A Conversation With Danielle Brooks

Article by Alyssa Pena, University Union Editorial Board

Assistant Editor | Photo by Dani Weinstein

“If I’m not being offered the thing I want, it’s okay. I can create it.” This was the powerful message Danielle Brooks shared during her conversation with University Union to celebrate and conclude Black History Month. Brooks, an American actress, singer, and producer, is best known for portraying Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson in the comedy-drama Orange Is the New Black, Leota Adebayo in the superhero series Peacemaker, and Sofia in The Color Purple, among many other notable performances. Moderated by Laone Molele, a sophomore in the Bandier Program for Recorded Music, the event allowed Brooks to connect with students about her experience as a Black woman in America, offering thoughtful advice and personal reflections while charming the audience with her genuine personality and contagious laughter.

“You can have more than one Black woman in a show, but how many shows are we getting?” While discussing the inequalities that continue to impact Black youth in America, Brooks reflected on how these disparities are often mirrored in the entertainment industry. She acknowledged that reaching her current level of success required working harder and learning to trust the timing of her own journey. At the same time, she emphasized the importance of remaining humble and consistently giving back to the community that supported her.

Photo by Asia Lising

“I hope that what I’m giving is healing.” As an Honorary Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Brooks embodies the organization’s core values of sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Through Black Women on Broadway, which she co-founded, she continues to uplift and celebrate the Black women who have contributed to Broadway both onstage and behind the scenes. Through her dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices, she stands as a pillar of excellence and empowerment.