I was pissed. I really was. You have to split, bend over backward, touch our toe to our heads to get recognized. The men walk out there, sit down and have a woman dance around them and get higher scores.

As an African American actress there are people who have been staples in my life that opened a door that I can walk through. I hope that I can have that impact.

When I get recognized, every time feels like the first time.

I love the idea that somebody is going to compare me to my character or think that I am like my character when they see me. I feel like that is a role that I am willing to fulfill. I think it is important for girls to see movies where it is not all just about 'the boy' or it's simply being about 'the relationship' or 'Am I pretty enough?' or 'Am I cute enough?'. Here [the focus] is something that has to do with 'Am I talented enough?' or 'Am I smart enough?'. I love that. It is a big responsibility but it's exciting.