Award-winning actress, singer, and activist Jenifer Lewis has arrived in Barbados for the island’s Season of Emancipation celebrations, delivering an impassioned message of resilience, heritage, and unity as part of Marcus Garvey Day celebrations.

The iconic stage and screen star, whose credits include Black-ish, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and In Living Color, opened up to local media about her decision to join the national observance, citing a deep sense of connection to the Caribbean and the global Black diaspora.

“I said yes right away,” Lewis shared, describing her overwhelming gratitude for the warm island welcome. “I feel home; I really do. The warmth, the arms that have held me so far… I’m just so grateful.”