I think we have to be accepting of one another, and we have to appreciate what every culture has given us and name that and accept that and empower and encourage that. I really think that's what it comes down to. The images won't change until we make them change.

Often, kids don't appreciate the choices available, as if it's either the street or nothing.

I'm a workaholic, so I ignore the signs of fatigue and just keep going and going, and then conk out when I get home. It can be pretty stressful.

Something that was instilled in me by my parents at a very young age is that there is no happy life without a life of service. Over the course of my career, I've been fortunate to always encounter others who share that philosophy.

I feel like I've reached a point where music has become just as much a priority to me as my acting, and I'm glad to feel that way.

Something that was instilled in me by my parents at a very young age is that there is no happy life without a life of service.

I come from a very small, poor town just outside of the Chicago area and I know what it's like to dream and accomplish some of your goals, but I would never want to do a show where I am preaching to anyone because I do not like being preached at. I want to learn right along with my audience and every show will be a collaborative effort. I am so thankful to Debra Lee and everyone at the BET Network for providing me with this unique opportunity and platform.