Now, perhaps more than ever, we need more and more examples of healing. We need to learn what it takes to heal.

I just want to play interesting characters, and I want to work with the best directors I can work with.

I personally feel like black people in America have contributed so much for so long, and haven't always gotten credit for it.

The surgeries were the hardest scenes for me because it's literally balancing so many balls in the air, at the same time, and each surgery is different.

I went down and spoke to some of the people who lived in the neighborhood in Miami. At the end of the day I think my connection with Tarell [Alvin McCraney] is what helped me the most.

All the craft skills that I have, I feel like I developed and honed in drama school. It's the most important thing for me.

I wanted to work with Barry [ Jenkins]. I am a big fan of his from Medicine for Melancholy years ago. Tarrell [Alvin McCraney] is my favorite playwright. I will do anything he asks. The characters were so clearly drawn and three dimensional. It was an easy thing to say yes to.