HBCU Professor Stars in Tyler Perry’s Film ‘Divorce In The Black’

A celebrated professor and Toastmasters champion, Ursula Oriana Robinson takes center stage in Tyler Perry’s “Divorce in the Black,” showcasing her remarkable talent both on-screen and in the classroom.

Robinson has served at South Carolina State University for 25 years as a drama program coordinator and associate professor. With a BA in English, a BA in Theater Arts, and an M.F.A. in Acting, she combines profound theoretical insight with extensive practical experience in drama.

Outside the university, she contributes to the Creative Spiritual Arts Department at Spiritual Foundation Ministries in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Her work uplifts and inspires the community with her unique talents. She has also earned the District 58 Humorous Speech title for two consecutive years in Toastmasters International, highlighting her exceptional communication skills.

Robinson is also an award-winning playwright and the Artistic Director of Ursula O. Robinson Productions (UORP). Her company is dedicated to creating powerful art that entertains, educates, and inspires.

In a recent interview with News19, Robinson discussed her role in “Divorce in the Black,” which premiered on Prime Video on July 11. She plays Linda Bertrand, a character central to an opening scene set in a church during a funeral. Her performance, alongside actors like Megan Good, Cory Hardrict, Debbi Morgan, and Richard Lawson, has garnered significant attention on social media.

Despite the film’s 498 million minutes watched in its first four days and achieving No. 3 on Nielsen’s Top 10 streaming chart for the week of July 8-14, it has received mixed reviews.

Andrew Lawrence from The Guardian remarked, “When you see a title like Divorce in the Black appear under a Tyler Perry byline, you assume this is a more not-so-clever wordplay that clumsily states the obvious.”

Mary Kassel of Screen Rant expressed, “Tyler Perry’s Divorce in the Black feels pieced together from several conflicting scripts, making it almost impossible to follow the film’s weighty emotional throughline.”

It currently holds a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Tyler Perry’s lowest to date.

Reflecting on her experience, Robinson shared that working on set allowed her to create a close bond with her co-stars, to the point where they continued to communicate through a group chat. She also highlighted the mentorship she received from Richard Lawson, expressing, “King Richard, as I call him, turned out to be a mentor for me. And he’s coming to work with our students.”

Balancing her roles as both professor and actress, Robinson emphasizes how her industry experience enhances her teaching. “I tell them, everything that I do while I’m away is to benefit you. Because what I bring back is the knowledge that I gained by going to work in the industry. So now you have access to current knowledge in the industry through me.”

As Ursula Oriana Robinson continues to excel in both teaching and acting, her career highlights the vibrant spirit of South Carolina. From her impactful role at South Carolina State University to her memorable performances in film, Robinson is a proud representative of the state’s rich cultural scene.

Her work not only inspires her students and community but also shows how local talent can shine on a larger stage. With upcoming projects like her role in Tyler Perry’s “Beauty in Black,” Robinson’s journey reflects both personal success and South Carolina’s unique blend of creativity and excellence, making her a true standout in her career.