Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor on Fighting For Roles and How to Visit the South Thoughtfully
Feb 27, 2025
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Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, an accomplished actor and activist celebrated for her roles in 'Nickel Boys' and 'King Richard', shares insights from her Mississippi upbringing. She discusses the joy and pain intertwined in her childhood, emphasizing the importance of cultural ties. Aunjanue offers thoughtful recommendations for exploring the South, focusing on the depth of its cultural history rather than mere tourism. She also reflects on her career, advocating for representation and the meaningful roles that challenge societal issues.
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor emphasizes the importance of selecting impactful roles that amplify significant narratives and social activism in acting.
She shares her deep connection to Mississippi's history, highlighting the role of personal stories in understanding broader cultural contexts.
Deep dives
The Power of Choosing Roles
The discussion highlights the significance of selecting impactful roles in acting, emphasizing that some roles find the actor rather than the other way around. The speaker, Anjanoo Ellis Taylor, reflects on her determination to portray Isabel Wilkerson in the film 'Origin,' driven by her admiration for Wilkerson's work on social hierarchies in America. This passionate choice underscores the theme of not merely acting but actively fighting for significant narratives that shed light on important historical contexts. Through this lens, the roles chosen become more than just professional decisions; they serve as powerful platforms for representation and activism.
Living History and Personal Connections
Anjanoo Ellis Taylor shares her roots in Mississippi, expressing her deep connection to the land and its tumultuous history, often marked by violence and oppression. She describes her grandmother's influence in raising her amidst a rich cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of personal stories in understanding broader historical contexts. The dialogue suggests that the history of a place is not merely an artifact but is alive, shaped by the experiences and struggles of those who lived there. This connection to family and personal history drives her passion for sharing the untold stories of communities, making them relevant to the present day.
Advocating for Change Through Activism
The conversation reveals Anjanoo's commitment to activism, notably through her provocative billboards challenging the Confederate flag's symbolism in Mississippi. By merging elements of Black heritage with controversial imagery, she aims to spark dialogues on race and history that are often avoided. Her subsequent billboard addressing reproductive rights highlights her multifaceted approach to activism, combining personal narrative with wider social issues. These actions demonstrate her belief that art and activism can serve as powerful tools for social change, compelling society to confront uncomfortable truths.
With the Academy Awards days away, Lale talks to actor-activist Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who plays Hattie in the Oscar nominated film "Nickel Boys". Aunjanue talks about the joy and pain of growing up in Mississippi which she still calls home, as well as her suggestions on what to see - and not see - on a road trip though the South.