Issa Rae is fed up.
Widely hailed as a trailblazer, the budding mogul adapted her internet-born ‘Awkward Black Girl’ show into the TV phenomenon ‘Insecure’– serving as the lead star, writer, and producer of both titles.
In the time since the latter wrapped, Rae has continued to charge forward – nabbing big roles in Hollywood and, perhaps most crucially, expanding her creative output by way of helming new shows such as ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ and ‘Rap Sh*t.’
However, a mere matter of weeks after the Max show was canceled after just two seasons (and months after ‘Sketch Show’ suffered a similar fate), the 39-year-old has poured out her frustrations about the climate that Black-led shows find themselves. And she’s opened up about the moves she’s eyeing to combat it.
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Waxing candid in the newest issue of Net-A-Porter, Rae said:
““You’re seeing so many Black shows get cancelled, you’re seeing so many executives – especially on the DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] side – get canned. You’re seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority.”
Continuing, she added:
“I am pessimistic, because there’s no one holding anybody accountable – and I can, sure, but also at what cost? I can’t force you to make my stuff. It’s made me take more steps to try to be independent down the line if I have to.”
Reflecting on the broader landscape, Rae said:
“I don’t think it’s a secret that many white audiences and critics tend to reward traumatizing depictions, or their own biased perceptions of what Blackness is.”
The multi-hyphenate, who has a five-year first-look TV and Film deal with WarnerMedia, isn’t pausing though. She says she’s pressing on”
“I’m writing a couple of different projects — one for myself and one to produce and create with others — and I’ve been feeling so inspired and excited to get back at it. The industry is in flux, so it’s really inspired me to focus and hone in on what stories I want to tell. I’ve been laser-focused on getting these projects up and running.”
With that, what are…