I first met Cyrus on Facebook about six am one morning. We had been aquaintances on Facebook and I had read many of his posts but we hadn't really communicated at that point.
Well that day he posted something that was of particular interest to me and I did make a comment.
That began our communication and he invited me to be a guest on his radio show "Conversations."
I had a great time and found him to be gracious and professional. He has an interest in everything as far as I know.
Cyrus Webb holds a belief in reading, writing, and education that is not uncommon. But what he is doing with it is.
Thank you Cyrus for allowing me the pleasure of interviewing you and sharing my space with you.

What made you decide on the name Conversations which you use in most of your projects?


Marta, I know what it's like to feel like dialogue is one-sided. When I started with the radio show back in 2003 I knew that I didn't just want to talk at others. I wanted to engage them, get to know more about them and ultimately let them share their voice as well. This, to me, is a true conversation. From there it just began the way I saw my mission, next with the magazine and then with the book club. It's all about bringing people together.

What led you down the path of promoting literacy and education?


It's ironic in a way, because I am not really the poster child of what education is shown to be. I didn't go to college, so I have no degrees are letters after my name. What I do have, however, is a love of learning and sharing with others the power of words. This led me early on to read all I could and then find creative ways to let others know what was available through books. I know the power they have. It's helped me get to where I am in life. That is what I share with people. You don't have to be a doctor, lawyer or media personality to be successful. All you have to be is the best you that you can be.


How do you decidew what event or feature you are going to promote on Cyrus Webb Presents?


Like so many part of my business and the brand I am building it has gone through some changes. I have never wanted to make things just about me. I have been very careful in trying to deflect attention from me in fear of over saturating the market with Cyrus Webb. What I have found over the past few years, however, is that people want to know what I think, what I
like and how I feel about certain issues. This is how Cyrus Webb Presents came about. I've been able to do it not just on blogs, on the radio show or in tv presentations but now through movies that I have presented as well. It's my way of saying I know there is a story out there that will help a larger audience, and this is my way of bringing attention to it.

You are an artist,columnist, radio and television show host. Which do you prefer?


Marta, this is always difficult to even think about as I see them all as inter-related. If I had to choose, however, I would say that the radio show has given me not only my largest platform but an ability to make the most difference. Whether it's through a radio affiliate or just the online side of the program I treat each and every guest as if they are the most important to me, because they are.

You are also an accomplished poet. I loved your poems, To My Sister, Responsibility 101 and I Can’t Be Stopped, spoke volumes to me. Where do you get your inspiration?


Poetry is really one of the most intimate part of my life. I write about what I am going through, what I hear about and those I know. Over the past decade I have accomplished a great deal. I've done a lot of good, however, not everything I touch has turned to gold or been well-received. I use the written word to put it all in context. Living a life of purpose is something I take very serious, so I try and use that gift when I am writing to help others appreciate their own purpose as well.


You have interviewed many famous people as well as the not so famous like me. Who inspired you most?


It's like I said earlier, everyone to me is equally important. I have been fortunate to interview people with name recognition, however, what is more enjoyable for me is talking with someone who has life lessons we can all glean something from. I've interviewed celebrities who fit that bill, as well as everyday individuals like you and me who are finding their place in the world. As long as I can share that part of their story, I am inspired and happy because I know others will be inspired, too.

What things surprise you most in life?


Great question. It has amazed me how much I benefit from disappointments and challenges in life. May sound crazy, but that has been how all of my successes have been birthed. There would be no radio show if I didn't see an opportunity for every day individuals to get attention for the great things they were doing in life. There would be no magazine if I didn't see non-celebrities getting their much-needed praise and opportunity to share their stories and successes. There wouldn't be a book club if I found reading groups that encouraged men as well as women to come together and discuss books of all genres. That is what I hope I can get others to see. A closed door or window is
an opportunity for you to open up a new way for others to see the world.


How did you come to start the project Hip Hop and Books?


I actually came to Hip Hop late in my life, like around 2005. Never really understood it until that point. When I started listening to some of the lyrics, however, I began to hear the story that some of them were telling and how I could relate to it. I was introduced to Platinum-selling recording artist/author Corey “C-Murder” Miller in late 2006 after discovering his book DEATH AROUND THE CORNER. I was so impressed by it that I invited him to partner with me in sharing the book and its message with a larger area. I started Hip Hop and Books to bring lovers of that genre of music to books that showcased the struggle and journey that the music talked about. To date we have hosted events across the South with more planned later this year.


What is your next project?


I want to begin a road series under Cyrus Webb Presents where I am traveling around the country and interviewing people for a web series. It will be called “Conversation Pieces”, and if everything goes well it will begin this summer. Other than that, I will be self-publishing book one of my serialized novel BLESSED which is called IN THE BEGINNING. Details about it can be found at www.blessedbycawebb.com.



What do you want your life to stand for?


Another great question, Marta, and I thank you for it. I want my life to show what is possible for all of us, regardless of where you live, what you look like and who you believe yourself to be.  The only thing that I believe is impossible are the things you dare not do.