From the White House to the Hip Hop Museum | Bryna Jean-Marie on Storytelling, Journalism & Black Culture
Bryna Jean-Marie details how a friend at Howard University helped redirect her from business school into journalism, setting the stage for a diverse and impactful career
BIG CED welcomes longtime friend and media professional Bryna Jean-Marie to discuss her extraordinary journey through journalism, communications, television production, and storytelling.
Bryna details how a friend at Howard University helped redirect her from business school into journalism, setting the stage for a diverse and impactful career. She reflects on serving as a White House Correspondent for Ebony and Jet Magazine, traveling with President Bill Clinton to Africa, and helping amplify stories affecting Black communities nationwide.
The conversation also explores Bryna’s work with Honey Magazine, Tyler Perry Studios, Oprah.com, PBS, and documentary filmmaking. She shares her perspective on creativity, AI’s evolving role in storytelling, and her current role as Chief Communications and Chief Storytelling Officer at the Hip Hop Museum.
Throughout the interview, both CED and Bryna reflect on the importance of Black media institutions, mentorship, following one’s calling, and preserving culture through storytelling. The discussion offers valuable insight into how career paths often evolve beyond original expectations and how passion, relationships, and curiosity can create opportunities that last a lifetime.
