Tyler Perry’s comedy-drama series “Sistas” revolves around a group of friends whose stories resonate with viewers both in person and online. The four women in the sister circle, Andy, Karen, Danni, and Sabrina, navigate relationship issues, career choices, and friendship drama that many can relate to.
In the current season, Danni is dealing with a recent breakup, facing her abuser, and trying to confirm the fate of one of her best friends. Despite her trauma, Danni consistently provides comedic relief. Mignon, the actress who plays Danni, explains that her character’s humorous nature is actually a defense mechanism. Being vulnerable is seen as a luxury, so Danni uses comedy as a way to cope with her deep pain.
Mignon, inspired by her mom and aunt, learned early on that Black women didn’t have safe spaces to process their feelings. She highlights the stereotype that Black girls are seen as less innocent from a young age, which can lead them to believe that their tears don’t matter. This inability to express sadness is reflected in Danni’s character, who rarely shows her vulnerability. Instead, she turns to substances and casual relationships as ways to cope with her feelings of being unseen and unwanted.
Each friend in the group faces her own struggles, whether it’s a lack of autonomy, emotional instability, or jadedness from past romantic experiences. They all have moments of fear and feeling misunderstood. Danni’s complicated relationship with Preston, her ex-boyfriend, showcases the issue of safety within romantic relationships. Preston is engaged to someone else but is still in love with Danni and actively trying to win her back. Mignon describes him as the “unhealed good guy” who resorts to manipulation and ultimatums, making it impossible for Danni to feel safe enough to love him.
Mignon draws from her own experiences with high-school crushes, emotional struggles, and bullying to understand her character. She also uses music, specifically the song “Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara, to get into the mindset of Danni. The lyrics resonate with Danni’s desire to be seen and considered beautiful.
“Sistas” sheds light on the wounds and struggles of both men and women from different backgrounds. Mignon’s ultimate goal is for people to heal and realize their worth. She emphasizes the importance of being healed enough to know that you deserve better and break free from the same cycles of pain and toxic relationships.
You can catch “Sistas” on BET every Wednesday at 9 p.m. The series serves as a platform to start conversations and provide relatable stories that can resonate with viewers in their own lives.
