Anthony Sparks

Connection to CTD

I was a CTD/MTS student when I was 12 years old in the early years. 1985. I believe the Chicago public school system gave me a scholarship to attend, as there was no way my family could afford the fees back then.

I was also a student from 1988-1990 of the NU Horizons mentorship program run by Dr. Joy Scott. This was a monthly college prep and workshop program for working class, high achieving students of color in their the last two years of high school.

Active Years

1980s

Bio

I grew up on Chicago's’s south side and graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School. I then attended USC (University of Southern California) for all of my formal college education. I earned a BFA degree in theatre and acting; and then earned MA and PhD degrees in American Studies & Ethnicity when I returned to USC after a successful 10 year career interlude where I worked on and off Broadway as an actor and playwright.

I am now blessed to be 20 years into my career as an award winning television writer, executive producer, showrunner (Bel-Air, Queen Sugar, The Blacklist, among other credits).

And I am also a professor and mentor, teaching when I can at USC, Occidental College, and California State University, Fullerton. And info-edited a book about gifted children and adults alongside Joy Scott.

And I am a proud husband and father to three academically and creative kids— who have also participated in gifted and talented programs all over the country.

Advice to Your Younger Self or Someone Considering CTD

Don’t sweat the small stuff. And it’s all mostly small stuff.

You won’t win at everything. Nor do you have to. Just keep being true to yourself, while listening to those who truly have your best interests at heart.