Meet Jordan Rome | writer/director|performer|activator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Rome and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has been a driving force in the success I claim over my life. Risk is an opportunity to exercise your faith and strengthen your trust muscles. Still, more importantly, it’s a catalyst that brings you closer to your desires. That’s not to say that risk lacks intention or even calculation. It’s more so that you don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect before putting your vision out into the world or taking a chance on yourself- which is especially significant for women of color because the gender disparities in pitching ideas will show you that women are more hesitant when it comes to pitching their ideas. Overall, it’s about being comfortable in the uncomfortable and being observant and present when it is. Only then can we do something different that has the potential to yield better results.

In regards to my career, it’s been nothing but taking risks. I’ve chosen to pursue a life of artistry and creativity and to honor my truth and unconventional path. I’ve always been artistic and creative, but it wasn’t until after I graduated college that I was ready to put myself out there as an actor/performer, later on with directing, writing, and producing. Though I have a ton to learn to add value to what I do and grow in my craft, what I’ve been able to establish for myself thus far has been by taking a risk, trial, and error, remaining teachable and eager to see my vision through no matter how messy it is along the way.

A creative path is always risky because of the quote-unquote “risk factors” regarding stability, vulnerability, and insecurities. Art is valuable, and the highest expression of the human spirit, but more support, protection, and investment in the arts is necessary so it doesn’t feel like such a risk that threatens our well-being and quality of life.

I’ve learned that you miss every shot you don’t take. Along the journey, you’ll experience what you don’t want to help you refine your vision. Your creations may never be fully perceived in the unique way you’ve intended. Still, it’s about exercising your creative expression and putting your message out there because it holds value and can positively influence someone.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I always joke that I’m a professional life-liver, hacking through the systems governing how we move through the world. In many ways, this speaks to my personal philosophy and values, which inevitably bleed into what I do and create, who I work with, and the stories I want to tell. I’ve been a writer, actor, director, producer, activist, and traveler. I cycle between these various emoting modes depending on my life season. I desire to dedicate more time to honing in on a particular thing, but that’s not a part of my process. I’m incredibly proud of the emotional, spiritual, and physical foundation I’ve created that allows me the flexibility to pursue the experiences that light me up, which perhaps has made intentional detours. Still, I’ve always felt like I’ve been on my path.

I’m always trying to push back and deconstruct and dismantle the programming of imperialist white supremacist capitalist patriarchy within my life and the world around me. It’s inspired many of my creations, from the first two short films I made as a director/producer who had no idea what they were doing but needed an outlet to express and make sense of the rise of the police murdering Black people (this was around 2015-16 through 2019) to being fortunate to act in play productions, performances, and independent films that align with my values and ethics and have always addressed a social issue important to me, to organizing and spearheading a successful tenants union during the global pandemic, and later leaving the country to spend 3 years abroad continuing to deprogram my Western psyche, connect with the African Diaspora, and develop my current project and writing. Now, I feel invested in the spectrum of joy, play, and fantasy as a portal to liberation and healing- rewriting our narratives and expanding beyond the limitations and ways we’ve been taught to understand ourselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a difficult question because I’m awful at playing the role of tour guide, nor do I like it. Also, I’m in a time of my life where I’ve been living without a zip code, which began in early 2020 after moving from Chicago, where I lived for ten years. I mean, Chicago is excellent. There’s so much talent in that city and so many dope events, delicious and innovative food, and music, and you can’t beat Chicago in the summer. I really loved my time living in Guadalajara, Mexico. There’s nothing like it. I’m grateful to have connected with a beautiful community of artists and musicians. I loved live music at Café Breton, Jamaica, grabbing a bite to eat in Tlaquepaque, Museo Cabañas. I’m also a big fan of spending time in nature. A walk or picnic in the park is a go-to or lounging on the beach. Since living in Morocco, I enjoyed surfing and being in the water. When someone was visiting, it’d be a must to take them to have freshly made bread from a remarkable woman in town, go to Zoras for msemen with honey and cheese, or enjoy a home-cooked meal with fish from the fisherman or goat. I also love the parks in Spain and strolling through with a hot cafecito and a treat from El Horno… I’m a big bread fan!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of so many people! Those who have taken a chance on me, given me opportunities, advocated for me, and shown me unconditional love.

I have an incredible support team that I’m beyond grateful for, including my amazing parents and big sister, who’ve always encouraged and believed in me; my beloved friends and acquaintances who inspire me to be brave and who are always looking out for me, putting opportunities on my radar, and connecting me with the right people, my creative collaborators, mentors coaches and teachers, and various communities in Chicago that I was embraced by, challenged by, and truly inspired by.

Website: thejordanrome.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejordanrome/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejordanrome/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejordanrome/

Image Credits
Koko- @kokofotografia