These Sisters Fled a Coup as Children. After Hitting it Big in the U.S., They’re Determined to Help Others Succeed

**Sisters Massah David and Miatta David Johnson: Pioneers of Empowerment Through Creativity**

Massah David and Miatta David Johnson have made a mark in the world of event production with their agency, MVD Inc., orchestrating prominent gatherings such as the Essence Black Women in Hollywood and Essence Festival. Their journey from refugee status to entrepreneurial success is not only inspiring but also a testament to their commitment to supporting their community.

The sisters’ migration story began during the tumultuous 1980 coup in Liberia, which led to their family’s displacement. Miatta, who was just seven at the time, fled with their father and two older brothers, while Massah followed two years later with their mother. “The coup basically devastated our family,” Miatta reflected, recalling the assassination of her uncle, then president William Tolbert, and her father’s eighteen-month imprisonment.

Despite the hardship they endured, the sisters chose to view their past as a source of strength. Their father’s journey from the youngest mayor of Monrovia to a shoe salesman in the U.S. instilled in them the values of resilience and hard work. “He always said that hard work is going to get you to where you need to go, and it’s always family first,” Miatta noted.

The sisters’ professional lives took shape with Miatta attending New York University and starting her career in journalism with esteemed outlets like Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. Massah graduated from Howard University and ventured into the music industry before joining Miatta at MVD Inc., which they established in 2002.

Their combined talents—Massah’s creativity and Miatta’s strategic insight—have allowed MVD Inc. to collaborate with major names, including Mary J. Blige and Nas, as well as prestigious companies like Netflix and Universal Pictures. Their successful ventures provided a stable platform from which they could give back to the community.

In 2016, they joined forces with Schools Not Prisons, a campaign aimed at highlighting the concerning link between educational inequities and mass incarceration. Miatta emphasised the importance of using their industry connections to elevate critical social issues. “We felt there’s no better way to utilise that than through something like this,” she said.

The sisters also adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, creating a virtual event to celebrate exceptional educators in collaboration with Teach for America. “If we can lend our hand and we have access, we can use it for good,” Miatta stated, illustrating their unwavering commitment to uplift others.

Their collaboration with Colour of Change in 2018 focused on advocating for emerging artists and creators from underrepresented backgrounds. They brought visibility to the vital work being done by these individuals through events such as “Toast to the Arts,” co-hosted with the rapper Common.

In 2019, the sisters launched their organisation, Dope Africans, aimed at promoting African culture within the entertainment sector. Recognising the need for community among African creatives, Massah explained their motivation: “We wanted to celebrate our culture and connect friends and creatives that were in the industry.”

Now, the duo is preparing for the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, which they have organised for five consecutive years. This annual luncheon, set to take place on 12 March, honours the achievements of Black women in film, with this year’s honourees including prominent figures like Kerry Washington and LaTanya Richardson Jackson.

As they strive to surpass previous events, Massah shared their perfectionist approach. “We are always looking for ways to innovate and elevate,” she said, while emphasising the importance of maintaining a supportive environment for their guests. The event is not just a celebration but a safe space for Black women in the industry to come together and connect.

Reflecting on their experiences, the sisters have proven that their past trauma can be transformed into a drive for change and empowerment. With their ongoing efforts to uplift underrepresented communities, Massah and Miatta David Johnson continue to leave an indelible mark on the industry, serving as role models for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs alike.