Theatre Rats REDUX: Reconnecting with ‘Let It Shine’

A return to peak 2012 kids culture

Kristopher Caalim, Nykeriyah Brown, Clifton Bullock III, and Maya Denaé Taylor • February 28, 2026

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In this episode of Theatre Rats REDUX, Kristopher Caalim invites Nykeriyah Brown, Clifton Bullock III, and Maya Denaé Taylor to talk about the 2012 Disney Channel original movie, “Let It Shine,” for Black History Month.

The four revisit the film to determine what about its charming but corny nature makes it a such a classic film for Black representation

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About the Contributors

Kristopher Caalim, Podcast Staffer

(he/him) Kristopher Caalim returns to The State Hornet for his third semester. This is his final year as a student majoring in journalism with a minor in film studies. He aims to work in fields related to arts and entertainment as he enjoys exploring pop culture and its history. In addition to his work at The State Hornet, he has a passion for writing in general and is a huge fan of nearly anything.

Nykeriyah Brown, Visuals Staffer

(she/her) Nykeriyah Brown is a senior majoring in journalism. This will be her first semester at The State Hornet as part of the visuals section. Brown is excited to be a part of the visuals section and is looking forward to gaining more experience. She enjoys watching sports, reading, listening to music and spending time with her family.

Clifton Bullock III, Podcast Staffer

(he/him) Clifton Bullock III is a senior journalism major, at his third and final college. He completed his first year at Sacramento State and is on his second semester at The State Hornet. He was born in Washington, D.C. but moved a lot. He loves sports and represents many teams; baseball is his favorite. He has some experience editing and interviewing people. A dream he wants to achieve later in his career is covering his favorite sports team or working at a big sports industry like ESPN or WWE. His favorite food is ramen and he can eat it all day.

Maya Denaé Taylor, Magazine Editor

(she/they) Maya Denaé Taylor is a fourth-year journalism major and philosophy minor in their second semester at The State Hornet. She has previously worked as a co-host and producer for The Student Impact Report with the Student Basic Needs Coalition and station manager at KSSU. Outside the newsroom, she works as the vice president of Her Campus and creates content on Instagram and Youtube. Furthermore, they were a 2025 Justice for Black Girls Black Girlhood Studies Fellow, where she was able to expand upon her deep interest in Black feminist theory and literature.