The Simonetta Lein Show
Karyn Parsons
S4 • E11 Dec 7, 2021
Welcome back to The Simonetta Lein Show. Today's episode is a true treasure as I welcome Will Smith's fashion-focused cousin, Ms. Hilary Banks from NBC's The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Karyn Parsons. In recent years, Karyn has gone on to found and produce Sweet Blackberry, an award-winning series of children's animated films, sharing stories of unsung Black heroes in history, working with stars from Queen Latifah to Chris Rock. The films have been screened on HBO, Netflix, and are enjoyed by schools and libraries across the country. Karyn's premiere novel, How High The Moon, hit bookshelves in 2019. Flying Free: How Bessie Coleman's Dream Took Flight was released in 2020, and Saving The Day: Garrett Morgan's Life-Changing Invention of the Traffic Signal will arrive in bookstores this week on December 7, 2021. Karyn sat down with me today to discuss the impact of contributing to one of the most recognized and idolized families in television history, growing up as a beautiful young woman in the spotlight, how her passion for writing and producing educational content for children grew alongside her acting career, and how history became so important to her. It is an absolute treasure of a segment, filled with inspiring and insightful words you will not want to miss. Tune in. Fun Facts: Karyn shared some of the biggest lessons and most cherished moments she exchanged with Uncle Phil, the legendary James Avery. I grew up in Italy, of course still watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and I had to let Karyn hear the original theme song in Italian. And don't worry, Jazzy, we are sorry for kicking you out - we'll come back and get you. Credits: Executive Producer: Raphael Amabile Production Manager: Kate Massih Booking Producer: James Clark Hair: Natasha Royal Jones MUA: Mikeia Jenkins "GlammedByKee".
