Marsai Martin is still reeling from walking away with two 2021 NAACP Image Awards: outstanding performance by a youth (series, special, television movie or limited series) and outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series for her role in ABC’s “Black-ish.”
The 16-year-old actress and producer recently sat down with The Hollywood Reporter, where she explained that she makes it a point not to feature any “Black pain” in her projects.
“I have a couple of rules when you come into my office. When you come into my office, don’t give me this — I don’t do no Black pain,” she told the publication.
“If it’s Black pain I don’t go for it because there’s so many films and projects about that, so that’s not who I am. I want to make sure that it is diverse and real in its own way. I know a lot of people don’t like the word “authentic,” but I just love real stories that people can resonate with, even when it doesn’t resonate with you personally but you know a friend who’s dealt with that or families.”
Martin also touched on the importance of ceremonies such as the NAACP Image Awards, which focuses on Black talent.
“This is what we need, every single year is what we need. But from the uncertainty this past year has given us, it kind of puts us on a loop like it’s an up and down, like what’s-gonna-happen-next type thing,” she shared. “This is something that we need, this is something that just brings us back to reality. It just gives us a night to appreciate us. I mean, we appreciate us every single day, but a time where we give everyone the recognition that everyone needs at this moment.”
