Director of Dreams:
Calvin 'Cylk' Cozart His newest directing venture ‘Inheriting The Land - Jim Crowe Meets Miss Maggie’s Will’, is a documentary based on the book written by Gene Stowe
W
e all strive to reach our full potential. To maximize ourselves on a personal, professional, and human level. These days. the American dream seems to be the ability to take what you love, turn it into a successful career, and in turn give back to the communities that lifted us up. For some this may seem like an impossible feat, but award winning director, actor, producer, writer and basketball player Calvin ‘Cylk’ Cozart has managed to do just that. Cylk took what he loved, and used it to change the direction of his life. With this success, and his undeniable passion for life, he chooses to relay messages that inspire change, give back to communities all around the world, and be an advocate for those who need it most. Coming from humble beginnings in the small town of Knoxville, TN, Cylk became a volunteer fire fighter at age 14, and played football and basketball in high school, where he was nothing less than a star. Through basketball, a scholarship sent him to Montreal-Anderson College in North Carolina for his first year. Shortly after, he was recruited by Coach Nida, and transferred to King University where he continued his love for the game of basketball, and with that continued his legacy. After his early success, Cylk’s talent took him on an adventure playing for the National Basketball Association Entertainment League, for the Utah Jazz. During this time, an injury would occur that would change Cylk’s journey. He went through months of rehabilitation, and ultimately realized the injury was
14 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
not healing properly. At that point, a player that won the Larry Smith Award, was inducted into the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame & was a 3 time 3 point shooting champion for the NBA entertainment league became a professional model. Cylk, who’s nick name means ‘Running Water’ in Cherokee, comes from a Cherokee mother, and a black father. With his edgy looks, and undeniable charm, it seemed to be a perfect fit. As we could have guessed, this venture also became a successful career for the ever talented young man, and he would go on to be seen in GQ, Sports Illustrated and major billboards all over America. He has ultimately continued his growth, and has become the founder of Cylk Enterprises, which encompasses multiple successful, and charitable endeavors he has created throughout the years. Cylk has acted in over 20 TV shows, such as, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Saved By The Bell and Walker, Texas Ranger. As well as over 40 films, most famously known for his role as Robert in ‘White Men Can’t Jump’, with his combined
films grossing over $1 billion. Incredibly, this year on his birthday, February 1st, respected congress member Tim Burchett had the American flag flown over the United States Capitol in Cylk’s honor. Tim Burchett is the former mayor of Knox County, TN, and the current U.S representative for Tennessee’s 2nd congressional district, based in Knoxville. He requested the flag be flown in honor of Cylk’s birthday to recognize his impact professionally, as well as how much he has given back to the community as a whole. To Cylk, this was such an incredible and unbelievable honor. Additionally, this year, Cylk was the recipient of the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award directly from President Biden, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
