I'm happy to represent myself as a black woman in front of America and I'm happy for America to rally behind me and see what it's like for me to be on this journey to find love. Honestly, it's not going to be that different from any other season of 'The Bachelorette.'

It's so unfortunate because people have become so comfortable being mean.

My dad is a judge, but he started off as an attorney. He is one of my biggest role models; both of my parents are. So, from a young age, I said I wanted to be an attorney.

Whether you say I'm too black, I'm not black enough, this is me. I hope people realize that my journey to love doesn't have to be any different just because my skin is.

I feel very indebted to my job. I support the loyalty that they've given me - it's very rare, especially in my profession, that you find people who are not just supportive of who you are as a person, but supportive of you finding love and your happiness.

My friends mean everything to me, so if you want to me be my lover then you have to get along with my friends!

All mornings should start with a cup of coffee and a good message from Chris Harrison.

When you're putting out something that is very whitewashed and doesn't have any type of color in it and you're not trying to be effective and change that... I think that they have to at this point, give us a black Bachelor for season 25. I don't know how you don't.

I do think I can change the perception of the 'Bachelorette.' And not just because of my race.

I learned it is important to be confident in what you have and drown out all of the outside noise. You can't be distracted by what everyone else is doing and how they are doing it.

I just wear like a powder, like a Bare Minerals, maybe some Nars, like a bronzer or blush, light gloss for my lips. That's pretty much it. Mascara.

I'm looking for the unexplainable connection and spark - real, true love.

I use the petroleum jelly on my lips because they get very dry and it's truly the only thing that works.

My sister is married to a white guy, so it's nothing new for our family.

I'm looking for the man I cannot imagine a day without him being in my life.

You cannot reason with delusion.

Life is hard so why does my relationship have to be hard at the same time?

I'm very excited to be partnering with Vaseline because I've been a fan for years. It's products I grew up with - my mom always used them on us - and now, I use it all, from the petroleum jelly to the lip gloss and lotion.

I am truly a person who believes in energy and vibes.

I'm looking for extraordinary. I'm looking for a man who I see and it makes me melt.

I spent much of my adult life focusing on my career and I take pride in my achievements in my field.

Any date that requires you to don a plastic poncho while inside an establishment with a liquor license is going to be incredible.

I kind of consider myself a tomboy.

I'm obviously nervous and excited to take on this opportunity but I don't feel added pressure being the first black Bachelorette, because to me I'm just a black woman trying to find love. Yes, I'm doing on this huge stage, but again my journey of love isn't any different just because my skin color is.