Robert King Jr. shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Robert , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Lately, I’ve been pouring my heart into raising awareness about mental health in our community. Whether it’s through speaking on panels, writing plays and poetry, or even creating songs, I just want to spark conversations that help us heal and grow together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Robert King Jr. I’m a playwright, director, singer, actor, and mental health advocate. I grew up in Victoria, Texas, but it was in Austin where I truly found my voice and became the artist I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
It was seeing the world through the lens of Donny Hathaway that changed everything. When I first introduced THE VOICES OF DONNY HATHAWAY in 2017, following my own mental health journey, I had no idea how many lives it would touch.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
In our community, mental health still carries a heavy stigma. Even friends and family sometimes don’t understand the work we do in advocating for something often swept under the rug. Too often, people respond with, “Oh, stop talking about your problems and give them to God,” or “Just pray or go to church about it,” as if that’s the complete solution. While faith is important, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Therapy is another crucial piece—one that is often missing.
The Bible itself speaks to the value of counsel. Proverbs 11:14 reminds us that “without counsel, people fall into failure due to a lack of perspective, while a multitude of counselors provides safety and stability through shared wisdom.” Without guidance and support, even communities and kingdoms can struggle, but with collective wisdom, stability and growth are possible.
As James Baldwin said, “For, while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn’t any other tale to tell; it’s the only light we’ve got in all this darkness.” This show became that light for so many—helping people step out of the darkness and realize they are not alone in their struggles.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Keep going Robert!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
For years, even after achieving hit after hit on stage, I still felt like there was something more I was meant to do with my writing. I would start a script, get people excited about it, and even produce it. While performing on stage gave me great satisfaction, the writer in me still felt unfulfilled.
This past summer, I returned home to Texas for a few months to regroup. I realized my writing wasn’t fully accomplishing what it was meant to. I sensed there was more to my purpose, and that’s when God spoke to my spirit, telling me to help save people from themselves. It was a revelation, but for it to truly resonate, I had to put myself in a place where I could hear His voice and embrace the calling.
Since returning to Atlanta, I’ve received numerous invitations for The Voices of Donny Hathaway to be produced at other theaters. I’ve also been inspired to write new works that explore the struggles and trials faced by married couples navigating life together.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Iamrobertkingjr
- Facebook: Robert King Jr.
Image Credits
Sally Jones
