047 — Black Hers And History: Ronnita L. Miller (Writer/Comedian)
In honor of Black History Month last month, Las Cruxes invited several friends and colleagues of color, to highlight their story and share some of their favorite and influential music made by Black artists.
Ronnita L. Miller is an Austin based writer, comedian, and actor. She is a founding member of the B. Iden Payne Award winning improv troupe, Damn Gina. You can see her debut acting performance in B. B. Araya's Beta and most recently on Issa Rae's "We Are" short-film series.
We are delighted to welcome Ronnita to the program for a Q&A, followed by her music mix:
"I wanted to do something that represented February to me. Black History Month and Valentine's Day are the notable celebrations of February. I usually make myself an anti-Valentine's mix every year, exploring the darker side of love and what it means to be a single Black woman. I wanted to include songs that represent the complications of loving yourself, your Blackness and this country."
Can you touch on your background and what got you to Austin, TX?
I'm an Army brat. I was born in Frankfurt, Germany (along with my twin brother) and I moved around a lot growing up. My parents settled in El Paso after the Army and that is where I went to high school. I moved to Austin after attending university in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It was in Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington/Denton that I made lifelong friendships with some really amazing musicians and DJs that helped to broaden my musical tastes. Austin just felt like that natural next step because I found myself traveling to Austin often for music and art.
What sparked your interest in performing comedy?
I have mental health issues so I consume a lot of comedy because it lifts my mood. Humor has a natural rhythm that I can feel. I'd tried improv in college, but it was White male dominated and I didn't really feel accepted as a Black woman. I started doing comedy more seriously about 3 years ago because I felt that I have a voice that is needed in the conversation especially now, as a longtime Austinite and a woman of color. It has really allowed me to find and explore my voice. I perform improv most often, but I also do stand-up and sketch and write for others as well.
Any specific comedians you look up to?
My sister, Charity, is a writer in L.A. and she is a huge influence on me. She really pushes me to work hard and is so supportive. I grew up on Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Lenny Bruce, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Wanda Sykes, Redd Fox and things like BET's Comic View, In Living Color, SNL, MADTV and HBO stand-up specials. I also have an obsession with Norman Lear shows from the 70s and and all the Black sitcoms from the 90s.
You’ve recently worked on “We Are”, a short film series you helped write and also acted in. What’s the premise of the show for those who are unfamiliar?
It is a series of interconnected stories, all featuring women of color, set in East Austin. The stories explore sisterhood, mental illness, friendship, career choice, etc. We just tell real stories and the dialogue and humor make it very relatable. The love and response has been the most inspiring part of the series to me.
Would you say these ventures have all helped you evolve on a personal level?
I definitely feel like I gained some of the best friends I've ever had in my life. I used to feel like my experiences alienated me from most people, but now I have learned that being open and expressing myself truthfully only draws more people to me. Making movies is something I wanted to pursue but I never felt like that was a realistic or practical goal. I took all the pressure off myself to be good and I try to focus on having fun and learning. I've learned that if I enjoy what I do, someone else will too.
Besides yourself, who knows you best?
I would have to say my father. I try to spend as much time with him as possible which usually means being in his garage or helping out with one of his many projects. We usually talk on the phone daily. We've built cars together and we agree on most things. I feel like I am the woman version of him, which is fun because I am named after him. He is constantly telling me to slow down! I have a need for speed in everything that I do.
What is the biggest challenge about being a black woman in our trying political climate and how do you navigate through that challenge?
I find that I am often tasked with explaining issues that impact the Black diaspora or that people see me as a spokesperson for my entire race. It is ridiculous to assume such a role and sometimes people don't recognize that "doing the work" is more than just having a conversation with a Black person or having them explain their entire worldview. I have learned that I have the right to refuse to engage in conversations as a way of practicing self care.
What ways can non-black people and allies help communities of color?
By learning from other cultures and understanding that all groups of people have some diversity. We don't need to surround ourselves with people that agree with us on everything. Getting out of your comfort zone and seeing the humanity in every person is better than having untried and untested ideals. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable in conversations about race. Too many people want to claim to be an ally but are not actively challenging themselves to understand what that really means. Diversity is more than just skin color and if you are only seeking out convenient/obvious diversity, you are likely missing out on opportunities for growth and change.
And what ways can POC come together and build solidarity?
I think we need to recognize our shared struggles but we also need to openly discuss the tensions that exist between different communities of color. It is not something we like to reflect on much, but we need to discuss how we have all been tainted by the colonizers and continue to work to root out the evils and self-hatred they instilled in us.
Walk us through a day in your life...
My days are usually filled with work. I am an early riser, so I work a schedule of 7AM to 3PM. I wake between 5 and 630 and get ready for my day. I work at a tech company, so you can find me working from home in the morning. I generally start my day by listening to shows like The Breakfast Club and Ebro in the Morning while I drink my morning tea and have a protein smoothie or nutritional shake. I get caught up on emails and do any work that is pressing. Then around 930/945 I head in to the office while I listen to Sway in the Morning on the radio. When I get to the office, I make myself another cup of tea and work while listening to music on TIDAl, YouTube or Soundcloud. I also read a ton online throughout the day. I try to listen to podcasts but I don’t have much of an attention span for them while I work so I find myself missing the narrative.
We get lunch delivered at work daily and I try to eat lunch as my biggest and healthiest meal of the day. When I get out of work at 3, I usually go straight home. I try to have a hard reset after work. This may include cooking, riding my stationary bike, reading, going to therapy, yoga, or meditation. I try to use my evening to check in with myself. There are comedy shows 7 nights a week in Austin, and I usually have a couple of shows a week. If I'm staying in for the night, I will read or binge watch something with a ton of episodes. I don't really keep up with most of the shows people are talking about. I like to be intentional about what I'm watching and not just be caught up with what is popular or trendy.
I try to go to bed early between 11PM and 12AM. I have insomnia, so I try to wear myself out mentally and physically through the day so that I can rest. I have a super extra nighttime routine that includes aromatherapy, meditation, and sometimes medication.
A record you never tire of?
Lauryn Hill MTV Unplugged No. 2. I still have my original CD I purchased when this album came out.
What are you listening to?
I've been into a bunch of Jazz/Funk/Soul Jazz instrumentals lately. I am a vibe rider so anything with a chill vibe that I can skywalk to.
What are you reading?
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler and The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince by Mayte Garcia
Last movie you watched?
Black Panther!
If you could collaborate with any artist/comedian/etc, past or present, who would it be?
I'm living for Janelle Monae lately. And I’ve been a huge Donald Glover fan for some time now, so I can’t forget about him.
Any exciting projects or endeavors lined up for 2018?
I am currently in Missed Connections ATX on Saturdays through March 24th at ColdTowne Theater. I usually have at least one improv show a week and I plan to be out making the rounds at stand-up open mics in the near future.
Lastly, are there any black-affiliated causes, charities or organizations you want to shout-out or raise awareness for?
CounterBalance ATX and Six Square Austin's Black Cultural District.
*For more information please visit Ronita on — Website | Instagram | Twitter
Tracklist:
1. Brenda Holloway - When I'm Gone
2. Syreeta - Black Maybe
3. Curtis Mayfield - We the People Who are Darker than Blue
4. Gil Scott Heron - We Almost Lost Detroit
5. Marvin Gaye - Woman of the World
6. Funkadelic - Biological Speculation
7. Ike & Tina Turner - Black Coffee
8. Chaka Khan - Clouds
9. Bootsy Collins - I'd Rather Be With You
10. Outkast - Prototype
11. Bobbi Humphrey - Harlem River Drive
12. Sylvia (Robinson) - Sho Nuff Boogie
13. George McCrae - I Get Lifted
