Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with mixed-ish’s Trinitee Stokes

The future of Hollywood looks bright with actress Trinitee Stokes leading the next generation of up-and-comers. Best known for her role as Judy Cooper in Disney Channel’s K.C. Undercover, Trinitee Stokes is making a bold statement with each new project she takes on. Currently, she can be seen on ABC’s mixed-ish playing Tamika, the tough girl with a big heart. Pop Culturalist caught up with Trinitee for an in-depth conversation about her career and all things mixed-ish.

Career

PC: You’re an actress and author. How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Trinitee: I truly believe my passion for the arts was inside of me when I was born. It’s a part of my purpose here on earth given by God to reach the masses. When I stepped on the stage at three years old, that is when the gifts inside of me were birthed.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Trinitee: The person that has had the biggest influence on my career has been my mom. She has definitely been a pioneer in my career. If my mom didn’t put me in her play, I never would have really found that spark that led me to find my true passion. Ever since then, she has been helping to nurture my gifts and encouraging me to go after everything that God has ordained for my life.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Trinitee: There are so many moments that I can highlight! One of the most special moments is when I was invited to Africa to speak to sixty-five nationalities at the International School of Kenya as Read Across Africa’s literacy ambassador. I was also able to donate books to the Read Across Africa library and visit some of the impoverished schools. It was such a humbling yet rewarding experience.

mixed-ish

PC: You’re currently starring in mixed-ish. Tell us about your character and her arc this season.
Trinitee: My character, Tamika, has definitely changed throughout this season. She has been able to show that even though she might appear to be a tough girl, she has a heart and wants her friends, especially Rainbow, to succeed. Tamika is the kind of friend that everyone needs. She is fun, knows how to dance, and she is smart too!

PC: Which of Tamika’s relationships has been your favorite to explore and why?
Trinitee: I absolutely loved my relationship with Rainbow on and off screen! We are totally opposite, yet we get along great. However, I also have to say that Tamika’s relationship with Denise has been my favorite to explore because they are so similar. When Tamika and Denise met, they had a complete stare-down checking each other out. It was so funny. I believe there definitely is chemistry there.

PC: If the series is picked up for a second season, where would you like to see Tamika’s storyline head?
Trinitee: I would definitely like to see Tamika’s journey through school and to become a bit more friendly as well. I would love for Tamika to be adopted by Aunt Denise and see what kind of splash they can make together.

PC: Tell us about the inspiration behind your book Bold & Blessed.
Trinitee: What inspired me to write Bold & Blessed is that I wanted others to know that it is cool to just be who the Lord made you to be. I did not want another girl to have to struggle with self-esteem because their bodies look differently than what the world thinks it should look like. I wanted to share my life so every girl will know that when they value themselves and know their self-worth, then outside voices don’t matter. I wanted to give a voice to girls all over the world and let them know it is a wonderful thing to be uniquely designed by God.

PC: You’re spreading an incredible message of positivity. Have you always known you wanted to use your platform for social good?
Trinitee: Yes, I have always wanted to use my platform for good because there are so many people that use their platform negatively. I wanted to do my part and bring light into the world by putting a smile on someone’s face. I am all about positivity!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Trinitee: The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Trinitee: Friday or Taken

PC: Favorite book?
Trinitee: Wonder by R.J. Palacio

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Trinitee: Hamilton!

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Trinitee: Luke Combs or Faouzia

To keep up with Trinitee, follow her on Instagram. Catch new episodes of mixed-ish every Tuesday at 9/8c on ABC.

Photo Credit: Carla Rhea // Makeup: Camille Ariane // Hair: Ashley Noel// Stylist: Kenèe & D’Shaunte (K+D Styles)