Two things. I will approach anyone. And I LOVE letting people know when I'm moved by them or am impressed by some aspect of their character, words or deeds.
When I was in elementary school, I wrote to Essence Magazine (after reading about Tracy Reese) asking if someone could suggest how a young Black girl should go about building a career in fashion. Julia Chance wrote back and I've had a relationship with her ever since - through high school and college, through to my move to her home city, Brooklyn.
I would see cultural critic and stylist, Michaela angela Davis, at extraordinary events throughout NYC. My introduction to Ms. Davis was the Essence campaign she led around the image of Black women in music videos, her college tour. I approached her in Corridor Gallery and asked her to mentor me. One of the best things I've ever done.
Last night I was watching the Law & Order: SVU episode where the brothers were on the down-low. My third time. Mary Ellen, played by Bethany Butler, is a loyal and loving wife of a man who killed his lover for fear he'd out him to his wife. She plays the character so well that it is unusually moving for Law & Order. So... What'd I do? Find an e-mail to write to her.
From: Sallome Hralima
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2010 02:12:00 -0500
Subject: Guest Lead
Happy Holidays!
I have no idea if this will get to Ms. Butler, but I had to try to find an e-mail address, Twitter account, something to express this.
This is the third time I am seeing the Law & Order: SVU episode where you played Mary Ellen Abbott next to Michael Beach. You, by far, stole the episode. And though I don't have a personal experience with the episode's theme, your acting moves me each time I've seen it - to tears.
Thank you for your years of study. Thank you for your demonstrated commitment to that fictional character - yet very real woman's story.
Okay. I've released that mounting adoration.
Consider this a LOVE BOMB dropped on target!
----------------
to Sallome Hralima
date Wed, Dec 8, 2010 at 12:33 PM
subject Re: Guest Lead
Happy Holidays to you Sallome, and thank you for your kind, kind words. I'm really appreciative.
You dropped the bomb right on target :)!
Blessings,
Bethany Butler
I love it when a plan comes together.
