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Lena Waithe on Mentoring Other Black Creatives in Hollywood: ‘If We Don’t Do It, No One Else Will’
The Industry Apr 01, 2021
Shayan Asgharnia
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Lena Waithe is taking action to share her knowledge of the entertainment industry with up-and-coming creators from marginalized communities.
On Thursday, the 36-year-old The Chi creator announced her partnership with Häagen-Dazs to kick off the “That’s Dazs” campaign. As part of the campaign, the ice cream brand has pledged to donate $1.5 million over the next three years to different organizations, starting with $100,000 to Waithe’s Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab.
The tuition-free, 10-month program, which is currently supporting its inaugural class of fellows, provides opportunities for marginalized storytellers to connect, grow, and accelerate their careers in TV and film.
“We’re just kind of helping them along and giving them industry secrets, inside information, sharing advice, and making sure they have whatever resources they need,” the Emmy Award-winning star tells PEOPLE of the program.
When asked where her passion for mentoring comes from, Waithe says, “If we don’t do it, no one else will.”
“Mind you, there are a lot of different places, especially now, that are thinking about inclusivity and that are thinking about ways to diversify their companies,” she says. “But the truth is, I think people forget we’re talking about actual people, actual […]
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