"Insecure" creator Issa Rae shared awkward memories of her first trip down a Hollywood red carpet. [...] singer-songwriter Janelle Monae, who makes her acting debut in two films nominated for best picture 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. The need to be seen, heard and valued was a theme of the evening, as pioneering artists such as Debbie Allen and Viola Davis lauded the next generation of storytellers, who in turn thanked them for paving the way. The 32-year-old writer, director and star of HBO's "Insecure" listed Allen among the many black women who inspired her.