Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Cunningham.
Hi Ray, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My 15 minutes started 15 years ago! From BET’s College Hill to VH1’s Love & Hip Hop Hollywood, I’ve established myself and earned the “veteran OG” status in black entertainment. I’ve had the unique experience of working as a talent on camera, behind the camera in production, and in the network office in corporate communications. I’ve been bicoastal my entire life, calling Virginia and Los Angeles home due to my parents divorcing at an early age.
The interesting thing about my journey now is I’m back where it all started, at Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA graduating with my master’s degree in Media Management this December and made a featured guest appearance on College Hill’s Celebrity Edition series reboot for BET earlier in the spring. Leading up to this momentous moment, I’ve had some YOU GO BOY moments – I received several honoring in my hometown – a Proclamation from the Mayor of Petersburg and LGBT Media Awad from the city of Richmond, my book Mess With A Message made me a #1 award-winning best selling author and released YARDopoly which celebrates HBCUs in the theme of Monopoly. filmed two movies, I signed with CGEM Talent and booked two films – You Married Dat? was an ABFF (American Black Film Festival) contender this summer, and most recently, the suspense thriller The Assistant which will be on Tubi directed by Chris Stokes. I am now an ambassador and host for the Black College Expo presented by NCRF (National College Resources Foundation) which provides financial literacy and scholarships to inner-city youth who want to attend an HBCU.
Once I acknowledged my purpose, I’ve been able to successfully walk in my light and get my life! I’m a certified mess with a message and that message is persistence and determination are your only friends in this business.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth journey over the last 15 years and I’ve definitely had more NOs than I’ve had YES responses.
The NO’s motivate me to go harder and those significant YES moments have allowed me to establish the platform and connections that I have. I can honestly say my success has been a group effort with the guidance of my family, friends, and supporters.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been recognized and celebrated for being an authentic and innovative media personality, often ahead of the trend. I’ve hosted talk shows, and podcasts, gotten people cast on network shows, done red carpet correspondence, event coordinator for high profile clients, executive produced digital content for networks/brands, served as an entertainment editor for publications and the list goes on – in this business you can’t do just one thing.
Always on the go looking for the next gig, I sometimes don’t realize how much I’ve done in the short time I’ve been in the business. I’m most proud of the work I do behind the scenes that have a significant impact like the voter registration PSA I cast for the NAACP back in 2018 that featured Wanda Sykes and Van Lathan through my company Social Status.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I am a proud co-native of Los Angeles, so Hollywood ain’t new to me – the people are. I love the diverse cultures, warm weather, and endless opportunities that arise at any given moment if you’re able to network effectively. The main thing I don’t care for is the traffic but everyone in this business ends up taking a meeting on the 405 at some point.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Missterray804
- Facebook: Missterray
- Twitter: @Missterray
