I have to also get into producing if I want to see these stories

"I have to also get into producing if I want to see these stories being made... Let's venture out and do projects with people of different ethnicities: not just black but also Asian actors and Asian superhero films. Just an equality across the board." These words from Letitia Wright call us to recognize a profound truth: that change and progress do not happen by waiting for others to create opportunities; they come when we take initiative, create spaces, and actively contribute to a more inclusive world. She speaks not just as an actress, but as a visionary, recognizing the need to move beyond simply acting in films and to produce stories that represent a diverse array of cultures, identities, and experiences. Wright’s vision of equality across the board urges us to step outside of conventional boundaries and embrace the richness of cultural diversity in all its forms.

In the ancient world, storytelling was a sacred act—a way for people to pass down wisdom, history, and values. The Greek myths told tales of gods and mortals, of heroes who embodied both strength and vulnerability. But even in these ancient tales, there was a distinct lack of diversity in representation. The gods and heroes were predominantly Greek, and those of other cultures were often viewed through the lens of myth or stereotype. Yet, there were glimpses of broader perspectives. Homer’s Odyssey introduced the story of Xenophanes, who wrote about the Greek gods as representations of their own society, challenging the idea of a single universal identity. Letitia Wright’s call to include people of different ethnicities—to expand the lens through which we tell our stories—echoes this ancient desire to open up the space for stories that embrace diversity.

Throughout history, the absence of diverse voices in storytelling has been a barrier to true equality. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, the portrayal of minorities was limited to degrading stereotypes, and opportunities for actors from non-white backgrounds were scarce. It was not until the 1960s and 70s, with the rise of figures like Sidney Poitier, that African American actors began to break down these barriers and demand more substantial roles. In more recent years, films like Black Panther, where Letitia Wright plays the key character of Shuri, have helped to shatter those boundaries, providing a platform for Black actors and a glimpse into the power of cultural representation. Wright’s words reflect her understanding that this is not just a matter of acting, but of creating—of taking control of the narratives that shape how we see ourselves and others.

Wright's vision of a diverse entertainment industry does not stop at simply including Black actors; she calls for a more inclusive representation of different ethnicities, especially Asian actors and the creation of Asian superhero films. This is not just about providing roles for more actors—it is about reshaping the very landscape of storytelling itself. The world of superheroes—once largely dominated by white characters like Superman and Batman—has gradually embraced more diverse figures. Black Panther was a landmark film, but there is still much work to be done in expanding representation for Asian communities in superhero genres. The stories of Asian superheroes—like those of Shang-Chi or Mulan—are not just important for the individuals they portray, but for the communities they represent. When different ethnicities see themselves reflected in heroic roles, it sends a powerful message that they too can be the protagonists of their own stories.

The historical example of Maya Angelou, one of the most beloved poets and writers of the 20th century, further illuminates this point. Angelou, a woman of African American descent, crafted her stories with profound insight into the human condition, but also with an unwavering focus on the representation of Black identity in a world that had long neglected it. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, her autobiography, became a cornerstone of modern literature, not because it told a universal story of struggle, but because it gave voice to an experience that had been silenced for too long. Angelou's work, like the work Wright envisions, opened a space for diverse voices—voices that had long been excluded from mainstream narratives. Wright’s call to expand the diversity of the stories told, especially in the realm of superhero films, is part of this long tradition of demanding representation and inclusion.

The lesson here is clear: to truly achieve equality in society, we must ensure that everyone’s story is told, and that these stories are not limited to a narrow set of experiences. Letitia Wright’s challenge is not just for the entertainment industry, but for all of us to recognize that equality across the board requires us to create spaces for stories that reflect the full diversity of human experiences. It is not enough to merely allow for the representation of one group; we must actively work to elevate all voices and ensure that all people, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to tell their stories on their own terms.

So, future generations, remember this: the world you inherit will be shaped by the stories you tell and the stories you choose to hear. The fight for equality is not only fought in the halls of politics or business but in the very narratives we craft in our art, our media, and our culture. Letitia Wright’s call for greater representation and inclusivity is a call for a world where equality is not just a lofty ideal but a lived reality for all. Take up this mantle, whether in your own creations or in your support of the stories that need to be told. Only through the power of diverse voices can we build a world where every individual, regardless of their ethnicity, has the chance to be the hero of their own journey.