Nafessa Williams

I didn't have a brown-skinned superhero growing up who wore cornrows and who reflected the inner city where I come from in Philadelphia.

Growing up, I'd watch 'The Cosby Show' and 'The Fresh Prince of Bel Air;' I'd look at the little brown girls and be inspired by them.

I cannot get away from 'Streets,' like, no matter what I do! That was my very first professional job.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire little brown girls that look like me, that are sitting on the porch wearing cornrows.

If I wasn't from Philly, I couldn't promise you that I would have the same drive and the same ambition because, as a little kid, I always saw myself as making it out, and I would escape with television.

Wonder Woman is one of my favorite superheroes.

Most superhero shows are set in an alternative universe. 'Black Lightning' is literally in the hood. He's going inside of the ghetto and trying to make a difference.

I really look up to my mother and the strength that she has built in me, especially the strength in her faith, which has inspired me to turn my dreams into reality.

I just want people to understand that regardless of what it is that you do - whether you're a teacher, whether you are a doctor, a single mother, a college student, a big sister - that you have strength within you, and I want people to be inspired to walk in their own superhero regardless of what it is that they do.

Disappointment builds character and strength.

I did not know much about 'Black Lightning' beforehand, but I always wanted to play a superhero. After getting the part, I went back and read the comic books.

I am so proud to be a Philadelphian. I believe there's a different drive and hustle that's instilled in us.