The Power of Representation: Issa Rae, Oprah Winfrey and More Celebrate Black Talent on Screen
Issa Rae, Oprah Winfrey, and other trailblazers reflect on legacy, representation, and the future of Black storytelling in HBO’s Seen & Heard documentary. We discuss it here!
Issa Rae for Sienna Naturals via Issa Rae Instagram
By: Joshua Martin
“If you’re telling Black stories, then you need to have Black people create their own. It’s about that. It’s about legacy.”
Seen & Heard, a two part HBO original documentary set to premier this fall, explores the evolution of Black visibility and storytelling on television.
Black storytelling on television takes center stage this September, with the premiere of Seen & Heard, a two part HBO documentary executive produced by Issa Rae. The film explores the evolution of Black visibility on TV, highlighting the triumphs and challenges faced by Black creatives throughout history.
The newly released trailer features powerful reflections from industry icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross and Debbie Allen. Their words capture both the progress and the ongoing fight for authentic representation.
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television | Official Trailer | HBO Max
For Rae, the project builds on her own legacy, including the groundbreaking HBO series Insecure.
Oprah Winfrey recalls the absence of representation during her upbringing. Her statement underscores the significance of Black creatives shaping narratives that once excluded them.
“I grew up when there was nobody like me on TV. “It was like, ‘Okay, networks, you don’t have a place for me? I’m making my own place.”
The documentary also revisits the cultural resonance of shows like Moesha and Abbott Elementary, while spotlighting a new generation of visionaries such as Ava DuVernay, Cord Jefferson and Swizz Beatz. With moments of humor, joy and determination, “Seen & Heard” positions itself as both a historical tribute and a rallying cry for the future of television.
“Let’s go, let’s do this. I’m ready. I’m about to kill this s—.”
Seen & Heard is set to premiere in September on HBO.
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Annual Academy Museum Gala to Honor Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey
Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey are among the esteemed Hollywood figures set to be honored during the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures' third annual fundraising gala. We discuss it here!
Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey (Juan Veloz; Ruven Afanado)
By: Joshua Martin
On October 14, Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey are among the four nominees who will “receive their flowers” at this year’s event. Despite the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike which limits what promotion activities their members can do during the ongoing work stoppages, the Academy Museum of Pictures third annual fundraising gala will go on as planned. The Academy Museum Gala has become a key fundraising event for the Los Angeles movie museum since its opening in 2021.
Michael B. Jordan and Oprah Winfrey take the stage at Oprah's SuperSoul Conversations held at the PlayStation Theater on February 5, 2019, in New York City. (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for THR)
Oprah will receive the “Pillar Award” for her “exemplary leadership and support for the Academy Museum.” Winfrey won the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy’s Governors Award back in 2011. Meanwhile, Creed III actor/director Jordan will receive the “Vantage Award” which recognizes “an emerging artist or scholar who is helping to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema.” Other honorees include Meryl Streep who will receive the “Icon Award” and Sofia Coppola the “Visionary Award”.
“We are excited to gather again at our third annual Academy Museum Gala to celebrate the power, global impact, and indelible importance of cinema. I am truly honored to recognize four artists, Meryl Streep, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey and Sofia Coppola, whose creativity and passion have inspired and shaped our culture in such powerful ways.”
The gala will raise money for the Academy Museum’s exhibitions and screenings, plus education and community initiatives.
The Academy Museum Gala will be held on October 14, 2023 in Los Angeles.
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Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com