Rakeem Jones: From Fayetteville to Disney to ‘Hocus Pocus 2’

Everyone is familiar with the phrase “pressure makes diamonds.” This phrase is absolutely true. According to the Cape Town Diamond Museum, diamonds were formed over 3 billion years ago within the Earth’s crust under conditions of intense heat and pressure that cause carbon atoms to crystallize forming diamonds. However, all diamonds must undergo a series of tests and processes before we can admire its true beauty. Diamonds are formed under the Earth’s surface and pushed upward through volcanic activity.

Diamond McCall, a Fayetteville native, is a living testament of how one is able to grow through pain. The 29-year-old mother of four gave birth to her first child at the age of 16. As a young mother, she understood that she had the responsibility of supporting her child.

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However, she wanted to continue her education. After graduating from E.E. Smith High School, she enrolled in Fayetteville Technical Community College. It was at FTCC that she met Juanita Williams, a person that would become a motivating factor in Diamond’s life and growth as a hairstylist.

McCall graduated from Fayetteville Tech in 2014. From there, she began working at The Spa at Pinehurst in Moore County. Her husband, Mario McCall, recognized the potential in his wife and felt she could thrive in the entertainment industry.

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Mario is no stranger to the entertainment industry. He is known as 3D Straw, an independent artist and founder of the Woodboy Digital innovation company. In 2016, with the support of her family, Diamond applied for a position at Walt Disney World to do the hair of the performers at the theme parks. McCall was so good at her job that one of her coworkers said that she belonged in TV and film production.

Armed with the advice of her coworker, Diamond began work in TV and film in 2018. In a clip posted on social media, Mario can be seen watching the credits roll at the conclusion of Disney’s newest release, “Hocus Pocus 2.” In theclip, he ecstatically celebrates seeing the name of his wife come across the screen. “Hocus Pocus 2,” released Sept. 30, stars Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker.

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Two years prior to the release of “Hocus Pocus 2,” Diamond McCall, like the rest of the world, was faced with adversity presented by COVID-19. She used this time to sharpen her skills and grow as a stylist. Her positive mentality kept her vigilant and she seized the opportunities that came through adversity.

“When you think quit, think of it as a challenge”, says the Woodboy Digital CFO. One person who was unable to see the release of Hocus Pocus 2 was Diamond’s mother, Kristy Sykes. Sykes passed away in March 2022, just months before the release.

Prior to her death, Diamond spoke to her mother about reservations about her career. She asked her mother: “What if I can’t?” Sykes responded, “But, what if you could?”

Diamond believes hair tells a story, and her best moment comes from seeing the reaction of the public. She advises those who want to follow her path to “be receptive, change your mind, and just do it.”

Salute to Diamond, the McCall family, and every activist getting active. Peace.

Rakeem “Keem” Jones is a community advocate and father of three from the Shaw Road/Bonnie Doone area of Fayetteville. He can be reached at keemj45@gmail.com.

Note: A previous version of this column contained an incorrect byline. Jones is the sole author.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Rakeem Jones: From Fayetteville to Disney to ‘Hocus Pocus 2’