"I just got tired of seeing Black people only presented through the gaze of white America. Like, we can only be seen as we're seen by others and I'm tired of that. I want the next generation of Khalilah's to see themselves. I don't want them to go, 'There's that on girl on that one TV show.' I want it to be a plethora. I want them to be like, 'Oh my gosh, there's so many of us, I wish they'd cancel that show.' That's what I'm aiming for—that's when I feel like we'll reach success."
We chat with marketing executive and entrepreneur Khalilah Elliott about finding mentorship as Black women in the performing arts space, working at iconic institutions like the Apollo Theater and Disney Theatrical, and forming her own company, Gafford Communications.
Recommendations: Nina Simone, Toni Morrison, Jason Moran, and Judas and the Messiah
Shout out: Paul Lewin