Earlier in the week, SNL announced they hired their first black female cast member in five years (and fifth ever), Sasheer Zamata. Today, The Hollywood Reporter writes the show has also hired two black female writers, LaKendra Tookes and Leslie Jones, both of whom were seen during this most recent audition process. Tookes is a former reporter turned comedian who’s performed at L.A.’s iO West. Jones, who recently guest-starred on The League, is a stand-up, who had her special, Problem Child, air on Showtime in 2011. Of course, Tookes and Jones won’t exclusively write for Zamata and, of course, the show’s other writers will happily write for her, but it’s still great news that shows SNL’s commitment to answering legitimate criticism.
