Viola Davis always ”stresses” the importance of education to her daughter because she doesn’t want her to grow up entitled.
The ‘How To Get Away With Murder’ star feels it is vital that her five-year-old daughter Genesis – who she has with her husband Julius Tennon – understands the importance of learning rather than rely on her mother’s fame.
Speaking at the EIF Presents: XQ Super School live event at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, Viola said: ”Education is the one thing that connects all of us. It connects us within races, within social economic groups, It’s the one connecting force every American has because that’s what we want for our children, a great education because we sort of all want our kids to change the world.
”But I stress it in every way. I always say education doesn’t stop until you get to your grave. That you’re always learning and you’re not just learning math and science, you’re learning about yourself. You’re learning that every time there’s a chance to inject an idea into the world that can change it in some way.”
Meanwhile, Viola previously admitted she ”fears” her daughter will grow up to be ”entitled”.
When asked how she balances wanting Genesis to have more than she did as a child, and wanting her to appreciate what she has, Viola said: ”You just listed my number one fear, which is entitlement. I never had a house; I do shop at Target, I buy all her clothes at Target or H&M. And maybe, if I’m feeling really good, Nordstrom Rack.”
And Viola praised her husband for holding their daughter ”accountable” for the things she does.
She said: ”Julius is really tough. He has two beautiful children and seven grandkids. I came into a relationship where he already had children and grandchildren and raised his kids on his own, so he’s tough – he toes the line, but in a very loving way.
”He holds her accountable. Me, not so much – I’m the softie. Really, entitlement. Listen, there are poor kids who are entitled. So I pray.”
