Actress and singer Keke Palmer has been gracing our television and movie screens with countless projects since the tender age of nine.
Many of Palmer's notable works aside from music and hosting include Barbershop 2: Back in Business, Akeelah and the Bee, Madea's Family Reunion, True Jackson, VP, Scream Queens, Hustlers, Nope, and a reboot of The Proud Family series titled The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. In addition to the professional success the 29-year-old has obtained in the entertainment industry, Palmer recently become a mother. The star welcomed a son, Leodis Jackson, with longtime partner Darius Jackson in February of this year.
Since Leodis' birth, Palmer has been vocal about her experience as a first-time mom and the various hardships that come along with it, including trying to balance a career. Alongside working on films and shows, Palmer created a digital television network KeyTV.
On March 28, during an interview with Elle Magazine, Palmer talked about how motherhood could affect her overall craft as an entertainer.
Keke Palmer On If She Would Include Her Son On Future Projects
In the discussion, Palmer recounted the different trajectories she has taken in her career and shared that the most personal route has been becoming a social media influencer because fans get a deeper look into her life.
"There are different ways in which I exist," she said. "I exist as a traditional entertainer, where it's movies. I exist as a host, which involves more of a personal flair to it and invites a little bit more of my personal life into it. When there's also the influencer aspect where you get a little more of a glimpse at my life."
Expanding on that topic, the "I Don't Belong to You" vocalist then disclosed that she is unsure if she would include her son Leodis in any of her content. Although Palmer didn't provide a particular reason surrounding her uncertainty, the new mom stated,
"I don't know how my baby will fit into that or if that's something that I'll even want. I don't know if motherhood will be part of that narrative or not."
Toward the end of her statement, Palmer revealed that because she may be unsure about involving the newborn in future projects now doesn't necessarily mean that she's ruled out any possibilities of what fate brings her.
"Only time will tell, but I'm definitely interested to see. I'm also the type of person that wants to share whatever changes and impacts me. I might be like, 'I have something to say, so here's a book.' I don't know. Or motherhood might be off limits, Beyoncé style. I don't think I'll know until I know," she explained while briefly mentioning Beyoncé's parenting style.
Palmer On Being a Mother and Praising Single Parents
This isn't the first time Palmer has talked about Leodis and the impact he has had on her life.
Earlier this month, the Alice actress shared that she has experienced a newfound appreciation for single parents since becoming a mother to Leodis, who was a few days old at the time, by posting an emotional Instagram video.
"I just came on here to say, if you're a single parent, pull out your cape. Matter of fact, clip off your angel wings because I don't know how you guys did it." Palmer said. "And I really don't want this to sound like pandering, or something like this, because I know there's a million and one reasons why somebody wants to be a single parent or has become a single parent."
Also, in the clip, Palmer went on to list various reasons why an individual became a single parent, ranging from a spouse's death to the person choosing to be alone. Palmer ended the video by explaining that she is "impressed" by her friends and family that are single parents because she realized that after having Leodis that it takes a "village" to raise a child and that many don't have the privilege.
"But when it comes to raising a kid, I've already learned in these short few days that it takes a village. And sometimes, that's a privilege. And I just want anybody out there that's a single parent that's been doing this, friends of mine, people that I don't know, family members of mine, I'm really in my heart, it brings tears to my eyes. I am just truly, profoundly impressed," Palmer shared as she teared up.
Since that post, Palmer has appeared to be tackling motherhood and her career just fine. The star updated her fans in another upload and expressed that her son has given her "a greater purpose" and how excited she is for what's to come.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole
Devale Ellis On Being A Provider, Marriage Growth & Redefining Fatherhood
In this candid episode of the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker talked with Devale Ellis, actor, social media personality, and star of Zatima, about modern masculinity, learning to be a better husband, emotional presence in marriage, fatherhood for Black men, and leading by example.
“I Wasn’t Present Emotionally”: Devale Ellis on Marriage Growth
Devale Ellis On Learning He Was a ‘Bad Husband’
Ellis grew up believing that a man should prioritize providing for his family. “I know this may come off as misogynistic, but I feel like it’s my responsibility as a man to pay for everything,” he said, emphasizing the wise guidance passed down by his father. However, five years into his marriage to long-time partner Khadeen Ellis, he realized provision wasn’t just financial.
“I was a bad husband because I wasn’t present emotionally… I wasn’t concerned about what she needed outside of the resources.”
Once he shifted his mindset, his marriage improved. “In me trying to be of service to her, I learned that me being of service created a woman who is now willing to be of service to me.”
On Redefining Masculinity and Fatherhood
For Ellis, “being a man is about being consistent.” As a father of four, he sees parenthood as a chance to reshape the future.
“Children give you another chance at life. I have four different opportunities right now to do my life all over again.”
He also works to uplift young Black men, reinforcing their worth in a world that often undermines them. His values extend to his career—Ellis refuses to play roles that involve domestic violence or sexual assault.
On Marriage, Family Planning, and Writing His Story
After his wife’s postpartum preeclampsia, Ellis chose a vasectomy over her taking hormonal birth control, further proving his commitment to their partnership. He and Khadeen share their journey in We Over Me, and his next book, Raising Kings: How Fatherhood Saved Me From Myself, is on the way.
Through honesty and growth, Devale Ellis challenges traditional ideas of masculinity, making his story one that resonates deeply with millennial women.
For the xoMAN podcast, host Kiara Walker peels back the layers of masculinity with candid conversations that challenge stereotypes and celebrate vulnerability. Real men. Real stories. Real talk.
Want more real talk from xoMAN? Catch the full audio episodes every Tuesday on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and don’t miss the full video drops every Wednesday on YouTube. Hit follow, subscribe, and stay tapped in.
Featured image by YouTube/xoNecole