For three decades Mara Brock Akil has breathed life into characters and sowed seeds of resemblance through the words she has written and shows created to reflect the realities of Black people.
From the early years of her career starting out as a writer for shows like “South Central” and “Moesha,” Brock Akil understood that representation mattered, and that Black narratives can thrive with intention.
(From left) Mara Brock Akil, Sara Finney Johnson, actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Felicia Henderson while working on the set of “Moesha.” (Photo:@maraakil/Instagram)
In many ways the creator’s success and mentorship paved a path for the future Black creatives shattering molds for television success. Both Kenya Barris, creator of “Black-ish” and its spin offs, and Prentice Penny, showrunner for “Insecure,” were once under the tutelage of Brock Akil.