Sheyann Webb

Ms. Sheyann Webb was born on February 17, 1956 in Selma, Alabama. She grew up from a poor family of eight children in George Washington Carver Projects. She is a voice for justice, equality and self-achievement. Ms. Webb is also known as a humanitarian, civil rights activist, mentor and youth advocate. She is the nationally known co-author of “Selma, Lord, Selma: Girlhood Memories of the Civil Rights Days”. Her book, which is now a Disney Movie, was nominated for Best Television Mini Series by the NAACP Image Awards in 2000. The movie depicts her childhood experiences with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the late Jonathan Daniels, and other civil rights leaders as one of the youngest activist during the civil rights movement in Selma, Alabama in the 1960’s.

Sheyann was named the “Smallest Freedom Fighter” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At age eight, Ms. Webb would sneak out of her house to attend mass meetings. She also led the congregation in singing freedom songs. She was the youngest participant to take part in the historically first attempted Selma to Montgomery march known as “Bloody Sunday”.

Ms. Sheyann Webb attended a segregated public school in Dallas County, Alabama until her junior high year when she became one of the first blacks to integrate an all white school. Sheyann says that her junior high years were among her most horrific years. She was pushed down stairs, called bad names, suspended from school and spat on; and nothing was done by the school administration.

Because of Sheyann’s numerous encounters with racism and poverty, she has dedicated her life by assisting youth in America to build self-esteem, confidence, overcome adversity, and find real purpose in their lives. Her commitment to these goals began in 1980 when she founded KEEP Productions, a youth development program.

Sheyann is a Civil Rights Activist and Dedicated Youth Advocate. Her involvement in the KEEP Productions Youth Development Mentoring and Modeling Program, which was found by Ms. Webb in 1980, is a great motivational tool for her. This program is designed for youth ages two through eighteen to enhance their personal growth, by building self-esteem in order that they will be strong leaders of tomorrow. This program also assists in the development of individual talents as well as to serve as a vehicle to help youth exhibit these talents to improve their self-image and increase their potential for personal and career growth. She also works with adult models ages 19 and up.

Ms. Webb also works with other youth groups in various capacities throughout the State of Alabama. Her background in this area includes organizing and conducting major youth development workshops and training programs. She has helped many youth gain the confidence they needed to break out of non-productive patterns and reach for success.

Her career includes professional and volunteer projects, educational services, self-esteem workshops, etiquette workshops, beauty and charm workshops and leadership training and development. Sheyann speaks to religious organizations, community organizations, elementary, junior high, and high schools, colleges, and government agencies across the country. She promotes and directs exhilarating fashion shows. She serves as beauty pageant consultant, fashion and wedding consultant. She has worked with many youth as Minuet and Waltz Choreographer for Debutante Cotillions in Montgomery, Alabama, Dothan, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia for over twenty-eight years.

Sheyann Webb speaks to various groups, organizations and particularly youth across the country. She has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The Tom Joyner Morning Show and other major media Radio and T. V. Talk Shows. She is also featured in the PBS documentary, “Eyes on the Prize”.

She has received numerous civic and community service awards in the State of Alabama and abroad. Sheyann is a 1979 graduate of Tuskegee Institute.