ESSENCE's Hollywood House: A Celebration of Black Creatives and Authenticity in Entertainment
ESSENCE'S Hollywood House had its fifth annual event in Los Angeles on Friday, March 8th. This event was a space for Black creatives to join and delve into some of the issues of the community and celebrate our community. There was a buzz of excitement in the line for people participating in the event as many actors, producers, and executives would circulate the grounds and speak at panels. One, in particular, was a panel called 'Black on Screen: A Global Dialogue,' which discussed authenticity on camera and behind the scenes. The people who spoke at this panel were Barkue Tubman-Zawolo (Chief of Staff, Diasporic & Talent Engagement, ESSENCE Ventures), Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (Actress, The Color Purple), Osas Ighodaro (Actress, Man of God), and Ozi Menakaya (Film & TV Agent at Creative Artists Agency).
After the panel, we spoke with Phylicia Pearl Mpasi about her reactions and commentary on the discussion. When asked why it was important for her to be a part of the Black-on-the-screen discussion on global dialogue, especially as a writer and actress, she responded with a message of unity. Mpasi says, "It was important for me because I am a product of both versions of the diaspora where my parents are immigrants of the Democratic Republic of Congo [...], but at the same time, I feel like I took on a Black culture now I feel like I am a product of both because I have embraced both and been embraced by both communities. We can be all things; we are multifaceted; we are not a monolith".
We also had the privilege to hear the interview with the renowned Mikki Rivers (former ESSENCE editor & author), now Oscar winner, Da'Vine Joy Randolph (Holdovers), in a Fireside Chat. She spoke about the importance of community and faith in her youth. Both of these uplifted her to be the woman and amazing actress she is today. Attributing her success to her career, she states, "You don't have to have people in your circle that know what you're doing in order to still breathe life into you…Sometimes it's just that person interceding to furthering and putting together your dream and your goal." As a way to continue that cycle of uplifting her community, she leaves us with this comforting message of return: "Think back to when you were [first] motivated, and when you were motivated, what was the thing that motivated you – start there. Get back in touch with yourself."
Panels were not the only form of interaction during ESSENCE's Hollywood House, as there were also mentoring sessions. There could have even been a chance to talk to those involved in entertainment outside near the food trucks supplied by ESSENCE. There were other fun career opportunities, such as a free mini-makeover and headshot session, a 30-second elevator pitch booth, a mock film set, and other opportunities to help people break into the entertainment industry. The people were electric, and simply by being there, they made a difference within the Black creative community by being authentically themselves. Included are interviews of various Black people who answer what they've gotten out of ESSENCE's Hollywood House and express themselves through their style.
To catch all of this year's exciting moments and highlights, please check out the video-on-demand of the 2024 ESSENCE Hollywood House on ESSENCE.com HERE and check out our video below capturing the day!