Schatar Sapphira Collier '88 

Since 1976, National Black History Month has had an endorsed theme as a part of the celebration. For 2024, the theme is "African Americans and the Arts," spanning the many impacts Black Americans have had on visual arts, music, dance, theater, and cultural movements. This month’s spotlight features a small group of Black GDS Alumni who have used their artistic talents and skills to be agents of change to create, uplift, and inspire. 

Introducing…Schatar Sapphira Collier '88 

Schatar is a celebrity actress, producer, vocalist, and a founder of a multimedia brand that creates television programming and merchandise. She also sits on the Board of Governors of the Academy Of Television Arts And Sciences Pacific Southwest Chapter.

“At the young age of five, I recited the poem ‘The Creation’ by James Welson Johnson in front of my church. I waved my hands with intention and pronounced each consonant of every word just as I’d practiced and delivered the poem in the most booming voice I could,” said Schatar,

“When I finished, the church gave me a standing ovation and everyone was smiling and clapping.” 

At that time, Shatar didn’t know what a standing ovation was, she simply knew that people were happy and the room was filled with joy. It was then she knew what wanted to do: to have this positive impact on the world and to bring joy and smiles.

“This has been my North Star throughout my career,” said Schatar. 

She has performed in three shows at the John F. Kennedy Center, including a Debbie Allen production, a six-month national tour, and a children’s opera. She has appeared in top global television shows on MTV Networks/VH1 as well as in other television and movies including “High Roller,” “Boston Legal,” “Waist Deep,” “The Doctors,” and a show she also produced called “Poultry Princess” on Amazon Prime. 

Schatar’s advice to all is to stay encouraged: “Understand that your actions may have a positive impact on someone even when you think no one is watching. A welcoming word, an act of kindness, or a thoughtful generosity might be the very thing that makes all the difference in someone’s life, which could affect them and their generations to come. So stay encouraged, reach your goals and live your dreams.”