Representation and Opportunity

In 2006, white comedian, actress, and producer Tina Fey was launching a television show, 30 Rock, on NBC. At the time, the network had a Diversity Initiative that covered the salary of one writer per show--provided that writer was a person of color. Fey saw it as a win-win: thanks to NBC's program, she could add an extra writer to her at team for "free."

She chose to give the opportunity to a 23-year-old aspiring writer and actor: Donald Glover. 

Listen, without NBC's Diversity Initiative, Glover's career would likely have taken a much different path. It would have taken longer for him to break into television, and without that early start, we might not have Atlanta or his music career as Childish Gambino. 

Related:

• Representation Briefs