Alisha Acquaye

The casting is actually gender-inclusive.

"To appreciate a culture, one must step back and actively learn about it and how to support it without thinking about how they can benefit from the beautiful characteristics of it."

She embraced her dark skin and bold brows, and inspired me to do the same.

"Speak up when our lives are in danger."

"In our society, it’s so easy to see a black woman in a role that involves serving another."

"I think those things touch everyone on the planet.”

"As a black woman of immigrant parents, I’ve spent most of my life proving that the sacrifices they’ve made for me weren’t in vain."

The former Bernie Sanders communications director says it's not just about her nails; it's about expressing her most authentic self.

"For me, music festivals are a chance to fully step into and exude the magnificent, marvelous aspects of my identity and culture."

"My definition of black is loaded with history, oppression, revolution, and African ancestry."

"Black women have been using makeup to express our dynamism, ethereality, and magic for ages."

"It’s meaningless if the people that need to listen most aren’t paying attention."

And how it liberated me.

Not OK.

"Being weird is timeless."

“I was desperately ready for a change in my life.”