This month, I have decided to highlight some women that are very inspirational to me. These women are #GirlBosses! I am beginning this series with Issa Rae.
I had the opportunity to attend A Conversation with Issa Rae on behalf of the Black McDonald’s Operators Association. The event was held at the University of Illinois at Chicago and was Moderated, by Windy City Live’s Val Warner. Issa Rae is the self-proclaimed, “Awkward Black Girl.” She is an actress, writer, director, producer and web series creator, whew she got it going all the way ON! She is known for her YouTube series Awkward Black Girl and she is the creator, co-writer, and star of the HBO series Insecure, which is partially based on Awkward Black Girl. She has gained over 200,000 YouTube subscribers, and that number is still growing. She also was recognized as Glamour Magazine’s “35 Under 35”, Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and Entertainment Weekly’s “Breaking Big” list. Wow, she’s pretty dope.
So needless to say as a YouTube girl, who is also a fan I was amped just to be in the same room with her. Issa spoke about her frustrations with the lack of representation of women like her on TV, so she created Awkward Black Girl on YouTube. She wanted to use her platform to say something that matters. She has a voice and wants to share it with the world. I genuinely connected with her on that point. As a content creator, our platforms should be used for something that matter, they should be used for us to share our voice. I started this blog because I want to inspire women to be confident, courageous, and unique, I want my readers to leave fulfilled after coming to my blog. The message I received from Issa was that we have a story to tell and we have talent, and not to let anyone else say otherwise! Black Girls are LIT! #BlackGirlMagic
She also spoke about surrounding yourself with the right people. This was also an important point. I am beginning to realize in my life that the people I am surrounded with are a reflection of who I am. Surround yourself with good people who have your best interests at heart. I am continuing to surround myself with like-minded women. We can all help each other, there is enough success out here for all of us to WIN! Thank you, Issa Rae, for sharing your story. You are truly an inspiration to black girls everywhere! Her story is confirmation that you can do whatever it is that you want to do, don’t stop after that first No. Continue until you get the YES of your dreams. Congratulations Issa Rae!
xo
Michelle
