TV’s First Black Lesbian Super Hero is Back!!!
It’s time to “GET LIT” !! Between the record-breaking success of BLACK PANTHER and the CW/Netflix’s hit TV series “Black Lightning,” one thing is for sure – 2018 is the year of the black super hero, and actress Nafessa Williams is “Black Lightning’s” breakout star, playing TV’s first black female lesbian Super Hero. Season 1 of the show became The show became an overnight success, premiering as the network’s #1 new serieswith TEEN VOGUE saying “In Nafessa William’s first scene on “Black Lightning,” she rolls in just like thunder: with a bang.” Season 2 of the hit series returns Tuesday, October 9th.
Watch Season 1 trailer
https://youtu.be/Qadwp_C1RLk
RECENT PRESS/TAPE of NAFESSA:
MTV’s TRL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=F2jbortS-7Y
TEEN VOGUE:https://www.teenvogue.com/story/black-lightning-nafessa-williams-anissa-pierce
i-D MAGAZINE:https://i-d.vice.com/en_uk/article/ne9n5q/this-is-tvs-first-black-lesbian-superhero
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY:http://ew.com/tv/2018/01/30/black-lightning-anissa-nafessa-williams-interview/
THE COVETEUR: http://coveteur.com/2018/02/27/nafessa-williams-black-lighting-actress-first-lesbian-superhero/
The critically acclaimed and groundbreaking “Black Lightning” features the first black super hero family on network TV — centering around the Pierce family led by patriarch ‘Jefferson Pierce’ (Cress Williams, “Hart of Dixie”), a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe haven for young people in a New Orleans neighborhood overrun by gang violence, he is a hero to his community. Nine years ago, Pierce was gifted with the superhuman power to harness and control electricity, which he used to keep his hometown streets safe as the masked vigilante ‘Black Lightning.’ However, after seeing the effects of the damage and loss that his alter ego was inflicting on his family, he left his Super Hero days behind and settled into being a principal and a dad. Choosing to help his city without using his superpowers, he watched his daughters ‘Anissa’ (Nafessa Williams) and ‘Jennifer’ (China Anne McClain, DESCENDANTS) grow into strong young women, who now nearly a decade later, are beginning to realize they have super powers of their own. With crime and corruption spreading like wildfire, Black Lightning returns – to save (and teach) not only his daughters, but also the soul of his community.
‘Anissa,’ however, is part of a generation of younger activists who are ready to take to the streets, who reject the notion of “respectability politics,” and who believe that sometimes the only way to get the world’s attention is to burn something down. The role has earned Nafessa critical acclaim – “Anissa (Nafessa Williams) is the superhero for the millennial generation.” – BuddyTV and The Verge saying “Black Lightning‘s standout character is his eldest daughter, Anissa Pierce (Nafessa Williams).”
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Williams has always had an affinity for acting. She started her career as a hair and beauty model with guru Nick Chavez showcasing his products. At the same time, Williams was also juggling school at West Chester University where she graduated and intended to pursue a degree in law. After working in the homicide department for the D.A.’s office she realized law was not her path. Williams began to grow her skills and started taking acting classes with Tasha Smith and Susan Batson (Nicole Kidman), and those classes would soon pay off as she booked her first professional job in 201, starring in Meek Mills’ hood noir feature film STREETS. From there she began booking role after role on hit TV series “Code Black,” ‘Survivor’s Remorse,” “One Life to Live,” and “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” Most recently, Williams had a recurring role in Showtime’s revival of “Twin Peaks” and a co-starring role in the Netflix film BURNING SANDS opposite Alfre Woodard which was nominated for Sundance Film Festivals ‘2017 Grand Journey Prize.’
When Williams is not filming, she enjoys modernizing her online fashion boutique “Saturday Dreaming” with her best friend which is inspired by women who are following their dreams and e
mbracing their individuality along the way. She loves staying in shape physically and mentally through running, toning, and meditation. Williams believes that everyone should live their purpose and hosts the “VIP Happy Hour” (YouTube) with her friends where they inspire and motivate women to live the #girlboss life that is destined for them. Beyond inspiring women, she also gives back to the community through The Beatrice Foundation where she feeds the homeless on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts on setting up a time to talk to Nafessa about Season 2 of “Black Lightning,” returning to prime-time TV on Tuesday, October 9th.
