Quotes from Jurnee Smollett-Bell

The lullaby my husband puts our son to sleep with is so random. It's 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' by Michael Jackson.

I love music, and I love drumlines. I like school bands a lot. There's nothing wrong with cheerleading, but I'd rather be a band geek. It's a little more interesting.

Far too often, I read a script where the girls are the girlfriend or the set dressing.

After being a mom, we are now in a different chapter in our womanhood, and instead of trying to be our old selves or get our old body back, we should embrace who we are now.

I have respect for therapists in general, because they hear so many stories. It's a lot to hold and take in.

I'm a grandma at heart.

The real trendsetters are the ones who rebel. Those are the ones who everyone in fashion eventually follows.

Henry Louis Gates is such a wealth of knowledge in himself.

I have a complex heritage: my mom is African American, and my dad is Jewish. Both were activists, and they met during the movement in the '70s.

If I have a jump rope and a resistance band, I can work out anywhere. Even without a jump rope. If you do 200 jumping jacks, then drop and do some crunches, and then do some squats, you're good.

My mom is African-American, Native-American, Irish, and Creole, and my father is of Jewish, Russian, and Polish descent. It's made me who I am. Because of my diverse background, I think I can relate to many different people, different stories, and different communities.

I always told my representatives, 'Look, I come from the 'School of Janet' - that's my mom - she raised me to know that I'm more than just set dressing.

I would be ignorant to say colorism doesn't exist; it's gross and disgusting.

With 'Underground,' we see that the wounds that we all, as a nation, inflicted upon our brothers and sisters during slavery have not been healed.

Until we really heal the wounds that we dealt with during slavery, I don't think we'll be a fully realized country.

There's injustices within our system that we inherited from this time, from slavery, and until we confront our past, we're not going to be able to heal the wounds for our future.

I started shooting 'The Defenders' two days after I wrapped' Friday Night Lights.' I was doing research for 'The Defenders' throughout - interviewing lawyers and sitting in courtrooms just to watch - but there's something fun about throwing yourself in the water and learning by doing.

Marian Wright Edelman is a mentor and hero of mine.

I wouldn't say I'm a Method actor, but there are times where a role will require you to live in their world.

I've always been proud that I come from people who were activists, who have this indomitable spirit. I am proud to have inherited the spirit of resistance and revolution.

It's such a transition and it's so empowering to become a mom, but there are also many challenges. Just remind yourself, every minute, every day, to be kind to yourself.

How often do you see young actors playing scholars? Or striving to be intellectuals, you know? It's not that often.

Before being a mom, I remember going on a Twitter rant during the whole George Zimmerman trial in Florida about my younger brothers and how one day I'll be the mom of a black son.

There are so many people who will try and make you feel like your opinion doesn't matter, and I've learned how important it is to use your voice.