You can’t talk Black excellence without mentioning Issa Rae. She is the epitome of what the culture needed - someone to represent the Black experience, and not sugarcoat anything. The struggle is real, and Rae has always been the person to let that be known through her artistry. We were first introduced to her in 2011 with her web-series, The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl, on YouTube before we were gifted with her dramedy, Insecure, which aired on HBO. Now, 12ish years later, the actress, director, writer, and producer has either starred in - or helped come to fruition in some sort of capacity - a plethora of projects. She has been nominated and won numerous awards for her work on and off camera, and one thing’s for sure, she is always working and booked and busy.
While there are plenty of reasons the California-bred writer deserves her flowers, below are five that genuinely stand out to me.
She’s Rooting For Everybody Black/Provides Opportunities To Other Creatives
One thing about our girl Issa is she is definitely not afraid to speak her mind. In 2017 on the red carpet of the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards, she was asked by a reporter who she was rooting for and she responded with, “I’m rooting for everybody Black.” And that she most certainly does! Her hit tv series, Insecure, had a predominantly Black cast and highlighted issues within the Black community such as mental health, strained relationships (whether it being with self, friends, or lovers), and the constant struggle of finding your dream job. Not only did Insecure discuss everyday struggles, but also spotlighted Black success. From entrepreneurship to marriage and starting a family Rae ensured while she brought awareness to the struggle, that Black voices were also amplified in a positive light.
Her track record of rooting for everybody Black speaks for itself as she not only spotlighted the culture on Insecure, but her team of creatives behind the cameras consisted of Black writers and directors through her media production company, Hoorae Media.
She is also the co-founder of “ColorCreative,” which is a management company that supports women and people of color in their creative endeavors and helps them reach their highest potential.
She Gives Homegirl Energy And Is Relatable ASF!
If you’ve watched Insecure, then chances are Issa is your television bestie. We’ve watched the way she supports and loves her friends and shows up for them the best way she can. She is always there - literally a phone call away. She’s that type of friend who after a breakup, will show up to your door with a bottle of wine and your favorite snack.
Watching Insecure was like watching parts of my life on screen. I could totally relate to a lot of the trial and error experiences she endured throughout the show’s five seasons. From her desire to want more from her relationship with Lawrence, to her journey of starting her nonprofit “We Got Y’all,” to her navigating single life and the occasional going back to exes, Rae was relatable to many Black women. Not to mention, this show was LA-based, and Issa made sure that viewers got a glimpse of her California roots each season.
She Loves To Have A Good Time
I remember a few years back I was participating in my occasional Instagram scroll and I came across Rae’s story and instantly became jelly (jealous). All I saw was her and a bunch of her friends on a yacht having the time of their lives. Her #yachts*t party definitely created a sense of FOMO. I don’t know about y’all, but I was definitely in my feelings about not receiving an invite. Granted, I don’t know her and never met her a day in my life, but given that she has that homegirl/best friend energy, I felt like I have. Her guestlist was filled with the likes of some pretty incredibly talented individuals such as Dwayne Wade, Gabrielle Union, Keith Powers, Ryan Destiny, Lil Rey Howery, her Insecure bestie Yvonne Orji, and many more of her closest friends. Our girl is literally the life of the party!
She Is 100% Honest About Her Awkwardness
Aside from the obvious creation of The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl on YouTube, Rae is open about her quirky personality. She is not afraid to make fun of herself and proves that in her writing. Referring back to Insecure, Rae has put herself in some very uncomfortable situations. However, the show wouldn’t be a household favorite if she didn’t. It’s those moments that make her personable. By showing her authentic self, she is letting viewers know that aside from the fame, she is just like us.
She Has An Entrepreneurial Spirit
Aside from being in front and behind the camera, Issa is signing deals and helping brands grow bigger. She has invested in a few businesses including Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen located in Los Angeles, hair care company, Sienna Naturals, her sparkling wine brand, Viarae Prosecco, Lobos 1707 Tequila, U.S. SailGP Team, and so much more. Not to mention, she is always giving back to the creative community.
