With a desire to push creative boundaries, Steven D. Gayle is the academic and technical lead behind By Any Other Name: An Exploration of Afro-Amerindian Heritage. Steven’s experience spans the fields of radio, television, film, and live productions. Following up on his 2011 music documentary, 7 City Legacy, Steven's latest endeavor is far more personal in nature.

 

"I want people to take control of their own identities and be able to define who they are, not relinquish that authority to someone else."

                                                               

                                                            -Steven D. Gayle

 

Growing up, Steven would occasionally hear about his family’s mixed African and Native American ancestry. There were often few details, and no formal documentation confirming the ancestry, leaving Steven with a desire to find out more.

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Steven earned a Bachelor’s in History & Education from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and a Master of Arts in Media and Communications with a concentration on Media Production from Norfolk State University. Coupling the two fields, he decided to create a film that would open up a discussion that he felt was not unique to his family tree.

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In addition to directing Steven teamed up with music consultant and producer Dominique “U’nique Music” Brannon to compile and compose music for By Any Other Name’s official soundtrack and score.

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It is Steven’s intention that By Any Other Name: An Exploration of Afro-Amerindian Heritage stands as a meaningful contribution in the realm of historical documentary and both African American and Native American genealogy.

 

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