Black Women On Broadway (BWOB) has announced two new initiatives designed to cultivate lasting support for Black women in theatre: one for blossoming, young storytellers and one for emerging playwrights.  BWOB was founded by Danielle Brooks, Amber Iman, and Jocelyn Bioh to celebrate and uplift Black women’s contributions to Broadway. Now, the organization is moving toward long-term investment and keeping the cycle going.

The first effort, The Century Cycle Continues Monologue Competition, is in partnership with The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities (Brooks’ alma mater). With the intention to celebrate the legacy of playwright August Wilson and his “Century Cycle,” the students in the competition are asked to perform and submit a 1–2 minute monologue from a contemporary Black playwright.

“The stories of Black playwrights have shaped theatre in profound ways,” said Brooks. “I want South Carolina students to feel that legacy to see themselves in it, and to keep the cycle going.”

Brooks will host an event featuring a panel of esteemed judges and cash prizes for the top three winners.

The second effort, the BWOB Reading Series, gives writers the opportunity to develop their work with a playwright, director, and a cast of actors through a one-day rehearsal process that will conclude with a free public staged reading in 2026. 

“The reading series is a deeply personal project for me,” said BWOB co-founder and Tony nominee Jocelyn Bioh (“Jaja's African Hair Braiding”) in a statement. “I began my career through programs like these, which gave me the chance to build an audience and gain recognition in the early days. With so many play development opportunities disappearing—especially those dedicated to Black playwrights—we hope this series will create meaningful space for Black women to live in their work, if only for a day.”