As the nation awaits the incoming administration, E. Lindsey Maxwell II, both a government official and an entertainment lawyer, has voiced his concerns about the potential impact a second Trump term could have on Black creatives.
Maxwell, whose clients span the television and sports industries and includes the BET drama series “The Black Hamptons,” discussed the challenges Black voices may face under new policy shifts.
Maxwell expressed particular concern about Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda he believes threatens the diversity of storytelling that Black creatives bring to the media. He likened the agenda to recent book bans seen in schools, which, in his view, have begun to stifle Black voices and limit the scope of available narratives.
According to Maxwell, “Project 2025 could continue this trend by promoting traditional perspectives that sideline the diverse stories vital to Black creators.”
Maxwell sees Project 2025 as more than just a policy shift; he considers it a potential threat to the visibility and representation of Black experiences in media. “The agenda may reshape which stories reach the public and which are left out,” he explained.
For Maxwell, such changes could profoundly alter the entertainment and media landscapes, making it more challenging for Black creatives to share their unique perspectives.
Maxwell observed the contrast in support between Donald Trump, who aligned himself with billionaire backers, and Kamala Harris, whose partnerships leaned heavily on celebrity endorsements.
Maxwell noted that this difference highlighted unique approaches in political influence, yet he cautioned against viewing any single voting choice through a narrow lens.
“Just because someone wants change doesn’t make them evil,” he said, emphasizing that empathy, understanding, and open dialogue remain essential to bridging divides and fostering unity in a polarized environment.
Ownership, Maxwell argued, is a powerful defense for Black creatives facing policies driven by financially dominant interests. In an industry influenced heavily by endorsement deals and billionaire backers, he encouraged Black creatives to seek ownership in any partnerships.
“Ownership isn’t just about profit,” Maxwell said. “It’s about having a voice, a say in how stories are told and who gets to tell them.”
Maxwell emphasized that ownership provides more than financial returns; it offers independence and control over narratives, which he views as critical in the face of potential policy restrictions.
For Maxwell, ownership allows Black creatives to retain a seat at the table and safeguard their stories from external influences that might dilute their contributions. “It’s not just about making a living,” he noted. “It’s about ensuring you’re not just a part of the story—you’re leading it.”
Maxwell also discussed the dual role social media plays, acknowledging its power to amplify Black voices while cautioning that it can also dilute influence.
Social platforms, Maxwell said, connect celebrities directly with audiences, but the constant exposure can reduce the impact of endorsements. “Celebrities are almost a dime a dozen now,” Maxwell explained, highlighting how social media saturation has created a fleeting influence.
In earlier years, Maxwell observed, a celebrity endorsement might have had significant sway over public opinion. But today, with audiences constantly exposed to celebrities’ lives online, the impact of a single endorsement is often reduced.
“It used to be that a celebrity endorsement could change minds,” he added. “Now, with so much information out there, it’s harder for any one voice to truly stand out.” This saturation, Maxwell noted, creates challenges for creatives trying to use social media for advocacy.
Despite these challenges, Maxwell urged Black creatives to stay proactive, adaptable, and strategic. He advised them to keep informed about policy changes that impact representation and to focus on building genuine connections through social media.
Authenticity, Maxwell argued, is key to resonating with audiences, even in a highly saturated digital landscape. “Creating meaningful bonds with followers is crucial,” he said, underscoring that authenticity helps sustain influence.
Maxwell encouraged Black creatives to prioritize content that reflects their values and connects with audiences on a personal level.
These connections, he explained, are essential to maintaining relevance and influence, even as social platforms become more crowded. “With every post, build that connection,” Maxwell advised. “It’s what helps you stand out, even when policies and platforms work against you.”
Maxwell also highlighted the importance of empathy, open communication, and resilience as essential values for Black creatives facing future challenges. According to Maxwell, empathy is crucial for bridging divides deepened by recent political and social tensions, especially in a polarized landscape.
“Understanding each other’s perspectives is the only way forward,” Maxwell remarked, stressing that open dialogue is needed to address complex issues of race, identity, and representation.
Resilience, Maxwell added, empowers creatives to adapt and continue pushing for their voices to be heard, even in the face of restrictive policies. He believes Black creatives, by embodying resilience and empathy, can remain strong advocates for the stories that matter to their communities.
“Resilience is what keeps you going,” Maxwell stated. “It’s what allows you to keep telling your story, even when challenges arise.”
In his closing thoughts, Maxwell urged Black creatives to safeguard their influence and their stories as the industry shifts under new political pressures.
Maxwell advised prioritizing partnerships aligned with their values, championing ownership, and remaining active in social conversations that impact creative freedom. “We have to protect our narratives,” Maxwell emphasized, viewing this as an essential responsibility in a political climate that may limit diverse storytelling.
Maxwell’s message serves as a call to action for Black creatives to continue advocating for their rights and for their unique perspectives.
As Project 2025 looms, he encouraged creatives to secure ownership wherever possible and to leverage social media strategically. With resilience and unity, Maxwell believes, Black voices can continue to shape an inclusive, diverse cultural landscape.
For Maxwell, Black creatives’ strength lies in their dedication to authentic storytelling, especially amid shifting political and social conditions. He believes that ownership, strategic thinking, and advocacy will help them maintain influence in a rapidly changing industry.
His perspective underscores the importance of protecting Black voices as an integral part of media’s future.
