Gabrielle Union has learned a thing or two over her decades-spanning acting career, and now she’s using her experience to help the future of black Hollywood.
At the 20th annual American Black Film Festival in Miami, Florida, on June 17, the “Being Mary Jane” star sat down to answer questions from young black filmmakers who are just getting their start in the business.
In the video above Union laid down some golden nuggets of wisdom as part of the#MyABFFStory campaign, where she reminded aspiring filmmakers to always “be prepared.”
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 14: Gabrielle Union attends EFM Engineered for Motion – Presentation – New York Fashion Week: Men’s S/S 2016 at Skylight Clarkson Sq on July 14, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images For EFM)
But Union’s thoughts on black womanhood were especially inspiring. When asked by one filmmaker for advice to young black women struggling to love themselves, she emphasized the fact that “it gets better.”
“There is a space and a place for all of us, and in every incarnation,” Union said.
“We are beautiful, and there are people out there who agree. Even if you don’t see it in your family, or on your block… Just keep going. Don’t let it stop you.”
Union also shared her thoughts on the current movement of black girl magic, which seeks to celebrate everything that makes black women fabulous:
“I’m so happy for young women who are growing up in this black girl magic time where they’re carefree, they feel empowered, they feel emboldened, they feel like they can do anything. I’m jealous!”
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 18: Actress Gabrielle Union attends the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus and Note 5 Launch party on August 18, 2015 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
SOURCE: huffingtonpost.com
