Kerry Washington wants her children to believe they can “do anything”. As a mother of three and an influential figure in Hollywood, her commitment to inspiring the next generation extends beyond her own family.
The 47-year-old actress – who has Isabelle, 10, and eight-year-old Caleb with husband Nnamdi Asomugha and is also stepmother to his teenage daughter – can currently be seen as Captain Charity Adams in World War II drama ‘The Six Triple Eight’ and she is “excited” for her kids to see it as she thinks it offers a lot of positive messages. The film tells the remarkable true story of the only all-black female battalion to serve in Europe during World War II.
“I’m excited to share it with [my daughters] and also with my son,” she told Britain’s HELLO! Magazine. “I believe that this is a real family film – it’s exciting and informative and highlights the value of bringing stories like this into the mainstream. The historical drama has already garnered critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of these groundbreaking women.”
“It’s important for us to see ourselves and each other in film, and to see the power of black women,” Washington emphasized. Her role as Captain Adams adds to a growing collection of powerful female characters in mainstream cinema, contributing to a significant shift in Hollywood representation.
“I want my son and daughters to know they can do anything. That is why we must keep on telling these stories.” Washington’s commitment to diverse storytelling has made her a respected voice in the industry, with numerous accolades recognizing her contribution to representation in media.
Kerry had a “wonderful” experience making the movie, which was directed by Tyler Perry, alongside so many fellow actresses. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in Perry’s directorial career, focusing on an often-overlooked chapter of American history.
“It was wonderful [on set]. To play this character and to be around so many wonderfully talented young actresses was a joy,” she reflected. The ensemble cast features several rising stars alongside established performers, creating a unique dynamic on set.
“Everyone leaned on each other. We supported each other and we all grew together. The production employed numerous female crew members, setting a new standard for inclusivity behind the camera.
“Tyler was such a wonderful and generous leader in the way he allowed us to honor each of our characters and these women. I’m proud to be part of what he created.” The film represents Perry’s most ambitious historical project to date, with meticulous attention to period detail.
The former ‘Scandal’ star is also very proud of her Netflix documentary ‘Daughters‘. The project showcases her commitment to using her platform for social impact, addressing important issues in the criminal justice system.
“‘Daughters’ is a special film about a parenthood training program for fathers who are incarcerated,” she explained. The documentary has been praised for its sensitive handling of a complex social issue, highlighting the importance of family connections in rehabilitation.
“At the end of it, the men get to take off their prison jumpsuits and put on suits, the daughters get dresses and they do a father-daughter dance. For those few hours, they’re not prisoners, they’re just fathers. The program has seen remarkable success, with participating families reporting stronger bonds and improved relationships.”
“The program has transformed these men completely and transformed families.” Studies have shown that maintaining family connections during incarceration significantly reduces recidivism rates and improves outcomes for both parents and children.
Washington‘s diverse portfolio of work, from historical dramas to social impact documentaries, reflects her dedication to storytelling that matters. Her influence extends beyond entertainment, inspiring positive change in both the industry and society at large. Through her careful choice of roles and projects, she continues to champion representation and empowerment for future generations.
