My mother, Betty, was an entertainer - she opened up for James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner - and I had an uncle who would work as a chef in a restaurant, 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4. I was young, so he… — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
Jefferson Pierce is the epitome of what black men are: He loves his wife, his children, and the community. — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
Michael Schultz's 'Cooley High' is a classic. Oftentimes, we don't get to see films about coming of age, especially for young African Americans. — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
As an artist, I write and I do what I know and what creatively comes out of me, and I think that other artists… — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
Every time I get an opportunity to do what I love to do, it's huge. It never gets old. — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
When you're young, taking a risk doesn't necessarily feel like a risk because you're young. — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
I don't walk around all the time thinking of myself as African American, but oftentimes in Hollywood, you are reminded of that in ways… — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
It's a wonderful thing to see 'Wonder Woman' directed by a woman. That did have an affect on the character, the , and the… — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
There are so many families who do not come up in a traditional household. African Americans, Latins, and, I'm sure, whites as well, but… — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
Come election time, black and white politicians put on their costumes of compassion and care, shake black hands, kiss black babies, sing 'We Shall… — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
When you see a superhero that looks like you and lives in and fights in a neighborhood that is sort of like yours, it's… — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
It doesn't make sense to constantly talk about the lack of diversity in Hollywood. We all know it's there. My wife and I just… — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
If you bury me in a grave, don't ever come visit - because you won't find me there. You'll find me in the books… — Salim Akil Copy Share Image
