Seagram’s Escapes Hosted Honest and Refreshing Dialogue Highlighting African American Women in Comedy & Entertainment

In the spirit of summer, the popular flavored malt beverage brand Seagram’s Escapes, in collaboration with Rolling Out, recently hosted a virtual discussion with Black women influencers in comedy and entertainment with the fourth installment of their 2021 Empowerment Tour. The June panel, Cocktails & Conversations Star Studio: Influencers & Entertainers Edition, featured esteemed African-American female entertainers B. Simone, LaLa Milan, and Claudia Jordan. The event was moderated by Nina Parker. Throughout the discussion, the ladies covered aspects of entertainment from a variety of spectrums and shared how they climbed the ladder of success in the entertainment industry, their personal branding tips, and how they conquered challenges.

Simone, who is a rapper, singer, comedian, actress, beautician and social media personality who appeared in MTV’s Wild’ N Out, addressed being in the spotlight and handling judgment. During the conversation, she said, “When people question your character and you have built such a fan base that trusts you and you love them, and they really look to you for guidance and leadership, that’s what hurts me [and makes me] want to explain my truth.”

Jordan, who is a talk show host, actress, model, businesswoman, former reality television personality, radio personality and host of the hit show “Cocktails with the Queens” which airs on FOX SOUL TV, gave listeners candid advice on what she recommends is the best way to have longevity in entertainment. “Ask to do more,” said Jordan. “People will see that, and that will separate you from the next person that is just there to get a paycheck, I promise,” she noted. She also added, “Be open with things, because sometimes taking a step backwards financially will help you take two steps forward.”

Milan, who is an actress, comedian, and podcast host known for her roles on the BET hit series, Boomerang, and the provocative podcast, The Salon With Lala Milan, noted that persistence is the key to success. “Don’t be discouraged by where you are; look at where you came from, and never forget that you got there by being consistent,” she shared. Milan then added, “Do not stop because at the end of the day, slow progress is progress, and you will eventually get there.”

Simone also shared sincere advice on how to overcome trials of being an influencer. During the conversation, she advised, “Walk in your purpose. Walk in your path of truth and it will come to you. You just need to walk [and] be yourself. As long as you are not harming people, bullying people, [or] being a bad person, walk in your truth and it will unlock doors.”

As part of the tour, Seagram’s Escapes presented this virtual panel to highlight Black women entrepreneurs who have overcome obstacles they faced on their road to becoming innovators in their fields. Seagram’s Escapes launched the virtual conversation to elevate Black women and provide resources along with tools to propel them forward as they pursue their passions. The series of virtual tours provides a space for honest conversations where a variety of trailblazers share their stories candidly with others in similar spaces to inspire, encourage and share the knowledge needed to accelerate their entrepreneurial tracks.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.