Lupita Nyong’o: I want to be more than a symbol for black youngsters

The Kenyan-Mexican actress has made history
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Emma Powell12 February 2019

Lupita Nyong’o says “changing the narrative” for black youngsters who feel they don’t have a voice is one of her inspirations.

The Kenyan-Mexican actress, 35, has starred in hits including Oscar-nominated Black Panther and 12 Years A Slave, for which she became the first African woman to win the Academy Award for best supporting actress.

In 2014 she became the first black woman to be the face of Lancôme, before going on to front Calvin Klein fragrance and Tiffany campaigns as well as gracing the cover of American Vogue four times.

“I’m not weighted by it at all,” she said of her success to AnOther magazine. “I’m inspired by it. I know that every time such an opportunity comes my way, it is changing the narrative.

Making history: Lupita Nyong'o collecting her Best Supporting Actress gong at the Oscars
Reuters

“Every time someone shares their experience of how I might have affected them, I’m very happy for that, but I don’t do it for the symbolism. I think the thing that’s steering me forward is not to be a symbol, it’s to be active.”

Nyong’o was born in Mexico City but grew up in Kenya, where she was encouraged by her aunt to pursue acting after “performing little skits for our family gatherings”. She went on to study at Yale School of Drama.

Cover star: Lupita Nyong'o for Another magazine (Another Magazine)
Willy Vanderperre/ Another Magazine

Read the full interview in AnOther Magazine, on sale on Thursday

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