What does that word mean?
You know the word I'm talking about.
Everyone is using it.
It's an important word, but it means different things
to different people.
What does inclusive mean?
Does it mean just to include?
Oh, no, that seems kind of too straightforward.
So I'm going back over to our expert
LaFawn from Indeed.
Is there a constant
definition of... of inclusivity?
Or is it ever changing?
Like, what is the situation?
So inclusion is really, it's a- it's an intentional act,
right? It's an intentional act.
It's different than diversity, where you're like,
let's have one of everything
represented, or let's make sure people can see themselves.
Inclusion is an intentional action.
So it's making sure that when you have had
the opportunities, you are giving it to others.
You are including them in a way that they haven't been included before.
So, the program Rising Voices with Lena and Hillman Grad, our first season
those filmmakers created jobs for 600 other people
600 other people.
That's inclusion.
It's an intentional action to make sure people that haven't had a seat at the table before
now do.
And also too, it was because they wanted to
include us at the table about how they can help.
We actually were able to voice doing something a little different
because we were like, Why don't we get one filmmaker?
We give them this amount of money, they can make and ad for Indeed.
And we said, Why don't we give ten filmmakers?
Split that up differently.
Do a short film around the importance of work? You know,
and so now we're
including even more people at the table and that, shoutout to Rishi Rajani, who was like,
we got this opportunity to do something with them and we really appreciate
you listening to us and hearing our ideas and saying, Why don't we try this?
And now we're in our second season of doing it,
we’ve got ten more filmmakers super excited and they get to like, be leaders on their set
and you guys gave us extra money for COVID
things that we have to deal with on set and things like that.
And two of those filmmakers are going to be directing two episodes of THE CHI this season.
And so again, it's about intentional.
It's about sitting at the table, having the conversation, asking the question,
and then also too, even being here today, having all of you here talking about
how important work is, what work means, what inclusion means.
So we're grateful to you to be here to even moderate this panel.
Like, this is sort of born out of you guys being intentional from the start,
letting us come with our intentions, and then bringing more people to the table.
And it has been super exciting.
And I think you're right, it is an action. Because diversity can look-
Is it be about optics.
Inclusion is about, okay, I'm including you in the conversation,
therefore, I have to be very intentional about me listening to what you got to say.
And I also think, too
like, I don't think in the past people knew
either how to be inclusive or that they could be inclusive.
Right.
You know, like, I think about my inception story and how like,
you know, Issa basically was like, hey, HBO this is what I'm thinking.
This is what I'm doing.
And on their end, they had to be willing, because it takes
one the ask, and two the permission, right?
It takes two people being like, we see that this is important.
Let's... let's rock.
And so now I'm on my end, I'll never forget.
When I did my first special, it was like, all right, well, these producers
had never worked with the network, but I was like, I've seen their work.
I think they're good. Now,
the network is like, we love them.
They're using them for a whole bunch of other things.
Now with my second special, I'm like,
Uh, it could just be
the Yvonne Orji show or I can bring some other people along.
And so now I'm giving someone else the chance to be like a first time showrunner
or head writer in this way.
And, like, get the attention of the network.
So now they're in the zeitgeist, even for... I mean, that’s in everything.
When I did, when I did tape the first special, I was like, hey,
these are some Black set photographers that I love working with.
Can they do set photography?
Now, they too booked for me. I'm like dang!
I know that’s right. I know about that.
Hey, you know it’s just like, ok I gave you the alley oop now, you book...
Now you in it. Now you in it.
but that's what happens because the reality is like you, you hope and anticipate
that people are actively looking to be inclusive, but everybody's not on their radar.
So you as a person that has a platform you bring people to other people's radar
and then it’s skyrockets from there, and then now from their overflow, they get to bring other people in.
And that's literally how the table keeps going
And I wonder, too, because does it have to do
with race?
Does it have to do with gender?
Does it have to do with youth?
Like who... who is being included? who is being included
that makes us feel like this is a great place to work.
It's a little bit across the gamut.
I think it's anybody who hasn't already always been included.
Right, I agree.
you know, like whatever that that that... anyone else.
Because you can go into the color and... but then you do have to look at...
Women.
women, but also like people who have disabilities
and like there's there's a gamut of people
that feel they have not had a space and had an opportunity to do things.
So I think it's also about like just those people who just don't have even the chance that, like...
trying to use your voice
and say, you know, I want them and I need them here.
I want them in the room.
And it doesn't always work, you know, when you're doing a movie or
you're doing a TV show, it's a tricky game
to play sometimes because people,
they gonna put on they friends and all of these things, but you try to fight
as much as you can to leave room for those that you know can get the job done.
And as an immigrant too, I... for me, I'm like, how many Nigerians can I put on something?
You know what I mean, I’m like I'll bring in the whole family
Ya know.
Because it was really hard. Culturally
there wasn't a lot of examples of people who were doing it.
I mean, I think when I started or when I was really in it, it was like Lupita.
And then my mom was like, your friend has won an Oscar, but I don't know her
She don’t know me, you know?
And then it was
but it was like that was the first time my mom was like, maybe your dreams are doable
because this girl from Kenya did it and you got Uzo, and so and so
it's like as we include more different voices, more
from different backgrounds, that's also critical.
And that's also important because it shows people what's possible.
Yeah.
And when I get an opportunity, I feel like it's always important to, you know,
give that opportunity to other people to even if it's a friend
and someone that I'm working with is like,
can you think of someone?
I'm always going to put the people I know on and make sure that they're successful
and winning, too.
So I don't ever just- am just a selfish person.
It's like, no, I'm just going keep this opportunity for myself.
I want everyone to win because there's room for everyone to win especially.
And it's also the people who, like you said, want to win because, just because you know them don't
mean that they... don't mean that that opportunity...
that's what I'm saying.
[crosstalk]
...with me when we were shooting the gym, but also...
That’s right.
I want my sister to win,
but if you can't beat my face, I don't know what to tell you.
it's like on you.
You have to be able to do the job too.
At the end of the day.
I have a question.
What job... I want-
I want I- want a good sentence.
What is a place or project that... a place that you've worked, or a project
that you've been a part of, where you felt like
this is a very inclusive situation?
I feel like this is amazing.
I want to come to work every day.
Talk to me.
I just filmed a movie in Thailand
called Sheroes, and that's where I felt like really celebrated.
And it was just, you know,
it was diverse people there, but I just felt included
in everything.
Like, every day I woke up, I'm like, oh, my God, I can't wait to work.
And it didn't feel like work to me.
That's like the best thing when you are working, but it just feels like,
oh, we just chillin and just having a good time.
And in Thailand.
-Yeah -Um, Sheroes season what?
When can I do that?
I came out the gate blessed. I'm not going to lie.
Insecure was probably like the creme de la creme.
We cried when we finish because we're like, will this ever happened again?
because it was a family, but it was super inclusive.
It was like hair and makeup trailer
you saw people that looked like you that could do your hair and makeup. Writers you saw-
I mean, even down to like,
season four when Molly had a love interest that was Asian, the writers hired
an Asian writer to be able to make sure that that voice was represented.
-Yes! -So it was just like... I mean, I think the Asian man would say
it's like, nah, let's let's hear what an Asian man would say.
And then and also supportive.
And so it was just like our writers room had everything from
Black, white, queer, straight, married, single, like it was...
-That’s true inclusivity. -All those things matter.
-That's true diversity. -Yes.
So for me, I was spoiled and it's like I'm I'm chasing that high
so I'm a little advantaged
or in a way where I'm like, that's my norm.
So I'm going to believe and act as if that's possible everywhere.
I mean, I've done other things.
I'm like, Oh, dang, you're not in Kansas anymore.
You know what I’m saying?
-You’re not auntie Em, come on. -Listen, listen.
You know?
But when you know it's possible, you chase it because that's exposure.
That's what that's- when people see a Lena they're like, Oh, I can do it! When- you know,
And so exposure is the great equalizer, I believe.
I'm having a blast doing Color Purple right now.
-The movie musical version. -Yes.
It was... our leadership Blitz has been amazing.
It's so collaborative.
You know, I just love going to work because everybody there is egoless
and is there to work, and that feels so good when you're in a room
and it's like, I want to see you win. I want you to do your best work.
And then they can help elevate you and your artistry.
And... so I'm really, really enjoying that.
And everyone from hair, makeup, crew, to assistants to
producers is diverse.
Like, I love it.
I love it. I love it. I love it. So that's that's my favorite.
I don't know if that's what you thought I was going say but... I love I love it.
No, I love, I love it.
And to what you said too, inclusion at any level
-Every level really. -because
PAs
you would be amazed how like
this such an entry level job and there's still not a lot of African-American PAs.
Exactly.
And it's just like
how else- you talk about in front of the camera, you talk about directing, you talk about the writers room...
-We just try to serve people lunch.
-Yes.
-You know what I mean, like that should be a... -That's a way in for a lot of a lot of people.
That's a way in for a lot of a lot of people.
That's a way in.
And some people still are not included even at the bottom.
So it's like you've got to look at inclusivity from everywhere.
-top to bottom. -Absolutely
Absolutely.
Listen, inclusivity is a huge topic.
I wish we could talk about it all afternoon, but
there's one last topic that we have to discuss, and I'm only going to do this.
So you know what we're getting ready for.
♫ Money money money money ♫
-♫ Show me the money ♫ -♫ Money ♫
So thank you again,
and please visit indeed.com/RisingVoices
to learn more about this whole initiative.
-Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.