The Harsh Reality of Diversity Setbacks

It's been a long time since I've written one of these. I've been away learning the law, among other things, but let's not pretend like three years of reparations in the form of diversity hiring rights all of the wrongs in this industry.

My advocacy has never been popular. It's never going to be popular. Rest assured imma keep it candid though.

Introduction

The entertainment industry has long struggled with diversity and inclusion, both on-screen and behind the scenes. Hattie McDaniel had to come through the kitchen to receive her Oscar. I'm not even sure they ever apologized for that. Despite recent progress, a disturbing mass firing occurred, and I believe it's undone all of the gains of 2020. Don't believe me? Look at every CBA that was renegotiated during the strikes. Not a single talking point about contractually obligating the studios to continue down the right path.

Like Brian Williams, I was there for the Setback:

Several major studios and streaming platforms abruptly terminated all of the Black girl magic in their C-suites, and it wasn't done quietly. It was done out in the open, brazenly. I took it as a message being sent. Sure, studios have bottom lines, pro formas, and golden parachutes to keep on their ledgers; but if I'm keeping it real, how much did having a diversity team really cost you? All the trades said money was flowing into your accounts in record gains. So when it came time to trim the fat, why was it us?

Now, I'm no spring chicken and I went to PR school so I completely understand crisis management, but did no one alert you to how this short-sighted move to neuter diversity would solidify your constant lies regarding your commitments to fostering inclusion?

Where it hurts the most - the little engines that could - boutique talent agencies and actors:

For ten years, my agency has been the incubator for about 1,000 actors who all were chasing a dream. Shut out by other agencies because they already had someone who looked like them. I even ran an experiment after getting the feeling I was being discriminated against. I took over 20 of my top clients and placed them at a white-owned agency and they immediately began auditioning. Frankly, it made it easier to make moves in this town once I knew with certainty y'all were collectively conspiring to tank me.

Meanwhile, we helped clients get their first national commercials, co-stars theatrically, major print campaigns, and we even put a few on casts that won an Emmy last year.

Now the majority of this we did when there wasn't an initiative. We did it because it was the right thing to do. With buying shrinking, that means fewer shows to cast, and with fewer shows to cast, there will be less of a need for co-stars on these TV shows, which creates a trickle-down to the little guys, the boutique agencies, and the unknown actors who just need someone to believe in them.

For up-and-coming actors from underrepresented communities, the regression back to the Stone Age is a devastating blow. Without dedicated efforts to promote diversity and create opportunities, these talented performers find their chances of landing meaningful roles severely diminished.

Unsurprisingly, the lack of accountability in the industry perpetuates a vicious cycle of exclusion, making it impossible for diverse actors from non-private equity-owned agencies to break through.

The Need for Accountability:

The entertainment industry must hold itself accountable for progress on diversity and inclusion. The elimination of diversity and inclusion departments is a step in the wrong direction, undermining the industry's responsibility to create an equitable environment.

To course-correct, the industry must recommit to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Studios and platforms must actively seek out and nurture diverse talent, invest in inclusive storytelling, and hold themselves accountable for progress. Only by prioritizing representation and equity can the entertainment industry truly reflect the richness and complexity of the human experience.

Getting off my soap box:

The decision to eliminate diversity and inclusion departments is a harsh reminder of the ongoing challenges in achieving true representation and equity in the entertainment industry. Actors from underrepresented communities face an even steeper uphill battle, navigating an industry that often overlooks their talents. Talent agencies that are legit mom-and-pop small businesses have shuttered and will continue to shutter. For some, the damage is already done. People have relocated to other markets or walked away from the industry altogether.

The industry must recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion initiatives and take concrete steps to prioritize these efforts to prevent any further economic damage to small businesses. By holding itself accountable and actively working towards an inclusive future, the entertainment industry can fulfill its potential as a force for positive change.

So what do I need you to do? The right thing.