Inside the Black Box

"Empire" star Trai Byers shares his journey to earning a lead role in a #1 TV show while actress Cassandra Freeman shares how she landed the iconic role of Aunt Viv in "Bel Air."

Actors Hisham Tawfiq ("The Blacklist") and Grace Porter ("The Godfather of Harlem") reflect on their careers in television sharing insights on growth opportunity and representation.

Actress Keesha Sharp ("Lethal Weapon" "Empire") and director Jeff Byrd discuss navigating Hollywood. Actress Condola Rashad ("Billions") shares how having a famous mother Phylicia Rashad and famous aunt Debbie Allen has affected her own journey to success.

Naturi Naughton ("Notorious" "Power" "Queens") and Kellita Smith ("The Bernie Mac Show") discuss their journeys from music and television to iconic roles revealing how they built enduring careers in Hollywood.

Stage screen and voiceover star Keith David discusses his iconic documentary voice work for Ken Burns while casting director Twinkie Byrd shares how she helped launch major actors such as Michael B. Jordan.

Tony and Emmy Award winner Jeffrey Wright ("The Batman" "Westworld") and Actor/Activist Malik Yoba ("New York Undercover") reflect on their career-defining roles revealing the persistence and passion required to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Five-time Emmy Award winner Debbie Allen ("Grey's Anatomy" "Fame") and Rob Morgan ("Stranger Things") discuss breaking barriers in Hollywood sharing how perseverance and craft helped them build lasting careers across film and television.

Wendell Pierce and Julito McCullum reflect on their roles in "The Wire" sharing how the acclaimed series shaped their careers and perspectives on representation in television.