When you don’t see a lane, make one. For Charlotte, by way of Brooklyn, native Ohavia Phillips, that was the motivation to create and launch her popular show. The Oh Show officially launched in 2018, and Phillips is just getting started.
After working for a local news station for several years, she realized that the stories of Black and brown people weren’t being covered properly.
“I worked during the Keith Lamont Scott protests, but I hated the way the network covered it,” Phillips told The Block. “But I stayed to cover and do right by Black and LatinX stories. I was trying to fight for us.”
As a proud Afro-Latina, she knew that the only way to bring truth to issues and stories that plague those who look like her, was to do it herself. That was until her boss delivered the last blow.
“My boss randomly asked me if I thought I was going to be the next Oprah or something. That was honestly the last straw for me.”
In 2018, she resigned from the network and quickly sprang into action to bring her vision to life. Phillips started by building relationships in the community, and taking hosting gigs for events across the city. She worked with companies and brands such as Wells Fargo and the historical Harvey B. Gantt Center. Once she built a tribe, she took the leap of faith to host her first live show.
“The community came out in a major way,” she said. “I sold out my first live show, and even the next.”
Once COVID hit, she decided to take a break and focus on self. But, the show is now back virtually, and it’s back stronger than ever.
The Oh Show is all about the local community, including the talent that is featured. Phillips pulls the show’s themes from its fans.
“This show is near and dear to me because I’ve been told that because of my accent, my look and Blackness, something like this couldn’t be done. But it can, and you don’t need a major network to make it happen. Serve where you are and make an impact there. If you remember your people, your people will always remember you.”
New episodes of the show drop monthly. Thanks to a new collaboration between The Block and the Oh Show, you’ll now be able to check out the latest episodes here on our site. Check back each week as we roll out new content from Phillips.
Below you will find the show’s first virtual episode, the third overall. The theme centered around resources needed to stay on track feel good financially, creatively, and even in your business. Guests included: George Acheampong (@georgeacheampongjr), Latesha Byrd (@latesha_byrd), muralist Mike Wirth (@mikewirth), musical artist Jason Jet (@jasonjet), and DJ ASAP ROCKA (@only1rocka).
Tap in, and be inspired.
