Influential Women of Hollywood on Elevating Black Voices

On the Essence red carpet, entertainment lawyer Nina Shaw, actresses Amber Riley and Garcelle Beauvais, and producer Numa Perrier share their thoughts on how black women can break down barriers and make their voices heard throughout the industry at large. Nina and Garcelle express their hopes for more acknowledgement of African-American projects in the future.

Until then, these women, and others like them, will keep creating and inspiring the next generation as they forge ahead. "I think it's time to make our own," Amber says. "We got that magic, so we can do it on our own."