“I knew about her since I was a little girl because
my mother taught us about her. We were from
humble beginnings and Madam was from
humble beginnings,” said Spencer. “She dictated
her path in life, and what an inspirational
and aspirational story to use as an example
for young people who were from nothing. ...
She was able to do all of that without having
the right to vote or the right to own anything
because of her gender and color.”
Walker, whose real name was Sarah Breedlove,
created and marketed hair products for African
American women at the turn of the 20th
century. The four-part drama is based on the
book “On Her Own Ground” by author and
journalist A’Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great
granddaughter. Kasi Lemmons, who helmed
last year’s “Harriet” film and DeMane Davis both
direct two episodes.
Although Bundles says this has been a project
“50 years in the making” with many starts and
stops, it almost failed this time as well. Spencer
says she nearly walked away from the project
before basketball superstar LeBron James and
his business partner, Maverick Carter, intervened
(both are executive producers on the project,
along with Spencer).
“There were things that I felt that, in my career,
that I needed within my contract,” said the Oscar
winner. “Sometimes you reach an impasse. And
I am always prepared to graciously walk away,
especially now, understanding my value as an
actress, as a producer, and understanding what
will be required of me when I’m on set.
“So I was graciously bowing out and LeBron
(James) and Maverick (Carter) advocated for me.