When I think about my journey in Hollywood, one thing I’m really proud of is how I’ve built a career—and a creative empire—that’s authentic and true to my roots. As a Black writer, producer, and director, I’ve faced the challenge of not just breaking into this industry, but doing it on my own terms. That means creating spaces where Black stories are told honestly, creatively, and without compromise. It means building a legacy that reflects who I am and the culture I come from, rather than chasing trends or watering down my work to fit into a mold that wasn’t made for me.
Creating a Black creative empire isn’t just about producing shows or making money—it’s about representation, ownership, and respect. It’s about showing the world that Black stories have depth, humor, heart, and complexity, and that those stories deserve to be told by people who truly understand them.
Staying Authentic in a Complicated Industry
Hollywood has a long history of pushing Black creatives into narrow boxes. Often, there’s pressure to tell stories that fit stereotypes or appeal only to a certain audience, rather than showing the full spectrum of Black life. Early in my career, I saw firsthand how hard it was to get real, nuanced stories on the air. I knew I wanted to change that.
That meant making tough choices. Sometimes, opportunities would come that could’ve boosted my career, but only if I sacrificed the authenticity of my voice or the integrity of the story. I chose to hold on to my vision instead. It wasn’t always easy—there were moments when I wondered if the industry would accept work that didn’t fit the usual mold—but that belief in authentic storytelling has been my guiding light.
When I created shows like Love That Girl! and Family Time, I wasn’t just producing sitcoms—I was creating spaces where Black families, relationships, and everyday experiences could be seen and celebrated in a way that felt real. That’s the kind of content I want to build my empire on: stories that resonate deeply because they’re honest.
Ownership Is Power
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that ownership is everything. It’s not enough to just get your name on a project or be the creator—you have to own your work and protect it. That’s how you build long-term power and influence.
Early on, I saw many talented Black creatives lose control of their work or miss out on the rewards because they didn’t understand the business side. I made it a point to educate myself and build Harvest Studios as a platform that allows me and other Black creators to maintain control over our content. When you own your story, you can shape it, distribute it, and benefit from it financially. That means you’re not just a participant in the industry—you’re a player with real leverage.
Ownership also means having the freedom to push boundaries and innovate without asking permission. It’s what allows me to explore new formats, platforms, and genres while staying true to the culture and community I represent.
Building a Family Business
For me, building a Black creative empire isn’t a solo journey—it’s a family affair. My wife Valicia is the art director and set decorator, my son Bentley Jr. is an actor who starred in one of my shows, my daughter KyLee is a writer, and my sister and nephew also work with me as writers and producers. Together, we’ve created a creative team that’s built on trust, shared vision, and a deep understanding of our stories.
This family collaboration has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Not only does it allow us to support each other, but it also brings authenticity and heart to the projects we create. When you work with people who know your story intimately, the result is a richer, more genuine product. And it’s a reminder that building a Black creative empire isn’t just about individual success—it’s about lifting up your community and creating opportunities for those you love.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Part of creating an empire is making sure it lasts beyond just one generation. That’s why mentoring young Black creatives is so important to me. I want to share everything I’ve learned—the good and the bad—so the next wave doesn’t have to start from scratch or make the same mistakes.
Hollywood is changing, and there are more opportunities now than ever for Black creators, but the path is still full of obstacles. My upcoming book, The Hollywood Blueprint, dives deep into my journey and offers guidance for breaking into the industry and navigating its pitfalls. It’s a way to give back and help build a stronger foundation for others.
Mentorship isn’t just about teaching craft—it’s about helping others understand the business, encouraging them to own their work, and reminding them that they don’t have to compromise who they are to succeed.
Balancing Commercial Success and Cultural Integrity
One of the biggest challenges for any Black creative trying to build an empire is balancing commercial success with cultural integrity. Sometimes it feels like you have to choose between making content that sells and making content that truly represents your community.
I’ve learned that it’s possible to do both. You can create shows and films that are entertaining and commercially viable without selling out. It takes a strong sense of purpose, strategic thinking, and sometimes being willing to say no to opportunities that don’t align with your values.
Over time, audiences have shown they want real stories that reflect their lives, not watered-down versions. By sticking to authentic storytelling and owning my work, I’ve been able to build a brand that’s respected both creatively and commercially.
The Road Ahead
Building a Black creative empire is a lifelong journey, and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far. But there’s still so much more to do—not just for me, but for all Black creatives trying to make their mark. My hope is that by sharing my story, creating opportunities for family and community, and mentoring others, I can help pave the way for a new generation of Black storytellers.
The industry is evolving, and there’s more space now than ever for Black voices. The challenge is to keep pushing, stay authentic, and hold on to ownership and control of your work. That’s how we build empires that last—without ever selling out.
Thanks for taking this journey with me. Let’s keep telling our stories, our way.