Tracee Ellis Ross shared a message of self-acceptance at Thursday's Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, where she was honored with the Fierce & Fearless award.
In her acceptance speech, the "Black-ish" star revealed that just days before, she had gotten sick and lost her voice, and was almost unable to attend the event.
“I wasn't supposed to be here,” Ross said. “Two days ago I didn’t have a voice; I went to work as a silent actress. But [not having a voice] helped me learn that I am not the sound of my voice. I am me and I could be the same me without my voice.”
Ross then encouraged the women in the audience to embrace the idea that "perfect is not the goal."
“We should remind ourselves in daily life to make space for selfhood,” the actress added. "Boobs don't belong up here, they belong down here. This is where God put them. I am human. I listen to fear and lean into it. I don't always feel fierce but I do feel human."
Among attendees at the star-studded event iwere Oprah Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Issa Rae and Chris Rock.
View photos from the event below.
