Actress Kerry Washington is covering the latest issue of Essence magazine

“I think it’s a really special time to be a woman of color in this business…The landscape of who has the power is changing. We are in more influential positions and are able to have a say in the stories that are told. I feel very lucky to be in the business now…..I grew up blocks away from Jennifer Lopez. She and I went to the same Boys & Girls Club. She was like the dancer who made it big and moved to Hollywood.”

In addition to Washington, the issue also features Shonda Rhimes, Octavia Spencer, Paula Patton and Pam Grier. [USA Today]