Errybody is crazy for “Colombiana” star Zoe Saldana these days. EBONY also has the Dominican banger on their September cover. Inside she says she refuses to talk about her racial struggles in Hollyweird because there’s a black man in the White House. Check out an excerpt from her feature story below: Saldana claims Queens, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as her roots and her sangre. Yet she won’t linger on the matter of her heritage. She’d prefer to simply discuss Zoë, the actress, the one to be feared because she will get that role. And that’s why she who rocked the world in Avatar will soon kick major ass—as a human this time—in this month’s killer revenge-action flick, Colombiana. She portrays Cateleya Restrepo, an assassin who, as a schoolgirl, saw her parents murdered by a cartel. Consequently, the girl grows up with a couple of guns and one hell of a chip on her shoulder. Saldana loves Cateleya because of the character’s vulnerability, anger, athleticism and fear. She also embraces the idea that this leading role destroys yet another barrier of so-called rules in Black Hollywood, which is why she will not and cannot complain about color, race and roles. “When I go after a part, [people] better watch their backs,” she says. “Not because I’m going to crush everybody, but because I’m going to give the best that I can because I strive for excellence. When you don’t get a part, it is for a reason, and these pieces will fall into place soon. … We have a Black president right now, so why the f— would I sit down and talk about how hard it is for Black women in Hollywood when there’s a Black president in my country?” Strong words from the tall beauty full of grace (she’s also a classically trained ballet dancer) who just hours earlier pranced about a lush green garden in a ruffled Oscar de la Renta gown for her cover shoot. Given her penchant for playing the female aggressor, such talk is not completely unexpected. Saldana is confident but not arrogant. She enjoys the trappings of success while also lamenting the loss of anonymity that interrupts Tia Zoë and a much-loved niece during a trip to Madame Toussauds Wax Museum. But again, she’s not complaining because that’s not her nature. She’ll find a way to make Toussauds happen by taking charge. And when she does, watch out. Wow. Zoe is kickin’ major a*s right now. How do you feel about her attitude towards racism in the acting business? Is she comparing herself to Obama or just saying it’s hard out here for alla us right now??? Also in this issue: HBCU CAMPUS QUEENS: The results are in for the highly anticipated annual HBCU Campus Queens contest. This year’s top 10 let loose in a fun, fabulous fashion spread that celebrates statement-making personal style – and the power to change the world. Plus find out if HBCU’s are in trouble. EBONY investigates what new efforts HBCU’s are implementing – and what you can do – to keep our universities thriving. Campus Queeeeeeens. Show us what ya workin’ wit! Kelly, La La & Melo also get some shine in the mag: Live: Score an A-list recipe in Cooking with Kelly Rowland as the star sizzles in the kitchen while dishing on her latest album; learn how to Create a House of Style by outfitting your living space in the 5 top fashion trends; and get details on La La Anthony and Carmelo Anthony’s family vacation in the Bahamas then start planning a dream island getaway of your own in Beyond Paradise. Check out JET’s cover boy Chris Tucker when you continue.
Original post:
Zoe Saldana Talks Hollyweird And Black Presidents With EBONY, Plus JET Beauty Of The Week Chris Tucker Is Making A Comeback
