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Nicole Avant is a philanthropist, filmmaker, and former diplomat. In her recent memoir, Think You’ll Be Happy, Nicole describes attending to the grief and shock of her mother’s unthinkable murder—she was shot in the back by a home intruder in 2021—by creating a living legacy in her honor. Her mom, Jacqueline Avant, had turned her Los Angeles home into a refuge for artists, politicians, and world-changers as the partner to Nicole’s father, entertainment mogul Clarence Avant, who is the subject of Nicole’s beautiful documentary,The Black Godfather. Nicole grew up sitting at the feet of extraordinary artists like Bill Withers, Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, Sidney Poitier watching as her parents navigated the world to make it better for future generations. In today’s conversation, we talk about that legacy—as well as Nicole’s relationship to the divine. Like her parents, she is a master connector—putting people together to see what unfolds.

Think You’ll Be Happy: Moving Through Grief with Grit, Grace, and Gratitude

The Black Godfather, on Netflix

Follow Nicole on Instagram

(Edited slightly for clarity.)

ELISE LOEHNEN: You always look so glamorous, Nicole. I want your closet. I know this is your mother's specialty, but I want you to teach me how to be a person in the world.

NICOLE AVANT: You always look good. By the way, I have that sweater you're wearing.