Zoe Saldana had announced her new digital media brand titled "BeSe" which is set to debut at the end of 2017.
The name of the company comes from the Spanish and English verbs "to be" — English is "be" and Spanish is "se." The mission of BeSe is to amplify the voice and untold stories of cultural pioneers reflecting and shaping the collective American experience.
"Latinos are a growing community in America, but Latino stories have remained historically marginalized," Saldana elaborated to The Hollywood Reporter. "I'm so excited to be leading BeSe, a truly uplifting brand that fills a niche for young audiences craving positive portrayals of the modern Latino experience in America. I'm grateful to partner with Daniel, Monica and Plus Foundry so that more voices can be heard and empower others to actively create their own futures."
Saldana is serving as the founder and CEO of the company, but investors and advisers include Monica Lozano, former editor, publisher and CEO of La Opinion and its parent company, ImpreMedia, and current board member of Bank of America, Target Corporation, and The Rockefeller Foundation, and Kevin Yorn, co-founder and managing partner of Morris Yorn.
While Latinos make up around 18 percent of the U.S. population, less than six percent make up newsroom workers or producers. The relationship that Latinos have with the media can be less than positive, and this is a chance for all of that to change. Zoe has been unapologetic in her fight for Latinos, and hopefully, Afro-Latinos get the recognition they deserve as well. Maybe it will change what Hollywood thinks of Latinos to be, or even look like. Can't wait to see what's in store.