Joy Bryant has been defying the odds from day one. Grew up in the Bronx but studied her way to Yale. She is no stranger to the struggle, even as a model back in the 90's she was told to her face that she wasn't getting picked because they weren't "using Black girls this season" she tells BET. That frankness hasn't occurred in her life as an actress, however, she says looking at the gross inequity when it comes to representation, is a tell-tale sign that the playing field still isn't equal. 

With Black Girls Rock still fresh in our minds it's easy to feel like we are finally winning but Bryant doesn't recommend we celebrate too hard until we know if this is just a fad that tends to pop up every so often, or if this is finally the "lasting, substantial, and sustainable change" we desire. Off the heels of #OscarsSoWhite, I have my doubts on the substantial part. That's just me.

One of Joy's famous quotes is "I was raised a poor Black child in the Bronx and then I went to Yale, so anything is possible." One which she attributes to her grandmother teaching her that regardless of her circumstance, she could still dream. Education was her way out. Being born a statistic doesn't imply you have to end up as one she adds. 

Too many black girls I find use an unfair start in life as the excuse why they can't do XYZ, or why they can't be ABC. You can still dream! If you envision yourself as the person you want to become enough, you'll soon try to figure out ways to fulfill that vision. 

[Related: Lesson From Queen Latifah: Be A Queen & Rule Your Destiny]

Other lessons from Bryant's nana, as revealed in ELLE, is the importance of an education, of being a self-reliant woman, and of believing that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. So put your mind to and decide you deserve more.

It's all about making the choice to not let outside circumstances dictate who become. Does your circumstance play a part? Of course. And you may have to fight a little harder and be stronger than the rest. But as the saying goes 

He who has a WHY can bear almost any HOW. [Tweet This]

What's your why? Why do you want to get out of the projects? Why do you want to a new career? The answer may seem obvious, but if it isn't lighting a fire under your butt, then chances are you aren't doing everything in your power and might to change it. 

Unfair odds and opportunities are likely never gonna go away. If it's not the complexion of your skin, it's your height, or your hair, or who you know, or knows you, etc. For Black Girls, we might have above average odds stacked up, but it doesn't mean you can't still dream. 

Be blessed!