Meet Crystal Porter Bazemore

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Crystal Porter Bazemore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
There is an incredible legacy of strength and resilience that runs through my family. I come from generations of people that overcame obstacles by breaking barriers and never giving up. The resilience and determination embodied by my parents and grandparents, shaped my own path with their unwavering strength and perseverance.

My mom, Miriam Porter, dedicated her life to social work. Working to uplift and support children in need was her calling. Her passion for making a difference radiated from her every action in the lives of those she touched. And she touched many lives, including my own. Through her unwavering support and love, my Mom shaped me. Watching her balance work, home and take on the challenge of law school in the midst of it all, showcased a level of resilience that left me in awe and grateful to call her my own.

My father, Albert Porter, was an entrepreneur. His days were filled with hard work, determination, and a vision for success that knew no bounds. Breaking barriers as one of the first African Americans to own service stations, he set an example for resilience and tenacity that inspired not just our family, but all who knew him. My father made me feel like I could conquer any challenge, instilling within me a profound sense of limitless potential and boundless determination.

On my mom’s side, her father, Edward M. Gibson was a Tuskegee Airman. His bravery in the face of discrimination and danger is a testament to the resilience that runs in our blood. Her mother, Ora Lee Boone, made history as one of the first African American women to serve as Clerk of Court in Charleston, SC., overcoming prejudice and paving the way for others to follow.

On my father’s side, his father, Dr. Gilbert L. Porter was a Civil Rights Activist and trailblazer for African American teachers and students. Dr. Gilbert L. Porter Elementary School in Miami, Fl. is named for him. His unwavering commitment to education in the face of adversity inspired generations to rise above challenges and reach for the stars. The book, Gilbert L. Porter, Ph.D. chronicles his life and his work. My father’s mother, Willie P. Porter was one of the first African American nurses, making history while bringing healing and hope to those in need.

My husband, Tawan Bazemore, a visionary Filmmaker, has been another source of resilience in my life. He has inspired me with his creative spirit and unwavering determination in the face of artistic challenges. His passion for storytelling and his relentless pursuit of excellence in filmmaking has taught me the importance of resilience in pursuing my dreams.

Not to mention my other family members; aunts, uncles, and cousins, who have made their mark in the world with sheer resilience. Surrounded by this incredible family, I’ve learned the true meaning of perseverance and strength. Their courage in the face of adversity fuels my own determination to push through challenges and make a difference in the world.

As I walk my own path, I carry with me the spirit of resilience passed down through generations. Their lives of triumph over hardship inspire me to never back down. To stand tall in the face of adversity. And to keep pushing forward, with a smile, no matter what obstacles may come my way.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
First, I fancy meeting you.

As a woman and storyteller, I place great importance on being involved in projects that use film to challenge social norms and elevate conversations.

An Atlanta native, I now call LA home with my husband, Director/Cinematographer, Tawan & our fur baby. Under our Cinema Optics banner, our debut film, SOUND received 52 festival wins. I received 9 wins for Best Actress. Our sophomore film, The Recipe, is on the festival circuit! The film premiered at the Denton Black Film Festival (DBFF) where we received a Best Short Film nomination and won The Audience Award for Best Film. Our next screening of The Recipe will be at Bare Bones Film Festival. We are proud to receive the nominations for Best Actress (Crystal Porter Bazemore) and Best Director (Tawan Bazemore.

My work in television & film is a commitment to my craft. I was excited to be in the cast of the Emmy-nominated short form comedy series, Bridesman. I recently completed the upcoming television series, Top Voices & Moments. Additional acting credits include award-winning independent films and television (USA Network, Lifetime Network, BET, Tubi, Mubi, and YouTube TV). My voice has been featured in campaigns for Macy’s, Verizon Wireless, Cartoon Network, and Prentice Hall, among others. I am excited to be in the Undertow universe, an ongoing supernatural horror series as Reina Thomas, in the Apple Podcast. Check out my IMDB for full credits & theatrical reel.

I am proud to say I honed my acting skills in the theater. I’ve had the privilege of sharing the stage with Loretta Divine at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, a renowned venue in Los Angeles. In addition, I’ve performed at other respected theaters such as the Pasadena Playhouse, Alliance Theatre, Nate Holden Theatre, The Matrix, among others. My experience in these venues has allowed me to develop my craft and showcase my talent to diverse audiences.

I view acting as an art form that demands commitment and continue to train in my craft. In a recent interview, I was asked how I select my projects, to which I replied that it is the character that chooses me. It is her story that I say yes to. By doing so, I can bring her story to life on-screen.

Another passion of mine is of CPB Little Reminders. A platform I created to promote everything gratitude! Gratitude serves as the cornerstone of my creative process and my life. It fuels my passion, ignites my creativity, and reminds me to find joy in every moment, both on and off screen. This is why I created CPB Little Reminders. To share snippets of gratitude, positivity, and inspiration with others.

By spreading these messages of gratitude with my little reminders, books and gratitude journals, I hope to uplift spirits, foster connections, and inspire others to embrace the beauty of who they are. To be grateful for the little miracles that happen in our lives every day. Because a life of gratitude begets a life of abundance.

My books and journals are available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can subscribe to CPB Little Reminders on my website and social @cpblittlereminders.

Also, I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Mommy to the best fur baby. 🙂

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that have been impactful in my journey as an Actor have been: emotional intelligence and empathy; physicality and movement; and the responsibility of “yes.”

Emotional intelligence and empathy: Beyond just understanding the character, for me it’s crucial to apply emotional intelligence and empathy to humanity as a whole. By developing a deep understanding of human emotions and experiences, I can bring a richer, more authentic portrayal of life to my characters. No matter how different the character may be from myself, I keep in mind that every character is a reflection of some aspect of the human experience, so I approach them with empathy and an open heart.

My advice would be to practice empathy in your daily interactions by listening actively. Seek to understand other’s perspectives. Be open to diverse viewpoints. Engage with different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences to broaden your understanding of humanity. This broader perspective will enrich your portrayals on stage & screen. I am a better Actor because I live deliberately.

Physicality and movement: Your body is your instrument as an Actor, so knowing how to move and express emotions through physicality is crucial. Pay attention to how you use your body to convey different emotions and characteristics.

In the film SOUND, my greatest challenge was conveying the character’s reactions and emotions without speaking for 15 minutes. My body became the primary tool for storytelling. I had to react to imagined sounds that would later be later built in post-production around my performance. Playing with silence, (no comma here_while filming, required that I rely on my physicality and expressions to craft a completing compelling narrative. I got to emphasize the power of non-verbal communication in bring this character to life. It was a fun and challenging journey! The film was shot and directed by my husband, Tawan Bazemore. It was our first film under the Cinema Optics banner. You can watch SOUND on KweliTV & Tubi.

My advice would be to take up activities like dance, yoga, or martial arts to improve your body awareness and control. Join movement workshops and physical theatre classes to explore new ways of using your body in telling stories. Practicing different physical exercises and improvisation can really help develop your skills in this area.

The responsibility of “YES.” Saying yes is not just about accepting opportunities. It’s a mindset that opens doors to growth, learning, and new experiences. By saying yes to roles, projects, or challenges, I embrace the possibilities of expanding my skills, network, and understanding of my craft. It is about being open to opportunities that may lead to unexpected paths and personal growth. However, in saying yes comes responsibility. The responsibility to commit wholeheartedly. To show up prepared and professional. To give your best in every endeavor. By embracing this responsibility, you not only honor your craft, but also build a reputation as a reliable and dedicated Actor.

My advice is to approach each opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Be open to stepping out of your comfort zone, taking on diverse roles, and collaborating with different creatives. Remember that every yes can be a steppingstone towards your growth and success. Just keep in mind, that it’s important to know when to say “NO” too. As that decision is just as crucial as your yes.

I also believe that studying one’s craft. When you dive deep into studying your craft, you’re not only polishing your skills; you’re sparking your creativity, boosting your self-belief, unlocking new doors. You’re making meaningful connections and striving for excellence in what you’re passionate about. I know you only asked for three, but I couldn’t leave that one out! 🙂

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The unwavering guidance, love and support from my parents has had significant impact on me in shaping the trajectory of my life.

To be honest, when I first read the question I thought you asked: what was the most impactful thing I did for my parents. Which I found both uncommon and interesting, prompting me to choose it. Upon reviewing my response, I realized I read the question in reverse. Oops! 🙂 However, I still wish to share that perspective as my desired answer. I hope that’s cool.

Giving my parents space to be human was one of the most impactful things I did for them and myself. I chose to accept them with all their beautiful imperfections, vulnerabilities, and flaws. This act of acceptance built strong foundations based on authenticity, understanding, and love. By giving my parents the space to be human, I cultivated a profound sense of respect and appreciation for who they are are individuals.

We are all evolving on this planet. I lost my mom this year. It’s one of the greatest losses of my life. Gratefully, my dad is still here with me. I think she would smile at this answer. Because I know parents are trying to figure this life thing out too! Giving my parents grace and finding value and beauty in their imperfect human journey, allowed me the space to see the beauty and imperfection in my own life. I give myself more grace. That’s been impactful. I’m grateful for that one!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Cameron Radice for headshots

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