‘Boroughs’ actor Alfre Woodard reminds us to look to our elders

Award-winning actor Alfre Woodard reflects on her decades-long career, emphasizing the importance of creating authentic, complex portrayals of Black women that transcend two-dimensional tropes. Discussing her role in the new Netflix series *The Boroughs*, she highlights how her generation of actors brings depth and history to their characters, challenging ageist perceptions of seniors. Woodard shares pivotal moments from her past, including her early realization of acting's power through French cinema and her formative experiences in Tulsa. She also addresses the necessity of community among performers, detailing her "Sisters Soiree" initiative, which fosters solidarity among Black and Latina actresses in an industry prone to pitting them against one another. Throughout the conversation, she underscores storytelling as a vital, healing practice that allows communities to reflect, learn, and move forward with a clearer sense of self.