“Black-ish” star Marsai Martin is proud to be a Texan.
In a recent interview, she also bigged up her fellow Texans, such as Beyonce, Megan Thee Stallion and Simone Biles.
“We are bold. Honestly, it’s one of those things that, when someone is from Texas, you can just feel their energy,” the young executive producer told HollywoodLife.
“It’s so cool,” she says, before adding, “I’m really grateful to be born and raised in a space that only gives positive energy and love. There’s Trump supporters and all those people around there, but my circle of family that have been in Texas has always been amazing.”
Martin’s summer is off to a great start. She focusing on encourages other teens to give back to the community.
She’s been doing the rounds to promote her newest effort.
Martin’s has partnered with Invisalign on its ChangeMakers program. The initiative celebrates teens that give back to their communities. One hundred applicants aged 13-19 will receive $5000 in cash to continue bringing positive change to their neighborhoods.
“For me being in the industry, I’ve always learned to, you know, always make sure the people I’m entertaining always have a smile on their face. I feel like Invisalign advocates for that same thing, so it feels like it’s the perfect partnership,” the 16-year-old star told NYLON.
And as for advice to youths who are trying to build their confidence:
“Sarcasm. Kill them with kindness and sarcasm. That’s always been who I am. Confidence is not an act, it truly comes from how you feel about yourself,” Martin explains.
“So you have to do what makes you happy. Do what makes you feel loved and makes you feel beautiful. And that goes for boys and girls. There have been so many times where people thought they had to do this or that to feel confident or beautiful and think: Maybe if I looked like this person this will make me feel way more confident. But if you do what makes you happy, that’s where confidence comes from. It connects to self-care as well.
The event kicks off on Saturday, July 10 at 5 pm PST.
