​

 

“You are what you do,” a powerful statement by Carl Jung, is woven throughout The Raising of an OG, as Best Lyons grapples with the consequences of his past actions and the man he has become. His journey is about redemption and personal reckoning with the duality within us all.

​

At its heart, this series reflects on Black men's experiences in America, particularly those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are often forced to navigate worlds that expect them to fail. Through Best’s story, I aim to challenge stereotypes and present a more nuanced portrayal of Black men, who, like all men, are profoundly complex and capable of incredible virtue and heartbreaking flaws. They are protagonists and anti-heroes, profoundly shaped by their childhood wounds, insecurities, and societal pressures. Their love, resilience, and ambition are a study of faith and endurance.  But with most dramas, that shadow self presents the Achilles' heels.​

​

The Raising of an OG is a story about choices and consequences, but more importantly, it’s about humanity — about love, loss, accountability, and redemption. I hope it sparks necessary conversations about race, class, and justice, encouraging viewers to see beyond the headlines and into the hearts of those living the pain and triumph every day.  Ultimately, we all understand what being beautifully, magnificently human means.

​

— Dionne Roberts-Emegha