Written by | Ray Cornelius
I had the pleasure of meeting iconic TV, film and stage actress—JENIFER LEWIS—on Saturday afternoon during the Power Rising Summit. The four-day women’s conference took place at Atlanta’s historic Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel and featured inspirational and informative sessions with Star Jones, Cicely Tyson, Erika Alexander and Elder Bernice King.
Lewis took part in a very powerful conversation about black women and mental health along with the First Lady of New York City—Chirlane McCray. She also sold copies of her new memoir, The Mother of Black Hollywood, and took pictures with her adoring fans.
Ms. Lewis is EVERYTHING you think she is and more! While taking photos I watched her embrace, talk to and cry with a number of attendees who were either personally dealing with mental health issues or had family members who were suffering from bipolar disorder.
Ms. Lewis was very open and honest with us and even shared more “pearls of wisdom” about self-love and finding joy in the midst our current circumstances or situations. She also opened up about the advice she received from the late, great Dick Gregory and how the passing of actor/dancer Gregory Hines changed her perspective on living life.
What you see is truly what you get and I absolutely love her for it.
Stay tuned to my radio show UPFRONT as I will be featuring Ms. Lewis in a future segment where we will discuss her book, her illustrious career and more .
Jenifer Lewis with her friend and gospel great Dottie Peoples
Ray Cornelius meeting Jenifer Lewis
Jenifer Lewis with Ray Cornelius