photo by steed media service

Actress and Singer

Most people recognize Keke Palmer from her lead role in the movie Akeelah and the Bee, where she portrayed a smart, sassy preteen who embraced her natural gift for spelling and ultimately fulfilled her dream to compete in the national spelling bee. Since Palmer's acting debut, the 13-year-old Chicago native's career in entertainment has been uphill. "Ever since that movie [came out], a lot more opportunities have come my way. I have a movie with Samuel Jackson and Eva Mendez coming out in the fall called Cleaner. I got a record deal with Atlantic. My album, So Uncool, will drop September 18," she says, smiling.

With such a promising future, Palmer believes her personal success allows her to be a role model and encourage other girls her age to believe in their dreams. "It's important for me to talk [to] kids and help inspire them," Palmer explains. "For me, it's just good to make a good impression. Hopefully, I can help give them direction [that will enable them to] make good decisions later on." Palmer is equipped with the necessary confidence that will allow her to hurdle any obstacles in her increasingly demanding career. "My parents made sure that I loved myself no matter what came or what people think of me. I love myself and the rest is whatever," she says.

With a firm grip on her career expectations, and the support of her family, success for her will continue to be spelled out as easily as Akeelah says "prestidigitation." -jamana jamison

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