Former “Fresh Prince” actress Karyn Parsons is a mother, writer, motivator–and founder of a non-profit aimed at educating today’s youth. Karyn Parsons graced television in the 90s. She played the charming, but self-absorbed, Hilary Banks on the sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Since the show ended in 1996, Parsons, now a mother of two, has pursued other creative and educational venues. In 2005, she founded Sweet Blackberry, a non-profit organization that teaches young students about famous African Americans who are not as well known. “Students always learn about the same famous blacks during the academic year, but there are so many stories about other people who are famous in their own way,” explains Parsons. “I realized it was important to bring these stories to kids and their parents.”

Parsons’ mother is a former Los Angeles librarian who worked in a Black studies research center. “She would always tell me about the interesting info she came across, including Henry ‘Box’ Brown, a former slave who literally ‘mailed’ himself to freedom,” recalls Parsons. “I was always fascinated by her stories. A few years ago, it would cross my mind to write a book about these stories, and I jotted down notes, but I was pregnant and pushed it into the back of my mind. My husband encouraged me to get moving.”

Parsons created a series of educational books under the Sweet Blackberry label and spread the word about her mission. “I gave the books to my daughter’s school, and mentioned Sweet Blackberry whenever I could. Letters came in from teachers who wanted more,” says Parsons. “Sweet Blackberry stories ended up in several catalogs geared towards educators.” And as they say, the rest is…well…history.

Sweet Blackberry will soon offer a feature on its website where fans can submit their own stories about friends, family members or even strangers who led a remarkable, admirable life. By sharing these stories with others, they stay alive, and further educate children about ancestors. Parsons uses her maternal great grandfather, Cyrus, as an example. “I never knew anything about him and was moved to have this incredible person in my family,” says Parsons. “I think it gives you a sense of strength and pride to have someone in your family who overcame strong challenges and accomplished great things. They may not famous, but they’re still incredible. Everyone has stories, their own little known heroes, and that’s what Sweet Blackberry is about: A hero in your own family.” And, with that being said, it comes as no surprise that Parsons’ favorite quote is “Just Keep Swimming” from ‘Finding Nemo’—a reminder that one should keep passing these Blackberry ‘stories’ on, and keep on moving, no matter how tough times can get.

Actresses Queen Latifah and Alfre Woodard narrate the animated Sweet Blackberry stories (The Journey of Henry Box Brown and Garrett’s Gift) that have aired on HBO Family. “Alfre’s voice came into my head as I was writing ‘Henry,’” says Parsons. “We had worked together before, so I called her. She really believes in the mission of Sweet Blackberry and is a wonderful supporter. Latifah did a couple of Fresh Prince episodes, so I knew her and liked her. Will [That would be Smith, of course; the two remain friends] mentioned her and I thought she, as a narrator, was also a great idea.”.

The Sweet Blackberry Website will undergo “some big changes” in the new few months, says Parsons. “I’m working on the next story in the series, as well as teaching guides and Readers books of our stories.”

Although she misses her days on “Fresh Prince,” Parsons is excited to add ‘writer’ to her resume. “I had a great experience on the show, but I consider myself more of a writer now than an actress.”

Parsons is excited to keep spreading the word about Sweet Blackberry, calling the stories about (not so famous) African Americans empowering.

“So many inventions we take for granted on a daily basis were invented by black people. I think it benefits every American to understand the country’s complete history…not just selected pieces.”