Around Chicago: A Talk with Issa Rae

TV's favorite Awkward Black Girl, Issa Rae stopped by the University of Illinois at Chicago to speak about her career and discuss how the climate of black television is changing. Issa's climb to the top started when her YouTube web series ABG captured the hearts and attention of black women everywhere. Several years and a book deal later, Issa is the creator, writer, producer and actor on HBO's hit series Insecure. The show focuses on Issa navigating life while trying to manage her relationships and career. It also touches on racial and social matters that black people identify with.  "Audiences demand to see themselves on the screen," said Issa. "Other people get to tell our stories and we don't. TV is finally catching on." It is definitely refreshing to see images of black women with careers, goals and a social life--flaws and all. "We haven't gotten to see black people be black since the 90's without struggle," said Issa noting shows like Living Single and Martin which captured the quintessential friendships of people of color.

The Stanford University graduate is a self-proclaimed introvert and surprisingly admitted that most days she'd rather be at home watching television and drinking hot toddys. "I'm a huge procrastinator! I devote a whole day to procrastinate so by the end of the day I'm ready to work," said Issa.

I guess its OK to take a day off when you have as many jobs as she does, preparing for the second season of Insecure and the possible return of First, one of many web series written and produced by African Americans that air on Issa's YouTube channel. She said she wants to continue to make content that is FUBU (for us, by us) and says she is not surprised at how well her projects have been received. "We knew we were lit," she says of her fans owning their #blackgirlmagic and #blackboyjoy. Issa is an advocate for using her platform for change, and we couldn't be more proud. Brava, Issa. Brava!