Genesis' arrival was first spilled by Viola's co-star and friend, Octavia Spencer.
While previously sitting down for a cover story about her life journey published by a news outlet, Viola discussed how her relationship with her husband and becoming a mother changed her life. Of her close bond with Genesis and the moments that make her the happiest, the "Fences" talent shared:
"Spending the day with my daughter at Chuck E. Cheese's or going to the mall and playing in the play area. That's what makes me happy."
In the same year she did the cover story interview, Viola spoke to another media outlet to discuss her then-new movie with Denzel Washington, "Fences." During the discussion, she brought up her daughter again and touched on the topic of adoption. When it came to explaining to Genesis how Viola became her mother, the actress said:
"I always tell Genesis she was born from my heart, not my belly. There are so many ways to mother other than to carry a child in your body..."
Viola Davis and Genesis Tennon at Variety's Actors on Actors event in Los Angeles, California on November 12, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Viola had wanted to be a mom for a while. She opened up about the triumphs and challenges of motherhood and quipped about how much work being a mother took. She described her experience as feeling like she lies somewhere between feeling like a failure and feeling like a superhero.
Viola Davis, Genesis, and Julius Tennon at Viola Davis' Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in Hollywood, California on January 5, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
As far as how she shapes her daughter's perception of beauty standards and role models, Viola teaches Genesis to embrace who she is fully. She previously cited an example of how she would tackle Genesis' desire to dress up as white Disney princesses and comic book sheroes.
The mama bear would tell her darling daughter that she could dress up as whichever character she wanted as long as she did it while wearing her natural hair. Viola's overall mantra, which she instills in Genesis concerning beauty is:
"Your heart and your brain are the most important parts of you..."
Viola is a proud mom who teaches Genesis the importance of self-love and confidence and loves her fiercely.
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