The 18th American Black Film Festival presented “Because of You” – A Conversation with Phylicia & Condola Rashad, Saturday, June 21st at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. The conversation detailed the hardships of balancing career and motherhood and the discussion of the rigors of show business from the perspective of, possibly, the most lovable and recognizable TV mothers of all time, Phylicia ‘Clair Huxtable’ Rashad. And since the role of motherhood was also talked about, the relationship of her talented daughter, Condola Rashad, was discussed as well as it pertained to leading up to her career in show business.
Famed attorney, Star Jones, led the conversation as she asked questions to the mother and daughter team, as well as fielding questions from the ABFF audience members. Much of the discussion relied on Phylicia’s successful choices in the type of roles she’s played over the years as well as her recognizing the type of role she desires and was able to set a great example for her daughter, Condola. In her choices, not settling to just
get work has made her career a very fruitful and successful one where she has no regrets and still has the same mindset that has set her apart from many actresses who may have had regrets in choosing certain roles in the name of ‘keeping busy.’Condola made sure to let the audience know that her childhood was as normal as can be expected for a child of a television star, especially one who has many people, of all races, looking to her mother as THE perfect example of
what a modern wife and mother should be. Although she grew up on the set of ‘the Cosby Show’ and was always around backstage during her mother’s work day, she says she felt fortunate that she wasn’t treated any differently than any other ‘normal’ kid during her childhood. But, she made sure to mention that she, indeed, rebelled, but much later than most children as she did so during her college years.To sum it up, you can feel the warmth and sincerity of both woman from the stage and Phylicia Rashad, incredibly looks, just as good and some may even say better than when she was on The Cosby Show. she has aged gracefully and looks like she will be working for another 30 plus years, if she wanted. You were able to feel the satisfaction of the audience and definite appreciation towards the Rashads and Star Jones must be commended for not only asking the right questions, but keeping the dialogue so intriguing that we all wanted to hear and see more from the woman.