 He also holds a Ph.D. in American Studies & Ethnicity from USC and began his career as an actor in classical theatre and was also a lead performer in New York in the hit show, “Stomp.”

Sparks is also a committed educator in the fields of film, television, African American studies, and American Studies.He has taught screenwriting and cultural studies at USC, Occidental College, and California State University, Fullerton.Originally from the South Side of Chicago, Sparks attended the Whitney Young Academic Center and Whitney Young Magnet High School.