It’s this type of debate that continues to fuel black America’s socially awkward relationship with sex. On the one hand, black people are some of the most sexual beings on the planet. But as sexual as we may be, black America continues to be the one community that refuses to talk about sex in an open and honest way. Think about it. Why are the STD rates and the rates of single motherhood so much higher within the black community than in others? It’s because we’re too busy tip-toeing around the conversation instead of addressing it head on.
Let’s Talk About Sex
One person who has proven herself unafraid to lead this type of discussion is New York Times best-selling author Zane. Blessed with an uncanny ability to write compelling black erotica, Zane encourages black women to move to a new level of comfort with their sexuality. Her message — once confined to paperback books — has recently expanded to cable television where her show “Zane’s Sex Chronicles” is aired on Cinemax. Now entering its second season, the show tackles black sexuality in a way that has never been previously seen on television.
As I sat down with the leading women on the show to discuss their impact on sexual discourse among blacks, I found that I was not just in the presence of some of God’s most beautiful creations, I was also face to face with three women who refuse to be exploited or judged. As our conversation unfolded, so did their unique master plan — a plan that included the revelation that there’s so much more to judge a woman by than just her smile, her breasts or her butt. Through this discussion, each woman successfully proves that point, and shows that there’s so much more to them than meets the eye.
Laila Odom (Ana Marie):
I’ll never forget my first encounter with Laila. Within a matter of seconds, it became abundantly clear that she was on a mission to conquer the world with her wealth of talent. For Odom, the opportunity to be on a show like Zane’s afforded her a chance to not only grow as an actor, but to also shed light on a recurring pattern of sexual dishonesty within the black community.
“Somebody told me that this show was going to be groundbreaking and different, so I wanted to be a part of it,” she reflects. “We have a show that people don’t really know if they want to be honest and talk about it, or even admit that they watch it. Unfortunately, it’s like a dirty little secret. But for people who want to see real life and not a reality show, you can tune in and see real people. To me, the show is along the lines of ‘Sex and the City,’ but it gives you so much more.”
The “more” that Odom is referring to could be several things. For starters, she could be referring to the more graphic nature of the show as compared to what’s traditionally seen on premium cable channels. But knowing Odom, her reference runs deeper than sex. This show allows black people an opportunity to really see themselves, which according to Odom is necessary since “we need more examples of [black people’ on television having real relationships.” I agree.
Patrice Fisher (Patience James)
There comes a moment in everyone’s life, where you sit back, reflect on life’s journey, and in response to it all — let out a deep sigh. Lead actress Patrice Fisher had just that type of moment when asked to share her thoughts on the social impact of the show. Was her sigh a reflection of the show’s failed attempt to make any type of lasting impact? Absolutely not. It was more an admission that while the show has made some serious strides, there is still so much work to be done to complete the sexual awakening of our community.
“I think Zane has opened a whole different type of door for women and erotica,” Fisher shares, choosing to focus on the show’s benefits for women. “Zane has shed light on the fact that all women are sensual sexual creatures … we just hide behind society’s idea of what we should act like. I like the fact that we are bringing more urban sexuality to TV, because it needs to be seen. We are all people with feelings, cravings and urges. Ethnic people just don’t really get a chance to be seen in a positive light in sensitive situations. So I like the fact that we’re doing this and opening so many doors.”
Over the next half hour or so, Fisher’s belief in the show’s potential was evident. But what was also evident, was her sincere desire to directly influence the lives of women in a meaningful way. “I’m just really passionate about helping people,” she confesses. “It’s really what I feel like I’m supposed to be doing. So I enjoy conversations like this, because it allows me an opportunity to talk about issues that really mean a lot to me.”
Maya Gilbert (Lyric):
You often hear directors and casting agents refer to a star as having the“It” factor, which equates to an indefinable quality that draws people closer to them. Maya Gilbert certainly has “It,” but I’m not exactly sure that she even cares. For Gilbert, her deep-seated passion for producing exemplary work trumps the accolades that are sure to eventually collect on her mantle.
With regards to the show, Gilbert’s desire to deliver a strong message to our community drove her initial involvement with the project. “I think the message of the show is intended to be empowerment and enlightenment,” she carefully explains. “It was time to force the doors open on the world of lovemaking for people of color. We’re all sexual, but ironically enough in black America, our lovemaking is something that has always been taboo. It’s almost like we’re supposed to be ashamed of how passionate we are and ashamed of the rhythm that we have. This show breaks down those barriers, and allows us as a culture to experience something that we don’t ever get to see on television. This has also opened the eyes of others to our culture and has allowed them to look a little deeper, past the stereotypical black show.”
Embracing the Future
As the future continues to unfold for the show and the cast mates, there have been no signs of them second guessing the decisions that have led them to this point. “Do I regret doing 
the show?” Gilbert ponders. “Absolutely not. This experience has been something that I will take with me, and learn from it. I believe that it will help me in the long run.”
As Gilbert’s words left her mouth, they hinted of a woman who seemed ready to begin the next chapter of her life; one that includes her passions as a writer and a producer. Her current crossroad is one that all women and men must eventually face. When is it time to move on? And when is it time to begin a new season in life?
It’s a question that I’m sure even Zane has occasionally tossed around in her head. How long can this ride really continue for the Zane brand? And have her efforts to create meaningful dialogue on black sexuality really been effective? That remains to be seen.
One thing’s for sure though, we’ll be right here waiting to see how the final chapters play out for the gutsy author and producer, as well as for Laila Odom, Patrice Fisher and Maya Gilbert. Before us stand talented women who look just like us, and who so badly want an opportunity to have their voices heard. Can you hear them?
We can … loud and clear.
