Why We Need to Own Our Stories: David Oyelowo on Mansa

For a long time, the world has known one thing for sure: Black culture drives the world. Whether it is music, fashion, or film, the creativity and excellence of Black people have always been at the heart of what’s "cool."

​But according to actor David Oyelowo, there is a big problem. We create the culture, but we don’t usually own the "pipes" that deliver it.

​Right now, most movies and shows made by Black creators have to go through studios and platforms owned by people who don't always share the same background or values. David explains it simply: "No one is going to treat your home like you will."

​When you don’t own the platform, your work gets put through a "filter." Sometimes it gets changed, and sometimes it gets ignored because the people in charge don't see its true value.

​We’ve all seen it happen: every year, there is usually just one Black film that gets all the awards and attention. We are told there can only be one "great" person at a time, one Sidney Poitier, one Denzel Washington, or one Barack Obama.

​But David says this is a lie. There isn't just one star; there is an entire "iceberg" of talent underneath the surface that we never get to see.

​That is why he co-founded Mansa. Mansa is a streaming platform designed to change the game. Instead of waiting for permission from others, Mansa is a place where:

​1. We own the distribution: There is no "middleman" changing the message.

​2. Undervalued stories find a home: Great films that were ignored by big studios finally get to be seen.

​3. The "We" comes before the "Me": It’s not about making one person a star; it’s about celebrating the excellence of the whole community.

David Oyelowo’s goal is simple: to give a "thirsty" audience the great content they’ve been waiting for. By owning the platform, creators can finally show the world what they value, on their own terms.