Actor and singer Jenifer Lewis, who has become one of Hollywood’s most familiar faces, thanks to the success of the ABC hit series Black-ish began her career singing in Broadway musicals. She also most notably lent her vocals to the animated film featuring the first ever Black Disney princess called The Princess and the Frog. Cast as Mama Odie, an eccentric voodoo priestess of great magical power. Jenifer’s presence this week at Disney World is of great significance as the theme park prepares for its debut of its new ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening in Magic Kingdom Park on June 28th.
In an interview with Lewis, BGN along with other members of the press, went backstage with the prolific actor to chat about her legacy in Princess and the Frog and what a ride like this means to the Black community.
When asked about what it means to the Black community to have Tiana’s Bayou Adventure built here’s what she had to say:
“It’s us. We built this country and we should be represented everywhere in statues and books. And look, here we are, and this will be here forever.”
When discussing her multigenerational impact on the community here’s what she had to say:
“I’ve been that Aunt in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and playing a grandmother for 8 years on Black-ish. I have that maternal relationship, that cord with the kids, that helps me because I am more of an activist now and I bring them out to vote and do their civil duties so they have the right to dream.”
When discussing what kind of fans of Princess and the Frog approach her, are they younger or older fans?
Check out the video below for her answer! She gets animated for this one!
Also check out our IG page for a live performance of Jenifer Lewis who made an appearance at the We Came to Play Celebration at Epcot Center for the media. It was an incredible time!
This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.
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