Marsai Martin: From Texas Roots to Inspiring Change with Invisalign ChangeMakers
In the vibrant landscape of Hollywood, few young stars shine as brightly or with as much purpose as Marsai Martin. At just 16 years old, the acclaimed Black-ish star has carved out an impressive career, not only as a captivating actress but also as a groundbreaking executive producer and a powerful advocate for youth empowerment. As she prepares to host the virtual Invisalign ChangeMakers ceremony, Martin naturally draws parallels between her own journey and the distinct energy of her home state, Texas – a place she proudly shares with global icons like Beyoncé, Simone Biles, and Megan Thee Stallion.
“We are just a different breed,” Marsai Martin confidently tells HollywoodLife, reflecting on the unique spirit that seems to emanate from Texans. This isn’t just a casual observation; it’s a deep understanding of a cultural identity marked by boldness, resilience, and an undeniable magnetism. “We are bold. Honestly, it’s one of those things that, when someone is from Texas, you can just feel their energy.” This ‘Texas energy’ she speaks of isn’t merely a geographical coincidence; it’s a force that seems to propel its natives to achieve extraordinary feats, commanding attention and inspiring millions worldwide. It’s a quality that Martin herself embodies with every role she takes and every initiative she champions.
Martin articulates her profound gratitude for her upbringing in Texas, acknowledging the rich environment that has shaped her perspective. “It’s so cool,” she remarks, adding, “I’m really grateful to be born and raised in a space that only gives positive energy and love.” Despite the diverse political landscape, Marsai emphasizes the unwavering support and positive influence of her immediate family circle, highlighting how this foundation has empowered her. This loving and supportive environment has clearly instilled in her a strong sense of self and an innate drive to spread positivity, values that are deeply embedded in her personal brand and professional endeavors.
Hailing from Plano, Texas, Marsai Martin captured the hearts of millions as Diane Johnson in the critically acclaimed series Black-ish. Her portrayal of the quick-witted, often acerbic, yet deeply intelligent teen earned her widespread adoration. Diane was more than just a character; she was a voice for a generation, known for delivering perfectly timed putdowns and showcasing a maturity beyond her years. Martin’s nuanced performance demonstrated an extraordinary comedic timing and dramatic range, making Diane Johnson an unforgettable figure in modern television. This foundational role not only showcased her acting prowess but also set the stage for her trailblazing career trajectory.
Beyond her iconic role on television, Marsai Martin’s career trajectory swiftly soared to new heights. In 2019, she made history by becoming Hollywood’s youngest executive producer for the feature film Little. This remarkable achievement, which saw her star alongside Regina Hall and Issa Rae, was a powerful testament to her vision, entrepreneurial spirit, and determination to create content that resonates with young audiences. This wasn’t merely a ceremonial title; Marsai was deeply involved in the film’s development, bringing her unique perspective to the storytelling process. This groundbreaking accomplishment cemented her status as a formidable force in the entertainment industry, inspiring countless young creators to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Her commitment to empowering youth extends further through her role as the creative director of Glass Full News. This innovative program offers a refreshing, positive take on current events, hosted entirely by kids. By providing a platform for young voices to interpret and discuss the world around them, Martin continues to foster an environment where children feel heard, valued, and informed. This initiative perfectly aligns with her broader mission to uplift and inspire, showcasing her dedication to impactful storytelling and youth development.
On July 10, Marsai Martin will add another significant accomplishment to her already impressive résumé: host of the Invisalign ChangeMakers virtual ceremony. This program holds deep personal meaning for Martin, who sees it as a powerful extension of her advocacy. “It is so important [to me],” she shares, explaining the program’s mission to award teens who have made a significant impact in their communities with a $5,000 cash prize. “I’ve always helped to inspire kids in the best way I can, just to make them feel some type of joy and confidence in themselves. And I feel like Invisalign roots for the same thing.” Her enthusiasm for the program highlights her genuine desire to uplift young people and acknowledge their vital contributions to society.
The Invisalign ChangeMakers program recognizes 100 exceptional young individuals from across the country, each dedicated to a diverse range of causes that are vital to their communities and the world at large. These causes span an impressive spectrum, from fighting hunger and advocating for disability and civil rights to spearheading environmental initiatives and promoting literacy programs. The breadth of their work underscores the incredible potential and compassion within today’s youth, demonstrating that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference. Marsai Martin’s role as host positions her as a beacon for these young innovators, celebrating their efforts and amplifying their inspiring stories.
Marsai expresses immense admiration for the 2021 ChangeMakers, recognizing the unique spark in each of them. “They’re all so great,” she affirms, captivated by their distinct perspectives and passions. “They all have their own minds and their love and creativity for things. That’s exactly what I stand for – creativity and showing and loving yourself just the way you are.” Her words perfectly encapsulate the ethos of the ChangeMakers program and her own philosophy: celebrating individuality, fostering creative expression, and promoting radical self-acceptance. By highlighting these qualities, Marsai reinforces the powerful message that true change begins with believing in oneself and one’s unique ability to contribute.
Leading by example, Marsai consistently demonstrates these values in her own life, particularly when navigating the often-harsh landscape of online interactions. Her approach to dealing with online bullies became a viral sensation in June 2020. In an unforgettable Instagram video, she artfully shut down trolls who were criticizing her hair and veneers. The video, which saw her dramatically wiping away fake tears with a $100 bill, while delivering a withering look and an impactful message, quickly garnered millions of views. Her response was not just witty; it was a masterclass in deflection and redirecting attention to more pressing social issues.
In that viral moment, Marsai didn’t just defend herself; she elevated the conversation. After her sarcastic display, she stated, “Y’all we are in quarantine and we’ve got more things to focus on than just my hair. Justice for Breonna Taylor.” This pivot demonstrated her awareness and commitment to social justice, turning a personal attack into an opportunity to highlight a critical societal issue. It was a powerful reminder that while some individuals choose to spread negativity online, others, like Marsai, choose to use their platform to advocate for meaningful change and justice. This incident solidified her reputation not just as a talented entertainer, but as a socially conscious and incredibly confident young woman.
Marsai attributes her formidable confidence and unique coping mechanisms for dealing with criticism to her parents. “Not them being like, ‘Say this,’ but it’s definitely more of…my parents are funny. They’re just funny people, naturally,” she explains. This upbringing, steeped in natural humor and quick wit, forged her distinctive approach to handling negativity. “So, they’ve always told me to just kill them with sarcasm. Not even kindness, just sarcasm, because I feel that’s just who I am. If you know me personally, I feel like everyone will tell you that I’m a very sarcastic person… That’s where my comedy comes from.” This candid insight reveals the deep roots of her authenticity and how her personal traits contribute to her public persona and resilience.
For other youngsters grappling with the relentless nature of online criticism, Marsai Martin offers straightforward, empowering advice: “bump them,” and simply brush off the negativity. She encourages empathy while stressing the importance of self-preservation. “You never know what other people are going through,” she wisely observes. “They may come from a space of sadness or something in themselves, but don’t pay no mind to it. They’re honestly just background in your movie.” This perspective shifts the focus from the aggressor to the victim, empowering young people to prioritize their own well-being and emotional peace above external validation.
She further emphasizes the cornerstone of self-worth. “Just be confident in yourself,” Marsai asserts, reinforcing a message that resonates deeply with the mission of the Invisalign ChangeMakers. “And that’s all that matters too. Don’t care about other people’s validation because you do not need it.” In an era dominated by social media and external pressures, this advice serves as a crucial reminder for young individuals to cultivate inner strength and self-acceptance. Marsai Martin, through her words and actions, continues to be a powerful voice for youth empowerment, inspiring countless teens to embrace their uniqueness and make their own positive mark on the world. The Invisalign’s ChangeMakers ceremony, an event dedicated to celebrating these very principles, will be available to watch on YouTube on July 10 at 5 PM PST.