An American actress, born in Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated from Spelman College in 1971. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in theater and then a master’s degree in theater from New York University. Among her credits are Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Malcolm X (1992) and 100 Centre Street (2001-2002). She appeared in three films with her husband, actor Samuel L. Jackson: Losing Isaiah (1995), Freedomland (2006), and Mother and Child (2009).