After playing Jada for seven seasons on “The Chi” – before her character died of breast cancer, actress Yolonda Ross returns to the Paramount+ drama in its eighth and final season in another capacity. This time she’s making her TV directorial debut the third episode, which airs June 5, 2026 (Streaming) and then June 7, 2026 (On Air).

Business is booming but a surprise visitor causes Emmett to reassess his family's future. Bakari considers a new opportunity from a dangerous ally.

Ross previously wrote and directed Breaking Night, a 10-minute hybrid short film and music video. It officially served as the music video for the Manfred Mann song "Blinded By the Light" and aired on VH1 Classics. She also helmed the short films Victus (2017) and The Last Hero (2022) .

Ross also has some acting work coming up with a couple of Independent films.There is one about Basquiat, and a dark comedy horror called “Flowers Para Los Muertos” (which shot in Mexico), and the Netflix movie “Don’t Ever Wonder” with Larenz Tate and Nia Long which comes out during the holidays we believe.