For many Black women, Living Single was more than just a beloved 90s sitcom—it was a cultural revolution. At the heart of this revolution was Maxine Shaw, played by actress Erika Alexander.
Maxine wasn’t just any character; she was a trailblazing lawyer who embodied confidence, independence, and ambition, shattering stereotypes for Black women onscreen.
Now, Alexander is taking that legacy a step further, unveiling the “Maxine Shaw Effect”—a phenomenon she and her partners are turning into a groundbreaking educational curriculum designed to inspire future generations of Black female leaders.
With the support of corporate giants like Microsoft and nonprofit partners, Alexander’s production company, Color Farm Media, commissioned a research study to document the impact of Maxine Shaw. The findings are profound:
- 1-in-3 Black women lawyers say Maxine Shaw directly influenced their decision to pursue law.
- 79% of Black women professionals say Maxine Shaw inspired them to become leaders in male-dominated fields.
- 90% say she gave them the confidence to speak their minds.
- Two-thirds say Maxine Shaw showed them they could balance career success with a fulfilling personal life.
These statistics point to something larger than a popular TV show—they signal the power of representation.
Maxine Shaw showed countless Black women that they could be unapologetically themselves while breaking barriers in their careers and personal lives.
Prominent figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, Georgia’s Stacey Abrams, and MSNBC’s Joy Reid have all spoken about Maxine’s influence on their careers, cementing her status as a cultural icon.
“Maxine Shaw was my friend in my head,” Reid shared, “She was who I wanted to be: independent, smart, witty, and ambitious.”
The “Maxine Shaw Effect” curriculum will be made available to schools and educators worldwide, starting in September 2024. This partnership with Microsoft aims to not only teach leadership and communication skills but also foster self-empowerment and critical thinking for middle and high school students.
“Representation matters,” said Alexander. “The receipts are in, and it’s clear that Maxine Shaw has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and uplift Black women everywhere.”
