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.

People respect us, they love us and they're entertained by us, so it's like when you trust somebody on that level, it's a lot easier to speak some real knowledge into their minds.

I really wanted to be a part of that movement or better yet create that movement.

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 started in this industry [television] as a kid doing commercials. Ever since I was introduced to it, I loved it.

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.

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