Photo: Getty Images
Issa Rae says she'll keep using her influence to support her community, even as the entertainment industry and the world around her feel increasingly discouraging.
Rae made the comments Wednesday (September 23) while accepting Variety’s “Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year” Award at the publication’s Power of Women event in Beverly Hills.
According to Variety, Rae joked during her acceptance speech that “this is all men’s fault” as she discussed the instability she sees in Hollywood and the world. She specifically pointed to “rich, white men” while referencing politics, climate disasters and the rise of artificial intelligence.
“It is hard to feel like a powerful woman when men keep f**king everything up,” Rae said.
She then shifted to a more serious message about feeling powerless and focusing on what she can control.
Rae said she can choose who she works with, champions and invests in, whose stories she tells, and who she gives a platform to.
“I can use the power I do have to pour into my little community to make sure whatever success I’m lucky enough to have doesn’t stop with me,” she said.
Rae also acknowledged that she can become tired, angry and uninspired by current events. Still, she said those feelings have not stopped her from looking for ways to contribute.
“Because as discouraged as I may get, I’m never going to stop trying,” she said.
Rae, who created, executive produced and starred in HBO’s Insecure, has continued building a career as an actor, writer, producer and entrepreneur. Her credits include Barbie, American Fiction, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and One of Them Days.
She is also set to write and executive produce an untitled HBO comedy pilot about male friendship.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.