Today we’d like to introduce you to Terry L. Cyrus.
Terry L., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to creativity, culture and building access where it has not traditionally existed. I began my career in the music industry as an artist manager, which opened the door to consulting roles and the opportunity to work with legendary music executive Walter Yetnikoff, former President and CEO of CBS Records, now known as Sony Music Corporation. Those early experiences taught me the importance of preparation, relationships and understanding the business behind the music.
In 2004, I founded Outspoken Media Group, a full-service entertainment and multicultural marketing company built on the idea of being the bridge between brands and creativity. Over the past two decades, we have created content as well as executed campaigns and strategies for clients including AMC Networks, Comcast, Entertainment One and HBO. Our work has consistently centered on culturally relevant storytelling and authentic engagement.
A major turning point came in 2016 with the launch of the HBCU Cinema Experience. The platform was created to give students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities early access to film and television screenings. It also provided space for conversations about both on-camera and behind-the-scenes career opportunities. What began as a grassroots effort grew into a nationally recognized platform, with activations at Benedict College, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University and Norfolk State University. Its success demonstrated the power of meeting students where they are while delivering real value for both communities and brands.
That momentum led to Outspoken Media Group spearheading HBCU outreach for HBO. We coordinated in-person activations at institutions including Morehouse College and Spelman College. We also executed virtual initiatives such as HBO POV Career Conversations and advance screenings tied to the series Insecure, engaging more than 15 HBCUs nationwide. These efforts connected students with industry professionals and reinforced HBO’s commitment to diversity, early career development and Gen Z engagement.
In 2017, I was appointed Executive Producer of Diversity Content and Partnerships at Celebrity Page TV, a nationally syndicated entertainment news program. In that role, I interviewed talent including Cynthia Erivo, Tyrese Gibson and Meagan Good. I guided diversity-focused content and developed a partnership with Music Choice, producing exclusive segments featuring Bruno Mars, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B and Lenny Kravitz. I also secured media credentials and led production at tentpole events, including NFL Honors, ESSENCE Festival of Culture, American Black Film Festival and Urbanworld Film Festival.
In 2023, Outspoken Media Group launched the Prepare For Takeoff podcast, dedicated to amplifying Black Excellence. I host the show, which has featured guests such as Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College; Dr. Keith C. Perrin Jr., CEO of FUBU Radio; Ashley McFarlin, Vice President of Development and Original Production at We TV and ALLBLK; John Ferguson, former Chief Human Resources Officer at NASCAR; and Rushion McDonald, two-time Emmy Award winner and three-time NAACP Image Award recipient and Founder and CEO of 3815 Media, Inc.
Looking back, my story is about building bridges between talent and opportunity, brands and culture as well as students and industries. When you lead with intention, relationships and integrity, the impact extends far beyond any single project.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. The journey has been long and far from a straight path to success. Like many entrepreneurs, I spent countless late nights and early mornings building something before there were visible results. There were years of dedication when progress was happening quietly behind-the-scenes, long before anyone else could see it.
I had to learn how to tune out the naysayers who questioned whether success in this space was realistic or sustainable. There were moments when investing in my vision required real financial sacrifice and taking calculated risks without guarantees. Those experiences pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. They sharpened my discipline, strengthened my confidence and taught me to trust my instincts.
In hindsight, those struggles were necessary. They built resilience, clarified my purpose and reinforced the belief that success is earned through consistency and perseverance. The road was not easy, but every challenge played a role in shaping who I am and how I lead today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Outspoken Media Group was built at the intersection of culture, creativity and access. The Company grew out of lived experience and a clear understanding of how powerful storytelling shapes both perception and impact. For more than twenty years, Outspoken Media Group has helped brands connect authentically with multicultural audiences through HBCU outreach, original programming, experiential marketing, digital campaigns, publicity and film screenings.
What earns client trust is credibility and consistency. We understand the culture because we are part of it. We know the business because we have worked directly with executives, creatives, talent and institutions. Every engagement begins with listening. From there, we build thoughtful strategy and execute work that aligns with brand objectives while resonating with real communities.
Outspoken Media Group has worked with AMC Networks, HBO, Comcast, Celebrity Page TV, Entertainment One, Beam Suntory, ALLBLK and others. Our work ranges from nationwide HBCU outreach and branded campus activations to original programming and large-scale experiential campaigns that generate millions of media impressions. Clients rely on us to manage projects from concept and strategy to execution and storytelling.
At our core, we are focused on creating access. Initiatives like the HBCU Cinema Experience were developed to open doors for students and audiences who have historically been overlooked, while giving brands an authentic way to engage. We are most proud of our longevity and impact. Through our work and Prepare For Takeoff podcast, we continue to amplify Black Excellence, create pathways into media and entertainment as well as help brands earn trust through meaningful storytelling.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First and foremost, I want to thank my parents for providing a strong and successful blueprint to follow, grounded in values, discipline and integrity. Their guidance laid the foundation for everything that came after. I’m equally grateful for my adorable daughter, who inspires me every single day to dream bigger, move with purpose and lead by example. I want to give a big shoutout to my beloved Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, whose principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift continue to shape my journey. To my alma mater, West Virginia State University, I love my HBCU, thank you for helping mold my voice, expand my vision and deepen my commitment to community. I’m especially grateful to my mentor, the late Walter Yetnikoff, who helped shape me as an executive through his guidance, advice and unmatched industry expertise. I’m extremely thankful for our clients who gave us the opportunity to succeed. Lastly, I want to thank all of my day-one supporters, advocates and collaborators who believed from the very beginning. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://outspokenmedia.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyrustheceo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyrustheceo
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/outspokenmediaceo
- Twitter: https://x.com/cyrustheceo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutspokenMediaGroup
- Other: https://www.imdb.me/cyrustheceo
