Today we’d like to introduce you to Cedric Norris, Jr.
Cedric, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Thomson, GA, a small town right outside of Augusta. From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been a visionary, a dreamer. I enjoyed anything that allowed me to express myself creatively. I grew up in the church, the first pentecostal, then later transitioned to baptist. It was there that I discovered my voice, my ability to touch people and impact their lives. I was a part of the dance ministry, and we did this type of dance called praise dance, or informally known as “liturgical.” We were young teens dancing in churches and venues, both large and small, and we were dynamic. We knew we had a gift and we knew how big of a responsibility it was. Personally, dance had become my dream and it was something I really wanted to do. Growing up where I grew up, that wasn’t a reality for someone like me. It was more of a fantasy than it was a reality. Plus, I did not have the support of moving to New York and chasing that dream, so I gave up on it. It is my biggest regret.
Determined to not let go of any more dreams, I packed my bags and went to Georgia College & State University just two weeks after graduation. I jumped right spearheading discussions about race, social justice, and even taking on the lead role as Emmett “Bo” Till in Ifa Bayeza’s “The Ballad of Emmett TIill.” Amidst the success of the show and sporting my evolved black pride, I returned home for Thanksgiving break and it wasn’t long before tragedy struck. My aunt had recently been diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenia disorder. Over the course of that time, her behavior had become rather manic. It wasn’t long before my grandparents had to shift their lives to become her primary caretaker, focused on getting her the help she needed and deserved.
Just a couple of days before Thanksgiving, she had an episode where she used a gun she’d purchased from a local pawnshop to shoot up the walls in her bedroom. My grandfather addressed her about the situation, asking for the gun and emphasizing that the shooting was the last straw. My grandmother arrived at the home and walked in on the exchange and before her eyes, my aunt grabbed the gun and shot my grandfather six times. What was supposed to be a familial celebration of food and fellowship soon turned into a tragic moment in time. When I returned to college, it was the combination of grief, depression, and anxiety that I was left to deal with. It broke me, and within six months, I gained 30 pounds and developed night terrors. After seeing the doctor, it was important I put my health first. So I did. Mentally, physically, and creatively.
A year later at the age of 19, I released my first book, Black Light Shining. A year after that, I released my second book, Gracefully Broken. My life changed and I evolved into this man that became aware, intune, and mentally responsible for my life and my experiences. I discovered the art of meditation, ritualistic journaling, and manifestation. My ministry grew from just writing to local schools and organizations, inviting me to speak and share my story. From there, I birthed Intentional Creations, a service by me provided to those committed to becoming the BEST, HIGHEST, and TRUEST expression of themselves.
Today, I am 23 years young, fresh out of my third publication, “Coping While Black: A Motivational Journal for the Black Activist.” I currently hold a position at Georgia State University as an Educational Program Specialist for TRiO SSS, where we coach, advise, provide grants, and workshops for first-generation, low income, and disabled students. I am committed to the betterment and evolution of all people, but more importantly, BLACK people. I want to create platforms for us to grow, for us to connect to the meaningful and important parts of ourselves. It’s the reason why my best friend, Jai Fitzgerald, and I decided to produce our own podcast show ‘Tea Time with Cedric & Jai’ because we saw the need for conversations to be navigated from the perspective of two twenty-something-year-olds navigating life in Atlanta.
Author. Motivator. Speaker. Podcast Host, no matter the title; I am here today because of God, because of my village, because of angels who guided me along the way. It is how I will continue to move forward. It is my lifeline, and it works perfectly for my formula of life.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Aside from struggling with depression and anxiety, the biggest struggles I experienced were breaking free from the limitations I’d been conditioned to believe about myself. Because I believed I wasn’t capable, I surrounded myself around people who believed that about themselves as well. When I found that light, those were the same people who attempted to dim it.
It’s not easy to write a book. It is not easy to be vulnerable about your life, your flaws, and your experiences. Often times, I feel like my life is harder because much more is required of me, but I am determined to persevere because I understand my life is not my own. It’s the reason why I self-published my books despite the efforts of publishing houses trying to sign me. Because the message I have to offer is not one to be edited or washed down, in this marathon called life, I’m willing to wait for the right opportunity so that it can be honored and delivered correctly.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Intentional Creations by Cedric Norris, Jr is constantly evolving. Currently, I offer motivational workshops on the topics of race, the black experience, sexuality, spirituality, self-worth/reflection, and brand strategy. I also am available for one-on-one life coaching sessions and motivational speaking engagements.
Working with me is all about the authentic experience. My foundation of work is clear and grounded in the disciplines of universal Christian spirituality and mindfulness. With every client, I tailor the work and content to their needs. As the company evolves, we are working to bring inspirational merchandise and other lifestyle items to the brand.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. Luck does not exist to me. God’s blessings are what I call it. Preparation is how you attain it. Grace is what you get even when you don’t deserve it, but luck? Never that.
Pricing:
- Book 1: Black Light Shining (Amazon) $11.99
- Book 2: Gracefully Broken (Amazon) $14.99
- Book 3: Coping While Black: A Motivational Journal for the Black Activist (Lulu.com) $20.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cedricnorrisjr.com
- Phone: 7064664048
- Email: authorcedricnorrisjr@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thelifeofced
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gracefullybrokencnj/
- Other: Podcast: Tea Time with Cedric & Jai (Coming October 1st)
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