Wendy Raquel Robinson Celebrates News of the Akils' Deal 

TV and media critics are already buzzing about BET's recent agreement with Akil Productions—the deal that will see Salim and Mara Brock Akil creating new, original scripted series for BET Networks over the course of three years. Now we're hearing cheers from Hollywood's creative community as well.

"I'm very excited about the possibilities!" says The Game's leading funny woman, Wendy Raquel Robinson. "I truly believe, with the coupling of the Akils' Midas touch and BET's resilience, the sky is the limit."

She continued, praising the Akils and their successes: "The 'dynamic duo' is how I lovingly refer to Mara and Salim Akil. They're innovative, fearless and provocative. They think so far outside the box, and this truly is an exciting time for the BET family!"

Robinson isn't the only one excited about the possibilities that will come of the merger. Black actors in Hollywood have been waiting for a long time to challenge their creativity with roles that aren't stereotypical or one-dimensional. It's no secret that roles for minorities in Tinsel Town can be few and far in between. Actors like Halle Berry, Denzel Washington and Zoe Saldana have been able to transcend the color of their skin, filling roles in movies that call for ethnic ambiguity.

Many actors of color are hoping that the Akils' new scripted programming will lead to more juicy roles—and the possible emergence of BET Networks as a new cultural hub for progressive entertainment that reflects the real world we live in.