Why I'm reaching for the sky

As we get into the second full week of the year, I'm filled with more hope than ever. I truly feel there's been so much change. Not only in the world, but in my life as well. Yes, there's been so much distress over the racial injustices in this country, but there have been many people who have been woken up and are starting to realize that they deserve equality and it's not going to come in a pair of Jordans.
Specifically, I mean in the entertainment industry. People of color have begun to realize that it's more than just showing their faces on the camera and being seen. It's about having a controlling stake over their content! Shonda Rhimes (Shondaland), Michael Starburry (The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete), Gina Prince-Bythewood (Beyond The Lights), Chris Rock (Top Five), Issa Rae (Awkward Black Girl)... etc. These are some of the people of color who only inspire me to reach higher than just being an actress. I want to write, direct, produce, and act. I want to eventually have my own production company. I know that it's going to take a long time to achieve, but I know that it's possible.

I want to make more films that showcase African American talent and African American folklore and I want to jump into sci-fi, romance, drama, comedy. I want to do it all!!! Of course, not alone. I'm not that good, or that crazy. But it's possible, and I know that it's going to happen.

I know it's going to happen because I see it happening! It's a breath of fresh air to see more option than slave movies and biopics. I love the fact that when I watched Beyond The Lights, reality was suspended, and I was taken into another world. I love that Shonda Rhimes goes into interracial relationships between black women and white men because it happens! I love Issa Rae and her awkwardness. I'm awkward as hell! I love me, but I am... among other things.

This year is exciting as it's just continuing on the momentum that I had last year. My short film Homecoming will be available for you all to see soon, but there is so much more coming in the way of screenplays, web series, books and as many auditions as I can. Stay tuned. I've already hit the ground running!