Ayana Workman's illustrious career began with a serendipitous tap performance at the tender age of three, alongside the renowned Savion Glover. This early start was no coincidence, as her parents, Reggie Workman, a legendary jazz bassist, and Maya Milenovic Workman, an internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer, provided a unique environment for her to hone her skills.
Growing up, Ayana's daycare was transformed into dance studios and recording studios, where she developed her talents as a dancer and musician. She learned to play the guitar, piano, and African djembe drum, setting the stage for her future endeavors.
However, at the age of nine, Ayana's trajectory took a dramatic turn as she decided to pursue a career in acting. This decision led her to her first professional gig in her early twenties, playing the iconic role of Juliet in the Public Theatre Mobile Unit's production of Romeo and Juliet.
As she continued to build her stage presence, Ayana took on roles in various plays, including Hamlet, Macbeth, The Winter's Tale, and Julius Caesar. Her performances also took her to international stages, such as the National Theatre in Slovenia and London's legendary Globe Theatre.
In recent years, Ayana has transitioned to television and film, landing guest roles in shows like Marvel's Jessica Jones, Person of Interest, and the film Rustin. In Rustin, she portrayed the pivotal role of Eleanor Holmes, a delegate from the District of Columbia to the US House of Representatives.
The film Rustin is a powerful tribute to the life and legacy of Bayard Rustin, a prominent African-American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights. Rustin worked alongside A. Philip Randolph and Martin Luther King Jr. on the March on Washington Movement in 1963, fighting for an end to racial discrimination in employment.
Ayana's passion for telling stories about African-American history, particularly about unsung heroes, drives her work. She believes that art has the power to move people in ways that activism and political campaigns cannot, and she feels that her journey is only just beginning.
