Black Life In Hollywood During COVID-19

Black life in Hollywood during COVID-19 has indeed provided 2020 vision for those not really wanting to see the reality of those with darker skin in the entertainment capital of the world. Since its inception, the industry has consciously treated Black talent and creativity as second class but now is forced to listen and respond to the voices it has purposefully muffled for decades. While confined to our homes due to California’s shelter-in-place order, it has allowed the collective voice of Black artists to convene in a safe and supported place to discuss the treatment, lack of opportunities, and harsh realities faced every day while treading the tumultuous waters of Show Business. From all White writers’ rooms, the huge pay gap between Black and White talent, endless stories of microaggressions on set, and pseudo diversity hires, we have all concluded that change has to happen and happen now else there’s no moving forward. Though Hollywood is very eager to get back up and running, this issue can no longer go ignored. As White celebrities make videos owning up to their complicity and promising to be “actual” allies from here on out, there is more to be desired.

To hear Oscar winners like Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer voice their concerns about having to fight for pay equal to that of their white contemporaries, it sends a message to those of us without the golden statuette that we, too, have a significant fight ahead of us. Hearing agents say, “I already have one of you on my roster,” and casting asking, “Can you be blacker for this next take?” are the stories that my fellow Black actors and I hear all too often. Does it matter that I am professionally trained, have decent credits on my resume, and even an alumnus from the same acting institution as Denzel Washington? As Black people, we are always taught to read the room because it could mean life or death in some cases, but in Hollywood, it takes on a different meaning. It is often apparent when Black talent is asked to audition just as a formality. Or, when one is cast as the only person of color in the cast and treated more like the help than the actual talent. We’re told to just be happy we have a job and reminded very often how many people would kill for the opportunity that we have. More often than not, Black artists stay quiet, take the abuse, and smile for the cameras like a good ole boy or girl.

While my entire family is back home on the farm in Tennessee, staying away from “The Rona,” they have very often inquired about my life and career in Entertainment after they have heard stories on the news or via social media. The questions are usually very direct and straightforward. They ask about pay, job opportunities, and whether I’m being treated right because of the latest scandal unearthed by TMZ . My response is often, “Pops, I’m a grown man. Plus, I’m not new to this.” Before COVID made its primetime debut, I was meeting around town with agents and trying to decide which agent and agency I would be of best service to and vice versa. The actor/agent relationship is one that I do not take lightly. I understand the nuance of that partnership and want to ensure we both are running the same race but in our own lanes. With the new wave of consciousness in the industry, I am looking forward to signing with someone who truly understands not just talent but Black talent. Someone who actually sees color and know what to do with it. @JustinKey101

#BlackHollywood #Hollywood #COVID19 #Coronavirus #Equality #Equity #BlackLivesMatter #ActorsLife