Stars Who Make A Difference: Daphne Maxwell Reid of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

“I would start a movement to bring integrity back into our lives. There seems to have been a cancellation of the concept in the quest for success.”

I had the pleasure to interview Daphne Maxwell Reid. Born in Manhattan, Daphne attended Chicago’s Northwestern University where she was named their first African-American homecoming queen. Outside of being the beloved Aunt Viv from “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” Daphne has published five photography books and calendars; and a cookbook, “Grace, Soul & Motherwit.” She is a fashion designer (Daphne Style), and a spokesperson for Virginia State University.

What is your “backstory”?

I was raised in a loving family in the Amsterdam Housing Projects in Manhattan, attended public schools in New York and ultimately the Bronx High School of Science, where I served as the Senior Class President. Received a National Merit Scholarship, attended Northwestern University where I graduated with a BA in Interior Design and Architecture, and an MRS degree. Became Northwestern University’s first Black Homecoming Queen (1967). Modeled through Eileen Ford Modeling Agency while attending Northwestern, was the first African American woman on…