Charity Lawson is sharing her excitement about her new season of “The Bachelorette” and the opportunity to express her perspective as a Black woman with the show’s international audience of viewers.
Speaking to Bachelor Nation, the child and family therapist said she’s “still processing” being cast as just the second monoracial Black Bachelorette in the franchise’s 20-season run. Rachel Lindsey was the show’s first monoracial Black Bachelorette during Season 13.
“When I was first announced as the Bachelorette, my head immediately went to that I’m not just the next Bachelorette, I am the second monoracial Black Bachelorette and that’s huge,” she said. “This is the 20th season of the show, so just looking at the numbers, that’s a big deal and I’ve never lost sight of that.”
Lawson has received some welcome support and encouragement from former Bachelorette Michelle Young, who was the show’s second Black Bachelorette during Season 18 of the show.
“I have had two or three conversations with Michelle Young. She reached out to me right away and she’s just incredible and super sweet. Obviously, she understands being in this position as a Black woman, so it’s been nice to have her to lean on and ask questions,” Lawson said.
Young has specififally stressed the importance of family and friends while taking part in the show.
“We’ve talked about how she navigated things, and she’s reminded me to rely on my support system like my family, friends, and even her,” Lawson said. “It’s been really amazing knowing she’s in my corner and talking to her is always so refreshing.”
“The Bachelorette” and “The Bachelor” franchise as a whole has faced some serious diversity issues. Those include fans continually calling out the lack of Black and brown leads on both “The Bachelorette” and “The Bachelor.” Viewers have also raised questions regarding the screen time and coverage given to Black and brown contestants on the show.
Lindsay has also called out the show over its “systemic racism” and diversity issues.
“I knew that I wanted to be a trailblazer in this franchise to diversify the lead role, to diversify the contestants trying out and casted for the show, and to diversify the audience watching this show,” Lindsay said in a blog post back in 2020. “Well, I am sad to say that after almost four years in this franchise, we still don’t have the diversity that this show needs and that our audience deserves.”
For Lawson, her casting is a crucial opportunity to finally highlight another Black woman’s story through the series.
“Knowing that there are going to be young women and girls at home that look like me seeing not what is typically shown on reality TV or just on TV in general, it’s huge,” she said. “I know my ability and I know how to navigate this and I’m showing that we’re deserving of these spaces as well.”