Raven Symoné: Inspiring America’s Young Generation

By Billy Hallowell (http://www.billyhallowell.com)

At 20, Raven Symoné has already made a huge impact on the entertainment industry as well as society.  I caught up with her for a phone interview, offering a unique look into her life and career.  Sure, some dismiss her as a teenybopper with a minimal effect over her peers and those younger, but the reality of the situation is much different.      

Raven Symoné has been a performer for nearly her entire life, acting and singing her way across television networks and throughout the past two decades.  Her music, T.V. shows and film projects do more than just entertain the masses - they also inspire youth reach for something bigger and better in their lives.  In an effort unlike that of her contemporaries, Raven’s gone out of her way to become an amazing role model for children, teens and young adults across the United States.       

You may remember Raven from her role as Olivia on “The Cosby Show,” her character, Nicole, on “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper,” or from her current stint as Raven Baxter on Disney’s “That’s so Raven.”  Of course, these are only a few of the project’s she’s been a part of.     

During 2006, Raven says she’ll continue her career and claims there are currently some films in the works.  Some of these roles, she says, will be more adult in nature.  One thing is for sure; fans from across America will be waiting with open arms to see what this young star is up to.      

A lot of her fans wonder what it’s like to be so young, yet so successful; others want the scoop on what it’s like to be a Hollywood diva.  When asked about these phenomena, Raven says Hollywood is “weird,” but cool, and admits she’s had both negative and positive experiences in the industry.  Despite the less frequent negatives, Raven says, “Overall, I’ve been blessed.” 

With so many actors and musicians making negative decisions and setting some pretty bad examples, Raven has distinguished herself from the pack.  When asked about her biggest challenge as a young performer she says, “I don’t have a problem staying myself but unfortunately, I am surrounded by a lot of people who do.  I stay strong to who I am, but it can be tough being around people who struggle with that.”         

Being surrounded by a lot of people who are anything but real makes it extremely difficult, but her strong personality and determination carry her through the superficial.  She knows a lot of young people go through similar situations at home and in school, but she calls for everyone to remain positive.  Her philosophy is that being yourself and sticking to what you believe in will help each individual avoid falling to peer pressures.  “If you stay true to yourself, you won’t get caught up in it,” she says.     

Even more fascinating is her devotion to her own morals.  Raven’s strength can be seen through her contributions to the community as well as her dedication to choosing film and television projects that represent topics and themes she’s comfortable with.  Raven says there’s a method to her madness when it comes to choosing roles.  “I try to choose projects that can change people.  I like doing things that make people think,” she says.        

When it comes to the celebrity role model department, she has a lot to say.  “Whoever’s in front of you all the time will become your role model.  People in the entertainment business are sometimes around kids more than the parents are.  That’s the situation that comes with [fame].  You don’t say, ‘I’m going to be a role model.’ It just happens.”          

Unlike many of the other stars her age, Raven acknowledges her position as a role model to millions of young people.  Her reaction to it all is positive imagery, comedic remedies and a whole lot of inspiration.  Raven knows kids and parents are watching her every move, so she rises to the challenge, stays true to herself and shows that success doesn’t have to mean compromising what you believe in.          

More importantly, she gives back to her fans in more ways than just setting an example of positive leadership. After meeting Raven at a concert in New Jersey last summer, I personally watched her spend a lot of time backstage, meeting fans, signing autographs and sticking around, making some young people very happy.       

“When I meet a fan, I look at that person in the eye.  They believe in me, they support me.  They are the reason I am here,” she says.         

Raven’s involvement in the community rocks just as much as her outlook on stardom.  She served as an ambassador for former Secretary of State Colin Powell’s “Children First” program, speaking to groups of young people.

Her message?  Letting young people know it’s cool to just be themselves, while encouraging them to avoid negative behaviors like drug and substance abuse.  Raven also speaks for the National Safe Kids Campaign, using her fame to make a difference in the lives of thousands of young adults.       

Raven’s all about self-empowerment.  “If you feel something is right and you believe in your heart that it is…if you know you can make the feeling come true, then make it happen.  Just keep fighting for it,” she says.         

What’s next on Raven’s plate?  Disney recently renewed her show for another 22 episodes and in 2005 she completed a movie for Lifetime Television.  The film, more adult in nature, is about a girl who integrated her high school prom for the first time.  Raven says it was the most rewarding project she’s ever had the chance to work on.         

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