Emmy Award Winning Creative Mark Eubanks took his journalism career to different heights when he fused his passion for videography and photography with his passion for community issues. Throughout his multi-decade career, he’s used creative work from documentaries to news coverage to shed light on important historical moments in the black community. In this episode, Marcus talks about having journalistic integrity, illuminating black history, and doing work that resonates with your soul.
Intro and Outro Music: Found by Shaolin Dub / Ketsa
Transition music: Faith by Yoitrax https://soundcloud.com/yoitrax Music under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
Emmy Award Winning Creative Mark Eubanks took his journalism career to different heights when he fused his passion for videography and photography with his passion for community issues. Throughout his multi-decade career, he’s used creative work from documentaries to news coverage to shed light on important historical moments in the black community. In this episode, Marcus talks about having journalistic integrity, illuminating black history, and doing work that resonates with your soul.
Intro and Outro Music: Found by Shaolin Dub / Ketsa
Transition music: Faith by Yoitrax https://soundcloud.com/yoitrax Music under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
Whoever is in the seat of leadership never wants to necessary relinquish it at any cost and if it means hurting, killing, what have you. That's what goes on and we are much, much closer living into those times right now.
Jas, the host:Welcome to black executive Podcast, where we share inspiration and actionable advice for black creatives going pro. I'm your host Jas. With each episode, we'll chat with black creatives, thriving in entrepreneurship, corporate careers in the nonprofit sector, all while building a network of black creatives. Six head nods apart, enjoyed the show where the dreamers become doers, and the aspiring become inspired. Let's get started. Welcome back creative fam. I'm your host Jas and today we'll be speaking with award winning digital creative professional. Marcus Eubanks. Marcus is a photographer, journalist and videographer. He's produced several documentaries, including traveling to witness a dream, a documentary of President Obama's inauguration. HIV AIDS in Arkansas life in the African American MSM community, and the Elaine massacre of the summer of 1919. The latter being a piece that resulted in a well deserved me making Marcus the first African American videographer from Little Rock Arkansas to receive an Emmy. Welcome to the show, Marcus.
Marcus Eubanks:Hey, and that's in Arkansas period. I just recently found out
Jas, the host:Wow, so the entire state.
Marcus Eubanks:Right.
Jas, the host:That's awesome. Yes, what an accomplishment. But before we get into your long track sheet of professional work and accolades over the past two decades, can you talk a bit about your background and how you got started in media?
Marcus Eubanks:Ah, well, um, gosh, I started in college, I went to college, like most people and didn't know exactly what I wanted to go for. And I don't know if most people but I didn't know. I didn't know. I took the aptitude tests in high school. And it told me that because of my aptitude in mathematics, that I would be a good accountant. And I thought, you know, okay, that's cool, because I was pretty good. Um, I've been very good at math. But, um, I didn't see myself sitting behind a desk for you know, the rest of my life, you know, right. Um, so I switched up and got into the mass communications discipline at the University of Central Arkansas. And one of the first things that they did is had me do the color commentary for high school football games in Conway. I fell in love at that point, you know, I was thinking like, Okay, I'm gonna be the next Stuart Scott, I'm gonna do this thing. And I'm also an alpha. So the fact that he was an alpha as well, and I was like, wow, this thing's gonna line up. Um, but then I picked up a camera, you know, another assignment was to go out and videotape and put together a small piece, which was very short voice track, and get some video. And I fell in love, to be honest with you. Because I've always even though I'm, I'm pretty good at math and other general education subjects. I'm a creative, right. And poetry, I've always done little silly things, skits, or what have you. But it was like, grabbing a paintbrush. And, you know, working a canvas with my paintbrush, shooting video, right? Because there's a there's a discipline to video recording that, you know, some people get most people don't. But each shot should say something about the path that you're traveling or where you're trying to take the viewer. And to be able to do that. I just fell in love.
Jas, the host:That is very powerful. Can you talk more about that, like the power of visuals and storytelling, because I think that's underestimated how much of the storytelling is actually done by the videographer as well, not just the journalist or the who's in front of the camera.
Marcus Eubanks:Well, and that's a huge part of that. dance. I'll call it a dance because I've been a reporter For, but then, you know, the majority of my career I spent working with reporters. But, um, and I've seen good stories that didn't come out well, because the visuals, well, the reporter wanted to write one thing just to kind of get their part of the process done. Mm hmm. But there was no video to support it. And I've seen it as well, where the video was powerful, but the reporter, I mean, the writing was powerful. But there was no video to support what was written. So it's a, it's a delicate song and dance, if you will. And that's one of the things that happened with the documentary. It was a it was a great experience. It was, it was an emotion driven experience for me on two phases, but we can get into that here in a second. But as far as it concerns the creative process, and getting images that support what's being said, that is, that's paramount to have good journalism. And, again, this was my first time entering first time winning as far as the Emmy Award is concerned. But it's a it is a skill honestly, that I honed over the whole 20 years. Because Initially, I was just like any other novice or whatever, I felt like okay, I got video, so you know, we can cover. But once I got deeper into it, I worked at three different mode, four different TV stations. I worked at Joe for in Little Rock, Arkansas, initially right out of college, I worked in Memphis, at a TV station there came back to Arkansas, where the bulk of my career at generally 11. And then I got out of the business and did my own thing production wise, and then got back in in 2015. But the creative process and gathering video is, is important. That's the only way that I can say it because angles make a difference. Lighting makes a difference. And there are as far as photography is concerned, that discipline lends to video gathering or creation, a lot more than most people think. Because there are rules to photography, right minds, shape, shades, and color. And all of those things make a difference when you are creating a or taking a steel image. The same thing goes when it comes to video. Because if you can master incorporating the principles of photography in your video production, you then gave credence to what? What even brought about video production, right? Because it's it started with photography. And so once you grasp those concepts, you can take your your image gathering to a totally different level.
Jas, the host:Okay, so the foundation is photography. And then from there, you kind of evolve into this moving art, which is the videography.
Marcus Eubanks:There's a reason that they call it motion pictures. Motion photos, if you will, because it's it's it's exactly that, if you ever like it's so bad with me like certain when I'm watching movies or television shows or what have you, I can see the foreshadowing and shots that they choose to, you know, start something. Right. And it's it's it having been in this so long I watch television with a different eye.
Jas, the host:With With that being said, Do you feel like knowing that, like they're choosing certain angles or whatnot? Do you feel like there are ethical and unethical ways to go about gathering visuals for your work?
Marcus Eubanks:Definitely. I mean, there's a oath, as far as journalism is concerned that many journalists don't adhere to Hmm, because things have changed since the beginning, right?
Jas, the host:Yeah, definitely.
Marcus Eubanks:But the oath basically is to do no harm. That's our first and original process, a part of the process of journalism video. If you've been a part of that, but now where it concerns, you know, the sensationalism of storytelling to get eyes on the screen, things have stepped way far away. And again, I've been in the business for 20 years. So when I got in the business, I was working with people who had been in the business for about 10 years. So for 20 years, so from that aspect, the the experiencial difference that I have in the business probably can be stretched to about four years. Because if you think about it, those people, you know, came in 1020 years before me, they brought their skill set and mindset, to the business having been in it for that amount of time. Well, you know, as a budding professional, you're taking cues from them. Right? Right. And that's part of why, or how I started to understand how much photography was a part of videography. At my third station, and channel 11, gentleman by the name of Oren Hardcastle was our chief photographer. But at one point in time, in Little Rock, he was like one of the top, still photographers, wow. And so he brought those principles to the table and talked about aperture, and talked about lighting and talking about depth of field, and all of those things that make a good image, make a compelling image. And he brought those things to the table. So as I grew, I started to understand, you know, this all flows. And once you get all of those pieces in it, I think, honestly, that's one of the things that said that my documentary with Elaine apart, because I was going full bore, because I knew the subject matter was strong. And then on top of that, it was it was an emotional time for me because I just lost a relative of mine. And so and in the process, because I lost him the day before my birthday in 2017. When I returned to work on the 13th, they gave me this assignment and said I would be going to do that. And at that point, I said, I'm putting everything into this production. Mm hmm. as a as a point of remembrance for him. Mm hmm.
Jas, the host:Yeah, so that that was also like a catharsis for you, right to be able to have to do that. And and for listeners who don't know about the Elaine massacre was very tragic. And you should look it up. But it was this huge massacre of African Americans who were sharecroppers and they were really just trying to unionize and fight for basic rights. You know, and I think that's what's so heartbreaking about is that it's like they weren't even asking for much. They were just want it to be treated fairly.
Marcus Eubanks:Right. If you think about reconstruction, where and this is something that I harken back to when I talk to people about current times, right. And that the person in power is not going to give away their power lightly. Right. Yeah. So true. And not that, and not that I understand because so many African Americans all across the country, as a matter of fact, during that summer of 1919, between the summers of 19 7017 and 1921 are massacres all over the country, not doing the research about it. But the the the whoever is in the seat of leadership, never wants to necessary relinquish it at any cost, and if it means hurting, killing, what have you. That's what goes on. And we are much, much closer living into those times. Right now. I'm looking at the things that are going on with African American and African Americans being gunned down by police. Yeah, that was an aside.
Jas, the host:No, I totally that's that's totally relevant. I think one thing is important to remember like it with anything with history is that those lessons seem so far away. it you know, but they're still applying today. Like they're it's still happening today. And it's scary to compare sometimes the same way. little amount of progress that we've made. is in such a something that should be a long period of time, and yet we're not where we need to be.
Marcus Eubanks:Yeah. Yeah, definitely. I mean, because I mean, we're still fighting for teams like basic rights. I mean, it's like, they tea cup or spoon feed us a little bit at a time. And then, you know, there are times like now where it seems like they're taken away, even those things that were supposedly given to be, you know, a definite thing that we could count on now, that's even change. So, but I think that all kind of goes to leadership as well. So
Jas, the host:yeah, definitely. I mean, you're, you're clearly very passionate about this. And you could tell from your list of work, that you're just passionate in general about the black community and different issues that plague us and that we have to manage. Can you talk about how important it is or how you use your work to bring awareness to important issues like the Elaine massacre and HIV awareness and domestic violence, awareness, etc?
Marcus Eubanks:I'm a big softy. Let me just say card there. Um, I've always been a very emotional person, man, boy, whatever. Mmm hmm. And, and just from that, when I see suffering, on any level, it, it affects me, right. Um, it, it gets into my spirit. And, you know, truthfully, the documentary probably wouldn't have happened. And I'm, I'm getting to the point, though, but I'm in 2014 2015. there because there was a rash of 14 and 15 and 16 year olds that were involved in murders and involved in bank robberies. And I'm watching this on the news. And I'm just, I'm floored and flabbergasted because at 14 and 15, I was, you know, talking to girls and playing football. Right. And so that was one of the main reasons that I even came back into journalism, because again, I stepped away from it. But my soul was was aching, right. And I wanted to do something, right. I wanted to be a part of the solution, all of this. And one of the things that I also brought to the table. When I first got back to the TV station, I hounded the news director, about, you know, doing something community wise, that could help address the issues that were going on with, you know, the use here in Little Rock. And of course, from there, you know, nothing really happened. But when asen King and ramaiah, re two, two year old, were gunned down in Drive bys. Oh, my goodness, finally, my gun understood kind of what I was saying. And, you know, we took the process forward and did the brainstorming and came up with the victory over violence program that is still remember. Yeah, it's still a part of what Channel Four and channel 16 does as a news organization, even though I'm not there anymore. But it was one of the I mean, again, just the big softy, and when I see something, I want to do something. And the inauguration of Barack Obama, that was a point to me where I felt like African Americans could could celebrate, you know, When that happened, it was like, Yes. And then the documentary about the HIV AIDS epidemic in our community. I didn't, I wasn't aware of of that subject matter. I was approached by somebody, the actual director of the health, Arkansas the Department of Health at the time. Kevin deadener. I don't think he was the, the director he was he was over some portion of it, but he's an attorney. The brother of mine, all sorry, we were with the Central High School,
Jas, the host:oh, central alumni here.
Marcus Eubanks:Always, always Hail to the old gold Hail to the black. Um, but I didn't know much about it. But then once I kind of got in and talk to the guys and saw how they're trying to live their lives best that they know how, right and some of the ways that they're subjected to abuse and some, you know, at certain points were being hunted down and killed or found dead and, and then the HIV epidemic, you know, that was a portion of it. That was the whole backdrop that started the conversation. I'll say it that way. And then from there, you know, to hear some of their stories, it was heart wrenching. And then domestic violence, you know, there's a story that that affects me in conferences and has a stick in the coffee a stir in the coffee wheel of domestic violence, and, you know, it was that has that affected my life forever. Yeah. And the event that happened, it affected my life up until the point of really still today. But and I was about three years ago, I got some, some counseling and understood that any event that happened when I was three years old, was still haunting me up to the age that I was 42.
Jas, the host:Yeah, childhood trauma is real.
Marcus Eubanks:Right. Right. And so once I realized that I was able to, you know, adjust better, because I was having some, some physical reactions to certain stimuli. And I didn't understand why at the time, I just, it didn't make sense. And, you know, after looking into and addressing that, I understood it, and it no longer has any power over me anymore. But I just think that, you know, I had I had I had that information that I got when I was 42. If I got that information at 24 that it might have made in my life. Yeah. But, um, and then as it concerns the Elaine massacre, I had heard about it before. I have an associate that has some relatives that are from that area. And but nobody was talking about. Hmm, I mean, it was weird as well. That town is like going back in history, because there's a there's a restaurant there in that town that still didn't serve blacks.
Jas, the host:Wow. Like, in recent times.
Marcus Eubanks:When we went up there in 2017. Wow, there's one restaurant in that town. They do not, to this day, serve black people. My goodness, at that time. I don't know if with the centennial coming up and more attention being brought to that town if that has changed or not. But and then there's a you know, there's a distinct line, if you will, in that town where white people live in black people live rode through the black neighborhoods, and people were staying in a house that basically was had a hole in the wall. They were living in there. So that was a that was an interesting, and I've seen a lot being in journalism for the amount of words that I have, I'm sure. But that was one of the most stomach turning stories that I've ever covered. And I've seen, you know, blood and guts and shootings and all of this other stuff, but to think about the history of that town, and Then to be in that town and to feel what it felt like to be in that town as a black man. Yes. Traveling with a white reporter, huh? Um, you know, it was weird to as to how people would drive up and past us and you know, kind of Yeah, look at us and speed off really fast and you know, big trucks run rolling their engines, but
Jas, the host:and you were with a white female reporter correct?
Marcus Eubanks:Correct. Yeah. Yeah. Ashley Pitts. Ashley Pitts was her name. She's actually an anchor station at that time. Yeah, so
Jas, the host:Wow, that that is a lot. I mean, in this crazy that those towns still exist. My family, my family is from a small town in Mississippi on my father's side. And it's similar in the way in which, in the 90s, they just got to the point in which the blacks and whites live on the same size of the train tracks, they're these train tracks that go through the middle of the town, and the white folks used to live on one side, and the black folks lived on another. And that blew my mind that this was I was alive during the time in which this was happening. And I think a lot of times people forget about that when you live in these big cities, or they don't even know that places like this still exists like in they hear about these places on TV and fiction or, you know, sundown towns and fiction and don't understand that these are real, they were real and still are real and a lot of areas.
Marcus Eubanks:Right? Yeah.
Jas, the host:Yeah. So with that being said, there are clearly a lot of challenges that that come with your work, but it can also be very rewarding. Can you talk about some of the most rewarding and challenging parts of your work that you've experienced so far in your career?
Marcus Eubanks:Well, first and foremost, most awarding was the Emmy ward. Oh, yeah. Um, but very close second, if probably I'll say if they would have had victory over violence been what I really hoped it would be. Not a rating to grab on some ends. If it was really what I wanted to be, there probably would have been more my greatest accomplishment. Because it was a point where I, I've always had big ideas, right. And this time, I felt even, you know, from from God blessing it, to come through my mind that it was too big for me to hold by myself. Hmm. And so when we rolled out and asked for the first group of people interested in it to come out, and the library at Central was standing room only. Wow, with all of the people interested, wanting to get involved, who had their own organizations who had just concerned citizens and parents and students and kids to see the outpouring of interest in in in what that idea was. That floored me. Mm hmm. And from there, it um, you know, you know, I just I was like, wow, I did something right. Not saying that I haven't, you know, done some tried to do some amazing things by people or people who have you. But that one was it to see something that I kind of thought up, get that type of interest. It was big. And that was probably one of the most rewarding to see all of those faces of people and prominent people who were in being involved. That was huge for me. I guess. I don't know something what the award and victory over violence I would have to say though, probably The to that I mean, because of course at that point in my career, I was seasoned. I was senior I had grown man thoughts, if you will, yeah, about affecting my community and trying to see people in a better stead than than what they were and affecting the minds of younger people. Because if you let a young person know that you care about their well being, most of not in all cases, but most of the time, that's going to give them the impetus to try at least
Jas, the host:Yes, I agree.
Marcus Eubanks:You know, so that's what I wanted victory over violence to be about to let the youth know that, hey, you know, yes, we're older. And you may think that we don't understand your plight or what you've gone through or what you have to deal with. But we've been there on some level. Now, to be just frank with you. 2014 was much different than 1994. Um, well, in Little Rock prop. Well, actually, it was. It was not, it was. That was one of the other things that I that kind of jumped to my attention, a cyclical sickness in Little Rock, because in 1992, to 94, you know, the gang violence was running rampant in Little Rock, Arkansas. Yeah. Right. That's the time that I was, you know, coming up graduating high school. And I'm seeing many of my friends that I played literally football with, or what have you gone down or killing people and going to jail and strung out on drugs? So I'm seeing that whole litany of things of people that I've been connected to, in one way or another. I'm seeing their lives changed, right. Yeah. And so in 19, I mean, 2014 to see these younger kids escalating, even, you know, murder and bank robberies, and I, you know, it just affected me, that's all. That's the best way that I could put it, it affected me and I was, I wanted to do something about it. I don't know if I did anything or not, you know, truth be told, but I'm just thankful for, for the heart. God has given me and, and they'll be so aware. Yeah, don't be confused. I'm not a saint standing around here. I have mine. I have my own vices, if you willl. But at the same time, God blessed me with a caring heart. Now, that has been good and bad at certain points in time in my life.
Jas, the host:Yeah, I can relate, I can relate.
Marcus Eubanks:But, um, you know, that being the case, you know, I just, I feel for people I love like, there was a point in time when I would just every so often just to kind of put the energy out there and just say, you know, I love, love, love y'all. And it's, and it's not obligatory, it's not just me, you know, saying something. I just think if you hear more, you can feel it in a different way. And hopefully, it affects you not saying that. It will, everybody, but hopefully, it will give you a little bit more, push a little bit more fight to kind of see and do and be, you know, whether, whether it's about achieving anything, or just doing your daily run and handling your business? Um, yeah, I mean, it's it's purposeful. I'll see it that way. When I say I love you.
Jas, the host:Yeah, I mean, it seems like from what you've said about like your work and, and clearly the work that you've done is is all very purposeful for you, right? Like you have this pure intention and hoping that something that you've done will impact someone's life and with you having such a huge effect by being a part of the media which we know permeates so many crevices of the community, I'm pretty sure it's like you've affected some change within the community.
Marcus Eubanks:I'd like to think so. But I don't, you know, I'm not standing on some stage of grand jury and thinking, like, I'm done. I've done that. But I would like to, I would like to hope that the 20 years of my life that I've spent in and around the media or production or photography, or, I mean, even with my photography, I hope that, you know, some of the people that I've had the opportunity to capture, they just, they felt beautiful at that moment, you know, and, and happy with the image that they saw of themselves in the time that I spent with them. So, if I've affected positively I won't even say that if I've affected people, period. Mm hmm. God be the glory.
Jas, the host:Yes. Yes, definitely. I understand it just just an impact. Just Right. I mean, in even the victory over violence, you know, it may not have gone the full direction of what you wanted, but like the the legacy of it being in existence, and like the community outpour that you received from some of your events and things like that. Just sometimes just as like the way that you were affected. I'm sure there are other people that were in awe of the turnout and the support. And, you know, just seeing the community get behind something, and especially during times where it seems like everything is so divisive.
Marcus Eubanks:Yeah. And that was a rough stretch here in Little Rock. Police were over policing in some situation, right. Which they still do at certain points in time. I think. My frat brother, Mayor Frank Scott is doing a wonderful job as the mayor of Little Rock.
Jas, the host:Yeah, he's a great guy.
Marcus Eubanks:Yeah, but, um, and no, no, he didn't graduate from Central. I think he
Jas, the host:He went to Parkview withhmy brother. I know Frank.
Marcus Eubanks:that's what's up. That's what's up. But um, I just think that we are given a certain amount of days to do God's work. Hmm. Um, funny story. Well, not funny. This is my life. I really wish we could do a whole long thing because I got so much to say, but I'll say, I'll tell you this.
Jas, the host:I can bring you back always.
Marcus Eubanks:On my eighth birthday, right. I was involved in a car accident. And I was I was a latchkey kid, right? Yeah. I get home and I'd be the only one there.
Jas, the host:Yeah, me too. And it was my birthday.
Marcus Eubanks:It was my birthday, my eighth birthday. And I got home and nobody was there. And I walked to a friend of mines house that stayed across a very busy thoroughfare in litera. Now, my birthday is in October. And if you're been to Little Rock, Arkansas, you know, usually without COVID being in existence, the Little Rock, Arkansas State Fair goes,
Jas, the host:yes.
Marcus Eubanks:And so I stayed in the shadow of the fairgrounds. And I took it upon myself to go over a friend of mines house to see if I could play because I didn't want to be by myself on my birthday, you know,
Jas, the host:and that's the Roosevelt area. Right?
Marcus Eubanks:Right. So it was like it was getting late. And I knew my mom got home at a certain time and I wanted to beat her back home. So I make my way back home. And I'm standing at the corner of Roosevelt and Marshall. Now the streets are busy as all get out because that that's primetime. That's rush hour that fair time so cars everywhere. A little kid, not really sure that he should even be there. I thought I saw an opening where I could run out and across the street. And I got hit by a pickup truck.
Jas, the host:Oh my goodness.
Marcus Eubanks:going about 4550 miles per hour. Going down the hill. Wow. My god. I'm So I was, you know, luckily, I didn't die.
Jas, the host:Yes, blessing
Marcus Eubanks:only by the grace of God. I was in a coma for 18 hours. And I lived for about six weeks after I left the hospital. But I said all that to say this. I say God is, you know, we have a certain amount of days that God gives us with to do his work. I've known all my life from that point, um, that there's some God's work to be done through me.
Jas, the host:Yes, say that.
Marcus Eubanks:And, indeed, the fact that I didn't die on that day, I just remember back to waking up wanting something to eat. Because I was hungry. But on that day, I didn't know it then. But as I got older, and I started to think about it, and strangely enough when I got into TV as a videographer I saw because I've been in several accidents, actually. But I saw every accident, I saw the result, if you will, every accident that I had ever been in, but not turn out the same way. And I was behind the camera, videotaping death. Oh, oh, that's powerful not. But God saw fit to wake an eight year old up after one of the most traumatic experiences that I mean, you just I don't understand how I was able, how I survived that. I just don't
Jas, the host:have a calling of your life.
Marcus Eubanks:That's the only thing that I can think yes. That's the only thing that I think about with all my struggles, and, you know, certain things that go on have gone on in my life. I just know, keep going, huh? Just keep going.
Jas, the host:Yes, yes, we have a greater purpose in it and a greater mission and, and that's so powerful, too powerful to even recognize that because so many people live their whole lives, you know, aimlessly, not really knowing what like I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing. I don't know if there is a purpose at all. But you know, even if you didn't know exactly to the tee, this is what it is. I'm supposed to be doing. You knew there was a higher calling over the work that you were sent to do.
Marcus Eubanks:Right? Yeah, cuz I had no idea what it would be. Because again, I didn't I had no clue what I wanted to do when I went to college. None. My mom just was like, you smart you going to school? I had no clue what I wanted to do with with my life professionally. Um, and, you know, again, passion one out. And, you know, I would like to think even with all my vices, right, I don't, I don't want anybody to hear this. Who knows me and you like, Oh, yay. Um, I feel like I just have been placed to do God's work. Mm hmm. yes, in the end, that is a powerful call and not only to have over your life, but also your career, right to be so driven to know like literally the work as in the work from monetization that I'm doing is also a part of what I'm supposed to be doing as a calling from my life. That is so powerful. Yeah, now and plenty of people would probably tell you I could be more humble about it, but
Jas, the host:hey, you haven't me you have bragging rights.
Marcus Eubanks:Baby Look, I was this way before to me. Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry.
Jas, the host:I get that hey, hey, confidence is everything right?
Marcus Eubanks:Now that that that's something that I'm not in short supply. I've never have you know what the weird thing is this, though. There are not a lot of people that have confidence, truthfully. Right, right in themselves. And when they see somebody who was as boisterous and sometimes precarious as I am, it almost seems like they resent it. But, you know, I've learned over the years that you just got to be who you are. Yes. And let the chips fall where they will.
Jas, the host:Yes. Especially being in a field, like yours. And you're having to, like, you know, take on these different stories and interact with all these different people with varying opinions and beliefs. You know, it can be easily to lose a sense of who you are and your moral compass.
Marcus Eubanks:Right. Yeah, cuz I look, I've been called inward on more than one occasion out. Oh,
Jas, the host:my goodness. Right. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, at this point, you would think people have learned that word has been used so much negatively, like, what power? Does it have? You know, like, at this point, it's like you really, you still want to go there.
Marcus Eubanks:Yeah, you man. What are you mad about right now? Right.
Jas, the host:Exactly. Exactly. As I said, we're no we're getting close to time to wrap up. So one thing that I wanted to touch on quickly before we wrapped up is it earlier you said that she's you stepped away from journalism for a while and did your own thing and then you came back? What what kind of sparked that need to take a break? And what sparked it, I know, you kind of talked about the decision to come back was about your passion, but what made you kind of step away in the first place?
Marcus Eubanks:Um, wow. Ah, whenever I originally stepped away, I had, I had made the transition from behind the camera to in front of the camera. for about two years, I was reporting and shooting video at channel 11. Now, that came with some different challenges. Because again, I've been behind the camera and the people who knew me knew I worked at the TV station, right. But then the exposure of actually being on TV. It seemed like people felt like it gave them a license to approach me. in public, Mm hmm. Um, and I'll never forget it. We were going to see Disney on Ice. I was taking my daughter to see Disney on Ice. And we were in the crowd in the line going up to get the tickets or what have you. And somebody was in the crowd, and they yelled out, Mark, as you guys looked around a lot, he kind of rose up to say, hey, so I turned around and they yelled again, parkas, you bet. And I looked again, and nothing and I'm there with my daughter. So now at this point, I'm feeling I'm in.
Jas, the host:Yeah, dude. Yeah, protective mode. That's your baby. Exactly.
Marcus Eubanks:Right. And they did it again and not didn't turn around that time. And then they said, You shouldn't have your face all over TV if you don't want folks to know you. Wow. Hmm. And again, this is my hometown. I know a lot of people in Little Rock who've gone away and come back and new people who come from other places. But that angered me that I could be out with my child and people would act like that. And again, I grew up in Little Rock. I grew up around the banging area. era in Little Rock, I, you know, came from a side of town that was not the greatest. So I understand about keeping my head on a swivel, right. And, you know, that was that was an interesting experience. And it did. It upset me in several other things, but the thing about it it was that And then certain inside pressures that were going on at the TV station because, again, you think about who I am in my background, I'm a black guy, and I'm at, I'm in a white organization, and I'm, I'm making strong moves. And I was one of the first one of the first videographers to be on TV in Little Rock as well. As far as like on camera and making the transition at the TV station. Yeah. But I noticed how a certain level of success will make people that you've had certain relationships with prior that will change them. Hmm. I had what I thought was some really good friends at the TV station. But as I started to kind of go up and do really good work, some better than, you know, some of the writing. But again, because I've written poetry and several, you know, I have a, I have a bit of discipline in writing, right. I know how to craft work. And so some of my stuff would come out a little bit better than some of the reporters that were seasoned. So then it you know, the, the dynamics change? Oh, yeah. And at that point, truthfully, I was like, I've been in this business for 10 years at that point. I know, I have my own camera. I have my own microphones. I have my own lighting here. Why don't I just go and do my own thing?
Jas, the host:Yeah.
Marcus Eubanks:Until I did. I mean, it was a stress reliever.It was a stress reliever getting out at that.
Jas, the host:Yeah, yeah. When you came back after everything? Was it a better experience for you?
Marcus Eubanks:It was totally different. Because all of a lot of the well and I say different, good and bad. Because a lot of the older, more seasoned people, I was one of the older, more seasoned people
Jas, the host:then yeah.
Marcus Eubanks:Even though I hadn't been in the business for five years, six years, almost. But I was the season person in the newsroom with a lot of 20 somethings. And who knew it all? Got it? Okay. Which, you know, I had to make an adjustment to that as well. But the game had changed. Like from a technology standpoint, it's Yeah, change work, and Twitter and, and all of these social media platforms, were now a part of what you need to do in your daily routine to put information and content out right, it should. But you know, the strange thing is back in 2000, in 2007, when Facebook came about, I was like, wow, I thought to myself before long this is where people are going to come and get their news. This is where they're gonna come get their information, because, like, who wants to sit around and wait until five or six o'clock to know about what's going on? Yeah,
Jas, the host:I'm guilty of that. I can't tell you the last time I watched an actual news station. My mom cannot stand it on the news know what's going on like to come on my feet or I get it to my iPhone in the morning.
Marcus Eubanks:Exactly. So I mean, technology changed at that time. That was like it was you know, I was really taking a chance. Because at that time, that's when the the first recession first recent recession happened in 2009. Yeah, car dealerships shutting down businesses and out of that. subprime loans were homes and all of those things, they started to affect the economy. But I stepped out and I did I did pretty well. And you know, I didn't lack for having something to eat. I'll say it that
Jas, the host:Yeah.
Marcus Eubanks:But you know, it's been a journey. It's been a it's been a journey. I that's the best way that I can see it. It's been a journey.
Jas, the host:That's the best way to live. It gives you lots of stories to tell many many stories.
Marcus Eubanks:I have a few Have those.
Jas, the host:All right, so what advice do you have for aspiring black creatives who are looking to do purposeful work in media?
Marcus Eubanks:Well, one, you have to have a heart for purpose, right? So because every I mean, creativity is one thing, right? And I think we're a lot of people that are really creative, but you know, you at this point, I have a calling card that is steeped and connected to the black experience. Um, but that is something that was instilled in me years ago, in a program called foot down. Ah,
Jas, the host:yeah, I'm familiar with Upward Bound.
Marcus Eubanks:Philander Smith, yeah, you know, just some of the people that I had connection or made connections with in my teen years. You know, I'll say it this way. My household, my mom had white friends. Now, we really never talked about black issues, right. But when I got the upper bound, and we start talking about Fannie Lou Hamer, and we started talking about pouring libations. And we'd start talking about ancestors. My mind changed. So when I say, creators have to have a heart to have the passion. You have to be able to grasp who you are, what you are, and when you are. Because there is a certain point of time that God chooses his people to do his work. And if you're not listening, if you don't make yourself available, you might miss it, you might miss your call. So if you're a creative and you you have to understand what who we are in the first place as creatives. Right. We have always been the rebels, we have always been the people who infected or evoked change, yes, the creatives have been those people, right. And whether it's in art, I mean, whether it's in painting, whether it's in music, we have always been at the keyboard, if you will, of the struggle, we always have been. And so if you are creative, you must have passion, because there's one thing that I know, because I've experienced it. I've done good work over my years. But it wasn't until my heart was broken, and my lost my brother, hmm. That everything that it seemed like every single thing, all the all the fights that we had, right, all the disagreements that we dealt with, and all of the problems that he had, because again, he died in prison. All of those things, running through me during every shot that I took when I was shooting that documentary, style, documentary style news story, but every shot, I was thinking about him, but I was also thinking about the discipline. And my mind was racing and things just couldn't go fast enough in the connection in the push in the power. All of that energy was encompassed and pressed out on that piece. So if you're creative, and you have passion, the amount of work that goes into whatever you're doing is only as big as you can your heart.
Jas, the host:Yes, that is a word like. I feel like you have just given a whole sermon this episode like we did with the church this episode creative charging. Alright, so last thing how can people find you online to keep pace with your creative journey?
Marcus Eubanks:Ah, no, I'm a goofball. So I do certain little stuff on Facebook. I'm on Instagram. You can find me on Facebook at Marcus. Life's too short. You can find me on Instagram at four x underscore Fitz gerow 1906. That's my middle name. I tried to give y'all a little some right. Wow. Gosh, I'm on Twitter. Gosh, I have to look at my Twitter name.
Jas, the host:Look, that's how we know you not act today. Y'all know? Oh, look.
Marcus Eubanks:On Twitter, I am hat. I mean, at shoot the number two trill tr I ll, and I have a picture of me holding my me.
Jas, the host:That's how I know it's you. You have like it's in sheets at your house with you and your me on it.
Marcus Eubanks:Get on my deck with his skills.
Jas, the host:I don't blame you my head and me. I have pictures of everywhere. So. Yeah. Okay, cool. I'm glad that you were able to come on the show. And like really just hit us with so many powerful words about the importance of being passionate about your work and striving to do purposeful work. I know that there's somebody out there who's listening to this, who needs to hear this, especially at a time where you hear so many negative stories about the media, it's good to know there are people who care, you know about their work and their craft who work in the media.
Marcus Eubanks:Right. Right. Well, and and, you know, for the, for years, I was at, you know, when I was at the TV station, you know, again, being black and understanding the black experience and really having been giving the responsibility from black people. As I was coming up to understand who I am. And it's not, it's not me walking and going into these jobs and in doing a job for the people that I work for. I'm a representative. Right. And so when one of the reasons the news directors who were all white in Little Rock, one of the reasons they did they did not like me, because was when it came time to speak up for black people. I was always right there up front. A lot of you know, a lot of us get our jobs and get our money and we're good. And whatever happened. Oh my gosh, that's bad. Not a lot of us step up and speak up.
Jas, the host:Yes,
Marcus Eubanks:I was always wanting to step up and speak up.
Jas, the host:Yes, that is important. That's so important. It's not enough to just stand by, like you really need to say something and be a voice. Especially when you're in a space in which, you know, you're you're representing so many of us and I know it there's a weight we don't want to have to carry but sometimes we have to we carry that weight.
Marcus Eubanks:Yeah, it's on me as I see it. I was told by the established educated black people that I came in contact with an upper bound and thereafter that you see a pata demon tailor, that when we go out, we are a representative of our ancestors.
Jas, the host:Yes, we are
Marcus Eubanks:and one of the things why Mr. Damon Taylor would Always say, and Dr. Patricia McGraw represent. They would say represent. Yes. So bad for you like, you know, for good or bad, for better or worse for whether people liked what I said or not. I represented us.
Jas, the host:Yeah. Yeah, it is needed, if needed. What a word we have received today, Marcus came through and hit us with a sermon with some powerful words about the importance of being passionate about your work, which is so important. So as usual, I'm gonna hit you with five key takeaways to get you out the door. Number one, when in the public sphere, be prepared for the challenges of being a public figure, and know when to draw the line for the sake of the privacy and protection of your loved ones. So Mark is specifically spoke about an incident that happened that caused him to step away, he took a break and with that in combination with other things, but when he came back, he chose strategically to stay behind the camera, more so than in front of the camera because of that. So if you are in a public facing position, be mindful of the effects that that may have on your family and potential challenges that could come with that. Number two, no one to measure impact versus intention. And a lot of times we hear the phrase that it's not about, you know, the intention, it's about the impact. But I think in this particular example, you know, with Marcus not being able to measure the lies that he particularly affected, you know, it could make you feel like you don't have much of an impact if you're in a situation similar to his. But the intention behind the work and the responses you receive from the community can help you view the quality of change brought on by your work, there is power in being the spark that inspires the community. Number three, do work that you are truly passionate about. And that resonates with your spirit. When you operate under a greater purpose for your work, you move differently. That is not a call to religion, it doesn't matter what your beliefs are, religious wise, it doesn't matter. If you think life is already in chaos. Or if you think it's all strategically and divinely ordered. What matters is that you for your personal journey, and your career as a creative your work you find deeper meaning and why it is a you do what you do. Number four, identify who you are in relation to the world, and to your work. Knowing who when and where you are in your life journey can help make sense of your career. Mark is spoke a lot about knowing his history, knowing how important his work was, and knowing how important his work was to his community. And that deeply impacted the way that he went about his work in that drove a lot of his decisions when he faced challenges in the workplace. So understanding that, that knowing who you are, when you are and where you are, is impactful to your overall career direction. And number five, use your craft as a form of trauma, healing, when you're going through hardship, pour that energy into your art and create something beautiful. Marcus lost his brother, an important figure in anyone's life. And he spoke a lot about that experience and how he used that energy to pretty much drive, completing the LA massacre, and being able to provide a voice for the voiceless of those whose family members were lost. So just know that if you're going through something in the middle of your creative journey in the middle of your career journey, you have two options, you can either dig deeper into it and get further and further depressed and lose yourself and lose your art and lose your work in it. Or when the doors closed, you can choose instead of turning around and getting lost in the darkness, look for that very thin sliver of light. Unless you know there's something on the other side of that door. Even if it's locked. There's something on the other side and let that keep you hope. Let that spark something in you to drive you to complete your work for you, not for anyone else, not for your employer that for your client. But for you. That's why you need to do work that you're passionate about. That's all I have for today. As usual, I'm so glad that you stuck around for another episode of black Socrative podcast. Be sure to visit us on black socrative.com shop here. And also, if you haven't already done so leave us a review on Apple podcasts and share this episode or any other episode that you like with someone else. And lastly, if you have feedback Girl now I want to hear from you tell me what you think what you like what you don't like. Any suggestions, I'm open for it. You can find me anywhere you find like on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Until next time, keep aspiring to inspire. Thanks for listening to another episode of black sec. If you enjoyed listening in on this combo, leave a review on Apple podcasts or wherever you found us. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at Black executive has something to add to the conversation. Visit black spectacles comm to leave feedback and your thoughts could be featured on a later episode. While you're there, pick up your exclusive black executive gear and rep the culture and spread the knowledge if you know a black creator trying to go pro, a corporate mogul looking to advance or a cousin that's always hustling but never gets an idea going. Drop them a link to the show. Until next time, keep aspiring to inspire