Celebrating Mom: Amandla Stenberg and Other Celebs Share the Love

“My mom reminds me that all things are possible. If I’m feeling unsure, she’ll say, ‘Hey, you’re Rue!’ Within months after reading the novel The Hunger Games, I went from telling my mom that I could see myself as this character to actually getting the role. My mother reminds me that if I could manifest such an important role just because I wanted it so much, all of my dreams are possible…” —Amandla Stenberg, ESSENCE
 
Their beauty astonishes us. Their fire forges us. Their tenderness makes us whole. In ESSENCE’s special May issue Mother’s Day package, celebs such as Hunger Games rising star Amandla Stenberg join our joyful celebration of the many ways we cherish our mothers. After being cast as “Rue” in the Hunger Games, the 13-year-old is on everyone’s radar. Here, she tells ESSENCE that her mother, Karen Brailsford is the key to her success. Rounding out our photo essay package are NY Giants’ star Victor Cruz, supermodel Beverly Johnson, award-winning writer Alice Walker, screen gem Jayne Kennedy and more.

To read the full story, pick up the May issue of ESSENCE, on newsstands now!