Gabrielle Union’s Career Advice for Black Women: ‘Don’t Be the Happy Negro’
Following her recent scandal with NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Gabrielle Union is sharing advice for black women trying to make in the industry.
Gabrielle was fired from the NBC series after allegedly reporting racial insensitivity on set. Recently, she opened up during a panel event in New York City about the challenges black women in the industry face.
“Keep the door open … don’t be the happy negro that does the bidding of the status quo because you’re afraid. Don’t allow them to call you angry. When somebody else is saying the same thing, it’s called passion,” she said, according to People.
“It is scary. It is terrifying and there is a chance you might lose your job — perhaps I speak from experience, but you have do what you can when you are in those rooms — all skin folk ain’t kinfolk,” she added. “Do your best, because corporations want global dollars, and if those corporations don’t reflect the global audience, you are going to make so many mistakes trying to reach that global audience. So do your best to try to hold the door open, hold people responsible.”
She continued, “I’m asking you to do the impossible. I am asking you to put yourself out there on a limb. I’m fully aware that job loss is on the table when you’re that person, and sometimes you can work low-key, back-door things and kind of take your head off the chopping block, but if you’re not doing it, then nobody is.”
Geez! What incredible words to live by. We’re here for you, Gabrielle.