Yolonda Ross is more than just an incredible actress — she’s a cultural force, a truth-teller, and the beating heart of Showtime’s “The Chi.”
As Jada Washington, Yolonda has poured grace, grit, and real-life complexity into a role that’s touched audiences deeply.
I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with her ahead of the Season 7 finale, and let’s just say… it felt less like an interview and more like linking with your favorite cousin at the family cookout.
💬 From Audition To Impact: The Journey To “The Chi”
Believe it or not, Yolonda wasn’t originally cast in “The Chi” when it was first developed.
The original pilot was scrapped, the show was recast, and that’s when destiny stepped in.
Yolonda shared that playing Jada “wasn’t really like acting. She made sense. The language made sense. It was easy to do.”
She added, “It was pretty amazing when we got back together and did the table read. It was just like, ‘Yo, we’re here.’”
It was also her first time as a series regular.
“I had recurred on a lot of shows, but not an actual series regular. We really did become a family.”
That family vibe runs deep — on and off screen.
From her first scenes with Jacob Latimore to now, seven seasons in, she’s watched her character evolve and grow in ways that mirror so many real women we know and love.
🎭 Why Jada Feels So Familiar
There’s something about Jada Washington that hits home.
“She’s your aunt, your sister, your mom, your friend, your neighbor, the woman you work with two cubicles down,” Yolonda explained.
“You don’t know her personal stuff, but she handles everything. That’s what Black women do — we handle everything.”
Jada is the woman everyone leans on, but rarely asks if she’s okay.
And Yolonda Ross brings that quiet strength and emotional nuance to life in a way that resonates with viewers deeply.
💡 Life Lessons Through Jada’s Lens
Yolonda’s portrayal of Jada didn’t just resonate with fans — it became a mirror.
Through laughter, heartbreak, and healing, Jada has taught us all a little something.
1. The Power of Tough Love
We laughed remembering the episode where Jada locked Emmett out of the house.
It was funny, but it was also real — a lesson in boundaries and growing up.
Jada shows us that love sometimes looks like hard decisions — especially when raising a son into a man.
2. Representing Real Cancer Journeys
The breast cancer storyline meant the world to her.
“It was everything to me. To bring to life Black women going on that journey — it’s not easy. We don’t get treated the same way.”
She took it beyond the script, working with real organizations like Equal Hope and the TC Joiner Foundation in Chicago to support Black women going through that journey.
She understands how often Black women don’t get equal care and how vital support systems are when navigating a cancer diagnosis.
3. Finding Herself In The Role
“Out of everybody that I’ve played, Jada is the most like me,” Yolonda said.
“She’s very chill, has a sense of humor, and uses common sense. That’s what I try to do in life — not overcomplicate things.”
🖤 Her Love Of Working With “The Boys”
If you’ve watched “The Chi,” you know Jada’s strongest on-screen bonds are with Emmett (Jacob Latimore) and Darnell (Rolando Boyce).
Off-screen, Yolonda says that chemistry is real.
“I love working with the boys,” she said with a smile.
“Jacob and Rolando are like family to me. We have such a good energy together, it’s easy, it’s fun, and I wish we had even more scenes together.”
That ease shows in every scene they share — from heartwarming mother-son moments to hilarious banter.
It’s part of what makes Jada’s storyline feel so authentic and lived-in.
🎬 What’s Next For Yolonda Ross?
With over 60 credits to her name — from “New York Undercover” to Antwone Fisher — Yolonda Ross is leaning into her next chapter: directing and writing stories that reflect the full spectrum of who we are.
“I now know what my voice is,” she said.
“The stories come to me for a reason. And I’m here for us. The stories are for us — and for people to see us in certain ways.”
She’s not here for cookie-cutter portrayals or chasing trends.
She’s building narratives with depth, intention, and soul.
“There’s plenty of stories. There’s plenty of directors. There’s money out there. But the same things keep getting greenlit. That’s the frustrating part.”
💐 Flowers, Grace, And A Leo’s Birthday
Yolonda Ross’ birthday is August 4 (not July 31 — let’s fix that, internet).
This year she’s celebrating with a special screening of “The Chi” Season 7 finale at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.
Talk about legendary.
During our convo, I gave her her flowers — for her artistry, her heart, and her impact.
She received them with the same warmth she brings to every role.
“I have this gift for a reason. I didn’t know I had it, but it presented itself for a purpose. And again — it’s for us.”
Whether she’s being a mother to Emmett and confronting cancer on “The Chi” or creating future projects for the culture, Yolonda Ross is that woman.
The one who makes you feel seen, safe, and inspired. And if you didn’t know? Now you know.
🎥 Watch Our Convo
Drop down in the comments and show Yolonda Ross some love.
The Season 7 finale drops on August 1 – will you be watching?
More On ‘The Chi’
- ‘The Chi’ Season 7 Stars Hannaha Hall & Jason Weaver Talk Grief, Growth & Working With Lynn Whitfield (Interview)
- ‘The Chi’ Renewed For Season 8 After Record-Breaking Season 7 Premiere
- 15 Totally Accurate Tweets About ‘The Chi’ Season 7 Episode 11
- Cortez Smith Gets Real About Nuck’s Growth, Grief, And Redemption On ‘The Chi’
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