Artist and Activist Raven Keiara: Using Her Platform to Empower Youth to ‘Show Up and Step Up’

17-year-old multifaceted artist is a leader in Gen-Z activism. 

Raven Keiara is a force to be reckoned with. She sings, dances, acts and is a media personality. She started acting at five years old for Disney and has appeared in films, music videos, documentaries, commercials and on TV. She has worked behind the scenes as a producer and director on entertainment projects, worked on nationally syndicated radio, and counts social activism as one of her callings in life. 

At eight years old, the teen entrepreneur helped to found a media entertainment magazine PopSource TV where she interviewed A-list artists and also served as a youth correspondent in Hollywood. Her written work has been published nationally.

The talented youth is currently starring in a new music video Show Me opposite Raven’s Home alumni Issac Ryan Brown. Raven Keiara says her performance in the video is “an evolution for my image and my style of dance.”

“I’ve worked with Issac before and appreciate his level of dedication to his craft. We have synergy that comes across well to the audiences we appeal to,” Raven Keiara stated. “Issac is a true performer and loves to entertain. The choreography is fire! Never underestimate the power of working with someone who values excellence and creativity. I’m super pleased with the finished product,” the performer noted.

Since its recent release, the fan favorite video has been garnering positive critiques and raking up views. Malcolm Roberson, of Aroberson Production based in Studio City, produced the high-energy video. “Working with Malcom was great. He knew exactly the level of perfection and concept he was trying to achieve for the video so I had to bring it,” Raven Keiara added. 

“I’ve always tried to have a wide-ranging appeal because the world demands more and more transformation,” the teen said. “I tried to push myself to get out of my comfort zone, so this story of evolution has personal resonance for me. I believe with new changes come new strength and new stages,” Raven Keiara said.

You can also catch Raven Keiara in the now streaming drama/comedy Our Christmas Love Story directed by NAACP-nominated director Reggie Gaskins.

The versatile artist is no stranger to performances. “Throughout the years, I’ve been in some spectacular Broadway-style productions in Los Angeles. I’ve performed at Disneyland’s Celebration of Gospel for the past two years. I often sing and dance in performances around the city with Amazing Grace Company (AGC), a musical theater showcase,” Raven Keiara added.

The former child actor said “I believe if you can succeed in the industry from a kid, you can succeed in any arena. I count my blessings over and over. Now that I’m in my teens, I have fresh gratitude every time I take a moment to reflect on how being cast for Disney changed my life in the first place,” Raven Keiara said. 

“Everything that happened with Disney was most definitely linked to how I got to where I am today. And because of that, I feel like I have staying power.” 

At fifteen Raven Keiara secured a producer role working at Tavis Smiley’s KBLA 1580 radio station. “I’m thankful for the experience of having been able to produce content for a nationally syndicated radio show in the number two ranked media market in America,” Raven Keiara said.

A recent graduate from the prestigious Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, Raven Keiara said she was also performing while in school. “I sang and danced in school competitions. Last fall, I won in the school talent show for my rendition of Michael Jackson’s iconic hit ‘Bad’ and had a blast doing it with my red leather jacket, glitter glove and all,” the teen jokingly added.

While at Mira Costa, Raven Keiara was a leader with the Black Scholars Union and recently worked with the City of Manhattan Beach to demand a Juneteenth Celebration, which was inaugurated in June 2024. She has also worked on projects with elected officials to empower youth and advocated for other causes across Los Angeles County and beyond. 

Raven Keiara spent last summer at New York University (NYU), and more recently was accepted into ten top universities across the country. The Disney alum is a protege of actor and director Bill Duke’s screenwriting program and alumni of the Duke Media Foundation and Educating Young Minds filmmaking initiative where she mastered production.

The Austin, TX, native founded the Show Up and Step Up initiative to further engage, educate and empower youth to become more involved and support social justice. For her achievements in academics, entertainment and social justice initiatives, the teen was recently honored by L.A. Focus Magazine at the 26th Annual First Ladies High Tea in Beverly Hills. She has been awarded scholarships from The Links Inc., Neptunian Woman’s Club, and many others. 

The teen has over 500 documented community service hours. For her work in the community and social justice initiatives, the teen activist has also been recognized by former state Senator and L.A. County supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Congressman Ted Lieu, Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, Assemblyman Mike Gibson, Senator Steven Bradford, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Manhattan Beach Mayor Joe Franklin, Manhattan Beach City Council, and U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, among others, for her leadership in Los Angeles County.

“I’m thrilled to be a change advocate changing history and politics. I made a choice with the opportunity to serve others and do good work. I am really passionate about reforming social justice initiatives and creating generational wealth – not exclusive to finances, but education and empowerment,” Raven Keiara said.

Miss Raven Keiara added, “I have a career built on dignity and respect. That has ushered in a way for me to use my platform to live honestly and fearlessly. In my own skin, my authentic self is flourishing unselfconsciously as a cool kid. (Laughs) But for my life agenda, I am filled with excitement about the future because I’m engaged in pursuits, projects and relationships that fulfill me and make me feel alive.” 

WATCH: Show Me video co-starring Raven Keiara below.