meet wakeema hollis
Walking the elite fashion runways and standing as the face of some of the world’s most recognized brands and designers including those of Marc Jacobs, Paul Smith, Yohji Yamamoto, and Ralph Lauren as well as gracing the pages of magazines such as Glamour and Essence, Wakeema has mastered the projection of an authentic beauty on the world’s stage. n 2014, Wakeema began pursuing a career in acting where she found early roles in Girls, Black Box, and Laura’s Mysteries. Stepping away to pursue acting full time, Wakeema has continued a confident, fast-rising career based in New York where she played a top recurring role as Monica Colby in the hit Netflix series Dynasty, as well as her role as Harriet on Amazon Prime Video’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Photograph in 2020.
Though she has without a doubt made her mark on the global stage, she has remained strongly dedicated to her family and hometown. With the same passion and dedication she has shown in her career, she has demonstrated equal commitment to Jackson’s youth and community as a “guest star” each year of the Jackson Grown Leader Fellowship.
“As I think about what has opened these opportunities, I can honestly trace it back to those people in my life such as my mother and committed teachers who gave me the space explore my skills, my identity, and my confidence.”
What’s your favorite book?
“The Alchemist. The theme of this book is about following your heart and pursuing your dreams.”
What’s your favorite song or type of music?
“Depends on the day! Jazz, Soul, R&B, Gospel - I love them all!”
There’s a lot of movies out there, but if you had to pick one…what would it be?
“I have several: Pan’s Labrinth, Do The Right Thing, Get Out. (Just to name a few).”
You’ve spent pretty much your whole life in Jackson. What is one of your favorite memories growing up?
“I always attended City of Jackson Summer camps as a kid. I loved the outdoor adventures. Fishing, hiking and enjoying the beauty of nature are among my favorite memories.”
Who would you say is the most inspirational person you’ve ever met?
“Oprah Winfrey. She’s a trailblazer in every sense of the word. There were no women with daytime talk shows that focused on substance and inspiration. She overcame a very rough childhood to be one of the most respected women in the world. You do not have to be a product of your environment. She is the perfect example of that.”
Life is an adventure. What has been the greatest adventure you have had?
“In my twenties, I lived in Paris, France for 6 months. I had never lived outside the U.S. before that and I couldn’t speak a word of French! It was an amazing adventure! I learned so much about myself, the world, and others. It was a type of education that you can only get by DOING! I’ll always view this as one of the greatest and most fulfilling experiences of my life.”
What is a social cause or an issue in society that you are particularly passionate about?
“Social Justice. This is a broad term that encompasses so many aspects of our lives. But we, as a nation, won’t live up to our full potential until everyone is given equal treatment. And until everyone feels like their life is treated with the same value and respect as their counterparts. Regardless of religion, gender, or race.”
Though it might not look like it at fist glance, Jackson has some incredible stories to share. What has the community meant to you?
“I am proud to be a Jacksonian! My experience in Jackson-Madison County public schools gave me the foundation on which I have built a life and career that I love. But it takes more than that. It also takes a strong a community. Uniting ourselves in a way that celebrates our differences is what makes a community stronger. We need effort and input from many different types of people. And that is what Jackson Grown is trying to do. I want every child in Jackson to have the opportunities I had. And that’s going to take us all working together to move ourselves, our kids, and our city forward.”