At the beginning, my ambition was never to break down doors. It was just to earn tuition for myself and work in an industry where women hadn't been allowed or invited. That's all I wanted to do, not thinking that I would make waves, change minds, excite people, incite people, turn on people, repulse people.

My passion is to tell stories that reflect humanity.

I consider myself conscious of how we're treated, and sometimes I can be a feminist.

Me, sexy? I'm just plain ol' beans and rice.

As I get older, it's a time to enjoy life.

The African-American community is not monolithic. It's liberal and conservative.

My grandfather was the first feminist in my life. He taught me if a woman can do something, a man will respect her.