The five-part, documentary series Love & The Marriage Squeeze takes an intimate look at love, race and relationships in America to uncover why nearly 70% of African-American women are still single and looking for love.
OUR STORY
Getting married is an age-old rite of passage. But for far too many African-American women, getting to the altar seems an impossible task, leaving many of them wondering, “Where are all the good men?”
Through heart-touching, personal stories of African-American women and a historic review of our nation’s past, the documentary series Love & The Marriage Squeeze takes an intimate look at love, race and relationships in America to uncover why nearly 70% of African-American women today are still single and looking for love.
OUR STYLE
The docuseries is narrated, produced and directed by filmmaker Anietie Antia-Obong, a single, black female who’s had absolutely no luck in love. She’s convinced that race may play a big role in why she and so many other African-American women are still single.
So she’s hitting the road to talk to other singles, married couples, relationship experts, matchmakers, historians, religious leaders, activists and celebrities to get to the heart of the fight for black love. And, along the way, she and her other “hopelessly” single, African-American, girl friends will set out to find that ever elusive love!
OUR STORY
Getting married is an age-old rite of passage. But for far too many African-American women, getting to the altar seems an impossible task, leaving many of them wondering, “Where are all the good men?”
Through heart-touching, personal stories of African-American women and a historic review of our nation’s past, the documentary series Love & The Marriage Squeeze takes an intimate look at love, race and relationships in America to uncover why nearly 70% of African-American women today are still single and looking for love.
OUR STYLE
The docuseries is narrated, produced and directed by filmmaker Anietie Antia-Obong, a single, black female who’s had absolutely no luck in love. She’s convinced that race may play a big role in why she and so many other African-American women are still single.
So she’s hitting the road to talk to other singles, married couples, relationship experts, matchmakers, historians, religious leaders, activists and celebrities to get to the heart of the fight for black love. And, along the way, she and her other “hopelessly” single, African-American, girl friends will set out to find that ever elusive love!
OUR CAST
During the series, you’ll meet our fantastic cast of single, African-American women who are intelligent, kind, genuine, vivacious, bold, loving, fun and funny. To name just a few, there’s Radiance, the ever-Zen wellness trainer and resilience coach; Sienna, an East Coast DJ who moves the crowd through music and activism; Kittie, a host and voice actress exploding with personality and style; Tamia and Lakia, crazy funny, future sister wife twins; and Ashley, a heart transplant nurse coordinator who helps patients receive hearts though she’s still on the waiting list for a love of her very own.
As fantastic, lovely and brilliant as these ladies are, it's heartbreaking that finding love has been difficult for them. Cast member and Los Angeles-based teacher, Byronique is deeply feeling the pain of loneliness. She said, "I have always, always wanted nothing more in this life than to be loved by a man and be in love with a man."
Can you imagine the pain of not having your life's greatest desire fulfilled? Too many African-American women are sharing in this misery and missing out on the many blessings of marriage and companionship. They want their life partners, someone with whom to share their struggles and triumphs, the opportunity to rear children within the loving circle of a two-parent home and the chance to build multi-generational wealth. And yet, they are alone.
During the series, you’ll meet our fantastic cast of single, African-American women who are intelligent, kind, genuine, vivacious, bold, loving, fun and funny. To name just a few, there’s Radiance, the ever-Zen wellness trainer and resilience coach; Sienna, an East Coast DJ who moves the crowd through music and activism; Kittie, a host and voice actress exploding with personality and style; Tamia and Lakia, crazy funny, future sister wife twins; and Ashley, a heart transplant nurse coordinator who helps patients receive hearts though she’s still on the waiting list for a love of her very own.
As fantastic, lovely and brilliant as these ladies are, it's heartbreaking that finding love has been difficult for them. Cast member and Los Angeles-based teacher, Byronique is deeply feeling the pain of loneliness. She said, "I have always, always wanted nothing more in this life than to be loved by a man and be in love with a man."
Can you imagine the pain of not having your life's greatest desire fulfilled? Too many African-American women are sharing in this misery and missing out on the many blessings of marriage and companionship. They want their life partners, someone with whom to share their struggles and triumphs, the opportunity to rear children within the loving circle of a two-parent home and the chance to build multi-generational wealth. And yet, they are alone.
THE STRUGGLE
So why aren’t these ladies married? One main reason is the marriage squeeze with its multitude of nefarious causes.
There is a marriage squeeze in the African-American community which, in this case, means there are more women available for marriage than men. Sure there are more women than men in the world regardless of race. However, the African-American marriage squeeze is the result of the legacy of slavery, white supremacy and systemic racism. This makes it particularly traumatizing and destructive for the African-American community.
THE ISSUES AT HAND
Though this docuseries we’ll explore the numerous ways in which black love has been desecrated, destroyed and hindered through the centuries. These include the reign of white terror; skin color stratification; the forced acceptance of the Christian, patriarchal family model; welfare and housing policies; the for-profit, prison industrial complex and misogynoir within music, media and culture. We’ll also explore the growing cultural and socioeconomic gaps between college-educated, African-American women and less educated, African-American men as well as the greater rate of interracial marriage by African-American men compared to African-American women.
So why aren’t these ladies married? One main reason is the marriage squeeze with its multitude of nefarious causes.
There is a marriage squeeze in the African-American community which, in this case, means there are more women available for marriage than men. Sure there are more women than men in the world regardless of race. However, the African-American marriage squeeze is the result of the legacy of slavery, white supremacy and systemic racism. This makes it particularly traumatizing and destructive for the African-American community.
THE ISSUES AT HAND
Though this docuseries we’ll explore the numerous ways in which black love has been desecrated, destroyed and hindered through the centuries. These include the reign of white terror; skin color stratification; the forced acceptance of the Christian, patriarchal family model; welfare and housing policies; the for-profit, prison industrial complex and misogynoir within music, media and culture. We’ll also explore the growing cultural and socioeconomic gaps between college-educated, African-American women and less educated, African-American men as well as the greater rate of interracial marriage by African-American men compared to African-American women.
BLACK WOMEN ARE POWER, LIGHT, LOVE AND MAGIC!
Let's be real. Black women are tired of the stereotypes placed upon them whether it be the angry, black woman; the Jezebel; the mammy or the strong black woman. As Radiance says, “I want to live a soft life with my husband. I don't want my husband to come in thinking like, ‘Strong black woman!’ I want him to love every element of me. Whether it be my strength and my softness.”
Many black women are tired of having to be strong and independent and desire the same ease and comfort that women of other races are afforded. And that includes the benefit of marriage.
Let's be real. Black women are tired of the stereotypes placed upon them whether it be the angry, black woman; the Jezebel; the mammy or the strong black woman. As Radiance says, “I want to live a soft life with my husband. I don't want my husband to come in thinking like, ‘Strong black woman!’ I want him to love every element of me. Whether it be my strength and my softness.”
Many black women are tired of having to be strong and independent and desire the same ease and comfort that women of other races are afforded. And that includes the benefit of marriage.
THE CONVERSATION
Love & the Marriage Squeeze is the beginning of a critical conversation designed to educate all Americans on how white supremacy, prejudice and systemic racism have continually perpetuated a war on black love, thus negatively impact the health, wealth, well-being and happiness of the African-American community for centuries.
Furthermore, the series is meant to cultivate compassion for African-American women and spark activism for justice and equity which will ultimately support black families and black love. We must invest in love in our community for it is the strongest foundation.
How do we create more equity, ease and love for African-American women? We must start with telling their stories! Now is the time for their stories to be told and heard, to begin healing the hurt places and to build a glorious future for black love and black families. But we can't do it alone. We need your support!
OUR TEAM
Anietie Antia-Obong, Executive Producer/Director
As the series creator, Anietie leads the vision and development of the series, carefully crafting its stories and finding compelling characters to bring it to life. She is an award-winning producer/director/writer working in TV, film, theatre, corporate video and the web.
Jessica Estelle Huggins, Associate Producer
As our associate producer, Jessica keeps everything running and moving forward from casting to hiring staff to connecting with our audience and everything in between. She’s a talented producer, director and writer and has worked with numerous filmmakers and film organizations, helping them reach success.
Khadijah Forte, Casting Associate Producer
Khadijah is the true romantic of our series. In love with love, she’s an absolute fan of dating and marriage shows and has worked on several of them as an associate producer, talent producer and casting producer. And her talent doesn’t stop there; she’s also an actress and writer with several projects in development.
Frank Lawson, Casting Assistant
Frank is an extraordinary “idea man” and creative talent who serves as our casting assistant and consultant. Outside of our production, you’ll find him performing on stages around the world as an actor and singer. He’s also an incredibly gifted songwriter, playwright and visual artist.
Jennifer Phagan, Researcher
Jennifer is a unique artist with diverse talents and a passion for performing. She is a talented actor, producer, director and writer with a delightful spirit of curiosity making her the perfect researcher for our team.
Michelle Cantú, Assistant to Producer
Every film team needs a super assistant and Michelle is ours! Smart, resourceful, creative, fun and up for all challenges we throw her way, Michelle keeps us together and we appreciate her for it. Next May, she’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts (film/video) and will soon take over the industry!
Anietie Antia-Obong, Executive Producer/Director
As the series creator, Anietie leads the vision and development of the series, carefully crafting its stories and finding compelling characters to bring it to life. She is an award-winning producer/director/writer working in TV, film, theatre, corporate video and the web.
Jessica Estelle Huggins, Associate Producer
As our associate producer, Jessica keeps everything running and moving forward from casting to hiring staff to connecting with our audience and everything in between. She’s a talented producer, director and writer and has worked with numerous filmmakers and film organizations, helping them reach success.
Khadijah Forte, Casting Associate Producer
Khadijah is the true romantic of our series. In love with love, she’s an absolute fan of dating and marriage shows and has worked on several of them as an associate producer, talent producer and casting producer. And her talent doesn’t stop there; she’s also an actress and writer with several projects in development.
Frank Lawson, Casting Assistant
Frank is an extraordinary “idea man” and creative talent who serves as our casting assistant and consultant. Outside of our production, you’ll find him performing on stages around the world as an actor and singer. He’s also an incredibly gifted songwriter, playwright and visual artist.
Jennifer Phagan, Researcher
Jennifer is a unique artist with diverse talents and a passion for performing. She is a talented actor, producer, director and writer with a delightful spirit of curiosity making her the perfect researcher for our team.
Michelle Cantú, Assistant to Producer
Every film team needs a super assistant and Michelle is ours! Smart, resourceful, creative, fun and up for all challenges we throw her way, Michelle keeps us together and we appreciate her for it. Next May, she’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts (film/video) and will soon take over the industry!
BE THE CHANGE!
Join our love tribe and help bring Love & The Marriage Squeeze to the screen by making a tax-deductible donation today!
Through this docuseries, we will raise awareness of issues that cause suffering and inequality within the African-American community, offer solutions, cultivate compassion and inspire hope and healing. And that makes us powerful agents of change.
Join our love tribe and help bring Love & The Marriage Squeeze to the screen by making a tax-deductible donation today!
Through this docuseries, we will raise awareness of issues that cause suffering and inequality within the African-American community, offer solutions, cultivate compassion and inspire hope and healing. And that makes us powerful agents of change.