The Danielle Brooks Effect: Why It’s Time to Finally “Do Things Alone”

By Brittany Delk

Emmy-nominated actress Danielle Brooks recently tackled a challenge many people struggle with. No, it wasn't being on camera—though that can certainly be nerve-wracking. The Color Purple star recently attended a concert alone for the first time.

Photo by Cécile Boko

While that may not sound intimidating to some, for Brooks, it meant stepping outside her comfort zone. In a recent Instagram post, Brooks reflected on attending an India.Arie concert in April, noting she is officially in her “concert era.”

​For Brooks, the night was about more than just music; it was a chance to see her primary inspiration. She shared that the singer's music "pulled her through so much as a teenager and helped protect her spirit from a lot of unnecessary people and things."

​“I did something I’ve never done before," Brooks said in her video. "I bought one ticket to a concert. Normally, I buy two because I love to have memories with people and celebrate with people. Not this time; this one is for 13-year-old Dani, and I am so excited for her.”

The video shows Brooks grooving to the singer’s 2001 hit “Video,” an anthem for self-acceptance. The 13-year-old version of Danielle would certainly be proud: by the end of the clip, Brooks is screaming with glee alongside India.Arie herself.

​“I’m with Danielle Brooks," the singer said in the post. "She said I inspire her. You never know who you are reaching, because I didn’t know this.”

​Brooks called the solo outing the “best decision of her life.”

​The post resonated deeply with fans. Some commented that they have long enjoyed solo concerts, while others felt inspired to finally follow suit.

Personally, I felt Brooks’ message in my soul. I’ve attended several concerts alone, along with other solo activities, and every time, I’ve ended up making friends with the people in the next seats. We danced and laughed so much you couldn't tell I arrived by myself.

​I recall a time I went to the movies alone to see Barbie. A woman asked me, with genuine concern on her face, why I had come alone.

​“I wanted to see the movie,” I told her simply.

“I mean... why didn’t you come with friends?” she pressed.

“I didn’t ask them," I replied. "I’m fine with seeing it by myself.”

A person accompanying her complimented my outfit (I was giving "Safari Barbie" vibes) and agreed with my stance. I could see the wheels turning in that woman’s head as she watched a Black Safari Barbie laughing and shedding a tear during America Ferrera’s famous monologue.

That interaction stayed with me. Some people struggle to grasp the idea of doing things solo. But how many of us are holding ourselves back or putting our lives on pause because we’re afraid to be seen alone?

We don’t know how much longer we have on this spinning rock.

Every time you don’t book that trip or skip a concert because you don’t have someone to tag along, you are delaying your joy. I understand joy is hard to come by with the uncertainty of today’s times, but that should give you more momentum to go after it full throttle.

This is your life.

Waiting on others only teaches you that you aren't comfortable living your life with the person you spend the most time with: yourself!

Take baby steps.

Start by going to a café and grabbing a coffee alone. From there, move to a restaurant for lunch. If a table feels too exposed, sit at the bar.

Movies are great because the lights are down anyway. Soon you will notice an increase your confidence and comfort. This is a journey of self-discovery; giving your inner child the experiences or things you wish you could have enjoyed when you were younger.

Just as Danielle Brooks learned, it is never too late to try something new, even if you’re doing it solo.