'Harlem' Jerrie Johnson: When People Date White People Due To Internalized Racism, That's An Issue

Miss Jerrie Johnson ain't say nothing but a word! Spoke to the cast of Harlem on the carpet last week about the series and added some fun questions in the mix. If you haven't watched the show yet, here's what you need to know.

From writer Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip), Harlem is a new comedy following four stylish and ambitious best girlfriends in Harlem NYC, the mecca of Black culture in America.

Camille (Meagan Good) is a popular young anthropology professor at Columbia with extensive knowledge of the dating norms of many cultures, but has a hard time navigating her own love life; Tye (Jerrie Johnson) is a successful, queer dating app creator who prefers keeping vulnerability—and romantic partners—at arm’s length; Quinn (Grace Byers) is a hopeless romantic and trust fund fashion designer who is trying to give back to the world while running a struggling business; Angie (Shoniqua Shandai) is a confident, vibrant, and filter-free singer and actress who also lives rent-free and fabulously with Quinn. Together, they level up from their 20s into the next phase of their careers, relationships, and big-city dreams.

The common issue we have in society is when people date white people not because they genuinely like them, but because of their anti-Blackness mindset, or they feel dating a white person is equated to "making it" or feeling more established in status. Johnson's character Tye dates a white woman in the series and definitely has social media on the fence.

Your Voice Media correspondent asked Johnson her thoughts on a line her character said in the series "Dating a white woman for Black people is stamped as a sellout” and “Black people usually date white women when they become successful.” When asked what her viewpoints were outside of her character, she explains while she does feel people should date whomever they want to date and love, she has a problem when people date white people due to their "internalized racism" or their "anti-Blackness." She continued, sharing "If you fall in love with somebody, you fall in love with somebody. However, if you're particularly choosing a kind of person to diminish Black women, that's a problem."

In some lighter conversations, we spoke to Robert Ri'chard, who was thrilled to be back onscreen with Good. Many folks remember their stint on the hit Nickelodeon show, Cousin Skeeter, which was referenced in an episode of Harlem this season.

"Meagan and I grew up together. She's playing a strong woman in Harlem and it's great to reconnect with her and give the people what they want," he said.

Now, we all know Tyler Lepley is dating the beautiful Miracle Watts, who also attended the premiered but declined interviews to allow her hubby to take the spotlight. When asked his go-to dish to prepare for a romantic evening, the lucky woman may get a tasty plate of some steak and potatoes (no A1 sauce though).

Watch the full interview below and make sure to binge 'Harlem' on Prime Video.