DigeeBooks

A riveting memoir by the former CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET), about the glamorous and ugly moments of being a high-powered Black woman executive in the entertainment industry. As an incredible glass-ceiling breaker and the woman who brought timeless television shows like The Game and Being Mary Jane to cable, Debra Lee has been the visionary responsible for elevating Black images and storytelling for decades. Now shes telling her own story, in an intimate and eye-opening tale about the triumphant and tricky moments of a career in entertainment.I Am Debra Lee is a page-turner, filled with deeply personal revelations, juicy celebrity intel, and electrifying behind-the-scenes stories that reveal how she went from a girl raised in the segregated South to leading the first Black company traded on the New York Stock Exchange and how she juggled social responsibility while managing a company targeted toward the Black community. In a rousing narrative, Lee writes: “I dont just love Black culture—the magic in our hair, the swagger in our steps, the particular way we can say ‘alright now to fit our changing moods—Black culture saved me.” In her exciting debut, she answers all of our questions about building an unapologetically Black enterprise as a Black woman. What to do when youre forced to attend a board meeting eight weeks after a C-section. How to manage a team of men when youre the first female CEO at the company. How she learned the hard way to say no to those in power when their vision didnt align with her purpose.I Am Debra Lee tackles lessons that women CEOs rarely dare to. She addresses her personal struggles with motherhood and “having it all,” navigating reproductive choice, fertility, and #MeToo while achieving great professional success. Being Black and a woman in corporate life isnt easy for anyone. But Lee shows how she evolved from a shy girl who dreaded public speaking to becoming a force to be reckoned with as she helped build the leading entertainment company for Black audiences and consumers of Black culture globally. ​I Am Debra Lee is a must-read for all strivers in any industry. Lee is a truthteller about the critical choices that Black leaders face. As she has done her whole career, in this book, she opens the door for others to come after her, by sharing the truth behind her own inspiring story of power, perseverance, and success.

I Am Debra Lee: A Memoir, written by Debra Lee, is a captivating and inspiring account of her remarkable journey from her humble beginnings in rural Mississippi to becoming the first African American woman to lead a major television network, BET.

Lee's memoir takes readers on a chronological tour of her life, starting with her upbringing in a small town where she faced poverty and racism. Despite the challenges, she excelled in school and eventually earned a scholarship to Harvard University. After graduating, she embarked on a successful career in the media industry, working for companies like MTV and BET. In 2005, she made history by becoming the first African American woman to run a major television network.

Lee's memoir is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world. She candidly shares her experiences of navigating the male-dominated media industry, confronting racial discrimination, and overcoming personal setbacks. Through her story, Lee sheds light on the importance of diversity, inclusion, and the power of education in shaping one's destiny.

Memoir Highlights:

• Early Life: Lee vividly recounts her childhood in rural Mississippi, where she witnessed firsthand the effects of poverty and racial segregation. Her determination to break free from these circumstances is evident from a young age.
• Education and Career: Lee's academic achievements and subsequent rise in the media industry are both inspiring and motivational. She highlights the transformative power of education and the importance of pursuing one's passions.
• Race and Gender Challenges: Lee candidly discusses the challenges she faced as an African American woman in the predominantly white and male-dominated media industry. Her experiences shed light on the systemic barriers that still exist and the need for continued progress.
• Leadership and Legacy: Lee's tenure as the head of BET was a groundbreaking moment in television history. She shares her insights on what it takes to be an effective leader and the importance of using one's platform to make a positive impact.
• Personal Reflections: Throughout the memoir, Lee offers personal reflections on life, love, and loss. Her vulnerability and honesty make her story relatable and emotionally resonant.

Lee's memoir is a must-read for anyone interested in the media industry, African American history, women's empowerment, and the pursuit of success against all odds. It is a story of perseverance, courage, and the enduring power of hope.