Sexy hoochie Black woman, Black criminal, Black thug, Black gangster. -Jazzy Ellis
These are words used to describe the type of black people that producers and directors want in their scripts. When it comes to black stuntwomen, there is little to no representation. I was appalled when reading this. In this day and age, this type of language should never be used to describe anyone. What's even worse is that there is also blackface that takes place in the stunt community. Yes, you read that correctly. Blackface.
This is just part of a deeper issue that surrounds the stunt industry and how black women and men are represented. There is a wonderful article that covers it all by Refinery 23 titled: Black Stuntwomen Are Ready To Fight — Will Hollywood Let Them? Here is the link: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/08/9939912/black-stuntwomen-hollywood-experience
It's a great read.
There is absolutely no doubt that more representation is needed in the stunt industry. Fortunately, I was able to get into contact with someone who is fighting for black stuntwomen in Hollywood. Her name is Nailah Johnson. She is also a part of SAG-AFTRA. A union that looks over actors, personalities, singers, performers, and stuntwomen/men. She's done amazing work including doing stunts for the Jurrasic World Tour. Here is her reel:
The work that she does is not easy and it takes a lot of dedication and focus. I asked her a few questions and I hope you enjoy what she had to say. Again, I will include the questions and the answers as a teaching tool. Thank you all.
Q: For those who don’t know, how would you describe what you do?
I get to play dress up and challenge my body and mind for a living. It's the greatest profession I could ask for!"
Q: When did you decide that this was something that you wanted to do?
I am confident I always knew that this is what I wanted to do, I just didn't know what it was. I never thought about being a stuntwoman but I've always loved performing and the martial arts.
I just didn't know what other avenues there were to take with this path. I started off as a production assistant for TV and was introduced to the stunt coordinator on our show, he educated me on the stunt industry and I was hooked!"
Q: What impact has stunt work had on your life, what does it mean to you?
Being in stunts has allowed me to keep a healthy lifestyle. I am constantly training and learning new skills, which keeps me active. Stunts has made a positive impact in my life both physically and mentally.
After graduating college I was going down the traditional route of working a 9-5 full time job in an industry I hated. With stunts I am constantly learning, challenging myself and loving every second of it.
Q: How do you feel about representation in your profession, and why is it important?
There are many performers who have paved the way for us newcomers. Yes, diversity is still on the rise in our industry as a whole but it is coming. I am happy to be mentored and educated by many stuntwomen, stuntwomen of color, people of color, stuntmen, coordinators, etc.
Q: What would you say to young black women and girls who want to get into your line of work?
Don't be discouraged. You're going to hear a lot of no's and that should just make you want to work harder. It's a long process and I am just getting started so don't give up. The best advice I've gotten from veterans in the industry is that this professional is a marathon not a sprint so don't rush the process.
Q: What would you say to young black women and girls who are hesitant to go after their dreams and aspirations because of societal pressures?
If it makes you happy then no one else's opinion matters. EVERYONE is going to talk so just do what you love. Once you start living life on your terms and based on what YOU want to do you live a happier life.
If you feel there is not enough representation then you can be the one to change that to then inspire other little girls to do it so don't EVER feel as though you are not capable of doing something because society says so.
I would first like to thank Nailah for her contribution and time to help me with this. Secondly, if you've read to this point, I would like to thank you for your support as well.
I hope this was able to resonate with you and help you along your journey. My favorite quote from Nailah is as follows:
"If it makes you happy then no one else's opinion matters. EVERYONE is going to talk so just do what you love. Once you start living life on your terms and based on what YOU want to do you live a happier life. "
"If you feel there is not enough representation then you can be the one to change that to then inspire other little girls to do it so don't EVER feel as though you are not capable of doing something because society says so. "
The reason why this stands out to me is that she stresses the importance of doing whatever makes you happy. Doing whatever makes you happy regardless of what people say. People are going to talk anyway. That shouldn't knock you off the path to truly achieve what you want to do in life. As a result, you get to live a more fulfilling life. One that you've always dreamed about and wanted. That's what we're all about here.
So you see, representation is needed. It is important. However, it is more important to stay true. It's ok to be you. Thank you all again. Much love.
If you would like to follow Nailah her instagram is: @nailahjohnson
Also huge shoutout to my boy Bez for helping me find out about her. His instagram is: @b_potent
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