Her mother’s efforts paid off, as in 1985 she landed a role on the popular children’s program Sesame Street, and shortly after that joined an all-girl group in Brooklyn called Cuties in Affect (C.I.A.). With this group, she was able to perform with classic hip hop icons SWV, Biggie, and Tupac.
Known in the business as a triple threat, Okema’s focus now lies squarely within the realm of film & television as an Emmy nominated producer who also writes, directs and acts. Okema has worked for various household names, including Nickelodeon, FOX and Dreamworks. She is the former Creative Producer and Production Manager for Netflix Is A Joke. Okema also served as the coordinator for both the Food Network’s Chopped and OWN’s Oprah’s Master Class. Most recently, Okema was a producer/writer on the Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and can be seen on Prime Video’s breakout hit Harlem, playing the role of Evan.
On Saturday, July 13, Okema will be presenting Greater Than Ourselves: The Legacy of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. as part of the third installment of Screentalk NJ, the free film screening event held at the Plainfield Public Library on the second Saturday of the month during the summer. See the trailer here.
Set in 1922, during the emergence of the Ku Klux Klan, racial segregation and Jim Crow, seven women founded the only historically African-American sorority to be established on a predominantly white campus. The film traces the roots of the organization with a blend of recreations and interviews while exploring the idea that the legacy of the organization is truly greater than ourselves.
The event will also be attended by Marica Harris, International First Vice President of Sigma Gamma Rho and the discussion following the screening of the film will be led by Lamar David Mackson, Founder of Screentalk and Executive Director of the Queen City Film Festival and the Chairman of the Union County Motion Picture & Television Commission.
“We are proud to host this film screening not only because of the historical value but also because we feel that many can learn from the inspirational nature of what the founding women of this organization were able to overcome,” said Mackson. “Regardless of background, I believe that everyone can benefit and learn about their own purpose and legacy.”
