Lena Waithe

Lena Waithe

@lenawaithe

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Bio

GET TIX TO BROOKS & WAITHE DROP 2! LINK IN BIO. Founder of @hillmangrad | co-founder @brooksandwaithe

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Recent posts

Eight seasons later, it’s still hard to find the words. It’s a strange thing to say goodbye to something that has shaped so much of your life. Year after year you’ve invited @ShoTheChi into your homes and into your hearts. That isn’t something I take lightly. What began as a story rooted in Chicago became something much bigger than I ever imagined. It became a home for artists, a conversation with audiences, and a reminder that our stories deserve to be told with nuance, complexity, joy, and care. I’m grateful to @nytimes for creating the space to look back on this journey—the work, the people, the lessons, and the gratitude I’ll carry with me long after the final episode. If The Chi has meant something to you over the years, I hope you’ll spend a few minutes with this conversation. Read the full interview at the link in bio. Written by Pulitzer Prize–winning scholar and critic @salamishah. Visuals by @marcus.xoxo. Styled by @dvmnpigeon #Proximity 28 Jul 2026 What began as a love letter to Chicago’s South Side became one of the most important Black stories ever told on television. For years, The Chi gave us community, conversation, heartbreak, healing, joy, and characters that felt like family. It made Chicago feel like home while spotlighting the beauty, complexity, and humanity of life with care and intention. Now, as the longest-running Black drama series in premium cable and streaming history, ESSENCE honors the legacy of a cultural institution that changed the landscape of storytelling forever. This is their final curtain call and serves as a standing ovation to the stories, performances, and cultural impact that made The Chi a defining force in television. Featuring Lena Waithe, Luke James, Hannaha Hall, Birgundi Baker, Jacob Latimore, and Jason Weaver, this moment is both a celebration and a thank you. To the cast. To the city. To the culture. Some stories entertain us. The Chi became a part of us. Read more of our digital cover story at ESSENCE.com Roll The Credits: Photographer: @lelanief Production: @allworthypeople Talent: @lenawaithe @jacoblatimore @hannahahall @wolfjames @birgundi_baker @itsjasonweaver Stylist: @newheartnyc Hair: @takishahair Makeup: @alovethepro Special thanks to: @paramountplus Essence Editorial Director & Writer: @ghostwritervic Content Operations Manager: @shelbylnstewart VP, of Social & Special Projects: @mentionme VP, Video: @nicolejanuarie Visuals Director: @hashtag_bre Art Director: @so.lit VP, SMTG Creative - @praise_odg 20 May 2026 To Chicago, With Love. The South Side gave us the stories. Lena Waithe made sure the world saw the people behind them. From love, loss, queer joy, family, ambition, and survival — The Chi never asked its characters to be perfect. It only asked them to be human. What began as a response to the headlines became television’s longest-running portrait of Black life in all its complexity. Eight seasons later, the series takes its final bow not as the show people expected, but as the one so many grew up alongside. In her intimate conversation with ESSENCE, Lena reflects on building a world where its characters and audience could evolve together, why discomfort was always part of the assignment, and the lasting legacy she hopes The Chi will leave behind long after the credits roll. “I think there was something that was missing from that report, which was the humanity of the city and how violence could come about and why it was happening,” she says. “And I think that’s really what I wanted to get to the root of is what is the cause, not just the effect.” We are so PROUD OF YOU. Ascend to heights and levels unseen and untouched with a pen that has now wrote stories in the archives of our people forever. You Win my dear, Lena. Read our digital cover story at ESSENCE.com. Roll The Credits: Photographer: @lelanief Production: @allworthypeople Talent: @lenawaithe Stylist: @newheartnyc Hair: @takishahair Makeup: @alovethepro Custom Look @dvmnpigeon Special thanks to: @paramountplus Essence Editorial Director & Writer: @ghostwritervic Content Operations Manager: @shelbylnstewart VP, of Social & Special Projects: @mentionme VP, Video: @nicolejanuarie Visuals Director: @hashtag_bre Art Director: @so.lit VP, SMTG Creative - @praise_odg 20 May 2026 Community is something we practice, in real life. Pull up a chair for the third installment of AROUND THE TABLE, a monthly table read series created as both a showcase and a sanctuary for storytellers. Join us November 19 at 7PM as we gather around the table for “the LET OUT,” a film co-written by @thekleanfitt, @i_amrich, and @brooklynn_fields | limited seating available. Each month, a curated selection of scripts from emerging and established writers comes off the page and into the room, brought to life by actors before a live audience. Beyond showcasing the work, the series exists to nurture storytellers, build relationships, open doors, and create a community where meaningful voices are seen, heard, and supported. THIS EVENT IS FREE! Secure your seat through the link in @LETUSBESEATED bio, and tag the creative minds in your circle who should be in the room! 10 Nov 2026 A story can begin with one person, but its power is realized when it reaches others. We welcomed a community of curiosity for the second installment of AROUND THE TABLE, a live reading series devoted to the voices shaping the next generation of storytelling. Our featured writer, @brooklynn_fields, presented her play, The Committee, directed by @fednajacquet and brought to life by an extraordinary cast of actors. What began on the page unfolded into an evening of laughter, discovery, and shared imagination. The significance of this series extends beyond any single performance. It is about creating access, championing writers, cultivating creative relationships, and ensuring that meaningful work has an opportunity to be experienced before the industry decides what deserves its attention. The Cast & Creative Team: @behzaddabu, @cosauls, @kausartheperson, @jstewiii, @that_carolynmichelle, @toccarracash, @itschrisrickett, @__brittany__b, @sheriairving, @michaelaobro, @i_amrich, @thedez. The next chapter is already calling. Follow @LETUSBESEATED and sign the guest book for updates on future installments. We look forward to welcoming you back to the table. 📽️ @iamsuedewilliams 09 Nov 2026 Some events are worth clearing your calendar for. This is one of them. Come one, come all. It’s the kind of night that reminds you why we gather. @BrooksandWaithe Drop 2 is bringing it all together. We’re taking over @casitahollywood on Friday November 20 for an evening of fashion, culture, and community. And we’ve got an entirely NEW collection of limited-edition pieces making their debut. You won’t find these anywhere else, so if you see something you love, make it yours! 👩🏽‍🍳@iamcheftashia is in the kitchen 🎧@djohla + @djbellafoxx providing the soundtrack 🍸Cocktail specials 8PM-10PM 🎟️Your ticket includes food + access to shop new collection No tickets sold at the door. Secure yours in advance and tell your people to pull up. We’re making room for more memories, more connections, and another unforgettable night together. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 8PM–1AM @casitahollywood Tickets available now. Link in bio! 08 Nov 2026 Los Angeles, WE’RE BACK! The countdown to @BrooksandWaithe Drop 2 starts NOW. You already know what that means. Start planning the fit! Our first pop-up was one for the books. You showed up, showed out, and sold us OUT! So, of course, we heard you, and had to run it back. Friday, November 20, we’re bringing you a fresh new collection of limited-edition pieces available exclusively at this event. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Come ready to grab the pieces ! But you know it’s bigger than the clothes. It’s about bringing our people together, looking good, eating good, and celebrating community. 👩🏽‍🍳 @iamcheftashia is in the kitchen 🎶 @djohla + @djbellafoxx are on the sounds 🌴 @casitahollywood is where it all goes down Every ticket comes with a plate, and there will be no tickets sold at the door. Tag your people, secure your spot, and come spend the night with us. Come for the collection. Stay for the community. This one is for us. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20 8PM–1AM Shop the new collection. Get your tickets! Link in bio. 06 Nov 2026 HEAUX CHURCH is officially SOLD OUT! 💒 Thank you to everyone who grabbed their tickets! Theatre should be accessible to everyone, and I want our community in the room! That’s why I’m gifting 100 FREE tickets across 2 days. 🎟️ 50 tickets for Friday November 6 🎟️ 50 tickets for Sunday November 8 Come to the @elysiantheater before 7pm to claim tickets. Tickets are first come, first served, and a valid ID is required. 2 tickets per person. While supplies last. Spread the word, bring a friend, and help make sure these tickets reach the people who deserve a night of laughter, connection, and live theatre. This is for YOU! Drop a 💒 in the comments if you’re coming to claim your ticket, and tag who you’re bringing to church! Can’t wait to see you at service! 🙌🏾 05 Nov 2026 @lenawaithe and I hosted the @heauxchurch brunch to bless the LA run before we open. The First Testimony was oysters and plantain crisp. The Sermon was Dreams of Grandma’s Wings, straight off the grill. Look at these faces. That’s what a congregation looks like. Thank you to the partners who made this table holy: @wevibe for the centerpiece nobody could stop staring at @heymistr for taking care of us @maddalenawines for keeping the glasses full @lyresspiritco for the zero-proof pours @molli.mood for the cans in everybody’s hand @chefwendyz those wings had my grandmother’s whole spirit in them. And @callhotline.co thank you for pulling this day together. Heaux Church opens TOMORROW at The Elysian Theater, running Nov 5–8. 📸 @kianamichellescott 04 Nov 2026 You know WE love a meal after church service! 💒 We we kicked off HEAUX CHURCH’s arrival in Los Angeles breaking bread, sharing love, and bringing our community together around one table. Because church has always been about more than four walls. Can we get an AMEN for our wonderful partners who helped make this fellowship possible? @wevibe @heymistr @lyresspiritco @maddalenawines @molli.mood, @jwinery, @wonderwerkwine, @flybyjing, @qmixers, @milagrotequila, @reyka_vodka BLESS YOU! 🙌🏾 Now, congregation, the countdown is ON! We are officially 2 DAYS AWAY from opening night, and consider this your LOW TICKET WARNING! The spirit is moving all weekend, and Friday, November 6 is shaping up to be a service you won’t want to miss! We have an extraordinary lineup of special hosts: @cynthiaerivo @iamcreesummer, @theninaparker, @vincint, @theslaygawd, @jennyyangtv, and @ismaelcruzcordova, @kidfury, @mooredarnell all week! Plus a surprise guest. Don’t be the one hearing about the service after the benediction. Secure your seat NOW. Just a handful of tickets remain. Link in bio! 🙏🏽🐟 📹 @wu.am.i our amazing videographer 03 Nov 2026 We’re back to getting cozy, and asking the real questions: What was the intention behind creating HEAUX CHURCH?? Watch above then run don’t walk to get tickets! 💒🧡 Tickets are running low, folks! Link in bio: celebration.org/heaux 03 Nov 2026 A story can reflect the world around us. And in the right hands, it can help reshape it. From becoming the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series to breaking new ground with @shothechi, @lenawaithe has given Black voices and perspectives a lasting place on screen while creating opportunities for the storytellers coming next. EBONY is honored to welcome Lena into THE COURT, where she’ll join five fellow trailblazers receiving their flowers at the 2026 #EBONYPower100 Gala on November 9. Her place in THE COURT honors more than a remarkable career. It recognizes a lasting mark on the culture and the stories yet to be told. Step inside THE COURT and discover the visionaries shaping our culture at EBONY.com. 🖤 #EBONYPower100 #TheStoriesWeShape 02 Nov 2026

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DbWH0vlGhizEight seasons later, it’s still hard to find the…
DYj-Po4onAmWhat began as a love letter to Chicago’s South S…
DYkMyOpFVuMTo Chicago, With Love. The South Side gave us …

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