Quotes from Nafessa Williams

Wonder Woman is one of my favorite superheroes.

I get my swag from Philly. I get my hustle from Philly. I get my work ethic from Philly.

This is the most rewarding experience ever, taking on the role of Thunder as an actress. I'm just grateful and honored to give my voice to Thunder because she's so bold.

I think it's very important to find something that you do that helps center you.

My workouts always start with doing some cardio.

I love, love, love Lauryn Hill's 'MTV Unplugged.' It just helps relax me. I love just where she was in her space with that album and the truth that she was telling.

I graduated with all honors, and I was about to take the LSATs, and I was working at a law firm, and I hated it.

Believe it or not, I am a tomboy.

Representation is necessary, and we all want to turn on the TV and see characters who look like us and represent us in some way.

I believe that young lesbian women need to see themselves on TV. They need to see the representation, especially young black lesbians.

It's very necessary, showing the positive aspect of a black father. We see a lot of black women being the head of the household and holding the house down, but I think we need to have those images because there are black fathers out there who are doing the same thing and who are the glue to the family. That's who Black Lightning is.

I'm always wanting and willing to be a voice for my people, a voice for the injustice.

Debbie Allen and Regina King inspire me.

I am so proud to be a Philadelphian. I believe there's a different drive and hustle that's instilled in us.

I think it can be difficult for young lesbian or young gay, bisexual, transgender to come out and be open with who they are because there's such a huge stigma attached to that preference of their sexuality.

I grew up in the inner city. It wasn't a joke.

I tried to take advantage of what I could in Philly. But when it was time to move on, I moved on to New York. There, I booked a series regular role on 'One Life To Live.' I played a character named Deanna Forbes. She was my first big job. It was on daytime TV. And it was a great opportunity until that show got canceled.

I prefer running on the track because, for me, the treadmill can get a little boring.

Successful artists don't follow trends; they create them.

When you follow your dreams, you encourage other people to follow theirs.

Who would've thought that this little girl in the ghetto in Philly would be playing the first black lesbian superhero on network TV?

I cannot get away from 'Streets,' like, no matter what I do! That was my very first professional job.

Disappointment builds character and strength.

It's cool to stay active and keep my body going.