Black History Month began with a powerful and dynamic conversation at the Mizell Center featuring the acclaimed actress, author, and activist Jenifer Lewis. Known as the “Mother of Black Hollywood,” Lewis has captivated audiences on Broadway, television, and film for decades. The event, which was both entertaining and deeply insightful, offered a glimpse into her storied career, personal triumphs, and unwavering commitment to advocacy. In addition to Lewis, well-known author and actor Rasheed Newson was also a special guest participant, sharing insights into his career and experiences as a Black storyteller in Hollywood.
The event, presented by the Palm Springs Public Library and the Mizell Center, opened with the dynamic Jenifer Lewis, a force to be reckoned with. Lewis has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She received an NAACP Image Award nomination for her role as Ruby Johnson in the hit television series Black-ish, a show that became a cultural touchstone. Her talents have graced prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, further cementing her status as a remarkable performer. Recognizing her contributions, Webster University, her alma mater, awarded her an honorary doctorate, and the American Black Film Festival honored her with a Career Achievement Award in 2020.
In July 2022, Lewis received a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Always one to embrace the moment with flair, she famously posed next to her star with her leg pointed skyward, showcasing her exuberant spirit and theatrical presence.
During her conversation at the Mizell Center, Lewis shared reflections on her journey, including the surprises along the way. She recounted how, just 11 days after graduating college, she found herself on Broadway, fulfilling a lifelong dream with unwavering determination and fearlessness. From a young age, she recognized her gift for entertaining, recalling a pivotal childhood moment when she sang in church at the age of five. The congregation’s overwhelming reaction confirmed her destiny in show business.
However, it was her personal battles that shaped her into the advocate she is today. At 33, Lewis was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a revelation that challenged her perception of herself. After years of resistance, she embraced therapy and treatment, eventually becoming an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. Appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show, she openly discussed her struggles, reaching millions with her message of strength and self-care. 
Beyond the stage and screen, Lewis has dedicated herself to activism, particularly in the realms of mental health and social justice. She recounted the pain of witnessing how the AIDS epidemic devastated her community, which led her to organize benefit performances for those affected. Her activism extends to voter engagement and racial equality, often using her platform to remind audiences of historical figures like Rosa Parks and the ongoing fight for justice.
Lewis’s journey has taken her around the world, from the streets of Hollywood to the mountains of Petra, where she humorously recalled a moment with a young guide, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding. Her travels have provided her with profound insights, reinforcing her belief in the power of love, self-care, and perseverance.
One of Lewis’s most striking messages was about the importance of embracing life fully. She urged the audience to prioritize self-care, find joy, and avoid wasting energy trying to change others. “Live while you live,” she emphasized, recounting a moment of deep reflection during the pandemic when she reassessed he life’s purpose.
Her fiery spirit was evident in her closing thoughts. She reminded the audience to fight for justice, to know themselves, and to approach life with courage. “Surround yourself with love,” she advised. “Find it, fight for it, and protect it.”
Jenifer Lewis’s presence at the inaugural event was an amazing experience. Through her humor, candor, and unwavering honesty, she left an unforgettable mark on all who attended, reminding everyone that life is a stage, and we must all play our parts with passion and purpose.
Rasheed Newson, an accomplished author and television writer, also contributed invaluable insights at the event. Newson is known for his work as a showrunner and executive producer for the hit Peacock series Bel-Air, a reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. His extensive career includes writing and producing for acclaimed series such as Narcos, Shooter, and Lie to Me.
In an exclusive interview, Newson discussed Black writers’ challenges in the entertainment industry. “They have a rather limited idea of what kind of Black stories can be told. They understand sports stories, and they understand crime stories. It’s harder to get them to understand that our lives are interesting without those elements,” he explained.
Detailing his journey, Newson shared how he started as an assistant in Hollywood before breaking into television writing. “I was in LA about six or seven years before I got my first job as a television writer. I was an assistant all over town, answering phones, grabbing coffee, and keeping the calendar. My writing partner and I finally wrote something together—a Mad Men spec script—which got us our first job on the Fox show Lie to Me.”
Newson reflected on the importance of incorporating real historical events into storytelling. His Mad Men script involved a baseball game where a radio broadcast mistakenly assigned an error to the wrong player. “We made that same confusion part of the episode, thematically tying it to a workplace mix-up. People loved that it was based on real history,” he said.
Speaking on diversity in media, Newson noted, “So much of what was explored in Mad Men—racial themes, LGBTQ+ themes—are still relevant today. Television allows me to weave in personal experiences in unexpected ways.”
Christian Cooper, a novelist, science and comics writer, and editor, also participated in the event. Cooper is the host and consulting producer of Extraordinary Birder on National Geographic. One of Marvel’s first openly gay writers and editors, he introduced the first gay male character in Star Trek and created Queer Nation: The Online Gay Comic. His book, Better Living Through Birding: Notes from a Black Man in the Natural World was inspired by his experiences as a birdwatcher in Central Park.
Will Dean, a journalist and communications executive, moderated the conversation with Jenifer Lewis. Dean, who has 26 years of experience, co-founded the Desert Outbook Book Club and launched the LGBTQ+ news magazine Desert Outlook. He remains an advocate for diversity in media and is actively involved in nonprofit efforts.
Sheree Devereaux, an anthology co-author, filmmaker, and event coordinator, conversed with Christian Cooper. Her extensive career includes roles as a casting associate, sustainability coordinator, and Broadway talent manager. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Palm Springs Writers Guild.
Darlyne Johnson (née Baugh) also contributed to the discussion, bringing her decades of experience in television and production to her talk with author Trisha R. Thomas.
Denise Jaxon, a screenwriter, playwright, author, and actor, has been recognized for her impactful storytelling, including her Sinclair Ellis book series. Reflecting on the significance of such events, Denise remarked, “This event highlights the importance of Black voices in literature and media.”
Added to the list of prominent attendees was Pamela Tinsley, a realtor and entrepreneur who has been acknowledged for her contributions to the community and her support of youth initiatives. Tinsley commented, “This was an inspiring presentation and an interesting book signing, as it really profiled excellent Black authors and further adding, I do hope the Mizell Center will continue to support and celebrate the contributions of Black authors next year during Black History Month.”
Photo Credit by Deborah Hayter
