Amplifying Narratives Through Art with Janelle Monáe

In this episode of "B The Way Forward," recorded live at Grace Hopper Celebration 2023, host Brenda Darden Wilkerson talks with creative dynamo Janelle Monáe, exploring the intersection between art and technology. Janelle delves into her journey as a multi-hyphenate actress, musician, author, and activist and her poignant roles in films like “Moonlight”, “Glass Onion”, and “Hidden Figures”. And they discuss how art serves as a powerful tool for change, illuminating and amplifying the narratives of women, especially women of color, in tech. As Janelle reflects on forging her identity through her craft, she also shares some pearls of wisdom for those eager to find their own voice.“Erasure of identities is just dangerous. It's just so dangerous to omit the truth. And we just need more truth tellers. And more people in the position of power fighting back against that... Using your power and your influence to combat ignorance is really going to be one of the ways forward.”X -@JanelleMonaeInstagram - @janellemonaeFacebook - /janellemonaeYouTube - @janellemonaeOn the web - jmonae.com---At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations.---Connect with AnitaB.orgInstagram - @anitab_orgFacebook - /anitab.0rgLinkedIn - /anitab-orgOn the web - anitab.org ---Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.---B The Way Forward Is…Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige HymsonSound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Associate Producer is Faith KroguleckiExecutive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency MachineExecutive Produced by Arlan Hamilton for Arlan Was Here Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.orgPodcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.orgPhoto of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media ProductionsFor more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org