Rae Gets Laughs, King Draws Tears At Essence Pre-oscar Gala

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Actresses Aja Naomi King and Yara Shahidi quoted James Baldwin. “Insecure” creator Issa Rae shared awkward memories of her first trip down a Hollywood red carpet. And singer-songwriter Janelle Monae, who makes her acting debut in two films best-picture nominated films at Sunday’s Oscars, insisted black women “have a right to have our stories told.” Essence magazine recognized these four young entertainers Thursday at its 10th anniversary Black Women in Hollywood gala, which is set to air as a special on the Oprah Winfrey Network on March 5. “Stories written, directed, produced and acted by black women are necessary,” Common said as he and actor Kofi Siriboe opened the program at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. “This event is a reminder that we are here,” host Gabrielle Union said.