Sacajawea welcomes Cylk Cozart

From the day we ushered in 2017, the Sacajawea film team has seen incredible doors opening all around us. It was like a bonfire burning on the beach in the wind, and we continued to stoke the flame. Now it is March, and we marvel every day at the magic and the miracles unfolding. One of our most cherished miracles is Executive Producer, Cylk Cozart, an award-winning and talented artist who truly has a sincere and genuine heart, and a love for bringing love to the world.

Cylk was brought to the production through his long-time film associate and friend, Shelby Elwood. The first time we spoke, we talked of Sacajawea and the spiritual message she calls us to share. He was moved by the story and believed her life would give a voice to those who are crying in the darkness, and to others who need an icon of hope. Cylk understands what drives the Sacajawea team -- his heart mirrors our determination to make this story a beacon of opportunity for many. Together we are devoted to proclaiming Oneness, Unity and Love in a world that must now awaken.

Cylk is a fascinating person. His life is a timeline of ups and downs, light and dark, yet, he is carrying truth and light in everything he does. We are humbled to welcome him to the Windcatcher project as a member of the production team and an actor in the film. We invite you to read about Cylk’s life through this moving and powerful biography. I thank him for his willingness to share his journey with us -- and to join ours.

Cylk CozArt, was born in the Cherokee Hills of the Great Smokey Mountains, outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. His family was relatively poor and he spent an inordinate amount of his adolescence bouncing between his Cherokee, Native American teenage mother, and his African American father's family. When Cylk turned 12 years old, the KKK burned two crosses in his yard.....and hung his dog, all because he danced with a white girl at the Elementary school dance.

Cylk learned how to channel the bad things that were happening to him, into positives. His athletic ability in high school football and basketball, led him to several college scholarship offers. After college, he still chased his dream of becoming a pro basketball player, until a foot injury (while playing in the NBA's Summer Pro League), cut short his very promising NBA career. Cylk then focused his attention on modeling and soon signed with the Michele Pommier agency, in Miami, Florida, and later, New York with the Famous, Wilhelmina Modeling agency.

His love for theatre soon led Cylk to be in two prominent stage plays: Diary of a Black Man and The Big Knife. He trained at the American Repertory Theatre and the Sundance Institute under the tutelage of Robert Redford. He has guest-starred on many TV shows including Sister, Sister; Diagnosis Murder; Walker; Texas Ranger; The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air; Hangin' with Mr. Cooper; and Any Day Now with Annie Potts; School Daze directed by Spike Lee, and Fire Birds with Nicolas Cage and Tommy Lee Jones. He trained at the American Repertory Theatre and the Sundance Institute under the tutelage of Robert Redford. Soon he appeared in recurring roles on NBC’s Reasonable Doubts with Mark Harmon; ABC’s Gabriel's Fire with James Earl Jones; and HBO’s Dream On. His feature films have included, Conspiracy Theory with Julia Roberts; 16 Blocks with Bruce Willis; and Eraser with Arnold Schwarzenegger. While playing weekend basketball with friend Denzel Washington, Denzel told Cylk he was perfect for the lead in an upcoming film. A meeting was set between Cylk and Writer/Director, Ron Shelton and within weeks, he found himself co-starring with Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes in the number one film, White Men Can’t Jump. Later, Cylk created and produced the Wave to the World All-Star Celebrity Recording and Video Spirit of Life for the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia, which has earned the prestigious Videographer and Aurora Awards, the NY Film Festival Bronze Award, and the Telly Award.

Even with 600 million+ viewers in the United States alone and over 50 films and television shows to his credit, it is Cylk’s love for children and helping others less fortunate that led him to Hollywood and continues to underscore his reason for being in show business. He has been the spokesperson for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and celebrity representative for the National Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, The Lupus Foundation of America, the National Tourette Syndrome Association and The National Indian Council, to name a few. It is his goal across the country to establish CozArts Academy schools and partner with Major Universities, movie Studios and communities to provide opportunities that prepare students of all ethnicities for success in college and beyond.

The Sacajawea production team is truly blessed to be working with Cylk Cozart as we continue to reach for our dreams. Watch for more updates – ONWARD!