Essence
“I hope someone sees this and thinks: ‘I will live the life I choose,’” tweeted director Ava DuVernay. She was speaking about her Essence magazine cover and feature story with fellow storytellers Debbie Allen, Shonda Rhimes, Mara Brock Akil, and Issa Rae. In the magazine, the five women, who have individually and collectively made history several times over, discuss the current state of the entertainment industry, sex, and relationships. The friendly, open conversation amongst these powerhouse friends reflects the growing, lasting legacy these women have built, one we should all see ourselves in.
These women are proof that diversity, both in front of and behind the camera, is not a fad or too much of a good thing. They have staying power, and in an industry obsessed with numbers — from box office and Nielsen ratings to clicks on YouTube and the obvious dollar, dollar bills. Numbers don’t lie. And time and again, numbers have proven that viewers are craving diverse content, hunger that seems to surprise critics when a film like The Best Man Holiday does well. We’re smarter than the prevailing assumptions: that movies (or TV shows for that matter) with predominantly Black casts are “race films,” stories that won’t resonate with people not of color. We’re smarter than that.
The success of these women is no accident or mere fluke, folks. Content – great content, is king. It generates viewers, loyal fans and sends social media abuzz. Ava, Debbie, Shonda, Mara and Issa create honest portrayals of humanity, womanhood, femininity, and Blackness; multi-dimensional characters who own their agency and women who openly embrace their sexuality. Diversity is a fact of human existence, and their work gives it a chance in beautiful ways.
These women didn’t ask for permission, nor did they sit around and wait for opportunity to come knocking because, in all honesty, it wasn’t looking for them. They saw a need, coupled it with vision, and moved mountains to make some of the most poignant stories that have ever hit screens and stages.
Months ago, I saw Unsung Hollywood’s episode on A Different World. Debbie Allen made a hilarious yet serious comment about the lack of hot sauce on tables at Hillman’s hangout spot, The Pit. It being on the campus of a Southern HBCU, the absence almost seemed absurd to Allen. It’s that kind of attention to detail, something that all of these women have, that assures us that our stories are in capable hands. Our voices will be heard. We will be understood. In their arms, we aren’t reduced to mere stereotypes or caricatures. We won’t be led astray.
These women have done more than open doors. They have paved permanent paths and created a landscape that pushes past the labels put on us. A landscape that drives past our perceived limitations, past the absurd notion that we don’t rightfully belong here, in this space of abundance, awareness, possibility, and agency. And they do it while juggling marriage, motherhood, and multiple projects – while running the world with their bad selves.
In Ava DuVernay, Debbie Allen, Shonda Rhimes, Mara Brock Akil, Issa Rae and other storytellers like Felicia D. Henderson and Gina Prince-Bythewood, I see support and opportunity. I see a reason to push past my fears, to tell the stories that dance around in my head and keep me up at night. I see the next generation of storytellers. I see beauty and resilience. I see us. And I am thankful. Very thankful.
