Marsai Martin Amplifies Black Voices as Hollywood’s Youngest Producer of All Time
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At 18 years old, Marsai Martin is an already unstoppable force in Hollywood. She landed her breakout role in ABC’s Black-ish in 2014, starring in the series’ eight-season run as Diane Johnson. Five years later, in 2019 — at the age of 14 — Marsai’s resume expanded once again with the launch of her own production company, Genius Entertainment. That same year, she made history as the youngest executive producer on a major Hollywood production. The multi-hyphenate has been recognized by the BET Awards and the NAACP Image Awards for her work in media thus far, but her career in storytelling has only just begun.
As a young Black female producer, Marsai recognizes the importance of her role in the industry, and the impact she has on amplifying diversity and the Black experience in film and television. “I use my voice in spaces where not a lot of young Black girls are, and am able to put other people's voices out there and make sure they have a seat at the table as well,” the actress told Seventeen.
Marsai’s advocacy work extends outside the world of Hollywood, as a steadfast champion of mental health awareness and female empowerment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Marsai collaborated with EventBrite for the Social Connection Project, which strives to combat social isolation among Gen Z. Earlier this year, she teamed up with former First Lady Michelle Obama for the Get Her There initiative, which aims to educate young women and girls around the world (as depicted in a moving launch video produced by Marsai for the Obama Foundation).
Now, as she celebrates the release of her latest project, Fantasy Football, Marsai reflects on the strides she’s made in the entertainment industry so far and what motivates her to keep using her platform to celebrate Black joy and depict authentic stories.
What inspired you to launch your production company and amplify Black representation in film and television?
Marsai Martin: I formed my activism in the way that I work as a producer and an actress. My activism journey began when I learned the true meaning of producing and the space that I'm in. I’m able to create content not just for young Black girls, but for people all around the world that respectfully represents their culture in a proper way. I wouldn't put a certain mark on [where my activism and advocacy journey began], but the older I got, the more I started to observe and realize the impact that I could make when I use my voice and bring people together. That helps the world go round.
How do you protect your mental health as an activist, actress, and producer in Hollywood?
MM: I’m aware of my surroundings and the positions that I put myself in. You have to be aware of your surroundings and environment and you should know what makes you happy and what keeps you down, whether that's the people you're around or the areas that you're in.
Our minds are our biggest fans. But they’re also our biggest enemies. I am always aware of how my mind feels before I speak and am put in certain situations. My family helps me a lot in protecting myself and making sure that I put myself first before putting myself out there in a way that is not me and not a representation of me.
I also do things that make me happy. Balance is key, especially in the profession that I'm in. So whether that's music, yoga, working out, or hanging out with my friends and doing the normal teenager stuff, those things definitely help me everyday.
What accomplishment are you most proud of achieving in your activism and advocacy journey?
MM: There's a lot. I feel like I'm a veteran in this sense. I’m proud of using my voice when it comes to producing and having a seat at the table. I use my voice in spaces where not a lot of young Black girls are, and am able to put other people's voices out there and make sure they have a seat at the table as well. That’s very important to me and that's the thing I'm most proud of, especially when it comes to building a team.
How have you grown since your activism and advocacy journey began?
MM: I feel like I've grown tremendously, not only in acting but in maturity. You learn a lot as a teenager. You put yourself in different situations and if you're like me, where you're always around adults all the time because you're going to different after-parties or different engagements, it's important to observe and know your surroundings. I think that definitely has helped me grow tremendously. I’m grateful to be in a space where I am happy and comfortable in who I am.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your activism journey, and what have you learned from that?
MM: Public speaking and being able to use my voice outside of the comfort of my own home. I think that comes with growth but the more I grow up, the more that I learn that I have a voice for a reason and I have to stand up for what I believe in. I have to stand up for different passions and make sure that it's projected in the right way. I'm a little shy when it comes to new people, so it’s a challenge for me to go out and speak at podiums and say how I feel and bring my energy to where other people can feel and understand what I'm saying. It’s a fear that I'm still somewhat overcoming.
What inspires you to keep advocating for mental health awareness and for others?
MM: What inspires me is the next generation, or the next line of girls coming after me. I think that it is very important to always leave a stamp on the world. I have a little sister. Being able to watch her grow, see the world in her eyes, and hear the questions she asks are beautiful curiosities. Young kids everywhere have these curiosities, and we never know what's going to happen, but being able to use our voice and to do what we love and open the doors for youth around the world is very important at any age.
Parts of this interview have been edited and condensed for clarity.
Photo Credit: Tyren Redd. Design by Yoora Kim.
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