^{I was invited to an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles courtesy of Disney to attend the #ThorRagnarokEvent & #ABCTVEvent in exchange for my coverage. No other compensation was provided. All views shared are completely my own.}

Twenty-five Disney bloggers, me included, had an opportunity to meet and interview Marcel Spears (T.K. Clifton) and Bernard David Jones (Jermaine Leforge) from ABC’s new show “The Mayor” during a press trip in Los Angeles. 

“The Mayor” is an American sitcom television series, about a young rapper, Courtney Rose (played by Brandon Micheal Hall) from the inner-city raised by a single mom that creates a publicity stunt that lands him the job as Mayor. 

“The Mayor” was created by Jeremy Bronson (“Speechless,” “The Mindy Project,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”). Jeremy Bronson, Daveed Diggs (Tony® winner for Broadway’s “Hamilton”), Jamie Tarses (“Happy Endings”) and James Griffiths (“black-ish”) also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by ABC Studios.

Yvette Nicole Brown (Dina Rose) who plays the mom of Courtney. She had him at 16 and not only raised him but played a major role in raising his two friends as well.   I have never heard a single parent say being a single parent is easy.  They make it work, but story after story I have heard of their struggle.  Trying to provide for their children, you know “bringing home the bacon and frying it up in the pan.”    

I never really considered myself as being raised by a single parent (with exception of living with LaSonia for a year) until my interview with cast members Marcel Spears and Bernard David Jones.  I suppose because I was primarily raised by my grandmother. I mean, there were times when my brother and I lived solely with our mom, and while she was a single mom, we always had the support of my grandmother.  Even when I lived solely with my grandmother, I had lots of family around. I was surrounded by my uncles, aunts, and cousins.

However, after watching “The Mayor” episode “The Filibuster” and hearing more about the show, I began to think about the role of a single mom and the outcomes related to the children they raise.  I am proud of the sacrifices made for me and my brother, in spite of the many challenges, we were raised well. 

I love that Jeremy Bronson created a show that sheds a positive light on the role of a single mom.  While Dina’s son, Courtney, clearly did not have it all together, he ended up doing well and making a difference in his community.  It was clear to me that the cast was vested and understood the importance of the show as well. 

“The Mayor” Has Purpose

As parents we want our children to understand their purpose, to know and appreciate what matters. Having an opportunity to watch a show that is based on politics on a level in which we can understand serves an important purpose.  I truly believe children will achieve to the level of their exposure.  When asked how Bernard and Marcel felt about taking on a politically flavored show at this time in our country’s political climate, the answer assured me that they too had found purpose in this show. 

“As artists, it’s kind of our duty, our job to be able to hold a mirror up to our country, our world and say, this is what’s going on.  How do we fix it?  What can we do to fix it? And I think our show is an awesome representation of what happens when somebody that has a heart for people, that understands community and unity, leads with love.  How that can affect a community and you know, this guy, he has no political experience.” – Bernard David Jones

“I agree. It’s an opportunity for us as artists to provoke change and to inspire people and the thing is, when I was kid, people wanted to be the President – even if you didn’t want to be the President, that was the go-to answer if a teacher or somebody asked you and you want to give the answer that’s going to make your mom go, “Awww!” – Marcel Spears

“The Mayor” Is Relatable

Making things relatable for our children is critically important as moms.  Discussing moral, relational or difficult situations can be hard.  I often use storytelling to explain things to my son Chance.  I found it refreshing to hear how relatable the show is to issues that matter from the cast. 

“For me, the episode that I connected to, that we’ve shot already, dealt with the boys having some sort of conflict and it just shows that even in the best friendships, or families, there may be times when you just don’t agree or you don’t like the way people handle things or you end up in a situation that’s not conducive to your friendship and you have to figure out a way to still love that person, but check them at the same time.” – Bernard David Jones

“The Mayor” Encourages You To Follow Your Dreams

Every child will have a dream of what they want to be when they grow up.  As moms, dads or guardians it’s our responsibility to lead our children through the journey of following their dreams.  I am always careful about the shows that I allow Chance to watch, so when I asked what does this show say to their 8-year-old selves, the smile on my face was just as big in my heart.  Definitely, inspired by the answer.

“That your dreams can be actualized. You can actually have a dream, whatever that dream may be.  If you work hard and you’re persistent, and you stay focused, it can come true. The world is literally available to you and no matter what anybody says, no matter what your situation is, Marcel came from the hood. Patterson, New Jersey, and here I am all the way in Hollywood.  Dreamed of it, wanted it, pursued it and God said, there you go.” – Bernard David Jones

“The Mayor” Is A Family-Friendly Show

Watching television as a family is a great way to have difficult discussions around important issues.  As a mom I like the one-on-one time talking with Chance but I have found that when we watch television together we have great conversations. From watching a few episodes, it was clear that “The Mayor” was a family-friendly show, but to hear from the cast that it would certainly remain that way was encouraging.   

“Yes, it’s a family show. That’s what important about our show and its special….  And I love that Jeremy created these characters that kids can look up to.  They can aspire to be the Mayor or, you know, Director of Communications.  Some may not even know what that is.  They may go home and Google, what is Director of Communications? I can do something like that!  That’s cool.” – Bernard David Jones

“And Jeremy really created a character that doesn’t really have the obvious skill set to be a politician, but still has an understanding by nature of how he grew up in a single parent household.  Growing up with a lot of love, growing up in an underprivileged or underfunded community, by the nature of his upbringing, he sort of understands subconsciously or intrinsically, the things that the people in the community need.” – Marcel Spears

From mom to mom, I wanted to not only share my interview but share why I encourage you and your family to support the new ABC sitcom “The Mayor”.  One of the most inspiring things about the show is the great example of what moms (especially single moms) do to support and encourage their children.  It was interesting to hear such a compelling perspective from Marcel in reference to the women of the show.

“The thing I like about our show, or our cast, it’s a family.  We have fun on set and the cool thing is the women are the pros in the situation, so…we make sure we look out for our girls, but they are bosses.  Like, the women on this show are bosses.”

I love television shows and films where I can learn, grow and/or be inspired.  I was inspired by the show and actors and will be tuning in to ABC every Tuesday night at 9:30/8:30pm CST. 

Watch tonight’s episode of “The Mayor” entitled “Buyer’s Remorse” – As Courtney settles into his new role as mayor, he’s faced with a dismal approval rating as the citizens of Fort Grey express their lack of confidence in his ability to lead, as well as those on his own staff. He realizes that he needs to take an unconventional approach when dealing with Councilman Ed Gunt (David Spade) and comes up with a plan to quickly turn public opinion in his favor.

You can also stay in the know by visiting The Mayor website, following “The Mayor” on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  You can also follow along using the #ABCTVEvent and #TheMayor hashtags. 

Were you inspired by Marcel Spears and Bernard David Jones? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

 

[latoyia]

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