Veteran entertainment reporter Julissa Bermudez (BET’s 106 & Park, Empire Girls) and four-time Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross return to their historic roles as the first two women of color to host an entertainment magazine show.
“Central Ave has changed the way audiences view and relate to pop culture and the entertainment world,” said Will Packer. “The diverse and powerful stories featured on this show are meant to provoke, infuriate and inspire people to make positive changes that will impact our society and the world around us.”
Bermudez is a Dominican American actress, veteran TV host, beauty & style Influencer. She is best known for hosting some of TV’s biggest pop culture shows. As the first Latina to co-host BET’s live countdown show 106 & Park. Julissa went from BET to MTV Hosting some of the networks most popular shows including “The Hills: Finale”, Jersey Shore: After Hours and related Jersey Shore specials. She co-starred alongside recording artist and daytime talk show host Adrienne Bailon in their own reality series, Empire Girls: Julissa and Adrienne which aired on the Style network.
Ross is a Jamaican-American former track and field athlete who competed internationally for the United States. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she won gold in the 400 metros after finishing third at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Richards-Ross has also won Olympic gold in the 4×400 meters relay at the 2004 Summer Olympics, the 2008 Summer Olympics, and the 2012 Summer Olympics. She was the best 400m runner in the world for a decade, ranking No. 1 in the world from 2005-2009 and again in 2012.
FEMI Magazine’s Anja Young was able to connect with the hosts, Julissa Bermudez, and Sanya Richards-Ross, to get some details on the new show.
This show has been a long time coming. As we can see when it comes to entertainment shows we usually see the same thing. We wanted to know how the journey has been getting to this point for the two hosts.
Bermudez says that it has been a journey getting to this point.
Bermudez and Ross had auditioned for the show two years ago. They instantly had chemistry and thought it would be a dream that if they both got chosen. The two manifested for the both of them when they both were selected as host of the new show. They went on to shoot the pilot and once that was approved it aired on TV, last year in select cities. They are here for the official first season and the show is syndicated. No matter where you are you can most likely watch Central Ave.
Bermudez and Ross are two women of color hosting the nationally syndicated show. We wanted to know if there was any discrimination they have faced or may face. Especially with our current political climate, are they feeling nervous about it?
Ross states, “It is a huge honor to be the first two women of color to hosts a show like this. We say it is the right show for right now because you look at the times and people really do want to see people that look like them. They want to feel seen and heard. Feel like the people who are telling their stories, OUR stories are doing so with a lot of love and thoughtfulness.”
Ross is not worried about being a black woman on stage. She emphasizes that the group are not also diverse in front of the camera but also behind the camera. Ross states, “It may have been difficult if the diversity was only in front of the camera.” Ross references the first Black Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay, who expressed that it was hard for her being on the set because there was no person of color behind the scenes. When she was going through certain things, they could not relate with her. The show, Central Ave, is thoughtful in the topics that they talk about and take into consideration where the viewer is right now. This includes being sensitive about what is happening in our community.
Having a support system is essential in this industry. Having mentors that look like you are essential as well. What has that support look like from someone who looks like you?
Bermudez states,” We have it so close to us by way of our showrunner, Monique Chenault, who is the first black woman to be a showrunner over at The Insider and the sister show to Entertainment Tonight. Which holds so much value. She really knows the workings of what an entertainment news pop culture magazine style show is and what it takes for it to be successful.”
Ross gives credits to Bermudez for being one of her mentors. Ross states, “Just the way that she handles herself I have learned so many skills from her on how to show up on camera. We have Monique behind the scenes who is informing us and equipping us, so we are smart and prepared. Julissa has a unique set of skills in front of the camera. She has been one of my mentors. I feel very very blessed to have another women of color right beside me who is kind of propping me up and making me feel confident as well.”
What do you hope that young women of color will gain from the show?
Ross hopes that they will believe that the sky is the limit. Ross emphasizes that there are other opportunities that they have yet to discover. If they are interested in television, they may not be in front of the camera but there are other opportunities behind the scenes. Same thing with sports if you are not an athlete there are other ways to be a part of it.
Bermudez wants to make sure they are supporting the show. “The numbers have to be there in order to keep this going so that we can inspire the generation after, more women of color, more people of color that can be in front of the camera on nationally syndicated shows like this.”
We know that the entertainment industry can be a competitive one. The two hosts remind us that you need to remain focus on yourself and not the competition. Bermudez reflects on her younger years in the industry and how her mindset has changed.
Bermudez says, “I think you need to compete with yourself. I don’t know if this is my age speaking but when I was younger and I first started off in this business I was so busy looking back in the race it was slowing me down to see where everybody else was at.”
Ross also emphasizes supporting one another even in a competitive space. “What is for you is for you.” When you are supporting one another, good things come back on you.
We are looking forward to watching these two on Central Ave. Bringing some much needed diversity in the entertainment world.
You can Watch full episodes here https://www.youtube.com/centralavetv
For further information and local listings, visit: https://centralavetv.com/
Victoria is a Disney fanatic and Team Marvel. A Southern Girl and Naturalista but loves a good wig. Victoria launched her lifestyle blog this year focusing on inspiring others with her experiences and words. Follow her on instagram at always_withlove_tori
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