During Black History Month, we will spotlight the voices of Black creatives, from content creators to co-founders, we’ve asked questions to those that inspire us to tell us what’s on their mind. The interview questions remain the same throughout, but the answers provide a unique view of every single person. 

We had the pleasure to connect with Patrick Ladonis, the writer, producer, and creator of Scales. Patrick refers to his brand as “authentically transparent” and believes that his authenticity is the key to him pushing his work towards a larger audience. 

Though he was new to filmmaking in 2018 when he released Scales, Patrick says  “My energy attracts openness. When people feel that you model consistency in your mood, work ethic, and overall demeanor it attracts others to you. Being who you are and comfortable self-awareness is the most important factor to the successes that I have been fortunate to gain and will continue to make.” (Source)

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It means it’s a month to elevate. Elevate the appreciation that I’ve always had for the black skin that I’m in. It’s a special time to showcase an even larger amount of appreciation for the legacy of the people before me, as well as those who will come after me.  I love that even in the 28 days allotted to celebrate nationally a culture of achievement, and historical accomplishments, that our success and achievement can only continue to rise.  Black History is a win and celebration for me everyday of the year! 

How does your storytelling speak to the black experience? 

I think my storytelling showcases the black experience in a way that is the makeup of our culture, and yet showcasing that’s it universal. For example SCALES, is a series about relationship balance in several forms. The series is also a show that was created by a black man, directed by a black woman, and features some of the most amazing independent singers who are black. The melanin pops throughout the series and I think it’s very special in how the black experience shows up on- /off-screen in my storytelling. I love that I’m telling stories that feature a diversity of talent that are existing to balance each other in a way that’s somewhat comical and complex, but very meaningful in the end. 

What kind of stories do you feel still need to be highlighted for the black queer community? 

I think there is more work to be done to showcase the beauty of our trans community. I think more stories should look at Bi-sexual relationships. I think holistically we can miss the mark on showcasing those stories. We have to expand our community beyond a few letters(L,G, and sometimes T) There are so many amazing stories that have yet to be told from a lens of the Trans, Bi, Queer, etc community. We still face a lot of taboos in the black queer community.  There is more space and room to be made for our stories. We are on this Earth existing and have no plans to leave!

In celebration of Black History Month, Revry has curated a powerful collection of stories told by Black artists featuring films, TV series, music, and more. See the playlist on Revry.