Game Changers Shonda Rhimes, Debbie Allen, Ava DuVernay, Mara Brock Akil, Issa Rae Cover Essence

Debbie Allen seeing progress and hope: 

I look at it as an opportunity. It is wide open and for the taking. When I first started, there were no women in the room, there were no Black people in the room.”

Mara Brock-Akil sharing all shades of our lives, including our sex lives:

I’ve been relentless [about discussing sexuality] since Girlfriends… My feeling about sexuality and showing a consenting adult having sex is that it’s so empowering. Because if you are making the choice, you then have to be responsible for the choice. I think that message is conveyed to the audience. You’re not just there for the convenience of a man, you are there because you want it. It creates an opportunity—well, hopefully—for the young lady watching or the other women watching to understand you have a say in this.”

After the issue hit, the ‘Game Changers’ took to Instagram, writing powerful messages.

Ava posted the photo and caption below:

I hope someone sees this and thinks: “I will live the life I choose.” Thanks to Essence. And love to my sistren Mara, Shonda, Issa and Queen Debbie. xo

A photo posted by Ava DuVernay (@directher) on Apr 14, 2015 at 5:34am PDT

Mara writes:

The love I feel for them is tantamount to the inspiration they give me! I am beyond HONORED!! THANK YOU #ESSENCEMag for seeing us and validating the work that we do!

Issa writes:

I got to share my first magazine cover with incredible women who I admire deeply; who have paved and will continue to pave the way for other game changers. I am BEYOND honored, and so grateful to be included. Thank you @essencemag for continuing to uplift black women, thank you to the glam team for putting in WORK, and thank you ALL for the continued support!

Pick up the May issue of ESSENCE on newstands everywhere April 17. 

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