There are few safe spaces in the media for Black women to come together and speak about issues that affect them personally and across the Diaspora. Recognizing the need for explosive and healing dialogue, legendary actress Jada Pinkett Smith, her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris and daughter, Willow Smith, decided they would create such a space for themselves.
In May 2018, the women opened up their lives and home for the profoundly impactful and moving Facebook Watch series, Red Table Talk. Over the course of 10-episodes, the women discussed a wide range of difficult subjects including sex, feuds in Black Hollywood and even addiction. Using their magnetic personalities and bold transparency, the Smiths and Banfield-Norris welcomed millions of viewers and several A-list guests to their red table.
Now, the People’s Choice award-nominated series is launching new episodes. Shadow and Act got the opportunity to speak with Pinkett Smith and Banfield-Norris about their critically acclaimed series and why it has been vital for them to speak their truths.
"It’s been a great opportunity for us to learn and grow together," Banfield-Norris said of the show's impact on her family. For the mother/daughter duo, the most beautiful aspect about this journey is that it has allowed multiple generations of Black women to have in-depth and honest conversations that have been historically stifled or unspoken. "Your mistakes can be eye-opening."
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