Interview with Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith is a movie and TV star, talk show host, producer, and philanthropist. You may know her, because she acted in The Matrix series (2, 3, and 4), the Madagascar films, Bad Moms, Gotham, and many others. She also has her own talk show, Red Table Talk, which she does with her mom and daughter. She covers all issues ranging from race, abuse, addiction, mental health, to white privilege. She also created the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation that helps kids and families in urban areas.

Matilda Fletcher

What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?

Jada Pinkett Smith

What diversity and inclusion means to me is opportunity being made available to groups of people who are usually excluded because of the color of their skin, economic status, gender and so fourth. My belief is ... every human being deserves an opportunity to prosper, to contribute to their communities and to be heard.

Matilda Fletcher 

Have you encountered discrimination? What did you say or do? When you had that experience, what feelings did it bring up in you during and after the situation?

Jada Pinkett Smith

I have and continue to encounter discrimination. As a young woman these encounters would make me angry and combative. Today, having made some strides overcoming biased attitudes, I realize that healing discrimination is a process. We as a society are slowly becoming more educated and more aware of these issues. I’m learning to have patience while also using my voice and resources to bring awareness and education where I see discrimination is practiced.

Matilda Fletcher

What would you tell middle school girls about discrimination? What would you have wanted to know about inclusion in middle school?

Jada Pinkett Smith

As a middle school girl my advice is to be inquisitive about cultures and ways of life outside of your own. Part of the problem that I see with discrimination is that so many people live in invisible bubbles and don’t realize the ignorance and arrogance our bubbles can create if we don’t make it a point to step outside of them. UNDERSTANDING and the  APPRECIATION of differences between us is a huge elixir to discrimination. Step outside your bubble, enjoy the world while also recognizing there are people different from you who have as much to offer as you do.

Originally published 02/12/2022