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Then & Now: Javicia Leslie

S1 : E33

TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 03.02.22

Javicia looks up to those who use their art to spread a message for change.

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The CW Spotlight series highlights relevant stories connected to The CW, featuring our creators, casts and crews as they share their unique and diverse perspectives on a variety of topics such as social and racial justice, mental health, equity, and inclusion.

EPISODES (46)

Do You See Me Now?

S1 : E1 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 02.26.21

In celebration of Black History Month, the new CW Spotlight series is highlighting our talent and storytellers as they discuss the importance of representation in entertainment.
Jordan Calloway - Portraying Complex Characters

S1 : E2 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 03.03.21

Jordan Calloway speaks on bringing a complex character to life and what Black Lightning means to the Black community.
Azie Tesfai - No Limits

S1 : E3 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 03.08.21

Azie Tesfai speaks to the importance of personal resilience and portraying a diverse character.
Charmed Ones - The Power of Three

S1 : E4 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 03.08.21

Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery, and Madeleine Mantock show young women that anything is possible!
David Ramsey - From Acting to Directing

S1 : E5 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 03.10.21

From Diggle to directing, David Ramsey breaks down barriers to help establish superhero narratives, and discusses the importance of having Black storytellers behind the camera.
Nkechi Okoro Carroll - Changing Perceptions

S1 : E6 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 03.12.21

Nkechi Okoro Carroll strives to tell stories that challenge preconceived notions and unify people from all walks of life.
Ebony Gilbert - The Writer’s Journey

S1 : E7 | TV-14 | 6 min | Aired: 03.16.21

Batwoman writer Ebony Gilbert grew up using writing as a way to make sense of the world around her. Now she strives to tell authentic stories about marginalized communities.
Kung Fu Cast - #StopAsianHate

S1 : E8 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 03.25.21

The CW supports the AAPI community to #StopAsianHate. To help spread awareness, watch this powerful interview from the cast of Kung Fu.
Kung Fu Cast – Representation

S1 : E9 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 04.14.21

The cast of Kung Fu reflects on the first time they saw themselves represented in media and how impactful it was for them.
Diversity Behind the Camera

S1 : E10 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 04.22.21

The CW is committed to bringing diverse perspectives and voices to creative roles behind the camera.
Charles Lee Wilson - Opportunities

S1 : E11 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 04.29.21

Charles Lee Wilson talks about the power of opportunities and how All American gives people from all walks of life a chance to succeed.
Kung Fu Cast - Overcoming Stereotypes

S1 : E12 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 05.01.21

In honor of #AAPIHeritageMonth, the cast of #CWKungFu expresses their joy in portraying full, three-dimensional Asian characters that subvert stereotypes. #CWSpotlight
Naz Goshtasbpour – Visual Authenticity

S1 : E13 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 05.03.21

Naz Goshtasbpour speaks to the importance of production design and how cultural knowledge informs the medium.
Keto Shimizu – Authentic Voices

S1 : E14 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 05.06.21

Executive Producer Keto Shimizu discusses how crucial it is to have diverse voices in the writers’ room, and how it contributes to good storytelling.
Sherri Chung - The Power of Music

S1 : E15 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 05.14.21

Composer Sherri Chung discusses reconnecting with her culture through her art, and the shift toward new voices in music composing.
Kennedy McMann and Leah Lewis – Navigating Mental Health

S1 : E16 | TV-14 | 7 min | Aired: 05.22.21

Kennedy McMann and Leah Lewis discuss the importance of mental health care and the stigma surrounding it.
Rachel Skarsten and Meagan Tandy – Raising Mental Health Awareness

S1 : E17 | TV-14 | 7 min | Aired: 05.28.21

Rachel Skarsten and Meagan Tandy touch on their personal connections to mental health and how they keep each other in check.
Nicole Maines – Writing Dreamer into the Comics

S1 : E18 | TV-14 | 6 min | Aired: 06.08.21

Nicole Maines talks about Dreamer’s legacy and how important it is for her character to live on.
Maya Houston – Writing LGBTQ+ Characters

S1 : E19 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 06.16.21

Batwoman Story Editor Maya Houston talks about writing three-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters and furthering authentic representation on television.
Aziza Aba Butain – Art Informs Life

S1 : E20 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 06.22.21

Aziza Aba Butain talks about her efforts as a writer to combat the misconceptions of LGBTQ+ representation on-screen.
Danny Tolli – Representing Gay Characters

S1 : E21 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 06.25.21

Danny Tolli speaks on the joys of writing universal LGBTQ+ stories.
The Significance of Pride Month

S1 : E22 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 07.30.21

Pride Month is a celebration and a call-to-action to further change for the future. What does Pride Month mean to you?
Reflections of Identity

S1 : E23 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 07.30.21

Jeanine Mason, Heather Hemmens, and Amber Midthunder speak on the significance of being able to identify with characters on screen.
Anjelika Washington – Self-advocacy

S1 : E24 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 08.30.21

Anjelika Washington discusses the importance of advocating for herself and making her voice heard.
Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff

S1 : E25 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 09.15.21

Kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month with a look at who inspires our CW stars!
Lisseth Chavez – Staying True to Herself

S1 : E26 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 09.24.21

Lisseth Chavez brings her character to life through her own identity and real stories.
Odette Annable – Being Cuban American

S1 : E27 | TV-14 | 7 min | Aired: 10.01.21

Odette Annable celebrates her diverse background and shares her experience growing up as a Cuban American.
Yvette Monreal - The Power of Positivity

S1 : E28 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 10.08.21

Yvette Monreal talks about the power of surrounding yourself with people who support and believe in you.
Cristela Alonzo – Being Proud of Who You Are

S1 : E29 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 10.15.21

Cristela Alonzo discuses being proud of her cultural identity and how life challenges made her stronger.
4400 Cast - The Black Perspective

S1 : E30 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 10.29.21

The cast of 4400 discusses re-envisioning a cult hit through a modern, Black lens.
4400 Cast – Character Flashbacks

S1 : E31 | TV-14 | 8 min | Aired: 11.11.21

4400 explores unrepresented parts of American history through their characters’ pasts.
Then & Now #CWSpotlight: Charmed

S1 : E32 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 02.28.22

The Charmed cast talks about the importance of representation on screen and honors those who paved the the way before them.
Then & Now: Javicia Leslie

S1 : E33 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 03.02.22

Javicia looks up to those who use their art to spread a message for change.
Then & Now: Kaci Walfall

S1 : E34 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 03.02.22

Kaci discusses not wanting to be put in a box and play roles that challenge her.
Olivia Liang – Strong Women

S1 : E35 | TV-14 | 1 min | Aired: 03.16.22

Olivia Liang discusses the strong women in the cast of Kung Fu.
Then & Now: Meagan Tandy

S1 : E36 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 03.02.22

Meagan looks up to those who are gracious, respectful, and inspire others.
Then & Now: Geffri Maya & Kellie Jenrette

S1 : E37 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 03.25.22

Geffri Maya & Kellie Jenrette talk about the responsibility of being an artist and performing at the highest level.
Then & Now: Cory Hardrict & Netta Walker

S1 : E38 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 04.08.22

Cory Hardrict and Netta Walker reminisce about their common influences and motivations.
Then & Now: All American: Homecoming Cast

S1 : E39 | TV-14 | 3 min | Aired: 04.14.22

The cast of All American: Homecoming share who has inspired them as artists.
Kung Fu Cast – AAPI Heritage Month 2022

S1 : E40 | TV-14 | 5 min | Aired: 05.02.22

Kung Fu portrays Chinese American culture with authenticity and nuance. How is your family celebrating AAPI Heritage Month?
Tom Swift Cast – Pride Month

S1 : E41 | TV-14 | 4 min | Aired: 06.01.22

The CW celebrates Pride Month with the cast of Tom Swift!
Tian Richards - Pride Spotlight

S1 : E42 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 06.10.22

Tian Richards shares his experience and discusses the importance of having diverse LGBTQ+ characters on-screen.
Marquise Vilsón - Pride Spotlight

S1 : E43 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 06.22.22

Marquise Vilsón shares his thoughts and experience on representing a #LGBTQ+ character on-screen.
Ashley Reyes & Gabriela Quezada Discuss Representation & Being Multicultural

S1 : E44 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 09.27.22

Ashley Reyes & Gabriela Quezada discuss the nuances of identity, and how it’s okay to not put yourself into a single box.
Justin Johnson Cortez | Indigenous Peoples Day

S1 : E45 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 10.10.22

It takes a lot of wonderful people to tell this story with the authenticity and respect it deserves.
Tyler DiChiara on Transgender Representation

S1 : E46 | TV-14 | 2 min | Aired: 03.31.23

Tyler DiChiara speaks about the importance of transgender representation and his personal journey in becoming the man he is today. #TransgenderDayofVisibility #CWSpotlight #CWGothamKnights

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