This new documentary, Skin Stories sounds very empowering, what do you like best about being involved in this project?
I love the idea that Vaseline Cocoa Butter came up with this idea of going around the world and asking people of color what their skin means to them and how they honor their skin. It was a really creative and inspiring journey.<--more--> And I was surprised. It’s not something we really think about, our skin, we kind of take it for granted and you know; it was surprising and uplifting to see how everybody interprets it differently. Like for instance, my skin, I think about my ancestors I think about my mother and my grandmother. It connects me to my community. Obviously its something that’s very important for me because I have to be in front of the camera. So it’s just a nice way to honor our skin, and the beautiful color of our skin.
How do you feel abut the skin you’re in? Was there ever a time where you felt ashamed of your skin or complexion?
I’ve been very lucky, I grew up with parents that always told me in many different ways that being black is beautiful and something to be proud of. I’ve never really had that. I’ve always thought of it as an asset not something to be ashamed of. I love being black, I always have, I think it comes from my parents and you know, my community.
What have you taken away from this documentary experience?
There was a big movement in the '60s called the "Black is Beautiful" movement, and we haven’t had anything since that. [Skin Stories] kind of points to that and of gets us to look at ourselves and look at our skin when we’re in a world that tells us that were not necessarily the most beautiful, or we’re not as beautiful or we’re not beautiful at all, that we are [beautiful] and so it’s been very uplifting for me to be a part of that. I encourage everyone to visit skinvoice.com to see snippets of the doc and share skin stories too.
Speaking of skin and how it relates to the society we live in, I understand that you are working on another film, Wonderful World, that features an interracial couple, black woman/white male. What do you have to say to your fans that may catch feelings about you playing another character involved in an interracial relationship?
It’s actually not about interracial relationships. It’s about Matthew Broderick’s character; he plays a guy who’s very negative, a real cynic. And it’s basically his journey to find hope and some kind of innocence again. I play an African woman who crosses paths with him. So it’s not about interracial relationships like Something New was. In Something New that was the subject of the movie. This is just a movie where he happens to be white and I happen to be an African woman. So you know what I’m saying?
Yes, I do.
People are always going to comment because I am black and he’s white but the truth is that that’s not the subject of the movie, it’s not even really brought up.
I think it’s interesting because it seems like that’s how it’s been labeled.
Yeah I know, isn’t that funny?
Yeah.
That’s just the world we’re living in - you know - it’s like we have a black man running for president, and that’s giving me so much hope, but people still see things through race.
Why do you think there’s so much controversy over interracial dating?
It’s so deep, it goes way deep. I couldn’t even get into all of that here. It started with slavery, and it’s a very charged subject that goes very deep in our country. I think that it’s time to move beyond that. If you find love, no matter what color or race somebody is, that’s who you should love, and you should never let something like skin color stop you. That’s my belief. You’re blessed if you’re able to find love in my opinion.
Speaking of finding love, are you still involved with NFL player Wale Ogunleye?
Yes.
Are you guys engaged yet?
No we’re dating - happily dating.
How long has it been now?
It’s going on two years.
You mentioned earlier that you’re a fan of Bossip, I was surprised, but pleased to hear that.
Yes. Especially when you guys are more positive (laughs). Sometimes, I go through phases where I get addicted to surfing the net.
In an interview for Essence Magazine late last year, you mildly addressed the topic of rumors about you that are featured in Black gossip blogs. Would you be willing to you clear the air regarding the rumors about you being gay?
I’m not gay (laughs). I have nothing against the gay lifestyle at all. I have a lot of great girlfriends. I would call myself a girl’s girl meaning I really have great friends, I’m not one of those women who doesn’t like to be around other beautiful women, because some women are threatened by that. Regina Hall is a great friend of mine; Gabrielle Union is a great friend of mine. I have good girlfriends; they’re like my sisters.
Share: