In partnership with Tressa Azarel Smallwood of MegaMind Media this weekend, BET HER released another short film from the four-part, female-centric ordered installments produced by Vanessa Bell Calloway, starring Golden Brooks, A Long Look into the Mirror. SwagHer Magazine was excited to participate in the roundtable discussion with Brooks on her press run as she talked self-care, goals, working with Vanessa Bell Calloway, and how “sick is not sexy.”
Brooks took time to share about her self-care practices, stating, “As Black women, we hold a lot in. Stress is very hard on our bodies.”Â
The former Girlfriends cast member strongly recommends to all women to visit their doctors regularly. “Early prevention is the key. Sick is not sexy! As women, we all want to be desirable. If we are sick, we cannot be sexy. We will make sure we visit out beauty salons more than our doctor. Visiting your doctor is part of being sexy. “Remember,” Brooks continued with passion in her voice, “Sick is not sexy.”
A Long Look into the Mirror is a 20-minute film about a mother (Cynthia/Brooks) and daughter (Tianna/ Trinity Hawkins) coping with a breast cancer diagnosis and the possibilities for Tianna’s own health.
All four short films focus on mental and/or physical health and how they affect the Black family.Â
Brooks also gave insight on the following:
What was it like to work with Vanessa Bell Calloway?Â
 She is an awesome leader and person. I trust her and look up to her. “Amazing” is an understatement to her as a director.
What advice can you give an inspiring middle-aged actor?
Acting is like portraying real walks of life. It’s never too late. Always ask for help. Perseverance is still needed within you to build from somewhere. Don’t put limits on yourself. Be your own cheerleader. Stay spiritual, and PLEASE use eye cream-that’s your best friend! Laughs.Â
How do you keep yourself motivated?Â
No matter who you are, we all go through times, sad times, times we want to quit. As an actor, I challenge myself. I transfer my emotions. Take your bad emotions and turn them into good. Sometimes we go through the ugly to get to the light.Â
The San Franciscan actress closed by saying, “use humor to get through the not so amazing times.”Â
Southern Laced hosted this exclusive roundtable talk with the lovely Golden Brooks.
-Clairica Lange
About Clairica
Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Clairica graduated from Mitchell High School and attended Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee. She is married with three beautiful children. Clairica was appointed the title of Mrs. Louisiana Universal 2019. During her full year as Mrs. Louisiana, she has several platforms to address and expand community service opportunities and health and fitness. She is a spokesperson for prominent Louisiana organizations. She is currently an Associate Publicist for Meet the World Image Solutions and a Talk show host. She plans to encourage people of all ages that it is “Never too Late to reach your Dreams.” Follow her on Instagram @mrslouisianauniversal2019.
