🎭 Family Reunion Cast Drops Truth Bombs on Black Family Struggles! | The Spotlight Insider

In this soul-stirring episode of The Spotlight Insider, host Johnathan Smith aka TeflonJohn sits down with powerhouse cast members Brenda Spinner (Evelyn) and Jemon “BatBro” Haskins (Uncle Jerome) from the hit stage play Family Reunion, written and directed by Daniel Barksdale. Together, they take listeners on an emotional, hilarious, and truth-filled journey into the heart of Black family life.

👴🏾 Uncle Jerome: The grumpy-yet-lovable elder, portrayed by Jemon Haskins, is the type of uncle who mispronounces modern slang, acts younger than he is, and always has a cough—but his wisdom cuts through the noise. With his bad knees and comedic timing, Uncle Jerome brings both laughter and life lessons. In one standout moment, he delivers heartfelt advice to a struggling family member: “Live for today because tomorrow isn’t promised.” That hug afterward? It’s the kind of scene that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go.

👵🏾 Evelyn: Played by the incredible Brenda Spinner, Evelyn is the glue of the family and the moral compass during the chaos of the reunion. She prays, supports, corrects, and holds everyone accountable—especially Uncle Jerome. Her role dives deep into generational pain, especially around Jay’s battle with alcoholism. Through arguments, heartache, and prayer, Evelyn remains a symbol of strength, always pushing for healing over division.

😂 Humor as Healing: Brenda and Jemon open up about how laughter has carried them—and their characters—through pain, grief, and tough conversations. Whether it’s Uncle Jerome lightening the mood or Evelyn using humor to ease tension, the episode shows how comedy is a cultural tool that both heals and connects.

👩🏽‍🦳 The Modern “Big Mama”: Evelyn’s role channels the evolution of the “Big Mama” figure—once the elderly matriarch who held everything together, now reimagined as a younger, emotionally present, and wisdom-sharing woman who listens and leads. Brenda shares how this dual role of giving and receiving wisdom is critical in today’s family dynamics.

🎭 Why You Must See Family Reunion: This isn’t just a stage play—it’s a living, breathing portrait of real families grappling with addiction, generational trauma, and love that refuses to quit. You’ll see your cousin, your auntie, your grandma—or maybe even yourself—on that stage. And the message? Powerful: Healing starts with honesty, and family is worth fighting for.

📅 Next Show: May 24th – Don’t miss this unforgettable performance that will leave you laughing, crying, and reflecting.

📡 Episode Sponsored By:

🎧 TeflonRadio – A 24/7 Hip Hop & R&B streaming station that amplifies music, artist interviews, and community voices. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

🌱 The UP Foundation (Lynchburg, VA) – Empowering youth ages 10–17 through free mentorship camps, yoga, storytelling, and outdoor experiences that build confidence and resilience.

🎧 Tap in now to The Spotlight Insider for an unfiltered, entertaining, and deeply moving conversation about family, growth, and the healing power of storytelling through theater.