There are some individuals you just speak with, and their light radiates off them. That happened when I had an intimate and candid conversation with Novi Brown. Known for her role as Sabrina on Tyler Perry’s Sistas, she is going through the entertainment business on her terms and no one else’s. But she is more than an actress; she is a creative force who loves the art of self-expression. Her love for the arts and self-expression has led her to be an activist and advocate for all Black women to find their voice and live authentically in their truth. This is my conversation with Novi Brown.   

Cox: Novi Brown, you are a sensational woman. You are an actress, creator, astrologist, and an all-around phenomenal woman. I want to know who the woman Novi Brown is from your words.    

Brown: Oh wow, I love that. Where do I begin? As a young girl, I always dreamed of being a woman who lived in a place of less judgment and criticism – exploring the world. And that’s precisely what I’m doing today. I’m a Melaninated woman who desires to see other Melaninated women live freely and, in a space, where they can explore and demonstrate their joy.  I want us to live unbothered.     

I’m an activist and advocate for my community. I’m just Black AF, Mike.    

Cox: Speaking of creativity, at what age did you feel those creative sparks and juices flow inside you?   
Brown: I can go back to the first time I watched ‘The Little Mermaid’ (the first movie I can remember) as a little girl. It was the stir of emotions that I noticed that filled the room. I didn’t have the words, nor could I explain it. Seeing how the sounds and visuals caused people to react in various ways was fascinating.    

This feeling was reinforced when I saw ‘Beauty and the Beast’ on Broadway. Seeing how a production could move the audience just boggled my mind. On another note, I think it’s fantastic how both of these remakes have Black women cast.    

Cox: Thank you for sharing that sweet story. Now that I have learned that, where did your journey in acting begin?   
Brown: It definitely started after I saw ‘The Little Mermaid’. My mom informed me that at a young age, I did a monologue, which surprised her. She couldn’t believe I remembered it and was able to deliver it with full emotion. After that, she continued supporting my creativity by enrolling me in The Lee Strasberg acting school.   

She helped me explore parts of my creative side by enrolling me in tons of activities, from piano to karate. But, honestly, I was also one of those kids that never stuck with one thing. This included acting.   

Cox: So, when was the age you said that Novi was going to pursue acting and fully commit to it?   
Brown: It was when I turned 17. I told my mom I wanted to do this, but I would still go to college to get my degree. However, if I got an acting job before I finished my degree, I wouldn’t keep going to college. I ended up with my degree and a career. Grateful that I have both.  

Cox: One thing about you, you are unapologetically Black in this industry. How has it been navigating it?   
Brown: I just know the roles I will play and won’t play. And that’s no judgment or shade on any other performer and their chosen roles. Stories are about teaching the audience something, and I’m mindful of what I desire to teach them.   

I have been underestimated in this industry as well. BET’s hit show Sistas has reached over a hundred episodes, and I still don’t have an agent. The underestimation of Black women in this industry is still real and crazy, Mike. It’s frustrating sometimes, but it’s the journey after all.    

Cox: Now that you bring that up, I think it’s crucial now more than ever for us to create our own shows like the one you are on. But also, for our community to give our shows a chance without so much instant judgment.    
Brown: They need to know that Black art and White art are not always synonymous. There are various forms and we’ve been conditioned to be so hard on ourselves, which doesn’t allow us to fully accept our creative work unless our counterparts approve. Art is about immersing someone, many times a stranger, into your world. That’s the beauty of it.

They aren’t supposed to always be familiar with it or connect with it right away. Many times, it’s so you can experience something new, yet discover the underlying bones are similar to yours. We should be open and embrace our own artistic expressions without viewing it through a lens where we have this preconceived notion it will already be less than because it doesn’t monopolize media.  

Cox: Thank you for being transparent. Though you have this success but still experience some roadblocks, how do you stay grounded?   
Brown: I continue to validate myself along this journey. I know that I’m working hard and doing good work. So, I continue to focus on my vision, goal, and the path laid out before me. People in my corner, like my circle of friends, family and my manager, who all believe in me. It’s about moving forward, knowing that one-day others will catch on eventually. 

Cox: Take me back to the moment you land the role of Sabrina.    
Brown: Funny thing, I auditioned for Karen first. It was that scene in the episode where the doctor told her about her geriatric uterus. I got a call back after sending in my audition tape, and they flew me to Atlanta. They had everyone on the plane who had callbacks. I didn’t hear anything back for another month and a half until Kim Coleman’s office called to let me know they wanted me to come audition again. But this time for Sabrina.   

Everything went fast after that. The next day after the second audition, I got a call that I got the part. I had my contract the following day and was on the plane to Atlanta. This all happened Friday through Sunday, and then on Monday, I was shooting.    

Cox: You mentioned you were the last hired out of the cast.   
Brown: Yes, I was the last one hired, and with the filming schedule, I didn’t get the opportunity to meet the cast or rehearse with them. There was no time for me to dive deep into character development. I had my lines and went for it because I was ready from years of preparing for this moment.  

Cox: Did you think this show would be the hit it is with its cult following and fan base?   
Brown: I knew it would be popular because Tyler produced it. But I didn’t realize it would be his biggest show. It’s just been so incredible to be part of and life changing. Sometimes I still can’t believe it and even get emotional.   

Cox: With this new stardom and recognition from being on Sistas, do you feel that being a public figure comes with social responsibility with what you say on platforms?   
Brown: As artists we’re servants and we serve the community. That’s what we do, and with that comes social responsibility, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be ourselves.    

Everything also doesn’t need to be shared on social media. Sometimes we don’t have complete thoughts, so we must let them process and settle in before sharing certain things. We can’t please everyone, and I’m not in the business of that. And what you see me share on social media are the things I’m passionate about, like fashion, astrology, and creativity. I’m here to encourage and empower others to be vulnerable and have a safe space for these conversations.  

Photography Credit: Mel B Elder JR