Entertainment

Creating Her Own Vision: LisaRaye McCoy

Published

11 years ago

March 31, 2015

LisaRaye McCoy greets a fan in Atlanta in May to celebrate the premiere of VH1’s “Single Ladies.” The show is taped in Atlanta. McCoy plays a character named, Keisha. (Special/AP Images for VH1)

by Mary L. Datcher
Special to the NNPA from The Chicago Defender

If one can say their life was an open book then LisaRaye McCoy would probably agree that hers have been on display ever since she made her feature film debut as “Diamond” in the Ice Cube directed film, “The Player’s Club” nearly 18 years ago. Since then, we’ve witnessed her acting career gradually gain momentum from the large screen playing opposite Omar Epps in “The Wood” and other films-Rhapsody, All About You and Go for Broke. Her most familiar connection to households is her role as Neesee James in the CW sitcom, “All of Us” which had a comfortable run for almost 5 years.

During this time, she never missed a beat as the First Lady of Turks and Caicos Islands, married to Michael Misick- the island’s first-ever Premier. After a very public and messy divorce in 2008, the Chicago native immediately brushed herself off and dived into her work. Through her entrepreneurial spirit- she’s had her own reality show, launched a jean collection and hair line as well as segueing into the romantic comedy series, Singles Ladies on VH1.

Just recently, we can also add ‘director’ to her long laundry list of talent. In February, McCoy made her directorial debut with the independent film release of “Skinned” at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles. Sharing co-director credits with Avery O Williams, a writer-director and professor at Morehouse College, the film was produced by fellow Chicago native, Sharon Tomlinson of Studio 11 Films, Divine Entertainment International and Lot 10 Productions. It also features Van Vicker, Jasmine Burke (Drum Line 2), Brad James (Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse), Drew Sidora (The Game, Step Up, Crazy Sexy Cool) and newcomer, Cycerli Ash.

Shot in Atlanta, “Skinned” tells the story of Jolie, a young girl that is so uncomfortable in her own skin and the stigma of what society places on dark skin that she uses skin lightening creams to alter her complexion. The film is slated to be released in select theaters nationally.

Never too far from the comfort levels of her hometown, she is in Chicago this weekend to host a special event, Life Rocks Vision Board Workshop where she shares how instrumental creating vision boards are to building personal success. We talked with LisaRaye on her new projects and how her personal and professional milestones have been a catalyst to her success.

Tell us about your experience co-directing and acting in the independent film, “Skinned”.

LR: It was a fantastic opportunity in so many ways. Not just being the boss on the set, but both showcasing both angles of my creativity coming into play. I was able to direct and bring out what was needed from the actors during their performances.

I nurtured them the way that I would like a director to work with me. I received that treatment and nourishment from Ms. Debbie Allen when she was the director on the set of ‘All of Us’. I knew how and what kind of director I wanted to be. The storyline was good, breathing life into the scenes of this movie- creatively was great as well. It’s an independent film so you start out slow and on the low budget side but the kick off of the cast was phenomenal.

Do you find the transition from actress to director is something that you can carry for your own future projects on the production side?

LR: Believe or not, I felt more comfortable behind the scenes than I really do in front of the camera because of my maturity. I’ve been in the business for the last 15 years and now I have a little more fire in me. It’s exciting to me because it’s new.

Just being in that position where I can call the shots for something that I created brings a certain amount of freedom to you. I am ready to pass the torch and do something different while staying in show business. With this role, I didn’t have to stay in the makeup trailer before ‘action’ starts. As a director, I just showed up to be ready to work and bring the creativity to life.

People seem to find a real connection to you. Who do you credit for your ‘down to earth’ attitude?

LR: My father was a ‘people’ person and a paraplegic so he handled his business from the bedside. He would have a lot of meetings from the bedroom. So, I would see him get up with very little sleep from the night before and wake up so ‘happy-go-lucky’. All the time! I never saw him wake up mad or mean with any discomfort. Everyone liked him and he helped everyone so as a kid, you really don’t understand what that gift means. I grew up learning how to keep that together. Coming from a two-part family, my mother was the housewife, but she was also the strength and backbone of the family. From her, I learned how to be a girl, a woman, a nurturer and a cook. She keeps me grounded to this day.

What kind of advice can you offer to younger actors who are seeking a career in the film business?

LR: To stand strong because we do get to that desperate state when we just want to be on television – we feel like, we want to be famous. I understand it, it sparks and stems from something. Once you get into it, you have to realize it really is business behind the ‘business’. The show is the ‘show’ but if you’re lacking the business- you’re going to lose anyway. A great personality and having morals will go a long way.

How do you sustain balance in your life?

LR: Having God, family, a good circle of friends and your conscious is balance for me. You know when you’re doing something that is not good. Our conscious reminds us, if you listen to that inner voice and stop continuing to be complacent-then change may come.

I am on a spiritual journey right now. I was baptized about nine months ago. I think even the bad experiences helps you. When I came out of my divorce, I thought at first,’Oh my God, how did I get here?’. It put me on my knees and God asked me, ‘Are you ready to listen? Are you ready to give me the reigns of your life instead of the reigns that you’ve taken?’ I had a great amount of success but now I’m learning that it is easier to turn it over to Him. Be able to build my strength with the wisdom to be able to tackle the things I know is going to come into my life. Life has its ‘ups and downs’ and ‘valleys and peaks’. When you know that, you don’t have to get ready for what you know is coming. I want to stay ready.

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Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of July 22 – 28, 2026

Published

12 hours ago

July 27, 2026

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Black History

How Black WNBA Players Became Collateral Damage in the Caitlin Clark Culture War

AFRO-AMERICAN – WASHINGTON — Caitlin Clark, a WNBA player, has been weaponized against Black women, leading to federal government involvement. A letter signed by 11 Republican lawmakers, led by Texas Rep. August Pfluger, was sent to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, threatening a Department of Justice investigation into the league due to concerns that fouls against Clark “may be racially motivated.

Published

18 hours ago

July 27, 2026

bpusa-syndication

How Black WNBA Players Became Collateral Damage in the Caitlin Clark Culture War

(Black Press USA Newswire) – Caitlin Clark is more than a WNBA player; she has become a tool of weaponization against Black women. And now the federal government is involved.

Led by Texas Rep. August Pfluger, 11 Republican lawmakers signed a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, threatening to have the Department of Justice investigate the league because fouls against Clark “may be racially motivated.”

“As Commissioner, you have an obligation to ensure that every player competes in a safe and professional environment, both on and off the court, free from violence, discrimination, or retaliation. If discrimination or retaliation is occurring and creating a hostile work environment, we support any appropriate investigation by the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. If true, such conduct could constitute violations of federal civil rights laws,” the letter stated.

The letter creates a false narrative and is irresponsible and dangerous.

Stephanie Christmas, a former women’s basketball player at Georgia Southern University, has remained a WNBA fan since its inaugural season in 1997. Christmas has never seen politicians use their platforms to sway the league’s direction.

“If you want only one player to play the game, that’s not basketball anymore,” Christmas shared. “I don’t think that they should be putting any legislation in place. They are making it worse for the players and the WNBA game.”

The people who are using Clark as a tool couldn’t care less about what occurs in between the lines of a basketball court. Statistically, Clark is a decent shooter and above-average passer, but she lacks offensive efficiency and is a liability on defense. Her most staunch defenders are not basketball enthusiasts; instead, they view Clark as a symbol to further their hatred for Black women.

Every moment of discomfort Clark appears to face on the court becomes an opportunity for her supporters to unleash vile and racist language against the alleged perpetrator. If Clark is fouled hard, engages in trash talk with an opponent, or receives what she views as an unfair call by a referee, her defenders are incited to unleash their wrath.

During a tightly contested match between Clark’s Indiana Fever and Phoenix Mercury in June, the Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas and Clark were on the court battling for a loose ball. Thomas’ arm briefly pressed against Clark’s neck during the scramble, but no foul was called. Following the game, Thomas was issued a flagrant one and suspended for one game by WNBA officials. The play triggered Clark’s supporters, and they aimed racial slurs and death threats at Thomas. Thomas responded by calling out WNBA commissioner Engelbert for not protecting athletes in the league.

“We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy. It’s no surprise,” Thomas shared in a press conference after her suspension. “You can see what’s being said on social media. It’s unfortunate, but as usual, she remains silent. That’s unfortunate when our lives are being threatened.”

It was only after Thomas’ statement that Engelbert responded to the threats sparked by Clark’s supporters.

“The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate,” Engelbert said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority. We ‌are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community.”

Weeks later, Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces faced racial animus following a simple foul call that went against Clark. While driving to the basket, Gray was fouled on the arm by Clark, who collapsed to the ground and held her stomach as if she was in pain. Clark yelled at the referee, claiming that Gray had hit her, but video replay proved that Gray never initiated contact with Clark.

But an otherwise normal basketball play led to Gray enduring racial slurs and harassment. Following the game, Gray reposted a screenshot on Instagram of a man using a racial slur against her, and she wrote, “People act like we make this s— up.”

The post went viral, and the man, who worked for Hilton Grand Vacations, was fired within days.

Gray responded to the ordeal in a press conference, revealing that she and other WNBA players have faced ongoing harassment.

“Enough is kind of enough,” Gray said. “These messages are not the first time. It’s not. There was other stuff, too. I just decided to share that one. This time I got fed up with it, and I just decided to share it. And maybe I don’t share the other ones, but I know people will think twice.”

Clark never asked to become a symbol for those who aim hatred at Black women, but is she doing enough to distance herself from the position?

She issued a statement after hearing of the harassment Thomas experienced. “The harassment, the hate. None of that is OK,” Clark said. “There should never be a question of character, as I’ve always stood up here and said that, and that’s truly what I believe; that’s how I was raised. So, none of that is okay, and I don’t want anyone to experience that.”

It’s similar to another statement Clark made in 2025 after Angel Reese faced racial slurs while playing against the Fever in Indianapolis. “There’s no place for that in our game, there’s no place for that in society,” Clark said. “Certainly, we want every person who comes into our arena, whether player or fan, to have a great experience. I appreciate the league doing that. I appreciate that the Fever organization has been at the forefront of that.”

A competitive moment between Clark and Reese during the 2023 NCAA Championship game sparked a cultural division that followed both players to the WNBA. Their star power has coincided with the league’s recent emergence, but the overall success continues to be marred by the divisiveness initiated by Clark’s supporters.

“I would like for to have addressed her fans,” Christmas said. “Her fans are making threats, and they’re making racist comments. And it’s only racial coming from her fans. They don’t even really love the game. They just love her and then try to make it about race. At some point. I would like to see her stand against her fans when she sees them attacking some people that are on the court.”

Beyond her polarizing fanbase, Clark has also been accused of presenting herself as a victim and throwing tantrums on the court when things don’t go her way. During a recent game against the Golden State Valkyries, Clark used her hand to create distance while driving for a layup against the Valkyries’ Kiah Stokes. Clark fell to the ground after the layup and began berating referee Gerda Gatling while yelling, “Give me a f—-g call! I got fouled five times!” Replay video revealed that Stokes initiated no contact, and Gatling showed restraint by not giving Clark a technical foul.

The clip of Clark’s tantrum went viral, and she faced backlash online for her negative attitude.

“Caitlin Clark is a liar and the most dangerous type of white woman,” @mama4obama wrote on X. “One whose lies get Black women death threats. She wasn’t even touched and should have been thrown out of the game for the way she behaved toward the ref.”

“The Caitlin Clark experience serves as a microcosm of America’s divided socio-political atmosphere.”

The Caitlin Clark experience serves as a microcosm of America’s divided socio-political atmosphere. She has been chosen as a figurehead for hatred and division while her Black colleagues on the court remain prime targets.

It’s become an inescapable stain for a league that fought for years to garner interest and respect.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.

The post How Black WNBA players became collateral damage in the Caitlin Clark culture war appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Based on reporting by Afro-American – Washington.

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Commentary

Free Back-to-School Summer Family and Community Event Is Coming to Richmond

OAKLAND POST — Why is the film important? In 2025, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported standardized test reading score results of six selected student groups: African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Two or More Races, and White.

Published

1 day ago

July 26, 2026

bpusa-syndication

By Carol Lee Tolbert

Boost African American and Black student literacy skills this school year by attending the 2026 ‘Right-To-Read’ film viewing on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. An award-winning documentary exposing the literacy crisis impacting many African American and Black students in our public schools.

In the words of the film’s director, “It’s a game changer.” After the audience views this eye-opening film, our experienced panelists will provide information to parents, guardians, and advocates on how to help children become proficient readers, close the literacy gap, and share why literacy matters.

Here is an example of a comment by a past attendee: “Excellent experience!” “The panel was amazing!”

Why is the film important? In 2025, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported standardized test reading score results of six selected student groups: African American/Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic, Two or More Races, and White.

Sadly, African American/Black students ranked last in fourth-grade reading scores and 5th in eighth-grade reading scores. So, what’s the big deal? According to NAEP, just 10 points can mean a grade-level difference between two students in the same class!

THE MORNING ALSO INCLUDES: A Backpack Giveaway, Fun Activities for Kids, Breakfast, Lunch, Prizes, and Materials!

To be sure, some African American/Black students are thriving in public schools, but far too many are not – as the data reveals. By watching this inspiring film and hearing from panelists, WCCUSD parents, guardians, and advocates can give children a jumpstart on the 2026-2027 school year. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed!

This event is sponsored by the Oakland Eastbay Alliance of Black Educators (OEABE), in partnership with Easter Hill United Methodist Church and United Women of Faith.

Pre-register by July 29 at www.oeabe.org. Space is limited. Inquiries can be emailed to oeabe.info@gmail.com. Event location is 3911 Cutting Blvd, Richmond.

About the Author

Carol Lee Tolbert, M.A., M. Ed., is a former School Board Trustee, Education Consultant, and Vice President of OEABE.