Bria Spaulding, better known as BriTheBull in the music scene, embodies the spirit of creativity, resilience, and inspiration. Hailing from Cincinnati, OH, Spaulding has made waves as a DJ and emcee, captivating diverse audiences with her vibrant energy and undeniable talent.
Campus Involvement and Leadership
Spaulding began her career in 2017 as a host and emcee, but she considers her roots in campus involvement at Central State University the true starting point. As a Student Government Association, NAACP, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated member, she embraced every opportunity to connect with her peers. Yet, her time as president of the Campus Activities Board marked a pivotal moment in her collegiate experience, igniting her passion for higher education and the entertainment industry.
Rise to Prominence
Her reputation quickly grew as she took on roles such as announcing for CSU’s Invincible Marching Marauders band and hosting events across various platforms. In 2020, she achieved a remarkable milestone when she was ranked HBCU Buzz’s first-ever #1 Female HBCU host.
“After I won that award, COVID hit, and things slowed down, which was when I picked up a DJ board, and I feel that that story is still being written,” she said. Spaulding holds our #1 Female HBCU DJ title, solidifying her position in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
Overcoming Challenges in the Industry
Despite her accolades, Spaulding’s journey has not been without obstacles. As a Black queer masculine-presenting woman, she navigates challenges that many in the industry may not fully understand. She highlights the importance of being politically savvy, ensuring that her relationships with promoters and peers remain strong while advocating for herself and her work. “I have always known from a very young age things would be different for me, and this is one of those things that is a struggle and a challenge but something I will continue to work through,” she said.
Accomplishments On The Table and Beyond
Spaulding holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from CSU and a master’s in education from Salem University, where she graduated at the top of her class with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate of Education at Grand Canyon University. Bria’s commitment to education is paralleled by her desire to uplift others; she proudly supports small Black-owned businesses by wearing their brands during her events and promoting them on her platforms.
One of her proudest moments came during CSU’s recent homecoming concert, which her mother attended. Bria DJ’d for artists like K-Stylis, Dreezy, Sada Baby, and Skilla Baby, while her mom enjoyed every moment, creating memories that underscored Bria’s success. “That to me is a moment in time I was just proud of my success, but the fact that my success could offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience for her,” she shared.
Through her journey, she exemplifies what it means to be a proud graduate of an HBCU.
“I realized while at Central that it’s okay to be what I call ampersand. You don’t have to be one thing. You can be a professional working a 9-5 and still be a DJ, a host, a basketball coach, a Doctoral student, a friend, a daughter, a sister, and a fiancée and still excel in all of those roles” she explained. “ It’s okay to have duality.”
As Bria looks ahead, she aims to continue growing her brand as a DJ and host while completing her doctorate.