Mara Brock Akil is an American television writer, producer, and showrunner celebrated for creating some of the most iconic and culture-shaping Black sitcoms and dramas in the last two decades.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Mara Dionne Brock Akil
- Born: May 27, 1970 (Los Angeles, California, USA)
- Education: Northwestern University (BA in Journalism, 1992)
- Spouse: Salim Akil (TV director/producer) – married 1999, separated in recent years
- Children: 2
Career Highlights
Mara Brock Akil has been instrumental in shaping authentic Black stories on TV:
- Girlfriends (2000–2008) – Creator
A groundbreaking comedy-drama about four Black women navigating careers, friendship, and love. - The Game (2006–2015, revival 2021) – Creator
A spin-off of Girlfriends, following women involved in professional football culture. - Being Mary Jane (2013–2019) – Creator
Starred Gabrielle Union as a successful TV journalist balancing career, love, and personal struggles. - Love Is ___ (2018) – Creator (loosely based on her relationship with Salim Akil).
She also wrote and produced for earlier series like Moesha and The Jamie Foxx Show.
Achievements
- Multiple NAACP Image Awards for her writing and producing.
- Recognized as one of the most powerful Black women in Hollywood for creating shows that blend humor, culture, and real-life social issues.
- Honored for breaking barriers in TV by centering complex Black female characters.
Style & Impact
Mara Brock Akil is praised for:
- Writing relatable, witty, and emotionally layered characters.
- Highlighting themes like love, identity, sisterhood, colorism, and Black culture.
- Serving as a mentor and inspiration for a new generation of Black creatives in television.
