By Scott Solomon
When chasing a dream, it can be a tedious and lonely road for those in pursuit. Each day, we are reminded to be driven to work, and persevere through challenges in which some we may not have full control over. Nevertheless, the fruit of one’s labor is rarely shown while the work is being done, but rather after.
In this story, Deltaplex News spoke with Belefia Parks, (aka BJ) a Pine Bluff native who recently starred in an acting role for a movie entitled “Make It Out” that released in April of 2023. The movie was shot in Galveston, Texas.
BJ was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he would frequently make visits to Pine Bluff during the summer. “Growing up, I was into animals, and aspired to be a vet. By the time I got to college, I learned more about that career and decided on what I wanted to pursue.”
While in High School, BJ was creating comedic skit videos, and in turn his engagement started increasing. He initially didn’t have plans back then to pursue entertainment/comedy. “These were the early days of Instagram when I wasn’t seeing returns.” However, once BJ started college most of his focus shifted towards his studies while still working on skit videos in his free time. In the midst of creating content while at college, he began working alongside recording artists at the school which gave BJ further confirmation on what he wants to do in life.
While working with other artists at school, BJ began to develop an interest in entertainment. It was important for him to find his niche early, so through standup comedy and other various entertainment mediums, he gained a better perspective as to what made him funny and what the crowd reacted to the most.
Though his college days were ending, BJ found himself eager to pursue entertainment even more after gaining a hefty amount of experience on campus. “Before I arrived on campus, I didn’t realize how broad entertainment was.”
BJ graduated from college with a better understanding of what he wants to do in life and a renewed sense of intent to start his career in entertainment.
Right after graduation, BJ moved back to Pine Bluff and stayed for about 5 months. He later moved to Texas for work and to pursue his aspirations of becoming a world-wide entertainer. During that time, things became questionable. While working, it started to become apparent to BJ that he will have to take his pursuit to becoming an entertainer more seriously.
“I’m working for a couple years then lost my job. I had no other options; I couldn’t go back home. This setback pushed me to work harder at improving my craft and receiving opportunities.”
Through connections and networking, BJ was able to land multiple auditions. Some fell and some didn’t, but he was relentless, which led him to landing a role with Kinny Summers Productions. “It felt unreal, but I knew it was time, this was it. It’s up to me to keep going now that I know what it takes.”
“Make It Out” is a movie which released in April of 2023. The story is about a young aspiring artist named Cairo who is working to launch his rap career to new heights, while trying to avoid trouble stemming from his environment and people in it. BJ played Corey, a local drug dealer who made multiple appearances throughout the movie. “Make It Out” out now on Tubi for streaming.
