JENIFER LEWIS–American Actress, Author, Community Activist
Award-winning actress Jenifer Lewis known as the “The Mother of Black Hollywood” and co-star of ABC’s “Black-ish,” will bring songs, comedy and the keynote message to the 11th Annual Exceptional Women of Color (EWOC) Expo & Awards on Saturday, October 19th. The special event will feature Leshelle May in lively discussion and Q/A conversation with Jenifer Lewis on stage following her keynote presentation. Leshelle May is the wife of Chancellor Gary May and senior technical lead for CNN.
Jenifer Lewis is one of Hollywood’s most familiar faces, with more than 300 appearances in film and television. Dubbed a “national treasure” by TVGuide.com, Jenifer currently stars as Ruby Johnson on the Emmy-nominated ABC hit show “Black-ish.”
Jenifer’s bestselling memoir, The Mother of Black Hollywood, was named 2018 Book of the Year by the National Book Club Convention. The audiobook version, narrated by Jenifer, reached number one on Amazon.
Jenifer is a social media sensation. Her viral hits include Get Your Ass Out and Vote!; Flint Ain’t Fixed; and In These Streets with Brandy and Roz Ryan.
Jenifer delivered legendary performances as Tina Turner’s mother in “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and in “The Preacher’s Wife” as the mother of Whitney Houston’s character. Jenifer starred opposite Matt Damon in Clint Eastwood’s “Hereafter” and for director Tyler Perry, Jenifer created unforgettable characters in “Madea’s Family Reunion” and “Meet the Browns.” In the movie “Castaway,” Jenifer portrayed Tom Hanks’ boss.
In animated films, Jenifer’s uniquely recognizable voice is adored by Disney fans in roles such as Flo in the “Cars” movies and as Mama Odie in “The Princess and the Frog.” In her newest animated Disney role, Jenifer is the voice of Professor Granville in the “Big Hero 6” television series.
Jenifer’s TV roles have ranged from regular appearances as Aunt Helen on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to guest star roles on “Friends,” “Murphy Brown,” and “Girlfriends.” For six seasons, Jenifer portrayed Lana Hawkins on Lifetime’s hit series “Strong Medicine.”
Although best known for her Hollywood success, Jenifer has enjoyed a much-celebrated career in music and theater. Jenifer has performed in four Broadway shows, including “Hairspray,” in the role of Motormouth Mabel. In 2019 she took the stage at Lincoln Center for the American Songbook series and in 2014, Jenifer received an electrifying standing ovation at Carnegie Hall when she sang with the New York Pops orchestra. All told, Jenifer has presented more than 200 concerts, performing in 48 states and five continents.
Jenifer’s accomplishments as an entertainer and community activist have been recognized by the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award in Theatre, the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Award, the American Black Film Festival Career Achievement Award, the Human Rights Campaign Ally Award, and an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Webster University in St. Louis.
Fans can follow Jenifer on Instagram (@jeniferlewisforreal), Twitter (@JeniferLewis) and Facebook (Jenifer Lewis For Real.)
