**Issa Rae Reflects on the Wisdom of Maya Angelou at Creative Event**
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Issa Rae, the acclaimed actress and producer, recently shared insightful lessons from the late Maya Angelou during a panel discussion at the Create Canva/Building Creative Empires for Social Good event held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 16.
The actress, known for her prominent role in the groundbreaking series *Insecure*, was asked by moderator Lily Workneh about the advice she wished she had received earlier in her career. Rae seized the opportunity to honour Angelou, who passed away in May 2014 at the age of 86, by recalling a particularly impactful piece of wisdom she had shared.
“My girl Maya says when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time,” Rae articulated, emphasising the significance of trusting one’s instincts. She elaborated on how this counsel has shaped her decision-making processes in both her career and personal life.
Rae conveyed how she has often found herself in situations where her intuition was at odds with her desire to give people the benefit of the doubt. “I’ve had moments where I knew deep down something was off, yet I had that niggling doubt thinking, ‘Maybe I am overreacting,'” she said. This internal conflict, she noted, oftentimes leads to unnecessary complexities in her professional relationships, where she tends to give people more chances than warranted.
During her reflections, Rae expressed a deeper desire to cultivate faith in her own instincts. “If you see something that feels off, believe in what your gut is telling you. I’ve extended too many chances, especially in business,” she confessed. This recognition of intuition versus optimism has been pivotal for Rae as she navigates the demanding entertainment landscape.
Beyond sharing her personal experiences influenced by Angelou’s teachings, Rae also celebrated her accomplishments. Reflecting on her work on *Insecure*, she deemed it her proudest achievement to have opened doors for budding writers, creators, and producers. The series, which aired from 2016 to 2021, garnered Rae three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, marking significant milestones in her career.
Rae highlighted her latest project, a studio film titled *One of Them Days*, which features notable talents Keke Palmer and SZA. She emphasised the significance of this film, especially during a time when studio comedies featuring Black women are scarce. “We made $50 million at the box office,” she proudly declared, underscoring the film’s success in reshaping industry perceptions and creating opportunities for more diverse narratives.
The actress remains optimistic about the future of comedy, advocating for more projects that reflect the richness of Black experiences. “Having the chance to create more films and reinvigorate the comedy genre is fantastic,” she remarked, hinting at her ambitions to continue producing content that resonates with both audiences and aspiring creators alike.
As Rae continues to pave her path in a competitive industry, her memories of Maya Angelou serve as a reminder to embody resilience and self-belief. Her relationship with Angelou’s wisdom has not only inspired Rae’s decisions but has also established a model of empowerment for those looking to navigate their own creative journeys.
In conclusion, Issa Rae’s references to Maya Angelou and her own accomplishments encapsulate the blend of personal growth and professional evolution. As Rae forges ahead, her experiences highlight the importance of intuition, community support, and the pursuit of authentic storytelling in the world of entertainment.