Take it all in...and just smile and live

Keisha Whitaker Interview by Brianda Agramonte

Growing up in Lynn, though I love the city, really I do, I’m looking forward to expanding my horizons...How was growing up in Lynn for you?

Oh yeah, I can definitely relate. I remember thinking the same thing. I used to ride my bike all over Lynn-from west Lynn to east Lynn and back; I remember I could never go one trip without seeing at least a few people I knew on the streets. Lynn was such a small city for me. Even though I always felt comfortable and safe in Lynn, I knew I wanted to see new places. I left Lynn in the 7th grade and moved to Atlanta for a few years. I moved back to Lynn for my junior year at Classical. This distance away from Lynn made me want to come back and see everyone again. So in the end it was a little different for me. Even now, I enjoy going back to the place where I grew up.

In your visit, you mentioned the story of how your first visit to New York was discouraging.Your presence was sent from god to me, because just a few days before your visit, I was telling the people from my new theater group that I was going to audition to be the White Witch in the musical adaptation of NARNIA, and one of the girls in front of me said that I could audition but I wouldn’t get the part because I was too dark and didn't have the" right kind" of hair. Though this is true, I'm ashamed to say that for the rest of that day, I wished I was white and had blonde hair. I know you said that you just have to be strong because there will be non believers, but its so hard sometimes...how did you manage to even step foot back in New York?

First of all, it shocks me to hear that this still is going on in your generation. It's blatant racism, and quite shocking. This angers me but you know what, I hope that girl knows how ignorant she is and hopefully she learns from this. She is completely wrong. My husband read for the part of a white Scottish man, and he got the role. You can work for whatever it is that you put your heart into, and achieve that very goal.

If you didn’t take that second trip back to FORD modeling agency, where do you think you would be right now?

Well, I have no idea. Only God knows really. I was dating my husband at the time even before I went to FORD Modeling Agency. Becoming a FORD Model actually fueled my marriage, so if I didn’t take that second trip, I probably wouldn't have gotten married as fast.

Did you have the support of your family while fulfilling your dreams?

Yes, my family was there for me all the way. You know, when you gain recognition and awards, you want to be able to thank your family for their support.  It was important for my parents to support me, because that  same love and devotion is what makes my family now. My 17-year-old daughter was just recently in the play ANNIE, and the whole family went. We cheered her on, gave her flowers, went out to eat after. Whenever one of us puts their talents on display, we follow with love and support. It may also be a cultural thing too.

From my last email, you probably know that I have a few passions....its hard to limit what you can do after high school....other than modeling, did you have any other passions? After graduating from Classical, I went to Endicott for broadcast journalism and a minor in public relations. I've always wanted to be a host. I left Endicott because I knew that modeling was where I needed to be at that very moment. Modeling would open doors for me. Modeling would let you branch out into other things. Yeah, you know for me it was what I needed to do. But then again, I sort of felI into modeling. I still do a little modeling, but I recently shot this show for Mothers Day and was a host for T.V. Guide's "Live at the Red Carpet." I also love to write. Right now I'm working on my own book called "Everyday Glamour". Cool! What's the book going to be about? It’s going to be a book for women; about motherhood, your body, fashion (how to recycle your clothing) and much more.

I can tell that you are a hard-working woman, and wonderful things have happened to you. You fulfilled you dream of being a model and much much more! I was just wondering, you are such an accomplished role-model, does the dreaming ever stop for you?

No, never. I don't think dreaming should stop for anyone. Once you achieve something, soak it all in, pat yourself on the back, and challenge yourself even further. When I met Oprah, I had to take a second and just breathe...think of how you got there...take it all in...and just smile and live. Never take anything for granted. There's always room to improve and inhance my life. Take a moment of your life and just scream "YES!"   

Do you have any regrets?

 I have, and regrettably still do. I try to filter myself but then again own my stuff. Always be responsible for what you say and do. And remember, just think. 

What are your favorite movies of all time?

That’s a hard one..."The Godfather", "Terms of Endearment", "Mahogany", and I absolutely LOVE "Mommy Dearest".

This isn't really a question- Being that RAW ARTWORKS is a non- profit organization where kids around my age make art in general that sells for thousands at auctions. Wow! maybe just maybe you could come visit us aspiring artists sometime in the future and move them as you have moved me....

Yes, Yes of course! I love art--- every single form of art! Now you go to film school at RAW right? Yes. You guys are the people who are gunna make the epic movies of the future!!! I would love to speak to young aspiring artists...How does the summer sound?