by: Dr. Kirkpatrick Williams

At 37 years old, Jerrick Thomas is a person of many talents—a singer, writer, actor, and podcaster—but his journey to finding his voice has been anything but ordinary. Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Thomas has used his experiences—both painful and triumphant—to fuel his creative passions. Whether writing under his pseudonym Jrayis Deyond, acting on the big screen, or hosting his podcast “Jerrick with A Lil Tea Time,” he has one mission: to tell stories that matter.

Thomas didn’t always know he could sing. At just nine years old, he was hit by a car, an accident that left both physical and emotional scars. His mother, searching for a way to help him heal, enrolled him in church, hoping it would provide him with structure and purpose. It was there, in the walls of the church, that young Jerrick discovered something extraordinary—his voice. Joining the youth choir, he quickly realized he had a natural talent for singing. The once-unexpected gift became a lifelong passion, setting the foundation for his artistic expression. By age 10, he was performing regularly, and music became more than just a hobby—it became a way for him to process emotions and connect with others.

If music was Thomas’ first artistic love, writing was his lifeline. At age 15, he turned to the written word as a means of maintaining a connection with his father, who was incarcerated. Their letters and stories became the glue holding their relationship together, but over time, writing became something more personal—an outlet for his own struggles. As a young man, Thomas wrestled with confusion about his sexual identity, endured sexual abuse, and experienced the emotional weight of childhood trauma. Unable to fully express these experiences in conversation, he poured them into his writing, crafting stories that mirrored his pain, his questions, and ultimately, his growth. Since then, Thomas has published eight books, each reflecting a piece of his personal evolution. His 2017 release, “Coming Full Circle,” encapsulates his journey toward self-acceptance and healing. His storytelling is raw, honest, and deeply personal, offering readers a window into the resilience of the human spirit.

While writing and singing had long been pillars of his artistic life, acting was never in the plan. However, life has a way of leading people to unexpected destinations. After spending time interviewing actors and industry professionals, Thomas found himself drawn into the world of acting. What started as curiosity turned into a calling. For the past three years, he has built a growing resume in film, television, and theater. His acting credits include:

“The Blind” – A film about Phil Robertson’s life
Mahogany Media’s YouTube series “Situationships”
“Never Alone for Christmas” – His breakout role, which aired on BET+
Local stage productions such as “A Soulful Christmas Carol”

Thomas has embraced acting as another powerful form of storytelling. Whether on stage or in front of the camera, he uses his performances to connect with audiences, evoke emotions, and bring characters to life.

Thomas’ most recent creative venture is podcasting, where he uses his voice in ways he never could before. As the host of "Jerrick with A Lil Tea Time," he creates a space for self-exploration, open dialogue, and social change. The podcast was born from a deep desire to change the narrative, particularly for people who have felt unheard or unseen. Thomas wanted to create a platform where he could explore identity, personal growth, and cultural issues, all while maintaining a sense of authenticity and vulnerability. His mission is clear:

To be a voice for those who feel silenced
To promote self-discovery and healing
To encourage meaningful, unfiltered conversations

For Thomas, the podcast is more than just a show—it’s a form of personal and communal empowerment.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Thomas is deeply committed to his education. He is currently working toward a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a focus in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. His academic journey is fueled by a passion for understanding human behavior, advocating for marginalized communities, and making a tangible impact in people's lives. To support his education, Thomas sells his creative work, using the earnings to fund his college tuition. His drive to learn and grow is a testament to his relentless dedication to self-improvement.

Thomas’ journey has taken him far beyond Shreveport. His travels to Michigan, Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston have allowed him to network, gain new experiences, and expand his artistic reach. These cities have been integral to his acting career, podcasting endeavors, and personal growth. Each place offers something different—a new opportunity, a fresh perspective, a chance to tell another story.
Despite losing his father in 2010, Thomas has continued to push forward, carrying his experiences, lessons, and dreams with him. His goals are ambitious but deeply rooted in his passion for storytelling, self-expression, and advocacy. Looking ahead, he plans to:

Complete his BA and further his education
Expand his podcast and build a larger audience
Continue acting in bigger productions
Publish more books and share his journey with the world

Through writing, acting, and podcasting, Jerrick Thomas has not only found his voice—he's making sure the world hears it. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and unshakable ambition. And if his past is any indication, his future is bound to be just as compelling.
Books by Jrayis Deyond are listed here and available on Amazon:
• Coming Full Circle: Revised Edition - https://a.co/d/h6LNGY6
• Coming Full Circle 2, Marriage, Money & Mayhem - https://a.co/d/9r7sfBX
• Coming Full Circle: 3 Somewhere or Nowhere Part 1 - https://a.co/d/403MNcm
• Coming Full Circle: 3 Somewhere or Nowhere Part 2 - https://a.co/d/8r5MrIE
• The Confessions of A Conceited Drama King - https://a.co/d/afrT1wi
• Catching Up With Me - https://a.co/d/byrmKrM
• Quarantine Quest - https://a.co/d/5Ba3w6L
• Groomed for Trauma - https://a.co/d/32oHqhF