Malynda Hale

Hale was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, to Diane Hale and James Hale. She is the younger of two daughters. She was raised in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, where she began singing at the age of five. She later learned to play piano and began writing songs as a child. Hale participated in school choir, theater, and community productions throughout her youth, performing in both lead and supporting roles during high school. She graduated from Dos Pueblos High School in 2003. She attended Azusa Pacific University, where she majored in vocal performance (opera) and minored in musical theatre. During her time in college, she took a semester leave to perform live and develop original music, including performances at venues in Los Angeles. She returned to complete her studies and graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance. == Career ==

Film + Television Hale is a filmmaker and actress working primarily in independent film. She made her directorial debut with the short film Curtain Call, which screened at film festivals internationally, including Bend Film Festival. She later directed Au Gratin, which was selected for festivals including the RSF Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. As an actress, Hale appeared in the feature film Bull Street, alongside Loretta Devine and Amy Madigan. Earlier in her career, she starred in the independent feature The 4th Meeting, earning Best Actress honors from the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago. She has also appeared in television and digital media, including Sex Sent Me to ER, and has worked as an on-camera host for after-shows related to The Vampire Diaries and The Walking Dead. She has also hosted programming including the children’s series Sing With Me. Hale has appeared in television films, including projects for Lifetime Movie Network, and has contributed to film soundtracks, including co-writing the song “Flashback.” for the independent feature Oranges. She has also appeared in stage productions including Dreamgirls at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association. Hale is the founder of JMV Entertainment, a production company through which she develops and produces film and media projects. Her work often explores themes of identity, race, faith, and social systems. Music + Performance Hale began her career as a singer-songwriter, releasing her debut album From My Heart to Yours in 2007. She later released No More Tears (2009), The Train Ride Home (2012), Pieces of Me (2015), and The One (2018). Her work has received recognition from independent music organizations, including nominations and awards from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards and the Independent Music Awards. She was also a finalist in the Grammy Amplifier competition and is a voting member of the Recording Academy. In addition to recording, Hale has performed live across the United States, including appearances alongside artists such as Smokey Robinson, Tyrone Wells & OTOWN. She has also performed the national anthem at major sporting and public events. Media + Writing Hale is a writer and cultural commentator whose work focuses on identity, culture, and social issues. Her writing has appeared in The Daily Beast, Blavity, and The Female Lead. She also publishes essays through her Substack. She has appeared on national media platforms including CNN and ABC News Live, providing commentary on culture, politics, and religion, and has appeared in national commercial campaigns. == Advocacy + Public work ==

In 2018, Hale founded #WeNeedToTalk, a platform that began as a live panel series and later expanded into a podcast and blog focused on social issues, faith, and culture. In 2020, she created the Black Voices Heard Project, a multimedia initiative amplifying diverse Black voices and experiences. Hale has been an advocate for social justice causes, including racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, and interfaith dialogue. Her work often centers on the intersection of faith, justice, and cultural identity. She has spoken publicly on issues including antisemitism and has appeared as a commentator on CNN. Raised in the church, Hale identifies as a progressive Christian, and her advocacy is informed by her background in faith communities. She has been involved in church leadership and has led community-based initiatives focused on social justice and dialogue. She has participated in national and international initiatives and events, including collaborations with nonprofit and civic organizations, and has appeared as a panelist at events such as WonderCon. In 2025, she joined a coalition of Jewish and Black community leaders, alongside Holocaust survivors, at a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, hosted by the Auschwitz Jewish Center. In addition to her creative work, Hale serves as Executive Director of The New Evangelicals, where she contributes to media, education, and community programming. == Personal life ==

Hale met her husband, John Volk, in 2009, and the couple married on December 22, 2011, in Santa Monica, California. They reside in Los Angeles. Volk is an attorney and serves as Principal Counsel at The Walt Disney Company. The couple co-own JMV Entertainment, a production company. They have two children, born in 2020 and 2024. == Discography ==

• From My Heart To Yours (2007) • No More Tears (2009) • The Train Ride Home (2012) • Flashback (2013) • Pieces of Me (2015) • We Run (2016) • Stand (2017) • The One (2018) • The La La Song (2019) • Story (2019) • Ancestral Sin (2019) • All Around the World (2019) • Still Standing (2020) • God and His Gun (2021) • Celebrate Christmas (2023) • Time Will Find a Way (2024) • A Better World (2024) • I Need a Holiday (2024) == Filmography ==