released their new comic book series, Concrete Park. Concrete Park is a sci-fi comic book that is centered around an all Black lineup of characters and it takes place in the hood, all of which is unheard of in the sci-fi world. When Erika and Tony were in the process of trying to get their comic book going, they encountered major rejection for creating a Black series and here is what they explained about some of the offensive conversations they had with studio houses:
A studio executive turned down their comic book project based on race when he told them

“Black people don’t like science fiction — they don’t see themselves in the future.”

Needless to say Erika and Tony were offended and here’s what Erika said about it:

“We were very surprised. We were actually shocked by his blatant racism. It wasn’t just that he said that Black people wouldn’t like it. His assumption was that you’re only making it for Black people, so that’s the problem. You have people, they give themselves the tag of White Hollywood liberals, and they can often be some of the most racist people you’ve ever met.”-BleedingCool

Unfortunately not too many things change in Hollywood’s tactics, but the days of the week. Their reason for rejecting Concrete Park doesn’t surprise me and I’m sure it doesn’t surprise you. See what else Erika explained to MadameNoire in the video below about experiencing racism in Hollywood.

Erika and Tony discussing their comic book series…

Now y’all know we can’t end this without talking about how good our girl, Erika, is looking at 46! Law give me the strength! Can somebody please tell me why she still looks the exact same way she looked in her ‘Maxine Shaw attorney at law’ Living Single days?!! Whatever fountain of youth she’s found, she needs to sell some maps to it and cash in because I’m sure plenty of us Old Schoolers will be the first in line for that one.

One last Old School fun fact about Erika is that she and actress, Kim Coles, (who played Synclaire James on Living Single) weren’t just good friends on the show, they are good friends in real life. Last year they started a Youtube web series based around their friendship, titled BFF Chronicles and it is FUNNY! Check out a couple clips here:

And there you have it ILOSM family! It’s always good to see a celeb’ from back in the day still living well, loving life, and doing what makes them happy for a living. Keep doing what you do Maxine Shaw, Pam, Erika Alexander, we see you and thanks for the beautiful memories!