Embracing Black Identity and Advocating for Black Artists

Nicole Avant is a philanthropist, diplomat, filmmaker, actress and author. Her father, Clarence Avant, was a music legend and entertainment mogul, and her mother, Jacqueline Avant, was a legendary philanthropist. Nicole grew up around some of the most extraordinary artists of our time, including Bill Withers, Quincy Jones and Sidney Portier, and drew from her upbringing to create a noteworthy career of her own. But everything changed for Nicole in 2021, when her mother was fatally shot during a failed home invasion. Nicole channeled her grief, and turned her pain into fuel to write her beautiful memoir, “Think You’ll Be Happy”. She joins Hoda Kotb to share her journey, reflecting on managing her grief, finding forgiveness and moving ahead when the people who defined you and guided you are no longer physically here.