Meshelle
meshelle@meshelle.net / Web site / Blog
Meshelle, Actress/Comedienne/Humorist, was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Educated in the Public School System, graduating from a Historically Black Institution, Bowie State University (1994), Shields is currently on a leave-of-absence as a doctoral level student in Temple University's School Psychology Program. During her undergraduate tenure, Shields toured the college circuit as lead actress in "The Wiz" as Dorothy, "Dreamgirls" as Deena Jones, and "Ain't Misbehavin" as Nell Carter. During the 4th Annual Black Mental Health Alliance Conference, Meshelle acted as a workshop presenter and moderator of the "Conversations By Candle Light" hosted by Susan L. Taylor, (Publication Director of Essence Magazine). Meshelle has lectured as a Humorous, servicing the Department of Mental Hygiene State of Maryland, NASA, Department of Social Services, Catholic Charities, as well as private organizations.
Meshelle has performed at the NAACP National Convention's Act-So dinner and the Sally Jesse Raphael Show -- in both settings she received standing ovations. Meshelle was featured on a five-city tour with, "The African American Women on Tour (2000), featuring Debbie Allen, Bertice Berry, Marcia Ann Gillespie, Debrena Jackson Gandy and other noted women. In addition, Meshelle has provided opening performances for Patti LaBelle and Regina Belle.
Meshelle performed as the lead actress (Michelle, portrayed by Kimberly Elise in the Motion Picture) in the acclaimed stage drama written by Bishop T.D. Jakes and Grammy Award winning writer, Terry McFadden, "Woman Thou Art Loosed" (1998), based on the best selling novel written by Jakes.
Meshelle has appeared on 4 seasons of BET's "ComicView", "Teen Summit", and "Heart & Soul", and ABC's "Philly After Midnight". Meshelle also appeared as a panelist on the historical syndicated documentary special, "Walk A Mile In My Shoes: The 90 Year Journey of the NAACP" appearing on both ABC and NBC. Meshelle hosted the top 10 selling educational series: Sex Smart Teens (www.injoyvideos.com). The series received three awards: 2004 Awards Portfolio- What's New Magazine, Bronze Award- 2004 HeSCA Media Festival, and the 2004 CINE Golden Eagle Award. During the 2004 elections, Meshelle appeared on the BET special "Speak Out" moderated by acclaimed journalist Kevin Powell, alongside Russell Simmons, Reverend "Run", Etan Thomas and many others. Host of the Washington Wizards (NBA) special events for 2005 and 2006 seasons.
During a two-week engagement in Washington, DC to sold-out performances (H Street Playhouse) of her one-woman show "Nervosis" Meshelle portrayed over 20 characters and received critical reviews. Meshelle appeared on the Pantene Total You Tour (2005) (www.pantenetotalyoutour.com) and introduced her premier grassroots comedy tour, "Don't Get It Twisted: It Is What It Is" which debuted March 2005. As a Political Satirist, Meshelle, can be heard weekly on National Public Radio Affiliate, WEAA 88.9 in Baltimore, MD Sunday Night's : The Afro-American Newspaper's FIRST EDITION and RADIO One's: BIG PHAT MORNING SHOW as Piper on THE PHAT-EST WEEK EVER every Friday. Meshelle is a Columnist for both Heart and Soul Magazine (the premier Health and Life Style magazine for African American Women) and THE FLYWiRE Magazine (Baltimore's Urban Entertainment and Lifestyle Guide) respectively, and a frequent contributor to the Urbanite Magazine of Baltimore (www.baltimoreurbanite.com) as well as the UTNE READER.. Meshelle can be seen on Nick at Night's: Search for the Funniest Mom in America 3 (2007) and STARZ: Martin Lawrence Presents THE FIRST AMENDMENT STANDUP(2008) as well as a recurring Commentator of BET NEWS's: "BRING THAT WEEK BACK" . Meshelle is the dedicated wife of, President/Youth Advocate/Author, LaMarr Darnell Shields (Urban Leadership Institute), and loving mother of Makela-Hadiya and Sámeera-Adamma , Mosiah-Sekou Shields.