Bernadette Speakes had a popular role on one of the most epic Black love stories ever told – Love Jones. Everyone who’s seen that 90’s classic knows all about her character, ‘Sheila.’ Her character meshed so well with ‘Darius Lovehall’ (Larenz Tate) and his boys, that she was literally an official member of their crew.

Although Love Jones was released 20 years ago, not much has changed about Bernadette. At age 50, she’s still as beautiful as she was in the film.

What She Does For A Living Now

em> Love Jones, co-starring alongside Nia Long and Larenz Tate, and working with Sidney Portier, Bernadette’s acting career was short-lived. However, that didn’t stop her progress, nor diminish her love for the cameras. Nowadays, she’s embracing the stage and breathing life into the theatrical world. Bernadette now serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Dreams Take a Minute Productions. She played a major role in the production PHI’LA The Musical, which was a collaborative effect with her husband, Jamal Yusuf Speakes, Sr.

Her Husband, Her Son & The Cool Business Her Son Has

Bernadette’s husband, Jamal Sr., also has a love for theater and film and Teaches film atSusan Miller Dorsey High School. In fact, he actually graduated from Norfolk State University with a degree in English/Minor in Theatre Arts, a Master’s of Education in Cross-Cultural Teaching and he’s currently pursuing a Doctoral Learner in an Educational Leadership Program. He wrote and produced PHI’LA The Musical and his wife also assisted with the direction of the project. In fact, Bernadette directed the play at Club Nokia and the NAACP Film Festival back in 2009.

However, they aren’t the only ones working hard. Their 15-year-old son, Jamal Jr., also owns his own business called Jamal’s Famous Lemonade.

The teen has his own business website and has also taken the initiative to raise funds through GoFundMe to back his company. He revealed he’s an advocate for community service and has also opted to donate a percentage of the company’s proceeds to the less fortunate:

I also believe in giving back to my community. A percentage of the sale proceeds are donated to an organization I believe in and one that helps so many families in need…Family Rescue Center…. A faith-based, volunteer group serving those in need, with food, clothing, medical assistance, and vocational training scholarships that encourage independence.

Props to the Speakes fam’ on their many successful ventures!