Edited sentence: Essence continues to take on challenging roles that will enhance her career portfolio.Her birth roots trace her Paternal Father's side as Cherokee Indian, Irish & African American.Her surname Atkins is from 18th century settlers in Western Tennesee area which has settlers from origins of Irish, English & Cherokee/Seminole Indian natives.She has not received a role that will garner her an Oscar or Golden Globe.She is a distant cousin to Sharif Atkins of ER fame.She is a talented actress with many film credits to her name