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Bria Murphy Inspires Compton Early College Scholars with Art and Acting

Media Release
 

Compton Early College had the privilege of hosting Bria Murphy, a talented artist, actress, and the daughter of comedy legend Eddie Murphy, for an engaging and inspiring session with CEC’s high school and middle school scholars. Bria, known for her stunning celestial-themed portraits and rising presence in Hollywood, shared her journey in the entertainment industry, emphasizing creativity, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

During her visit, Bria spoke to 30 students as part of a partnership with Saving Our Daughters, where she detailed her evolution from visual artist to actress, writer, and producer. The scholars were captivated as Bria recounted her experiences, including her latest role in the Netflix film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. She also discussed co-founding ArtUs, a platform aimed at empowering artists of color, particularly women, through collaborative art projects.

Throughout her talk, Bria answered numerous questions from the students, sharing valuable lessons learned from both her professional journey and her family’s influence. She spoke about how her father, Eddie Murphy, instilled in her the importance of prioritizing storytelling, staying authentic, and embracing nerves during high-pressure moments, as they keep you grounded and focused.

One key takeaway Bria shared was the encouragement her parents gave her to stay confident and committed to her passions, no matter the challenges. Her mother taught her to trust her own voice, while her father emphasized the significance of sticking with everything she starts—wisdom Bria has carried with her as she pursues success in both the art and entertainment worlds.

A highlight of the event was the interactive portion, where scholars had the opportunity to ask Bria their own career-related questions. From balancing multiple creative pursuits to facing rejection in Hollywood, Bria’s honest answers gave students a glimpse into the realities of working in creative fields. As time permitted, Bria even led the students through an acting exercise, demonstrating how she prepares for scenes, and offering insight into her creative process.

Bria’s inspiring words didn’t just focus on her career in acting, but also on her passion for painting. “My art is my therapy,” she shared, explaining how her work reflects her emotional state and serves as a powerful tool for self-expression. Her artwork, which often focuses on empowering women of color, plays a significant role in shaping culture and inspiring change.

As the session ended, Bria encouraged the students to remain persistent in their pursuits, telling them, "Whatever you want to do, stick with it. Focus on something and it will happen." Her story left a lasting impact, reminding the scholars that with hard work, confidence, and self-expression, they too can shape their futures.

Bria’s visit was a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of representation. The CEC scholars were grateful for her time and the wisdom she shared with them, encouraging them to dream big and embrace their creativity.

To explore Bria’s artwork and learn more about her creative endeavors, visit ArtUs.gallery