Award-winning actress Viola Davis has recalled how she was addressed with the N-word than her own name.
The actress who was honored with prestigious Jacqueline Avant HollyRod Humanitarian Award emphasized the importance of giving back to oneself, particularly one’s inner child.
Davis revealed that she grew up in abject poverty and was called N-word more times than her real name.
“I listen to what people say, that when you go into philanthropy, it’s about making the world a better place; and that’s absolutely what I want, but the two people that you owe the most to are your six-year-old self and your 80-year-old self,” Davis began. “I don’t know my 80-year-old self yet…but I know my six-year-old self because she’s still very much alive to me.”
The star continued, “She had a lot of dreams, but she didn’t have a lot of hopes. She was a bed wetter. She grew up with very little food and in abject poverty. She was probably called a [N-word] more times than she was called Viola — and ugly. But what happened with Viola, she was born into a world where she did not fit in. And if anyone comes to understand the definition of a hero, they are always born into a world that they do not fit in.”
Davis’ charitable endeavors reflect her childhood background, advocating for Hunger Is to combat childhood hunger.
She champions causes like the Children’s Hunger Alliance, Soles4Souls, and Friendly House.
Additionally, she supports her former school, Central Falls High School, and the community library in her hometown, embodying her belief in giving back despite feeling out of place in the world.
In concluding her speech, Davis expressed her dedication to ensuring others do not endure the same hardships she faced.
With emotion in her voice, she revealed, “Until the last person who has a memory of you dies, you will never be dead, and I want to live forever.”
She expressed her desire to honor her younger self, aiming to be the hero she needed during tough times.
Davis emphasized her commitment to helping those in need, stating, “That’s why I work with hunger. That’s why I work with education. That’s why I work with domestic violence. I see you.”
She vowed to pass on her efforts to future advocates, aiming to make a lasting impact and bring solace to others.
The Organization, founded by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete in 1997, supports families impacted by Parkinson’s disease and autism.
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