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This is the eighthedition of "This week in black women," a weekly column dedicated to signal-boosting the black women who make the world spin.

This week, I'm shouting out some of Hollywood's best and brightest, a few new elected officials, a family you need to know about, and more. Remember these women! Pay these women! Follow these women! Let's do this.

[rebelmouse-image 19530650 dam="1" original_size="400x213" caption="GIF via Reserve Channel/YouTube." expand=1]GIF via Reserve Channel/YouTube.

"Taking care of business": Adrienne Nelson, Tamaya Dennard, and Nikuyah Walker

With the new year comes new elected officials. Here are three to celebrate this week:

1. Judge Adrienne Nelson was selected by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown to serve on the Oregon Supreme Court. She's only the second woman of color to serve on the state's supreme court, and the first African-American to serve on an appellate court.

— (@)

2. In her campaign for Cincinnati City Council, Tamaya Dennard often shared the Shirley Chisholm quote, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." After carrying around the chair for much of her successful campaign, Dennard brought the folding chair with her while she was sworn in. Yes, ma'am!

— (@)

3. The city council of Charlottesville, Virginia (yes, that Charlottesville) just selected Nikuyah Walker to be the city's next mayor. (The city has a council-manager style of government, where the city council picks the mayor instead of a traditional vote.) In this role, Walker, an Independent, will be in charge of Charlottesville's city council. She is the first black woman to hold the position.

— (@)

"Go off, sis!": Tiffany Haddish

The well-deserved rise of Tiffany Haddish continues in 2018. The comedic actress picked up the Best Supporting Actress honor at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards. Haddish delivered an honest, genuine, side-splittingly funny, 20-minute acceptance speech worth watching in its entirety, especially for gems like this.

"Stop holding your truth. Speak your truth. Be yourself! It's the healthiest way to be. Be who you are. Speak who you are. If don't nobody like it? Fuck it, there's 10 other people that do."

Here’s a (lousily shot) video of Tiffany Haddish’s epic, world-beating best supporting actress acceptance speech at tonight’s New York Film Critics Circle (NYFCC) Awards
Posted by Alison Willmore on Wednesday, January 3, 2018

"Who run the world?": the women of Essence magazine

After being bought by Richelieu Dennis from Time Inc., Essence, a lifestyle magazine for black women and popular music festival, is once-again black-owned. And the executive leadership team, which is entirely black women, will have an ownership stake in the new venture. Secure the bag, ladies.

Essence magazine's editor-in-chief Vanessa K. De Luca and president of Essence Communications Michelle Ebanks, seen here at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards. Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for Essence.

"Yessssssssssss": A TGIT crossover we can get behind

What's better than two popular primetime dramas led by black actresses and created under the umbrella company of a black woman? A CROSSOVER EVENT THAT BRINGS THEM TOGETHER! The worlds of "How to Get Away with Murder" and "Scandal" will collide in an evening of black girl magic. I am already salivating at the monologues alone. How lucky are we to be alive at the same time as Shonda Rhimes?

Viola Davis (L) and Kerry Washington at the 2015 Summer TCA Tour. Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images.

"We won't forget": the Myers-Mells Family

Shanta Myers, 36, her partner Brandi Mells, 22, and two of Myers' children, Shanise Myers, 5, and Jeremiah Myers, 11, were found brutally murdered in their basement apartment Dec. 27, in Troy, New York. Two men were arrested in connection with their deaths. The story barely made a ripple in the national news.

Maybe it was the holidays. Perhaps it was because the family was black or because they were a loving same-sex couple. Maybe a combination of the three. But here, we will celebrate their lives and follow the case as perpetrators are brought to justice.

Final thought: @paulaakpan

— (@)

All facts, 2018.

Serena Williams. Emma Watson. Kerry Washington. These women need no introduction.

By every measure, they are talented, strong, and working at the top of their respective fields. But they didn't achieve their success alone.

That's why they've come together, along with some of the biggest names in Hollywood and athletics, to say thank you to the women who got them there.

Image via Lean In/YouTube.

Together Women Can is a public awareness campaign from Lean In and Makers about the power of women supporting each other.

The campaign kicked off with Williams, Watson, Washington, and other stars — including Lena Dunham, Selena Gomez, Abby Wambach, Megyn Kelly, and more — sharing their personal experiences about the role of female mentors. Whether it's a director, friend, producer, or even a sister, these relationships boosted their confidence and helped them reach professional heights they never thought possible.

For Emma Watson, the woman in her corner is acclaimed director and writer Sofia Coppola.

All GIFS via Lean In/YouTube.

Eva Longoria Baston gave a warm thank you to All3 Media executive vice president Nina Lederman.

And Selena Gomez couldn't help but thank her whole squad.

Having strong women in your corner isn't a perk of the rich and famous. Female mentors and allies are something women of all stripes can benefit from.

And the data doesn't lie.

In the workplace, women are given less credit for their work and suggestions. Women are interrupted more, (not just by men) and are often given less time to speak. Women's performance is often underestimated, and we're frequently passed over for raises, promotions, and plum assignments. And when women try to assert themselves or speak more confidently and directly, we often receive pushback for being too aggressive or unlikable, feedback most men wouldn't receive for the same behavior.

That's why it's so vital that women work together and support one another.

While popular culture often pits women as rivals, we know better.

Together we are a force to be reckoned with. We are smart, strong, funny, and fierce. Capable of running the boardroom, the backcourt, or the Broadway stage. When women celebrate each other's accomplishments, mentor and support young women on the rise, and encourage one another, there's nothing we can't do.

At the same time, "leaning in" isn't a silver bullet for solving poverty or ending years of institutional sexism, but forging these relationships in the workplace is the first of many tools we can use to support one another and fight for gender equality.

"Lean In" author and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg said it best:

No matter your gender or where you are in your career, we can all do our part to ensure women are heard, respected, and promoted in the workplace.

More voices means better ideas, stronger teams, and improved morale. It's a win for all of us. Because when it comes to equality and changing the status quo:

Watch their powerful messages and #LeanInTogether with the women who lift you up.

17 women who'd make an awesome James Bond.

Gillian Anderson and Emilia Clarke are into it.

It's Bond. James Bond.

Beloved fictional British spy James Bond has been saving the world for more than half a century, and while there's been some change (he's been played by seven different actors over more than 20 films), at its core, the Bond character continues to resemble the spy originally crafted by novelist Ian Fleming.

Photo by Greg Williams/Eon Productions via Getty Images.

Recently, there's been a push to cast a woman in the role of 007, and at least two actresses are totally on board with the idea.

Gillian Anderson of "X-Files" fame and Emilia Clarke from "Game of Thrones" have both tossed their hats into the ring to replace Daniel Craig, the current Bond.

It started when Anderson answered a question on Tumblr: "What is the best rumor you've ever heard about yourself?" with "That I might be the next Bond." Since then, fans have been coming out of the woodwork to support the idea of Agent Scully stepping into the role.

Craig, who reprised the role for the fourth time in l "Spectre," is totally cool with the concept of having a woman play the role, saying, "I think it’s a great idea. If it works it works. That’s the great thing about film is it’s all about imagination so of course it could happen. Not that’s it a huge push, it’s just that anything’s possible."

Here's a look at 17 badass women in Hollywood who'd probably do a pretty awesome job as James — er, Jane Bond.

1. Gillian Anderson

"The X-Files," "Hannibal," and "The Fall" feature the versatile actress playing complex (and badass) characters. Without a doubt, she'd be an awesome Bond.

Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for The Weinstein Company.

2. Emilia Clarke

Not only does Clarke play Daenerys Targaryen on "Game of Thrones" (which, honestly, would have been enough reason to put her on the list), but she also flexed her action-star muscles a bit playing Sarah Connor in 2015's "Terminator Genisys."

Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images.

3. Zoe Saldana

She certainly held her own in "Avatar," "Star Trek," and "Guardians of the Galaxy." Who's to say she wouldn't make an awesome Bond?

Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images.

4. Lucy Liu

Currently starring as Dr. Joan Watson on "Elementary," Liu is the very model of how seamless a gender-swapped character can work into a storyline. Add in the fact that she's been in films like "Charlie's Angels" and "Kill Bill," and she'd totally do a great job as Bond.

Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images.

5. Angelina Jolie

Not only has she starred in action roles like "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," "Salt," and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider," but she's also a UN Special Envoy of the High Commissioner for Refugees. Action chops and diplomatic experience? Perfect.

Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images.

6. Serena Williams

OK, so, Serena Williams isn't really known as an actress (though she did pick up a screen credit in Beyoncé's "Lemonade" video, so that should count as like half a dozen regular roles, right?), but admit it, you'd totally want to see a James Bond movie starring the tennis legend, right?

Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

7. Michelle Rodriguez

Star of the "Fast & Furious" franchise, Rodriguez has shown she can hold her own when it comes to anchoring an action sequence. She's been outspoken about her desire to see better roles for women in action movies for a while now. You can imagine what she'd be capable of with Bond's license to kill.

Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Avakian.

8. Robin Wright

Robin Wright probably isn't the first name to come to mind when you think of a future James Bond, but her role as Claire Underwood on "House of Cards" makes her a force to be reckoned with.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

9. Kerry Washington

James Bond is basically Olivia Pope — except for all the shooting and the ... OK, so, Bond and Pope don't have that much in common, but Kerry Washington can basically do anything, so I wouldn't count her out.

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the DAILY FRONT ROW.

10. Ming-Na Wen

You probably know Ming-Na Wen from her role as Melinda May on Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." And if you do, you know that she's part of some of the most badass fight scenes to ever appear on TV and has a killer high kick that you would not want to be on the receiving end of.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images.

11. Tatiana Maslany

Tatiana Maslany is the star of "Orphan Black," where she plays a half a dozen or so characters, each more complex than the last. If you're looking for someone who can bring something new and fresh to a storied franchise like James Bond, Maslany's a solid choice.

Photo by Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images for GLAAD.

12. Rosario Dawson

Yes, it's been more than a decade since Dawson was tearing things up in "Sin City," but that doesn't mean she's lost her edge. Popping up in Marvel properties like "Jessica Jones," "Daredevil," and the upcoming "Luke Cage" series, Dawson's still got it.

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

13. Charlize Theron

It's Furiosa. Imperator Furiosa. Seriously, not only should Theron do as many action flicks as possible (please do another "Mad Max" — please), but she could 100% rock the role of James Bond, mixing sophistication with all-around badassery.

Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images.

14. Lynda Carter

She doesn't act all that much anymore, but Lynda Carter (aka Wonder Woman) could make a monster comeback by picking up the role of MI6's finest.

Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Alliance for Women in Media.

15. Beyoncé

Let's forget that Queen Bey was in that 2002 Austin Powers movie. Let's just forget that. OK? That was forever ago, before she harnessed the superpower that is being Beyoncé. You saw her kicking ass in the "Lemonade" video. She's a natural for this role.

Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images.

16. Jessica Alba

With action and adventure credits that include "Dark Angel," "Sin City," and "Fantastic Four," Jessica Alba has a resume that'd make just about any casting director drool. Now imagine her as James Bond.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

17. Lucy Lawless

If for no other reason than the fact that she played "Xena: Warrior Princess," Lucy Lawless would be warmly welcomed back into action roles. Lawless. Lucy Lawless.

Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SiriusXM.

Will the next Bond be a woman from this list? Probably not. Even so, it's fun to think about.

And beyond that, it's great that this is even an idea that's being entertained outside the realm of fan fiction. Are there more pressing gender-related issues to worry about in Hollywood? Sure. Wage inequality and representation both in front of and behind the cameras could use some major work. Does that make dreaming up a gender-swapped James Bond any less entertaining? Nah.

May the next James Bond — whoever they may be — lead the franchise in exciting new directions.

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Disability advocates blast new James bond film. ›

The "House of Cards" star wants you to know something about her paychecks.

Is Robin Wright slowly evolving into her bold, dauntless character from "House of Cards"?

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

Or has she always been at this level of badass?

I ask because Wright, in perfect Claire Underwood fashion, demanded to be treated fairly by the show's bigwigs ... or else.

At a media event at the Rockefeller Foundation on May 17, 2016, Wright got candid about her paychecks working alongside co-star Kevin Spacey on their Netflix series.

“I was like, 'I want to be paid the same as Kevin,'” Wright told the audience of activists and media, The Huffington Post reported. And she'd get paid the same or "go public" with the pay discrepancy, she explained.

After all, she did snag Best Actress in a TV Series at the Golden Globes in 2014 for her role in "House of Cards." Photo by Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images.

Wright noted that she'd decided to seize the moment after seeing data suggesting her character was actually more popular than Spacey's among viewers. Armed with that knowledge, Wright went to executives with her bold proposition. They went for it.

"It was the perfect paradigm," Wright said. "There are very few films or TV shows where the male, the patriarch, and the matriarch are equal. And they are in 'House of Cards.'"

Pay inequality has been a hot-button issue in Hollywood lately.

On top of widespread discriminatory hiring practices that leave women out — an issue that prompted the ACLU to ask federal agencies to investigate — Hollywood has a nasty habit of paying its leading men far more than its leading ladies.

Last October, Jennifer Lawrence penned an essay expressing regret over failing to insist she be paid equally to her male co-stars in 2013's "American Hustle." Lawrence didn't want to come across as "difficult" or "spoiled," she wrote (which, unfortunately, is a valid concern among women, because #sexism). But still, the inequity didn't sit well with her.

Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.

Lawrence's essay helped push the conversation forward about Hollywood's inexcusably large gender pay gap, with other stars like Kerry Washington and Carey Mulligan speaking out on the matter, too.

But isn't it a little absurd for women making millions of dollars to be complaining about their paychecks?

Not at all. As Susan Sarandon noted this week at the Cannes Film Festival, "it's about respect — it’s not about the money.”And it's respect that needs to be felt at the very bottom of the socioeconomic ladder, too.

Equal pay "has to start with regular pay," Sharon Stone told People last November. "Not just for movie stars, but regular pay for the regular woman in the regular job."

Pay inequity isn't exclusive to Hollywood. Women are undervalued in their work throughout most industries.

Pay discrimination based on gender is far too common in the U.S., with full-time women workers making just 79 cents for every $1 their male counterparts make, according to recent data from the Census Bureau. The pay gap gets even more alarming when you consider race and ethnicity, with Hispanic women earning just over half of what a man earns in the U.S.

Graphic via The White House.

Sure, blatant discrimination isn't solely to blame for the gap in its entirety — other important social factors, like access to education, play a role. Still, a sizable discrepancy remains, "even after comparing men and women with the same job title, at the same company, and with similar education and experience," Glassdoor's Andrew Chamberlain told Fast Company in April.

Women shouldn't have to be bold or deliver ultimatums to their bosses to get paid equally. They should be treated fairly as human beings just for doing their jobs. That's it.

But until we've reached that benchmark, we have women like Claire Under — er, Robin Wright to inspire us all to demand better.

Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Nantucket Film Festival.

Let's reclaim the right to feel conflicted.

We can all agree that Kerry Washington is gorgeous, right?

And we can all agree that sometimes magazines go a little (a lot) overboard when it comes to Photoshop, right?

For example, here's an issue of InStyle that had people up in arms over the apparent lightening of Washington's skin:

I'm THRILLED to share with you all that I'm on the cover of this year's March @instylemagazine! Can't wait for you guys to see it and read it! So honored. And crazy excited.
A photo posted by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on Feb 4, 2015 at 3:47pm PST

(InStyle responded pretty awesomely to the concerns.)

Well, it happened again: another Photoshop fail featuring Kerry Washington — but there's a twist.

Washington posted a picture of this week's AdWeek, featuring her on the cover, along with a really thoughtful note. It was honest, it was vulnerable, and it was filled with conflict.

\n\n

It was human.

\n\n

"I just felt weary," she wrote. "It felt strange to look at a picture of myself that is so different from what I look like when I look in the mirror. It's an unfortunate feeling."

"So... You know me. I'm not one to be quiet about a magazine cover. I always celebrate it when a respected publication invites me to grace their pages. It's an honor. And a privilege. And ADWEEK is no exception. I love ADWEEK. It's a publication I appreciate. And learn from. I've long followed them on Twitter. And when they invited me to do a cover, I was excited and thrilled. And the truth is, I'm still excited. I'm proud of the article. And I like some of the inside images a great deal. But, I have to be honest... I was taken aback by the cover.
\n\n
Look, I'm no stranger to Photoshopping. It happens a lot. In a way, we have become a society of picture adjusters - who doesn't love a filter?!? And I don't always take these adjustments to task but I have had the opportunity to address the impact of my altered image in the past and I think it's a valuable conversation.
\n\n\n\n
Yesterday, however, I just felt weary. It felt strange to look at a picture of myself that is so different from what I look like when I look in the mirror. It's an unfortunate feeling.
\n\n\n\n
That being said. You all have been very kind and supportive. Also, as I've said, I'm very proud of the article.
\n\n\n\n
There are a few things we discussed in the interview that were left out. Things that are important to me (like: the importance of strong professional support and my awesome professional team) and I've been thinking about how to discuss those things with anyone who is interested, in an alternate forum. But until then... Grab this week's ADWEEK. Read it. I hope you enjoy it. And thank you for being patient with me while I figured out how to post this in a way that felt both celebratory and honest.
\n\n\n\n
XOXOXOX"

What's notable about Washington's response, though, is its nuance. She's neither slamming the magazine nor praising it.

It's that nuance that's sometimes missing in our own lives. Just as there's often the debate of how we consume problematic media (or whether it's OK to consume at all), the Internet has created an atmosphere where the loudest and most polarizing voices on any end of a spectrum will be the only ones heard — this is true in politics, media, sports, video games, and just about anything else you can think of.

\n\n

Washington reminds us here that life is often so much more complicated than that. Was she disappointed in how the AdWeek cover turned out? Absolutely. Did she feel some things were missing from the interview she gave? Definitely. But did she "slam" AdWeek? Hardly. In fact, she still encourages her fans to go out and buy the issue, Photoshop fail and all.

What Washington's doing here goes so much further than a reaction one way or the other: She's reclaiming the right to say she doesn't know how she feels about something.

"Thank you for being patient with me while I figured out how to post this in a way that felt both celebratory and honest," she writes at the end of her note.

\n\n

Celebratory and honest. Critical and supportive. Frustrated and proud.

\n\n

These are valid, complicated human feelings, and Kerry Washington is pretty amazing for showing the world that side of her.

Ellen dared Kerry Washington to play the tuba. She had an inspiring reason to happily accept.

On Nov. 12, 2015, Kerry Washington stopped by "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to celebrate the daytime queen's 2,000th episode.

All images by The Ellen Show/YouTube.

It's always a good time when Washington stops by talk shows, because she knows how to bring a good story and she doesn't take herself too seriously. And that latter trait of hers came in really handy when Ellen offered a wager Washington couldn't refuse.

Ellen offered $10,000 to whatever charity Washington chose if she could play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" on a mystery instrument.

Washington agreed without hesitation ... but then Ellen revealed the mystery instrument.

Washington probably wasn't expecting this.

Yes, that's a tuba.

And Kerry Washington had no idea how to hold it, let alone play it.

But charity initiatives are near and dear to Washington's heart, and she didn't want to let them down.

If she managed to convincingly play the tuba, Washington decided she wanted to split the prize money between two organizations: Purple Purse and Turnaround Arts.

Washington is an ambassador for Purple Purse, a campaign to help domestic violence survivors create their own safety net through financial empowerment.

1 in 4 women report experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime. Many survivors stay in or return to abusive relationships because they don't have the financial stability to leave for good — leaving home and jeopardizing employment or medical benefits can be too much to overcome.

Purple is the color of choice for domestic violence awareness, and the organization sells purple purse charms and limited edition bags (including one designed by Washington herself) to raise funds. With the money, Purple Purse offers a free comprehensive curriculum on financial management for domestic abuse survivors. And the campaign has invested over $43 million to help women get on safe, secure paths.

Washington also works with Turnaround Arts, a program providing arts education to schools and students in need.

The initiative brings arts education and supplies, (everything from paint to pianos) to students in high-poverty, low-performing elementary and middle schools in 15 states. By integrating more fine art into the curriculum, the committee hopes to address larger challenges, like attendance, motivation, academic achievement, and parent involvement.

Washington is more than the program's celebrity face. She volunteers at schools, presenting workshops, visiting classes, and attending performances.

Kerry Washington performs with students at Savoy School in Washington, D.C., one of the schools selected for the Turnaround Arts Initiative. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images.

All this to say, Washington was going to play that tuba, darn it. Whether she knew how to or not.

So with a few warm up breaths and a giggle or two, Washington gave it her best shot.

As a tuba player myself, I can tell you tuba's not as easy as it looks, and it's really hard in a dress. But Washington managed to oompah (OK, she pretty much hummed) her way through "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"! Not too bad for a first-timer.

So while she may have looked a little silly, it was well worth it. Not just for the laughs but for $5,000 for two initiatives doing some great work!

If only every tuba solo could be so lucrative!

kerry washington

This is the eighthedition of "This week in black women," a weekly column dedicated to signal-boosting the black women who make the world spin.

"Taking care of business": Adrienne Nelson, Tamaya Dennard, and Nikuyah Walker

"Go off, sis!": Tiffany Haddish

"Who run the world?": the women of Essence magazine

"Yessssssssssss": A TGIT crossover we can get behind

"We won't forget": the Myers-Mells Family

Final thought: @paulaakpan

Serena Williams. Emma Watson. Kerry Washington. These women need no introduction.

Together Women Can is a public awareness campaign from Lean In and Makers about the power of women supporting each other.

Having strong women in your corner isn't a perk of the rich and famous. Female mentors and allies are something women of all stripes can benefit from.

While popular culture often pits women as rivals, we know better.

No matter your gender or where you are in your career, we can all do our part to ensure women are heard, respected, and promoted in the workplace.

Watch their powerful messages and #LeanInTogether with the women who lift you up.

Gillian Anderson and Emilia Clarke are into it.

It's Bond. James Bond.

Recently, there's been a push to cast a woman in the role of 007, and at least two actresses are totally on board with the idea.

Here's a look at 17 badass women in Hollywood who'd probably do a pretty awesome job as James — er, Jane Bond.

1. Gillian Anderson

2. Emilia Clarke

3. Zoe Saldana

4. Lucy Liu

5. Angelina Jolie

6. Serena Williams

7. Michelle Rodriguez

8. Robin Wright

9. Kerry Washington

10. Ming-Na Wen

11. Tatiana Maslany

12. Rosario Dawson

13. Charlize Theron

14. Lynda Carter

15. Beyoncé

16. Jessica Alba

17. Lucy Lawless

Will the next Bond be a woman from this list? Probably not. Even so, it's fun to think about.

The "House of Cards" star wants you to know something about her paychecks.

Is Robin Wright slowly evolving into her bold, dauntless character from "House of Cards"?

I ask because Wright, in perfect Claire Underwood fashion, demanded to be treated fairly by the show's bigwigs ... or else.

Pay inequality has been a hot-button issue in Hollywood lately.

Pay inequity isn't exclusive to Hollywood. Women are undervalued in their work throughout most industries.

Women shouldn't have to be bold or deliver ultimatums to their bosses to get paid equally. They should be treated fairly as human beings just for doing their jobs. That's it.

Let's reclaim the right to feel conflicted.

We can all agree that Kerry Washington is gorgeous, right?

And we can all agree that sometimes magazines go a little (a lot) overboard when it comes to Photoshop, right?

Well, it happened again: another Photoshop fail featuring Kerry Washington — but there's a twist.

What's notable about Washington's response, though, is its nuance. She's neither slamming the magazine nor praising it.

What Washington's doing here goes so much further than a reaction one way or the other: She's reclaiming the right to say she doesn't know how she feels about something.

On Nov. 12, 2015, Kerry Washington stopped by "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to celebrate the daytime queen's 2,000th episode.

Ellen offered $10,000 to whatever charity Washington chose if she could play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" on a mystery instrument.

Washington is an ambassador for Purple Purse, a campaign to help domestic violence survivors create their own safety net through financial empowerment.

Washington also works with Turnaround Arts, a program providing arts education to schools and students in need.

So with a few warm up breaths and a giggle or two, Washington gave it her best shot.

See Kerry Washington toot her way through "Twinkle, Twinkle" in this delightful segment with Ellen DeGeneres.