If you’re a fan of things that are smart, funny, and unapologetically black, you’re probably quite aware of who Issa Rae is already. From her first project, the hilarious web series ‘The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl’, to her award-winning series Insecure, Issa’s become known for her unique takes on life for black women, and how experiences vary.
As well as this, she’s often featured on people’s ‘Best Of’ lists for her wonderful fashion sense, and her overall sense of cool – you wouldn’t be blamed for wanting her to be your friend! However, if you’re not already in the know about all things Issa, read our quick, ‘what to know’ guide below – we guarantee it won’t take long before you’re a fan too.
1. Why is Issa Rae SLAYING right now?
On Monday night (4th June), creator and lead star of HBO’s Insecure, Issa Rae, made history as the first person of colour to host the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards (CFDA).
The event took place at the Brooklyn Museum in New York and is best known as “the Oscars of the fashion industry”.
When hosting the event Rae made history with her choice of fashion and her dig to Kanye West about his comment that 400 years of slavery was a “choice”.
Whilst rocking a Pyer Moss gown and a belt referencing the Boris Gardiner song lyrics “Every N***a Is a Star”, the actress threw shade saying:
“I’m about as fashionable as Kanye is black. Only when it’s convenient,” she said. “That joke was my choice, just like slavery.”
Although West was not present at the event, his wife Kim Kardashian West was – we wonder what she thought of that comment…
Issa Rae is hosting the CFDA Awards . Her belt says “Every n*gga is a Star” pic.twitter.com/oslyMlbqdq
— Karen Civil (@KarenCivil) June 5, 2018
2. How did Issa become famous?
Rae first made it on the scene for writing, directing, producing and starring in her YouTube web series, ‘The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl’, which won the Shorty Award for Best Web Show in 2012.
Rae also launched a digital platform called Color Creative that helps to support the work of women and minority writers.
3. How was growing up?
The American actress grew up in Potomac, a wealthy Maryland neighbourhood. When her family moved back to California, Issa was often teased in her LA school for acting and sounding “White”. She wrote an essay discussing her experiences, “Black Folk Don’t Like To Be Told They’re Not Black” for the Huffington Post.
4. What inspired the show Insecure?
Rae used her personal life experiences to write the comedy series and she used the show to support Black women. The show was named ‘Insecure’ because of the lack of women who feel insecure about themselves. On social media she said, “It’s because there’s this narrative that’s going around that’s awesome: Black women are fierce, they’re strong, they’re flawless. And I don’t know that life. My friends definitely don’t know that life. So I wanted to center a show around weak Black women and the uncertainty they feel on that journey to get to greatness. It’s like the prequel to Black girl magic.”
5. Where can you see her next?
Season 3 of ‘Insecure’ is due to air on HBO August 12th where you can catch more laughs this Summer. Issa posted this short preview, reminding us all she’s back and she’s ready to kill it! #BlackGirlMagic
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjkU9MMnAON/?hl=en&taken-by=issarae
