Humble beginnings are not deciders of what we can achieve, of what imprint we can leave on the world as we grow older. This is especially true in the case of Lupita Nyong’o.
Born in Mexico to Kenyan parents, Lupita has just been named as part of the class of 2019 to be given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This was announced on Monday in a press release by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with its Chairman and Walk of Famer Vin Di Bona saying:
“The Walk of Fame Selection Committee is pleased to announce our newest honorees to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Committee always tries to select a group of talented honorees that appeal in various genres of the entertainment world. I feel the Committee has outdone themselves and I know the fans, tourists and the Hollywood community will be pleased with our selections. We are excited to see each and every honoree’s face as they unveil that majestic star on Hollywood’s most famous walkway!”

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a recognition title. Though not like the Oscars and other top movie-related awards, it is still sought after and greatly appreciated by those who get to have stars in their name on the walk.
Nominated in the motion pictures category, Lupita has come a long way from her days as a production assistant. A long way from her debut movie, the short film East River (2008) which preceded her 3-year participation in the Dhuga series in Kenya (2009-2012).
Breakthrough and recognition did not come for the holder of a master’s degree in acting from the Yale School of Drama until 2013, with her role as Patsey in the critically-acclaimed historical drama by Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave. The movie brought her fame and awards, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The win was the first by an African.
A vocal advocate for historic preservation and prevention of sexual harassment, Lupita has since starred in the high-grossing superhero movie Black Panther, playing the character Nakia, a Wakanda spy.
We will keep cheering Lupita on as she gets recognition for both her craft and her values.