From Tears to Glory: The Stories of Our Lives Podcast Interview with Omar Rashada

In September, I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Omar Rashada, newly published author of From Tears to Glory: The Stories of Our Lives.

Omar studied acting at Robert Taylor’s School of Acting and Modeling. His acting debut came in 1999. Omar had played the character of “Luke” in James Baldwin’s, “The Amen Corner”. In 2001, Omar played the character of “Steven” in Rhonda Graham’s , “Finally in Business”. Also, in 2001, Omar had written and co- produced, and starred his first play, “Family”.

Other plays that Omar has written and produced, and stared in include “Peace N Unity” (2003 and 2010 (revised)), “Who’s My Mother” (2005), and “Isaiah Turner” (original production 2005- Stage Reading 2012). Omar has also acted in “The Exonerated (play), Crossroads of Life (play), “Routes” (film), and “Disgruntled Employee (film). His latest play, “From Tears To Glory: The Stories of Our Lives was performed this past June.

In addition to acting, Omar also hosts to local talk shows. “Community Issues” is a show where guests discuss issues/concerns that have a profound effect in our communities. “Artists” is a show where actors, actresses, poets, musicians, authors, martial artist, and dancers talk about their uprising careers and showcase their talents. Omar’s shows airs on Leased Access Comcast Channel 28 from 11:30AM-12PM live on the first, third, and fifth Sunday of each month and of which I was a recent guest.

The book, “From Tears to Glory: The Stories of our lives” is Omar’s debut novel. It’s a story about six strangers from North Philadelphia have been selected to participate at the ‘Cultural Down’s Center’ first cultural awareness group. The purpose of this group is to allow participants to share their personal morals, values, and beliefs, as well as to learn the morals, values, and beliefs of others. The group meets for four sessions as they discuss controversial issues that have a profound effect in our communities.

Tensions flare among some group members when the topics of politics, colorism, leadership, and gender come up. Two of the group members reunite with family members after one finds out about an unbearable family secret as the other is reuniting with his family member after being a victim of an act of violence.