Pioneering Couple on a Mission to “Champion and Elevate Voices”
The celebrated Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis and her husband of 20 years, Julius Tennon, are embarking on a new venture – JVL Media, a book publishing company.
Their mission is clear: to give a platform to marginalized groups and champion voices that resonate with authenticity but are often overlooked.
“This endeavor embodies our collective aspiration — to champion and elevate voices that resonate with authenticity and are often overlooked,” Davis said in a statement. “Our mission is to interlace a rich mosaic of both fiction and non-fiction that not only stirs the imagination but also venerates the enduring heritage of storytellers from diverse walks of life.”
Collaborating with Esteemed Publisher Lavaille Lavette
To bring their vision to life, Davis and Tennon have partnered with esteemed publisher, author, and editor Lavaille Lavette. Together, they aim to offer readers a diverse range of non-fiction and fiction books that celebrate inclusivity and nuanced storytelling.
The inaugural titles from JVL Media include “Had to Lose to Win: The Tiki Davis Story” by serial entrepreneur and life coach Tiki Davis, followed by “The Inclusion Leader Genius” by Dr. Johné Battle.
Additionally, the company will release “Black States of America,” a sci-fi epic by D. E. Rogers that reimagines the lives of Black Americans had Abraham Lincoln lived.
A Beacon for Inclusive Storytelling
Tennon believes JVL Media will serve as a beacon of light for the book publishing industry, nurturing a literary culture that echoes the soul of society and propels it into the future with stories that matter.
“We’re nurturing a literary culture that echoes the soul of our society and propels us into the future with stories that matter,” Tennon stated.
Fostering Joy and Unlocking Literature’s Power
Lavette expressed her enthusiasm for the new endeavor, emphasizing JVL Media’s unwavering commitment to fostering joy, inspiring wonder, and unlocking the limitless power of literature to unite people from all walks of life.
“JVL Media stands as a beacon for inclusive and nuanced storytelling,” Lavette told The Hollywood Reporter. “We are wholeheartedly devoted to fostering joy, inspiring wonder and unlocking the limitless power of literature to unite us all.”
Building on Past Successes
Davis and Tennon’s new venture builds on their previous achievements with their production company, JuVee Productions, which brought to life the acclaimed film “The Woman King” and the hit ABC series “How to Get Away With Murder.”
