilities. So for me, the appearance of great risk has always been a measurement of if I’m pushing myself to greater heights.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
People have always told me that I talk differently from others and I’m good at a lot of things. After many years of searching for how to express what I do, now I call myself a communication artist. I use several art forms (percussion, poetry, spoken word/rap, fiction, massage therapy, holistic health, graphic design, education), but at the core of all of my disciplines is the intention to enhance communication in the interests of healthier communities. I’ve used my arts as a way to connect different kinds of people and create open spaces for necessary dialogue about solutions. I’m also very passionate about celebrating and honoring my culture, which is commonly called African American or Black, but I call us Earthiopians. I constantly create new language, or repurpose the english language, to give my people words that fit our experience and perspectives. One of the words I made almost 20 years ago (innerstanding) is now circulating heavily through the community, and it’s definitely something I take as a sign that the work is being accomplished. It reaffirmed for me that consistency has long term rewards, and it leads towards legacy instead of trendy. What I get most excited about with my work is when ex-students or audience members see me later and say that they were inspired by what I shared with them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m into nature, so I would start a few days with sunrise at the beach. At some point I would suggest going kayaking or paddle boarding. I’d likely go walking on a trail in a scenic area or a botanical garden. I also like friendly competition, so I would check for activities like a bowling alley, axe throwing, or gun range. If there’s a good show at the theatre house, then that would be on the agenda. Miami has a serious nightlife, so if it was up to me, we would end up checking out Wynnwood on some nights, and looking for a live band on others. Some rooftop bars or restaurants along the shoreline for dinner. There are a few vegan restaurants that I like people to experience, so those would be sprinkled in.

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?
I’ve never had a direct mentor, but I’ve picked up a lot of gems along the way from many people. Foremost in my mind about those who directly helped me get to this point are my mother, Barbara O, Dr. Llaila Afrika, Monique Nicholas, King Simon, Mike Ivy, my drumline at Hampton University, and my children. To make up for the lack of a mentor, I read a lot, and the most affective authors in my life are Ayi Kwei Armah, John Henrick Clarke, Cheikh Ante Diop, Ra Un Nefer Amen, Octavia Butler, Malidoma Patrice Some, Khalil Gibran, Sonia Sanchez, and Zora Neale Hurston.

Website: www.jashuasara.com

Instagram: earthiopian

Twitter: earthiopian

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KuMazaa