Felicia D. Henderson, the powerhouse storyteller behind iconic series like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Family Matters, Moesha, Soul Food, Empire, First Kill, and The Punisher, continues to redefine storytelling with her latest cinematic triumph, The Rebel Girls. This award-winning short film, lauded at festivals nationwide and a contender for the Academy Awards, offers a poignant and electrifying perspective on an untold chapter of the Civil Rights Movement.
With a contemporary lens, The Rebel Girls is more than just a historical recount—it’s a celebration of ambition, sisterhood, and quiet defiance. Inspired by the courageous children who marched to revitalize the Civil Rights Movement, Henderson’s film sheds light on the young girls whose bravery reignited public attention when the national press began losing interest in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s arrests. Through magical realism and profound storytelling, the film explores the resilience of the human spirit, challenging audiences with the powerful idea: “It doesn’t matter where your body is; you must never give permission for anyone to control your mind.”
With The Rebel Girls, Henderson not only solidifies her place as a masterful storyteller but also amplifies underrepresented voices, bringing untold narratives to life. This film is not just a cinematic experience—it’s a rallying cry for dreamers, changemakers, and everyone who believes in the power of resilience and hope.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Your work spans beloved sitcoms, compelling dramas, and now films like The Rebel Girls. How has your approach to storytelling evolved over the years as a writer?
Felicia D. Henderson: Oh, that’s such a good question. My career started in sitcoms, and back then, I wrote purely from instinct. I hadn’t gone to film school or studied screenwriting formally. My first job in the industry was at NBC in their executive training program. While I was there, the president of NBC told me, “I think you’re a writer.” That comment changed everything. I applied to the Warner Bros. Writers Program, which focused on comedy, and for my application, I wrote a Roseanne spec script.
Writing back then was all gut. It was God-given talent, honed through personal experiences like journaling and writing for my high school newspaper. Over time, I went back to school and earned an MFA in screenwriting. That education taught me the structure behind what I was already doing instinctively. I learned why certain elements worked and how to fine-tune stories.
Now, I’m much more conscious of media’s power and the impact of storytelling. I’m deliberate about the themes I tackle and the characters I write. I’ve also reached a place where I know exactly what I want to write: powerful, dynamic, flawed women.
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Beverly Hills Magazine: That evolution makes so much sense. As a writer myself, I understand how personal paradigms influence storytelling. Every chapter of life shapes our voice. Speaking of dynamic women, why is showcasing women’s stories so central to your projects?
Felicia D. Henderson: I focus on strong, complicated women—not broken ones. I don’t believe any of us are truly broken. If we’re still here, it means we’ve chosen ourselves and grown stronger through our experiences.
I grew up in a household of women—five sisters and my grandmother, who was incredibly strong. She lived with us and set a tough, loving example. My mom and her sister were best friends, and their bond taught me the power of sisterhood. Women have always been my role models, from my family to the teachers who believed in me as a child.
My first mentors in the industry were also women—Sarah Finney Johnson and Vita Spears, who guided me during my early days on Family Matters. These relationships, combined with the absence of women’s stories in history, inspired me to focus on women. For instance, The Rebel Girls tells the largely untold story of young girls who played pivotal roles in the civil rights movement.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s incredible. We live in a world where women’s stories are often overlooked. Correcting that narrative is vital. Speaking of The Rebel Girls, what inspired you to tell their story, and how does it resonate with today’s audiences?
Felicia D. Henderson: Sarah Finney Johnson, my mentor and dear friend, first introduced me to the story. I was shocked that I didn’t already know it. These girls—and the children who marched—were integral to the civil rights movement, especially during a time when national interest was waning.
Once I learned about them, I dove into research. I read everything I could find, watched documentaries, and visited museums like the African American Museum in DC and the Lorraine Motel Museum in Memphis. I even traveled to Southern Georgia to visit the stockade where these girls were held and met two of the survivors.
Meeting them solidified my resolve to tell their story. It felt divinely designed, as though I was meant to bring it to light. The story is contemporary in its relevance because young people often drive change. Today’s young leaders, like those advocating against gun violence, echo the courage and determination of these Rebel Girls.
Beverly Hills Magazine: It truly feels like this project was meant to find you. It’s amazing how storytelling can bring history to life and inspire change. Your work not only entertains but also educates and empowers. Thank you for sharing your journey and your voice.
Felicia D. Henderson: Thank you for having me and for giving me a platform to celebrate these remarkable stories. It’s an honor.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Leaders are emerging out of movements today, like high school students advocating for sensible gun laws and college students driving change in movements like Black Lives Matter. How do you see these parallels with the teenage girls of 1963?
Felicia D. Henderson: In many ways, these contemporary movements echo the spirit of 1963. Those teenage girls were part of a larger resistance to inequality and injustice, just like today’s young leaders. It’s inspiring to see young people stepping into roles of change-makers, standing in the gap, and becoming agents of resistance. It shows a continuity of courage, reminding us that this history of leadership is deeply rooted in the younger generation’s willingness to fight for justice.
Beverly Hills Magazine: It seems that the greatest movements for justice often arise from the most horrific acts of injustice. Do you think such “necessary evils” bring about the goodness and evolution of humanity?
Felicia D. Henderson: Unfortunately, that is often true. While we would never wish pain or suffering on anyone, these moments of injustice can become catalysts for positive change. They force us to confront what’s wrong and inspire the goodness in humanity to step forward. It’s a harsh reality, but one that has historically brought about significant societal evolution.
Beverly Hills Magazine: How does your storytelling approach in this project make it contemporary and unique?
Felicia D. Henderson: My goal is to tell the story in a way that focuses not on the traumatic event itself but on the three-dimensional lives of the individuals involved. It’s about who these girls were before, during, and after the events. I delve into their dreams, aspirations, and fantasies. By using magical realism and fantastical thinking, I visually bring their hopes and determination to life. It’s a way of highlighting their humanity and resilience beyond the tragedy.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Your use of magical realism, especially in transitioning from dark scenes to vibrant dreams, is stunning. How do these visual elements connect with the core of the story?
Felicia D. Henderson: Thank you. That was very intentional. The transitions symbolize hope and the strength of human spirit. Even in the darkest circumstances, these girls dared to dream of a brighter future. Their dreams seemed impossible, but they held on to faith and the belief that the impossible could become real. That’s what this story is about—hope, sisterhood, and the unwavering faith in one’s ability to rise above circumstances.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What do you want audiences, especially young girls, to take away from this story?
Felicia D. Henderson: I want everyone, especially young girls and women, to know that no matter what circumstances they find themselves in, they hold the power to define their own thoughts and dreams. As long as no one controls your mind, you have the freedom to imagine a better day and work towards it. It’s about resilience and self-determination, even in the face of adversity.
Beverly Hills Magazine: Racism, as a profound evil, has been a central issue in civil rights movements. How does this story address that?
Felicia D. Henderson: This story underscores that no one can make you feel less than unless you allow them to. It’s about knowing your worth and identity as a human being—a child of God—beautifully and uniquely gifted. The civil rights movement was about breaking free from the chains of racism and reclaiming dignity. That message of honoring who you are remains timeless and powerful.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What inspired you to tell the story of the Rebel Girls?
Felicia D. Henderson: Well, when Sarah introduced me to the story and I started reading and doing research, I realized this was a story that had never been told. That inspired me. I love stories about girls and women who thrive, who show how brilliant and powerful we are. I wanted to tell a story that my nieces—and young girls everywhere—could see and think, “If they can do that, I can do anything.”
Beverly Hills Magazine: What was the most challenging aspect of making the film, and how did you overcome it?
Felicia D. Henderson: It’s always money, right? I had nothing but love and determination. Everyone I asked to come to the table said “yes.” From the composer to my casting director, the post-production sound house Smart Post, and The Foundation, where it was colored, everyone stepped up. The challenge was working with limited resources. For example, we often had to reduce shooting days due to budget constraints. Instead of five days, we shot in three or four. As the writer, director, and producer, I had to juggle wearing all those hats, which meant dealing with production issues while directing. It’s tough, but you learn to adapt when resources are tight.
Beverly Hills Magazine: You’ve accomplished a beautiful film. Would you consider expanding it into a longer format?
Felicia D. Henderson: Absolutely. That’s always been the goal. This short film is just the starting point. I created it with the intention of showing others that it needs to be a longer piece. I won’t stop until that goal is achieved. From your lips to God’s ears, right?
Beverly Hills Magazine: Amen! What message do you hope audiences take away from Rebel Girls?
Felicia D. Henderson: I hope everyone feels empowered. If you have a dream, I want you to know you can achieve it. I also want it to bring people together, to see the humanity in one another. That’s why I portrayed the characters as fully formed, three-dimensional people. Stories have the power to inspire, bring hope, and help us understand each other better. Now, more than ever, we need artists to tell these stories.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What legacy do you hope to leave behind in Hollywood with your work?
Felicia D. Henderson: I hope my legacy is one of mentorship. I want people to say, “Had I not crossed her path, I might not be here.” Everywhere I’ve stepped, I’ve tried to make it easier for someone else to follow. I also want to leave behind stories that are true, noble, and worthy. It’s important to me to create characters that resonate with disenfranchised groups—people who don’t see themselves enough in media. I hope I’ve added something meaningful to storytelling by shedding light on challenging characters and their journeys.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What advice would you give to emerging writers, producers, and directors?
Felicia D. Henderson: First, be absolutely sure this is what you want because Hollywood isn’t for the faint of heart. There’s more rejection than acceptance, and the work is hard. But when you hear “hard,” translate it to “worth doing.” Also, become an expert in your craft. If you want to write, read two or three scripts a day. If you want to direct, watch films and study interviews with directors. Whatever your field, immerse yourself in it. Keep learning and stay prepared for when opportunity comes.
Beverly Hills Magazine: How do you balance your personal and professional life with such high creativity?
Felicia D. Henderson: Time management. My calendar is my best friend, and I stick to it. I even schedule rest, spa weekends, and leisure reading. Whether it’s writing from 5 to 9 or taking my nieces to see Wicked, everything goes on the calendar. Prioritizing and planning help me maintain balance.
Beverly Hills Magazine: What advice would you give to aspiring producers?
Felicia D. Henderson: You have to know there’s more rejection than acceptance. The work is hard—really hard. When people say it’s tough to break in, sell a story, or get a job, you should hear the word hard and immediately translate it into worth doing. That’s the mindset you need.
If this is what you want to do, then you have to study it. If you want to write, read two or three scripts a day. If you want to direct, watch movies like crazy and learn from interviews with directors. If you want to produce, break down budgets of scripts regularly.
Whatever your goal, become an expert. Keep learning, and prepare yourself so that you’re ready before the opportunity even arises.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s excellent advice. It reminds me of the saying, “You don’t achieve success; you become it.” Now, how do you balance your personal and professional life with such high creativity?
Felicia D. Henderson: With a lot of time management. My calendar is my best friend, and I’m a slave to it. That doesn’t mean unexpected things don’t come up, but as long as I stick to my calendar, most things work out.
I schedule everything. I even schedule time to rest, go on spa weekends, or just read for pleasure. I block out time for family, like taking my nieces to see Wicked, and for work, such as writing from 5 to 9 PM with my phone off. Staying organized through scheduling is key for managing everything.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s a great strategy, especially when you’re juggling so much. What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned on your life journey, both personally and professionally?
Felicia D. Henderson: The greatest life lesson I’ve learned is about faith and how I define it. I used to think faith meant believing something had to happen in a specific way. Now, I see it as putting what I want into the universe and trusting it to find the best way to bring it to me.
Another important lesson is about how you treat people. It’s not about who they are or what you need from them; it’s simply about being decent. It’s fulfilling to be kind and respectful. I lead with that, and I eliminate people from my life who aren’t decent—not just to me but to others too.
If someone doesn’t see my value, it’s not my job to teach them.
Beverly Hills Magazine: That’s so powerful and resonates deeply. Through your work, you’ve subtly shared these values, whether in storytelling or the messages behind your projects. I truly admire that.
Felicia D. Henderson: Thank you. I believe our work is an expression of our hearts. Whether we’re painting a picture or producing a film, it’s always a vulnerable display of who we are.
Beverly Hills Magazine: I completely agree, and I thought your recent movie was beautiful—visually, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m excited to see what you create next!
Felicia D. Henderson: Thank you so much. I appreciate that, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come as well.