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Alyssa Cheatham was born a performer. "I love to be in front of the camera," she spills. "Even when I was three years old, when my mom turned off the camera I would cry and beg her to let me keep singing, acting and performing." Now 11, Alyssa's been acting for years—and her passion and dedication for her craft is only growing stronger.

On October 9, Alyssa sets sail on her latest adventure—voicing Lorelai the mermaid on Nick Jr.'s Santiago of the Seas. The exciting new series comes after a disappointing moment when her Nick Jr. show Made by Maddie was pulled from airing amid a controversy about the plot's similarity to the Oscar-winning film "Hair Love." After Nick Jr.'s decision, social media rallied around Alyssa as she spoke out in a heartfelt Instagram post. 

 

 

 

 

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When faced with unexpected obstacles or challenges that are beyond your control, what do you do? Well, here is what I think. I hope this message encourages someone today. . . . #alyssacheatham #wordsofwisdom #blackexcellence #deadline #nickjr #blackgirlmagic #livetoinspire #keepdreaming #builttolast #keepgoing #makelemonade #strongblacklead

A post shared by Alyssa Cheatham (@alyssacheatham) on Sep 4, 2020 at 5:42pm PDT

"Maddie was one of my favorite roles," Alyssa confesses to GL. "She's a Black girl fashionista and she was very inspiring." Though she was disappointed when she found out her work wouldn't make it to the screen, she decided to stay optimistic and use it as a learning experience. "I told myself to stay positive and [write] down everything I gained from the show," she explains. "I did what I love, I grew as an artist, I made new friends. I've been the best person I can be and that's what matters." 

Cheery, kind and mature beyond her years, Alyssa opens up to GL about Santiago of the Seas and why representation matters to girls everywhere...

Girls' Life: Tell us about your role on Santiago of the Seas...

Alyssa: I play Lorelai. She's a Black mermaid who has the ability to turn from a mermaid to a pirate girl. I did a lot of singing on the show—I *love* to express myself through singing, so I'm excited for my voice to be heard. In Santiago of the Seas, they go on a lot of sea adventures. [Lorelai] is in a crew with her friend Santiago along with his cousin Tomás. They fight sea crimes and have a lot of fun along the way! I think it's so cool. I'm excited for people to see it. I love it and it's such a good show.

GL: Why is representation *so* important?

Alyssa: Representation means showing up for kids like me! Black and brown kids don't see themselves enough on TV. Even when they do, it's usually just one Black person who [has] lighter skin. Kids, or even adults, when they don't see themselves on TV—they might not believe that being seen is possible. They might think they're not good enough. Everyone needs to know that they are beautiful and talented and smart and that we can accomplish anything. We need to be shown—as scientists, designers, doctors, teachers, *everything* that is important because we are important! It truly does matter.

GL: And how does it feel knowing that, on Nick Jr., *you* are providing that representation for young girls?

Alyssa: I feel great about it. I am making an impact and I love that. I didn't really have that growing up—I didn't see myself as a Disney princess, really. I only saw Tiana and then there's all these other princesses, there's nothing wrong with them and I still like them, but I think there should be more Black girl [representation among them]. I didn't see myself as a mermaid. But now I am one on TV! I'm so excited because it's important. Every little girl needs to see herself on TV, so you know you are valid and good enough and that all your dreams can come true.

GL: Any advice for other kids out there?

Alyssa: If you have a dream, go for it! You should always follow your heart, do what makes you happy and don't let anyone stop you. Be confident, be yourself and stand out. I think that's important to know. I know not everyone has the opportunity or support to follow their dreams, so I just feel like telling them, "You're not alone! You definitely have help, you can always follow your heart and go for your dreams and do what you love."

Catch Alyssa Cheatham in Santiago of the Seas, premiering Oct. 9 on Nick Jr.

Images by Guido Venitucci. Parts of this interview were edited and condensed for clarity.

by Katherine Hammer | 10/9/2020