I think that's something that Oprah [Winfrey] and Ava [ DuVernay] do seamlessly. They know how to connect to people and they know how to share our stories. To be a part of that is a blessing.

I've worked so hard to just be my full self and God has just validated me in so many ways.

I really got attracted to the idea of touching so many people and that idea of art transcending entertainment and art and activism being synonymous.

Louisiana taught me another level of humility. Everyone is so content, not socially content but spiritually. Everyone is happy with who they are and loves their city regardless of what has happened here with Katrina and all the different stories. They have a sense of pride and it really rubbed off on me.

Working with Ava [ DuVernay] and Oprah [Winfrey], they're just so intimate. I feel like we're really family at this point.

I think that's really the allure of acting for me. I really want to connect with people.

That [Louisiana culture] was all very new to me. I read books and watched documentaries, just trying to immerse myself.