What is your favourite Black TV show? Or your favourite Black talent in TV and why?
Impossible question! I’m a child of the 80’s I’ve got loads! I was raised on The Real McCoy – which the BBC need to bring back. Desmond’s.. I love rewatching Girlfriends. Top Boy, Blackish, Famalam.. Power…But people wise I have a lot of respect for Sir Lenny Henry…. maaaan – we just didn’t get him at the time. Some (Black people) thought he was diluting himself and we were at times - offended and rubbished his work. Not realising that he was thinking 10-15 steps ahead of us. He’s the best! Charlene White …. Reggie Yates, Michaela Coel, Ashley Walters, Lil Sims, Lashana Lynch, Natalie Emmanuel, Kadeena Cox, Benjamin Zephaniah, Akala…. Kano… Alison Hammond, AJ Odudu... There are so many names to list. These people are changing the face of and ideas around British TV, Britain and Black people. TV and all platforms consumed, feeds into the psyche of people. It is how we begin to understand, empathise, relate, and laugh with one another. These Black people and many – many others are redefining what TV looks like one minute, one hour, one episode at a time. I have no favourites; I appreciate them all.
What comes to mind when I say the words Black Joy to you?
Love. I see Black Joy as understanding and embracing self without apology. Feeling love for life and all that it contains. Regardless of how that joy was reached, be that professionally, through intimate relationships or socially. The joy of Black people is contagious. It illuminates and feeds the spaces we occupy.
It's love that I think of when you say Black Joy.
What are your top tips for Black talent in TV to get ahead in the industry?
I don’t know about getting ahead, but my advice to Black talent wanting to work in the industry is:
Never change your behaviour. Be you and only you – always!
Trust your gut. It speaks to us daily, listen to it.
You never know it all. You can always learn from the successes and failures of others.
Know your worth. Your voice and opinions are just as valid
Push yourself, even if you are afraid. If you know you can do something, do it. Whatever happens you will never regret trying and will come to new realisations once attempted. You can never get it wrong.
Always show up being the best version of yourself – for you.
· Always show up being the best version of yourself – for you.