There are some TV shows that become pure classics! It’s the witty writing, the intricate sets, and the unforgettable characters. For some of us, the thought of Karyn Parsons reminds us of the extra stylish, fun, and whimsical character “Hilary” from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Now this beautiful amazing mom and wife is also the founder of her non-profit Sweet Blackberry.
HoneyMag: What is the mission of your organization “Sweet Blackberry” and what inspired you to start it?
Karyn: Our mission is to bring little known stories of remarkable African American achievement to children everywhere, thereby illuminating their contributions to this country, and its culture. We can change our world if we raise children who realize they can find a way around the obstacles that challenge them and if we can raise children that recognize their value and that of their neighbor’s.
My mother is a retired librarian and when she was working at the library, heading the black resource center in Los Angeles, she would call me from time to time with interesting stories she had come across. One day she told me about Henry “Box” Brown, a slave who had literally mailed himself to freedom; hopped in a box, had it nailed shut, postage attached and had himself sent from Virginia to Philadelphia, PA. When they opened the box, he was across state lines and was a free man. He spent the rest of his life touring the country telling his story. I was fascinated. I couldn’t believe I had never heard the story and that my friends hadn’t. It just made so much sense to me to share this story with children.
HoneyMag: How do you pick what historical stories to tell?
Karyn: There are so many incredible stories out there. We will NEVER run out of stories. Right now, I can’t do ALL of them so I have to be selective, and so far, I’ve pretty much looked at stories that have really grabbed me that we just don’t hear about. They are stories of someone who has overcome tremendous obstacles, or has made contributions that most people are unaware were made by a black person. And they are stories that I think a child can understand and relate to in some way.
HoneyMag: How did you get the opportunity to work with Queen Latifah, Alfre Woodard and HBO Family to present your stories?
Karyn: I’ve been so fortunate. I am humbled by the talent that has believed in Sweet Blackberry and come on board.
I worked with Alfre Woodard years ago on the mini series, Gulliver’s Travels. I was a big fan before I met her and a much bigger fan afterward. I became a tremendous fan of the woman. I wanted to be her. I admire her so much. When I was writing “The Journey of Henry ‘Box’ Brown” Alfre’s voice came into my head one day and never left. You can imagine how excited I was when she said she’d do the narration.
As far as the Queen, well, we’ve worked together a couple of times. She was a guest on Fresh Prince twice. The first time she played my boss. But her coming on board was all Will and Jada. Will read Garrett’s Gift and said, “You need to have Latifah narrate this!” and they called her. And… she said, “sure.”
Dolores Morris, at HBO, was our cheerleader. She really believes in Sweet Blackberry and its mission.
HoneyMag: What are your next steps for Sweet Blackberry?
Karyn: We’re planning a re-launch of Sweet Blackberry in February to announce that we are now, officially, a non-profit organization. It’s very exciting. As a non-profit, we have the opportunity to reach so many more people through our programs and will have a better opportunity to get our films and various other educational materials to children, parents and teachers.
HoneyMag: We loved you on Fresh Prince! Besides being an amazing mom and running Sweet Blackberry, do you have any plans on acting again one day?
Karyn: I had such a great time doing Fresh Prince. There’s nothing better than getting up every day and looking forward to seeing your co-workers. My hands are a bit full these days with Sweet Blackberry and two little ones, but I could never say never.
HoneyMag: Where do you see yourself next year?
Karyn: Rolling around on some beautiful sandy beach with my family, perfectly happy and excited about the future.
HoneyMag: What was your first job ever?
Karyn: I was a library page.
HoneyMag: What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Karyn: Well, my favorite quote is from Gandhi: Be the change you want to see in the world. And the one I have hanging in my office is: Handle every stressful situation like a dog. Pee on it and walk away.
Don’t know who said it, but it seems like good advice to me.
HoneyMag: How do you balance work life and personal time?
Karyn: Well, it’s hard. Especially when you make your own hours. But kids will make you discipline yourself and not let the two bleed into each other too much.
HoneyMag: What are five things you can’t live without?
Karyn:
1. My hubby
2. Kisses from my babies
3. Cashew Larabars (my go to snack)
4. My iPhone (I’ve barely had it and already, I’m pretty attached)
5. A handy hat (I suffer from bad hair days OFTEN)
HoneyMag: OK so the job market is pretty scary right now. I think many of us know the basics but can you give us five tips of personal success armor that people need to wear to their next job interview? What will REALLY make someone stand out?
Karyn:
Be clear. Know what you want and who you are.
Be direct. Look people in the eye.
Be confident. There is only one of you in the world. There will never be another. You are special. Period. You bring something that no one else can.
Engage the person you’re interviewing with. Talk. Ask questions. Allow your personality to show.
Find out as much about the company that you’re interviewing with ahead of time as you can. You’ll feel more confident, and they’ll be impressed whenever your answers reflect that knowledge.
HoneyMag: What do you like about HoneyMag?
Karyn: I love the Green Living segment.
HoneyMag: Where can people find out more about your work?
Karyn: They can visit the website www.sweetblackberry.org or they can check us out on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
July 30, 2010
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Karyn Parson’s http://www.sweetblackberry,org
has made us hapy for many years—it’s a rare mix of intelligence and creativity….
recommended for birthdaypresents and other events. Our school librarian still
thanks me for suggesting sweetblackberry…..
There you are! So glad to see you again, Karyn. Good work!!
What a terrific interview. Allyson you asked such wonderful questions. My niece had told me about Henry “Box” Brown but I never knew this is how it all came about. Thank you Ms. Parsons for laughter you gave us and now the knowledge you share.
I’ve always been a big fan of Karyn Parsons and her acting work. It’s inspiring to hear about what she’s doing now! Thanks for featuring her in your mag!
Goooooo Kayrn, I love that we get to read about what you are up to. Its such a great thing to see what you have created, when I remember when Sweet Black Berry was a vision that you were working towards. I am soooo proud of you and your success!!
What a wonderful interview! I feel that I have really been brought up to date on Karyn Parsons. Thanks HoneyMag. Great job.
Karyn: Good luck on all your endeavors. We hope that you do something on Captain Paul Cuffe, a remarkable African American from Westport, Ma. Betty
I’ve like article and what Sweet Blackberry is doing
I have to admit, when my wife brought home The Journey of Henry “Box” Brown for my eldest son and I to watch, I thought it would be one of those painful videos you suffer through with your kid (okay: I thought “I’d rather eat a bug than watch this.”) I have to say, my 6-year-old actually learned something and I wasn’t bored. I used to like my celebrities burned out and confessional, but if this is the new gold standard, I’ll take it.
I thoroughly enjoyed (and so did my granddaughters)Henry Box Brown…the story; the illustrations; the music; the narration. Karyn, congrats on Sweet Blackberry’s non-profit status — quality work from a quality lady!
ENJOYED BOTH “THE JOURNEY OF HENRY BOX BROWN” AND KARYN’S INTERVIEW…HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
Thanks for this interview! What an exquisite woman Karyn Parsons is. I am thrilled to read about the work that she and the folks at Sweet Blackberry are doing. We desperately need more people like her doing work like this to educate and inspire young people.
I absolutley LOVE Karyn Parsons – she is an amazing person. I enjoy interviews such as these and her organization is just great!!! LOL @ “hand hat”…Hilary always had a “mean” hat on Fresh Prince…love it!
Hey Everyone,
Thanks for sharing your comments…I have been in contact with Karyn for a while now and totally agree that she is a beautiful person inside and out and is really making a difference with Sweet Blackberry.
Allyson
Congratulations to Karyn and Sweet Blackberry officially becoming a non-profit organization..I wish Karyn all the best in her future endeavors
I enjoyed being brought up to date about Karyn. I am a fan. I love her acting and I loved both of her DVDs and am looking forward to more products from Sweet Blackberry. I’m glad to hear that Sweet Blackberry is now a non-profit organization. As a history buff, I am happy to see history being taught to the very young in an exciting and enjoyable way. Keep up the good work, Karyn.
This was a great interview. Sweet Blackberry is a wonderful mission. I wish Karyn the very best in all of her endeavers.
Great interview! I can’t wait to see and hear more amazing stories.
I enjoyed reading this interview and getting caught up on Karyn, family and Sweet Blackberry. One summer, my grandsons, along with some other children, had the opportunity, to hear Karyn read Garrett’s Gift to them. It was an experience that they enjoyed. Keep up the great work!
Marsha, our kids really enjoyed and I think they learned a lot too.
In the age of the net, transparency is everything and “spin” increasingly easy to detect.
Karyn’s well-researched, heartfelt tales will have a greater I impact than many a watered-down textbook.
What a terrific, positive interview with a lovely lady. In relation to one of Karyn’s answers – there will never be another her. Keep pursuing the dream.
Karyn –you are an inspiration!! Wise, beautiful and kind. My little boy loves Henry Box Brown and the other Sweet Blackberry stories. Bravo for everything you are and do.
Nice job on family commitment, Karyn, and for all the research, and a caring heart aimed at sharing treasures of truth you discover, for the honor of others and the education of the young … Blessingz!!!
Thanks for this interview! I so enjoyed learning more about Karyn’s current projects. I always loved her portrayals on TV and in movies where her talent, beauty, and luminosity serve as excellent role models for all youngsters–and oldsters too– who also long to achieve. Now I see the integrity I sensed in her performances and demeanor demonstrated in this great endeavor of hers. Sweet Blackberry tales not only educate, but instill pride in, and a sense of wonder about, the human spirit. Again, thank you for the interview– and thanks to you, Karyn!
What a nice interview! Thanks Allyson for asking questions that help us to see the warmth and sincerity in Karyn. And thank you Karyn for your frank and intimate responses. I feel that we have truly been brought up to date on you and the Sweet Blackberry projects. Our entire family, children and grand children, have enjoyed both DVD’s and look forward to the next one. Besides being educational, the are also very inspiring!Keep up the good work!
I really enjoyed the article and think Karyn is wonderful. Of course, I am a little biased but I think most anyone else would agree. And Karyn, remember that a bad hair day is always better than a no hair day. Good luck with your garden.
It was great getting an update on Karyn. I am especially impressed and excited about “Sweet Blackberry.” It’s mission fills a void in our society. It is the little known stories that have the potential to provide the greatest motivation for our next generation. I, too, had never heard the story of Henry “Box” Brown, and this newfound information inspires even me…as an adult. I look forward to the re-launch of “Sweet Blackberry” as a non-profit, and to its goal of exposing all children to the achievements and contributions of African-Americans.