Accepting her Black Women in Hollywood Award, the actress opens up about her past mistakes and how she defines "Fierce and Fearless" today.

Here's an excerpt:  "We live in a town that rewards pretending. I had been pretending to be fierce and fearless for a very long time. I was a victim masquerading as a survivor. I stayed when I should have run. I was quiet when I should have spoken up. I turned a blind eye to injustice instead of having the courage to stand up for what’s right. I used to shrink in the presence of other dope beautiful women. I used to revel in gossip and rumors, and I lived for the negativity inflicted upon my sister actresses or anyone who I felt whose shine diminished my own."

  Slide over to Essence.com to watch the entire speech!!