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Lala is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. From her early days as a radio DJ to her success in reality TV, acting, and activism, she has worn many hats. Known for her roles in “Power”, the “Chi” “BMF,” and “Think Like a Man,” Lala continues to expand her career while balancing her personal life. In this exclusive interview with Radio/TV personality Jazmyn Summers for Radio One, she opens up about her son’s transition to college, her advocacy work, and what the future holds.
YOUR SON KIYAN IS HEADING OFF TO COLLEGE TO CONTINUE HIS ATHLETIC CAREER. HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT THIS MILESTONE?
Lala:. As a mom, you never want your kid to leave the house. It just happens so quickly., I’m going to be in this house by myself. I get sad about that, but I am super excited for him and his journey as a college student, as a college athlete, just as a young man stepping into his own, there’s nothing that I’m more proud of. So I’m really excited. And you remember when he was a little baby, and now look at him balling. You look up, and you’re like, this went by fast. And now he’s on his way
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YOU ALWAYS LOOK AMAZING. HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN YOUR YOUTHFUL APPEARANCE?
I make a commitment to myself to work out. I try to eat healthy. I’m not perfect by any means, but I try to be. I also try not to stress. Stress will add years to you. You can’t stress things you can’t control. You’ve got to just go with the flow and really be rooted in your faith in God. I just try to not beat myself up too much because I know that adds stress, years, and wrinkles, and I don’t want any of that.
Source: Jean Catuffe / Getty
WITH SUCH A BUSY CAREER, HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK AND MOTHERHOOD?
Lala: Faith, my son, instead of looking at the glass half empty, half full, all the beautiful blessings that I’ve had in this life. And I always try to just think of the positive and always like there’s people out here that have it bad and have it worse. And I’m always trying to figure out ways to help. So, I always try to put myself in a very grateful mindset. It’s a constant balancing act every day. And I think the secret is not to beat yourself up because as women, we’re our own worst critics. We beat ourselves up even when we’re doing our best. Just continue to be confident, have grace, and give yourself grace. I had to learn that. The way I spoke about myself, the way I felt about myself really affected how I walked into these rooms or how I was able to be a great mom and great actor. Faith, confidence, and just loving on myself a little bit more are key.
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YOU’VE BEEN OPEN ABOUT YOUR STRUGGLE WITH PLAQUE PSORIASIS. HOW HAS THAT JOURNEY BEEN FOR YOU?
Lala: I’m fully transparent with who I am and what I’ve been through. I’ve had plaque psoriasis for more than 10 years, which is like the flaky patches on your skin. I get it behind my ears, my eyebrows a lot. The more I talked to people about it, the more I realized so many people suffer from the same thing and feel unconfident or feel like they have to hide. So, I partnered with Amgen, and we did a great campaign. We also created an interactive video on momentswithlala.com, where I share my experience, and people can ask questions. The goal is to encourage people to talk to their doctor and find out what works best for them.
YOU’RE ALSO PASSIONATE ABOUT CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM AND FOUNDED 360. TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK WITH THAT.
Lala: 360 is based in New York at Rikers Island. We work with young men ages 18 to 21. We have a program inside the facility, and when they’re released, we help them with reentry—finding jobs, housing, anything they need. There have been so many amazing success stories. I go once a week to do mentorship and programming. One of the kids from my program just got a scholarship to Columbia University, which is incredible. People just need opportunity and love. Unfortunately, many African American and Hispanic people don’t have the same opportunities, so it’s gratifying to be able to help in this way.
WASSUP WITH YOUR LOVE LIFE? ARE YOU CURRENTLY DATING?
Lala: I’m single. So what you got to do? I’m single. I am just being open to whatever God has for me and just open to whatever it is. But right now, I’m enjoying life, enjoying being a mom, enjoying my career, and just living life.
Source: Jerod Harris / Getty
NOW THE INTERNET STILL LINKS YOU UP WITH DAVINCI. YOUR CHEMISTRY WAS CRAZY IN BMF.
Lala: I love DaVinci, but we were not together. We had amazing chemistry on screen, which is great. And we’re really close friends, offscreen, and you want to bring that chemistry; you want it to be believable. And I think it was so believable that people got caught up in like, well, what’s really happening with them? But DaVinci is an incredible actor, incredible person, and I’m just blessed to have him in my life as a friend and a co-star that I work so well with who makes me so comfortable. You can’t take those things for granted. So he’s awesome in my book all the way around.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PARTNER?
Lala: I want somebody that’s confident, funny, spontaneous, just knows how to have a good time, knows how to live life. Somebody who has family and God at the center of everything. That’s really important to me. I’m such a family person. I’m so about God and faith.
YOU ONCE SAID YOU’D NEVER GET MARRIED AGAIN. HAS THAT CHANGED?
Lala: There was a time where I said no, and then Sierra told me I got to stop saying that. So I stopped saying that. I’m not saying that anymore. I’m just going to be open to whatever God has in store for me.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Lala: “BMF” season four should be coming soon, “The Chi” season seven is coming out, and I’m working on a new show with Hulu that I’ll be producing and starring in. So I’m consistently working, which is a blessing. You’ll see me on screen really soon!
LASTLY, WHAT’S YOUR BAD HABIT?
Lala: If I could eat a Nestle Crunch every single day, I probably would. Chocolate is my bad habit. It’s a thing. I have to get it under control.
Source: Jazmyn Summers / Jazmyn Summers
Interview by Jazmyn Summers. You can hear Jazmyn every morning on “Jazmyn in the Morning “on Sirius XM Channel 362 Grown Folk Jamz . Subscribe to Jazmyn Summers’ YouTube. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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