JMS’s Screening Circle brings a little magic with Nicole Cardoza
On Oct. 22, the School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) held its fall Screening Circle (SC) with storyteller, activist and magician Nicole Cardoza. Launched in the spring of 2021, the SC’s goal is to showcase stories by or about those from traditionally marginalized groups.
Through her blend of magic and storytelling, Nicole Cardoza took to stage to encourage the audience to find the magic in their own lives while highlighting the work of past Black and female magicians. As a Black, queer woman, Cardoza understands the challenges and hardships these groups often face in the media industry.
JMS advertising student Emma Kidger appreciated the unique combination of humor, magic and activism throughout the performance.
“She really tapped into a nostalgic and lighthearted magic set, which was unexpected but definitely most needed for college students. While most magic shows involve the typical bunny in a hat or coin in the ear trick, the show was more about the magic that's in all of us and how we can use it to our advantage.”
JMS journalism student Lindsey Brintwood said, “Nicole Cardoza’s performance was really neat and she did a great job engaging the audience throughout and sharing the purpose behind her magic.”
Beyond magic, Cardoza is the founder of Reimagined (formerly Anti-Racism Daily), a weekly newsletter highlighting news, stories, conversations and actions to reimagine how we live, work and stay well. This newsletter has a large social media following and 300,000 email subscribers. She is also a children’s book author and a frequent public speaker who shares her expertise on social justice. Through these different initiatives, Cardoza has found different platforms and outlets to spread a common message around social justice.
Growing up, Cardoza always had an interest for magic but found that magic kits and acts were often marketed toward boys. Now a successful magician, she combines her passion for activism and equity by creating a magic kit that features diverse magicians, allowing kids from all backgrounds to see and identify with someone performing tricks. In this way, she shares her “Black Girl Magic” to inspire and educate others.
JMS director Temple Northup agreed that this year's Screening Circle was a success.
“I am thrilled at how well the event went. Nicole Cardoza was such an engaging performer, weaving magic with the encouragement of finding our inner child. It really showcased that there are many ways to be an effective storyteller and use your voice to advocate for social change.”
The next Screening Circle installment will happen March 11, 2025, with a screening of the film Sing Sing.
