A short thread. Got a sweet note today from someone in showbiz letting me know that he and his wife finished watching all 4 seasons of #QueenSugar thus far and just voted for @ava and us to be nominated for an #Emmy. Nice way to start the day. 1/6

BUT the Fact is TV dramas w/ Black creators, Showrunners & casts don’t generally get #Emmys. Often we are seen as too “niche” or “small”. these structures have been in place a long time. And it’s a subjective industry that allows for artistic assessment— and individual bias. 2/6

A few years ago I decided I wouldn’t chase accolades. I’d been on BIG shows. “Noisy, next big thing” shows where I was told I was lucky, as a Black man, to be hired. Sometimes my best work was buried/watered down. Sometimes it was made clear to me I was hired but not desired. 3/6

When I decided to reject “industry norms” for myself and embrace what I believed— that it was a privilege & a responsibility to write stories that would touch Black people and people who truly believe in the humanity of all, my work and career kicked into another gear. 4/6

Still haven’t gotten an #Emmy nom. But #QueenSugar & my work as Showrunner is being honored by the @TelevisionAcad in their “TV Academy Honors” awards alongside big (and deserving) shows like @watchmen. A fantatsic honor. A “we see you and the work” nod. It’s awesome! BUT... 5/6

On this #IndependenceDay I want to affirm my independence & yours too. From chasing norms, from salivating after someone else’s accolades. Let’s affirm staying in touch with you and why you do what you do. I’m convinced that, long term, that’s how you win. How we win. 6/6