Many African American sitcoms rejected by major networks
have found a home on cable. Why do you think that is?
Economics is the bottom line for major networks–not creativity. African American shows are immediately marginalized. If a TV show or movie is all black, the belief is that it is only designed for black viewers, but that doesn’t happen with a white show or film. The only way to [defeat] those things is to become bigger than your ethnic identity while staying true to it. Think of The Cosby Show or The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. At this time, cable is the best place for us because we have the latitude to develop a show and grow its success. I can take my time and create the show I want and push the envelope a little.
This fall you’ll be pushing the hat collection you started last year, Who Ced? Is it true that Sean “Diddy†Combs gave you some pretty sound advice?
Yes, I met with Sean and he told me that when he launched Sean John all he sold was velour sweatsuits and [not] anything else for a long time. So, he advised that I focus on one thing and then build out. He said, “Do your hats, everybody knows you for your hats.†In my personal collection I own about 200 hats. My line will offer fedoras, newsboys, baseball caps, and scullies, and will be sold in Saks Fifth Avenue this fall, and at Macy’s and Kohl’s next spring. In the meantime, check them out at www.whoced.com.