While many of us may know her Jaleesa from the hit sitcom "A Different World", actress Dawnn Lewis is much more than meets the eye. After (and before) her stint on the show, Lewis has been an inspiration for many while accomplishing a ton.
Dawnn, who said she has always loved learning, and graduated from high school and entered college at 16 – said her family, faith and love of God have been with her every step of the way. This is evidenced when she asked the head of the production studio, who she had just met, to pray with her after she found out she had been cast on A Different World. From that point, the now 60-year-old said mentoring and giving back were ingrained in her for life.
You May Also Like: Lela Rochon Started To Listen To Her Body
“Strive to put your best foot forward,” Lewis said. “The more we lift up and give back to God, the more that is given to us. That’s why your cup keeps getting filled. If your cup is filled, if you think you have everything you need, there’s nowhere for those blessings to go. Release it, get it, release it, get it.”
You May Also Like
Growing up with three brothers, Lewis said she was surrounded by loving, strong males. But she said today’s young men don’t know how to talk to young women – and young women don’t know what to listen for.
“I believe part of the solution is that we communicate with each other,” she said. “There is nothing that women alone can do to make things better, and there is nothing that men alone can do to make things better."
“Surround yourself with people who love you and are honest to you. … You need iron sharpening iron. I need strong people around me, because life is hard.”
You May Also Like: Lark Voorhies: Is She Really Bipolar??
Encouraging young people has always been imperative to Dawnn, who feels that her celebrity status gives her the best opportunity to help the youth of this country. She has been
a spokesperson for such important organizations as the National Council for AIDS Awareness, American Lung Association, NAACP, 4-H Club, UNICEF, the United Negro College Fund, and the Office of Substance Abuse Prevention. Being an avid sports fan, she volunteers for Athletes & Entertainers for Kids. She also lectures on motivational topics to college and civic groups across the country.
The old adage that, "if you want something done, ask a busy person to do it" is true, says Dawnn. "The more I'm involved, the more I learn and discover great projects that inspire me." In the future, she also wants to devote more time to films and music, and ultimately produce her own projects.
"I feel blessed to be able to lead a life where I love my work, and I can help bring some light and joy into people's lives. And when you’re having doubts and facing bad days, just keep in mind that things will get better," Lewis said.
“No one has got it all together all of the time,” she said, adding that she tells herself during those bad times, “If I keep moving in spite of what I’m thinking and feeling, I will get to a better place.
Who is your favorite character from A Different World? If you want to find out about Jasmine Guy or Kadeem Hardison, click here.
