What makes me a Royal Woman is the way I love myself.
Renika Williams is a Royal Woman who is On The Rise. Since her breakout role in HBO Max’s The Sex Lives Of College Girls, the Dayton, Ohio native and theater lover has been one to watch among the brightest in young Hollywood.
Williams plays the character ‘Willow’ in Mindy Kaling’s hit series, which recently returned for its second season on HBO Max, which she told RoyalTee was a “surreal moment.”
Like her co-star Lolo Spencer, Williams, who is also a Sickle Cell Anemia advocate, has been maximizing her role to bring awareness and appropriate representation to causes near and dear to her heart.
Williams shared with RoyalTee about her role, queer representation, and individuality.
As far as qualities, can you resonate with your character, Willow, in any way?
Growing up, I was super shy and not all that confident. But deep down, I knew there was a greater power inside of me than what I was outwardly exuding. But as I continued to grow, that power and boldness came out slowly but surely. It took me a minute, in my personal life, but it’s something I imagine came naturally for Willow. Willow is fun, bold, and unapologetically herself no matter where she is or who she’s around. And I love that about her!
As an LGBTQ+ character in the show, what emphasis do you put in properly representing Black queer women?
Representing Black queer women is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. Willow represents some of my best friends, my family, and colleagues and I want to make sure I’m representing them and every other relatable viewer with truth and authenticity. What’s beautiful about Willow is that she has always been bold and intentional about living in her truth. It’s one of the things I love most about her.
What advice do you have for people who struggle with their own individuality?
Don’t be afraid to sit with yourself and find out what you want and who you want to be in the world. We live in a time where we have access to other people literally at the tip of our fingers. We’re more in touch with what someone else has going on than we are with ourselves and our needs. So, I’d just say spend time with yourself, date yourself, and discover yourself!
What makes you a Royal Woman?
What makes me a Royal Woman is the way I love myself. It took some time to get to this chapter for me, but I’ve arrived. Being a Royal Woman, for me, means not only pouring into the people I love but also pouring into myself with the same intentionality and intensity.
Watch The Sex Lives of College Girls on HBO Max.
