Congratulations are in order for Jenifer Lewis. For, the actress – who is commonly referred to as ‘The Mother of Black Hollywood’ – has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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The 68-year-old, who has appeared in over 400 episodic TV shows, 68 films, 40 animations, and 4 Broadway productions, was bestowed with the  2,726th star on the coveted Walk.

Lewis was cheered by the likes of Debbie Allen (who introduced her along with Marc Shaiman), Brandy, Shangela Pierce, and several family members and friends.

Upon taking to the podium, the revered performer was filled with gratitude. She said:

“Here I am, a coloured girl from a small town called Kinloch, Missouri and I will be etched in stone, right next to Katharine Hepburn.

I assure you that was huge… because she was an advocate for women’s rights. She was the first actress to wear pants.

Now I am trying to use my platform as Katharine Hepburn did to educate and inspire.”

She continued:

“I want to thank all of you who put those comments on the internet, things like ‘it’s long overdue’…’well deserved’…and my favourite ‘it’s about damn time’.

But what you don’t know is I just wasn’t ready. Because I had not done the real work. The real work was off stage and off camera.

When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, somehow I found the strength and the courage to say three of the most powerful words in the English language: I need help.

So I went and got it. I won’t bore you with the details… read my book.

Y’all I love life, I love that I got to do what I love to do with my life and I know I’m one of the lucky ones.”

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: Hollywood Walk of Fame /  Getty]