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.

Whatever it is that I feel, I express it! I am free with my joy, my laughter, my pleasure, my pain, and I am blessed in that way as an actress that I can access those feelings within myself and not be ashamed to show whatever that is that's appropriate for the character.

On a soap, happiness never lasts for very long!

The work I've done through my Common Culture Music series has enabled me not only to share my joy of music at scale but also promote the artists I love.

By asking the question 'Am I happy?,' and via the answer setting out what I mean by happiness, there is a political route that can be taken, by asking another question - 'Can politics deliver happiness, and should it try?'