Tracee Ellis Ross Speaks Out On Issues She Faces Being a Black Woman

Tracee Ellis Ross shared how she overcame some challenges to be recognized for her work, especially being a black woman in the film industry. Also, Ross called out on society for putting pressure on women to get married and have kids.

During an interview with Marie Claire, Tracee Ellis Ross mentioned that, while filming Girlfriends, no one would invite her to late-night talk shows. The series attracted predominantly black audiences.

Ross was the lead on the series “Girlfriends,” interpreting the iconic Joan Clayton. But, according to Ross, the show didn’t bring recognition, as the series is considered a “Black show,” which was not acknowledged.

Tracee Ellis Ross 🤩

— Hope Rehak (@HopeRehak) May 23, 2021

tracee ellis ross being our commencement speaker

— nicolette. (@chroniclesofnic) May 21, 2021

She shared, “I was told by the Jay Leno talent person for The Tonight Show, ‘We love Tracee. Call us when she gets something.’ And in my head, I was like, Get what? What do I need to get? Do I need to make my hair straighter? It was very hard at the time to not personalize that, to know that it was a societal thing, not a me thing.”

Embracing her identity was a challenging process for Ross. Likewise, her acceptance was a process. She stated, “Learning to love my hair in a world that doesn’t mirror that celebration has been a form of both resistance and the claiming of my identity, my selfhood, my legacy, my ancestral lines, the history that I come from.”

Other topics that bug Ross are racism and the patriarchal society, and she is vocal about it. So, in the interview, she called on societal ideals about women needing to get married and have kids. But, also has, and shows, a positive attitude about her life and is living the best version of herself.

I love Tracee Ellis Ross she didn’t allow society to make her feel like she had to get married & have kids she’s genuinely happy& living her BEST life 💗

— Sassy Savage (@alondriab) May 22, 2021

She is now single and has no kids. “I feel the sexiest I’ve ever felt; it’s going to waste in the pandemic,” she says, “Our society spoon-feeds it to you. I used to put myself to sleep dreaming of my wedding.”

“I used to put myself to sleep dreaming of my wedding, and I would still love all of that, but what am I going to do, just sit around waiting? Shut up. I’ve got so many things to do.”

Furthermore, Tracee Ross is known for her incredible acting on Blackish and Girlfriends. And for being the CEO of her hair products brand Curlsmith. The brand focuses on natural hair beauty.

Just used this conditioner that Tracee Ellis Ross made and my hair is softer than it’s ever been 😂

— Ricochet Rabbit™️ (@IsaiahHoward_) May 22, 2021

Ross’s remarkable character, Joan Clayton, also breaks stereotypes. As she is a career woman, focusing on her friendships and her success instead of a relationship.

Now you can watch Girlfriends on Netflix. It debuted on the platform last September for the 20th anniversary of the show.