Entertainment

Meshelle ‘The Indie-Mom of Comedy’ is No Joke

Published

11 years ago

March 4, 2015

Oakland Post

Meshelle “The Indie-Mom of Comedy” (Courtesy Photo)

by Jannette J. Witmyer
Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspaper

Anyone trying to keep up with Meshelle “The Indie-Mom of Comedy” had better lace up his or her track shoes, take a deep breath, and be prepared for a near-exhausting and rigorous run. To say that she leads a full and busy life would be an understatement.

When the award-winning, off-Broadway actress and standup comedienne is not performing in New York, Chicago,Los Angeles and points in between, she’s back home in Baltimore handling her business as a wife, mom to three, author, social justice advocate and nonprofit administrator. And, juggling all of those hats just scratches the surface of all that goes on in this Indie-Mom’s life.

Right about now, if you are amongst the uninformed (as was I), you’re probably wondering, “What is an Indie-Mom?”

In the simplest terms, an Indie-Mom is a woman who does not lose her identity to motherhood.

In Meshelle’s case, “Staying completely innovative and staying independent and still having a very individual sense of self, while being the best mom you can be, and, in my case, wife. That’s what the Indie-mom is all about.”

“An Indie-Mom is independent, innovative, with individuality, fearless and poised to live her dream,” she explains.

MechelleIndieMom Which brings us to her one-woman show, “Diary of a MILF (Mom I’d Love to Follow).” In October 2014, the full theater production, which she wrote and in which performs all five characters, won the Outstanding Solo Performer Award at the 15th Annual Midtown International Theatre Festival, the second largest off-Broadway theater festival in New York. Directed by Rain Pryor, it is headed to LA, February 27 and 28, for an invitation-only special engagement, entertaining producers and industry executives from the areas of development and talent.

“MILF,” she explains, “is a derogatory term that was popularized by the movie “American Pie” that came out in the 90s. One of the characters used the term referring to moms with whom he’d like to have sex. It was supposed to be a term of endearment, a reference to moms or older women still having sex appeal and attraction.”

“I thought it would be fun to play on the MILF understanding and create a show around what it’s like to juggle my life as a standup, a wife for over 15 years, mother of three, social justice advocate, running a nonprofit, all of this in tandem, while my highest intention when I left my doctorate was to pursue my standup.”

Oh, right… I forgot to mention that she is a former doctoral candidate at Temple University.

The show not only covers a day in her life, juggling all of those hats, and what it takes to get to a performance, on any given day, but it is set during the Christmas holidays, with characters ranging from a preschool-aged Jewish boy to an elitist, country club-type mom, layering several additional sets of dynamics on the day’s journey.

“It’s a hoot to get through a full day as me, wearing all of those hats, and to see how, ultimately, I end up on stage, at the end of the day,” she says, laughing.

While Meshelle sees the humor in all of the juggling, she also understands how stressful it can be, which is one of the reasons she created Moms Nite Off “A Night of Comedy and Cocktails,” with another native Baltimorean, touring comic Larry Lancaster. Held at the Baltimore Creative Alliance’s Marquee Lounge, the event provides a space for Indie-Moms and others who may be stressed to unwind and enjoy a cocktail or two and some adult fun, standup comedy.

As an artist who usually works out of town, she says, “It’s a way to maintain a footprint in Baltimore, to keep the community aware of how things are shifting for me, not only on TV, but in the theater world with my one-woman show. A way to keep Baltimore in the loop, while still giving them some great entertainment…”

To further establish her footprint as an artist in Baltimore and to raise funds for her nonprofit organization, Goaldiggers The Sankofa Project, the 2010-2012 Open Society Institute Community Fellow has unearthed yet another hat, one that she’s worn all of her life, singer. On April 25, she will toss that hat up among the others and reintroduce that side of herself, at Creative Alliance, in a cabaret she created, “Funny, Fierce and Fabulous.”

“There was always a little girl in me who was in every musical production… Dorothy in the Wiz, Purlie, Dreamgirls… From elementary school to college, I’ve always been a gay man, drag queen, stuffed inside a heterosexual little girl’s body. I love everything about musical theater,” she says of her love for the genre.

Meshelle “The Indie-Mom of Comedy” may be the comedienne’s brand, but being an Indie-Mom touches every part of her life.

“I wouldn’t be an Indie-mom if it weren’t for my three children. They take precedence. It’s God, me, and my family… And, my art is the gift… This is who I am. I have to get on stage, and I have to perform. And, they show up on stage with me because those characters are from the authentic life if being a mom.”

The next Moms Nite Off “A Night of Comedy and Cocktails” is March 3 at the Baltimore Creative Alliance’s Marquee Lounge.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Related Topics:Black comedians comedy Meshelle

Up Next

Chris Brown Reportedly a Father to 9-Month-Old Girl

Don't Miss

From Court To Hospital: Suge Knight Tells Judge He Is Going Blind

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Alameda County

The Marin City Flea Market Is Back

The Marin City Flea Market returns on May 23, offering arts, crafts, vintage items, and collectibles. The market aims to uplift local vendors and celebrate cultural diversity.

Published

1 hour ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Customers shopping in Marin City Flea Market. Photo courtesy of marincityflea.org.

By Godfrey Lee

After a long absence, Marin City will once again hold its flea market. The market will have its grand opening on Saturday, May 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church parking lot on 101 Donahue St. It will be held every fourth Saturday of the month

The market will be free to the public

There will be arts, crafts, vintage, collectibles, and other items on sale at the market. Interested vendors can contact info@marincityflea.org or text (415) 484-2984 for more information.

“The Marin City Flea Market’s mission is to uplift local vendors, celebrate cultural diversity, and provide an accessible community space where creativity, entrepreneurship, and connection can thrive,” says their website, marincityflea.org.

The flea market is sponsored and run by the Rotary Club of Marin City.

For more information, contact info@marincityflea.org. Or text to (415) 484-2984

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Alameda County

Mayor Barbara Lee Declares ‘Delroy Lindo Day,’ Presents Acclaimed Actor with Key to the City

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee honored acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and declared “Delroy Lindo Day” to celebrate his contributions to film, television, and theater.

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Oakland Post

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee presents Oakland actor Delroy Lindo the key to the cCity Council chambers of Oakland City Hall in downtown Oakland. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

Oakland honored one of its most distinguished residents on May 6 as Mayor Barbara Lee presented acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo with the Key to the City and an official proclamation declaring “Delroy Lindo Day.”

The event, titled “Rooted in Legacy: Honoring Delroy Lindo,” took place at Oakland City Hall and brought together community leaders, artists, and young people for an evening centered on storytelling, cultural pride, and intergenerational connection.

Lindo, a critically acclaimed artist who lives in Oakland, was recognized for his extensive contributions to film, television, and theater, as well as his impact on the global African diaspora. Most recently the Oscar-nominated artist was recognized for his phenomenal role as a bluesman in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” a winner both critically and at the box office.

His celebrated body of work included roles in “Unprisoned,” “Malcolm X”, “Clockers,” “Get Shorty,” and ”Da 5 Bloods,” among others.

“He’s brought depth, inspiration, and authenticity to the screen,” said Lee.

The program highlighted both Lindo’s artistic legacy and his influence as a mentor. A centerpiece of the evening was an intimate fireside conversation between MLee and Lindo.

“I am a living, breathing example of somebody who has achieved the American Dream,” said Lindo. “The other side of that is I walk through the world as a Black man of African descent.”

At 5 years of age, Lindo played King Balthazar in a Nativity play. And years later on Easter of 1973 in New York the Negro Ensemble Company’s play, “The River Niger” left a great impact on him.

“Seeing that production and so many Blacks in the audience, gave me an understanding that maybe I could have a career as an actor,” said Lindo.

Students from the Oakland School for the Arts delivered powerful monologues, adding a dynamic and emotional layer to the program. The students’ instructor, Tavia Percia, chairman of the school’s theatre department, watched the performance proudly. Their performances emphasized the importance of arts education and demonstrated the next generation of talent inspired by figures like Lindo.

Five young men from All Tied Up Academy had the honor of presenting the “Rooted in Legacy” plaque to Lindo with Lee.

The evening also featured a cinematic showcase of Lindo’s work, offering a retrospective glimpse into his decades-long career.

The Golden State Warriors presented Lindo with a custom jersey, symbolizing the city’s appreciation for his contributions both on and off the screen.

The highlight of the evening came as Lee formally presented Lindo with the Key to the City and read the proclamation establishing “Delroy Lindo Day.” The recognition marked not only his artistic achievements but also his enduring connection to Oakland and his commitment to community engagement.

Celebrities, including filmmaker Ryan Coogler, congratulated Lindo via a video presentation. Lindo did not hold back the tears of gratitude. “I carry Oakland with me wherever I go,” said. Lindo, who is Jamaican via the UK, said he chose the Bay Area to call home with his wife and raise his son.

When young men who grew up with his son entered the council chambers, Lindo welcomed them to the stage for a hug and acknowledgement. “These young men are all honorable. I’ve watched them grow up, and they are the future,” he said. “These are three people that give me hope for this country.”

Addressing the audience, Lindo said, “You are part of the infrastructure of my life. My life would not be as it is without you. You give me more than I give you. Wherever I go, I bring Oakland with me.”

advised everyone to push past negativity of the world.

“Hold onto your dreams, particularly now in this country being fed the constant narrative that ‘we are less than,’ because we know we are more than. And kudos to Mayor Lee at the forefront for decades repping us for Oakland and America.”

“Everyone, hold fast to your purpose and charge as a human being and to the young; go for yours!”

Lindo thanked his many fans, friends, and family in the audience. Attendees included broadcaster Dave Clark, attorney John Burris, former Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Dr. Albert Brooks who delivered his son, and First African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Rodney Smith. Screenwriter David Webb Peoples, who gave him his first film role in Australia, “The Blood of Heroes, was also in attendance.