thisisallison

This week’s WCW is Jada Pinkett-Smith!

I’ve been a fan of Jada Pinkett Smith since A Different World in her role as Lena, a very woke, spunky, all around dope, student at Hillman College. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Set it Off! I probably watched it almost everyday after class when I attended NC A&T SU. Aggie Pride! Then there’s Jason’s Lyric where she played the beautiful Lyric. And of course who can forget her in Girl’s Trip! I pretty much feel like we’ve grown up together. 

Red Table Talk

Lately Jada has been dropping gems on her show, Red Table Talk. She, along with her mother (Gammy) and daughter (Willow), candidly discuss provocative cultural topics and raise awareness about issues impacting society. In two seasons, they have covered topics such as blended families, body image, racial division among women, substance abuse, and sex. This phenomenal platform has impacted so many lives and relationships. It has enabled many to find community because of Jada and her family’s commitment to be transparent, authentic, and self-giving. In an interview with NPR, Jada spoke about the impact other’s ability to share their authentic experiences with her shaped her journey and influenced her to create the show:

“I guess at this point in my life, I’ve really been doing a lot of interior work.. And I just realized that in part of my growth, the women and the people who had the courage to be very transparent with me with certain aspects of their journey really, really helped my journey tremendously. I was like: Why don’t we talk about this more often? Why is it such a secret of what people go through?”

– Jada Pinkett-Smith

“And so I was like: I really want to create conversation where people don’t have to feel like they’re alone. And whatever pieces individuals can take with them to make whatever changes they might feel is necessary for more happiness, more joy, more peace — I want to be part of that journey.”

– Jada Pinkett-Smith

She’s More than Just an Actress

In addition to showcasing her talent in the filming industry, she has shown her passion for heavy metal music through the creation of her rock band, Wicked Wisdom. The group experienced some success. They charted Billboard’s “Top Heatseekers” chart (2006), opened up for Britney Spears’ Onyx Hotel Tour, and played several dates during Ozzfest. 

Jada’s contribution to our world extends beyond the entertainment business. She has leveraged her status and wealth to make philanthropic contributions through the Will & Jada Smith Family Foundation. She has also used her voice in efforts aimed at putting an end to human trafficking (CNN: Freedom Project). 

There are so many words that describe Jada Pinkett Smith— classy, fierce, intelligent, talented, and beautiful. But most of all, the word that best describes her and what she’s meant to my life is— homegirl. You know… the one you call and begin the conversation with, “Girrrrrl!” 

And for this, our WCW is Jada Pinkett-Smith!

If you know a woman we should highlight send a pic and a brief story about this crush worthy woman! Send to info@thisisallison.com