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Karla Antoinette, a. k. a., "Karla With a K" SAG - AFTRA Broadcaster • Actress, also Educator • Internet Marketer • Entrepreneur!
I am convinced that WE ARE ALL CRAZY!
The only thing that keeps us from acting out our "crazy" are three things:
EDUCATION
THE LAW
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS & GROWTH
No matter what age we are, we all have the propensity to have thoughts in our heads that will make us BELIEVE things that can make us BEHAVE as if we are crazy.
Our thoughts can be real or fantasy.
Many of us conjure up thoughts in our heads that we CHOOSE to believe, whether they are true or not. We CREATE stories based on those beliefs. But many times they are simply desires we WANT to believe. Then we act out, based on our own created thoughts and ideas, as if they are real.
THAT IS POWERFUL!
Now wouldn't it be awesome if we used that creative ability, that POWER, to make positive change in our lives?
Unfortunately, most of us use our imagination to create negative thoughts and negative behavior follows.
Imagine what we could do if we just DECIDED to flip the script and rather than imagine negative ideas and thoughts, we CHOSE to imagine positive, empowering thoughts.
Wow.
I'm going to try that myself!
LIFE EXPERIENCE
Karla's Biography
Author/Actress/Radio Air Personality
e-mail: karlawak4@aol.com "Karla With a K," that is my name, spell it with a "C" and it's just not the same."
...This moniker has been with me all my life, but it wasn't until I became an Air Personality on 103.9 & 98.3 KACE in Los Angeles, that it took on a whole new significance for me.
Now, Karla With a K, is my legal name with AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and SAG (Screen Actors Guild). It was previously, Karla Antoinette, my "target="_blank">Martin and Moesha TV credits are listed as.
I started in radio in the Petersburg/Richmond market at Magic 99FM, where Paul Childs hired me as a weekend Air Personality in 1984. I worked at a Production Specialist at WXEX TV8 (ABC Affiliate) and part time at Magic 99FM until I relocated to Los Angeles the day after Christmas in 1984.
I was off the radio airwaves until I returned to VA, in 1991 and was rehired again, doing Overnights, at Magic 99FM by the new P. D., Phil Daniel. After a few months there, I was hired as the Public Affairs Director for Virginia State University's radio station, 91.3FM, WVST, from Jan. 1992 to April 1994.
While I enjoyed playing Jazz in the Midday shift, training students and acting locally in commercials, I had always been preparing to return to Los Angeles.
In April 1994, at the same time my mother was preparing to move to Hawaii to marry the love of her life, Col. Travis Stephens, M was packing my car to drive to L. A. My friend, Monique Green agreed to take the drive with me across the country, L. A. bound.
After Monique and I arrived safely in Los Angeles, we continued our trip to Hawaii to witness my mother's nuptials. It was a beautiful experience realizing love can still be fresh and new, even at 70!
Upon returning to L. A., and searching for work in radio, Kevin Flemming, Program Director at KACE, hired me to do Overnights at the legendary, 103.9FM KACE. From June 1994 to February 2000, I was in the #2 Media market, jammin' L. A .'s Best R&B Oldieson the radio and producing the Kultural Kalendar, a pre-recorded list of events in L. A.
After the Telecommunications Act of 1996, things started changing in a big way. It was time to make way for the commercialization of a new phenomenon called the Internet.
Radio stations were being sold left and right. Ownership laws were changing, allowing foreign ownership of broadcast licenses and small companies were being bought out by behemoth media giants, leaving talent wondering our fate in this undeclared "war on talent."
Cox Radio must a made a deal to leave the L. A. market in favor of dominating the Southeast, because it sold, what some called the "crown jewels" of L. A. radio, KFI and KOST. They continued to hold KACE, looking for a buyer. Ultimately, Cox sold the station to the Hispanic Broadcasting Corporation, for a $40 million profit. HBC changed it to Spanish language in Feb. 2000.
Since KACE closed, as a performer, I've continued to pursue acting and voiceover work (an ongoing effort that never ceases) and I host and emcee comedy shows, concerts, as well as church and community events.
I am one of the Anchors for City News at the City of Refuge in Gardena, CA:
Since July of 2000, I've made my living as a Substitute Teacher for grades 6-12, teaching English, History and Computer Education classes for the Los Angeles Unified School District.
During the days of Public Access TV, I hosted cable shows:
"It's A Process," produced by Al Noble, created by me. This was a faith-based program for non-church goers, featuring interviews, personal testimonies and musical guests who have a positive "message in the music."
"Minute By Minute," created and produced by Al Noble. An issues-oriented program, co-hosted by me and Journalist/Broadcaster, Ron Brewington. We discussed current events that affect our community.
"These Changing Times," produced by Compton City Council and their Public Relations liaison, Mark Woods. A politically oriented program that ultimately took on the risk of advocating for the 2008 election of America's first Black president, Barack Obama. Thank God, our efforts were not in vain. He WON!
I have moderated numerous public forums including: IBON 2000 Breakfast Meetings, Anthony Samad's Urban Issues Breakfast Forums, the AABE Energy Crisis Forum, NAACP ACT-SO Awards, "Recycled For God" Concert, Ward AME's SEASONFEST 2003 and others.
Although acting is my first love and I was nominated for an NAACP Theatre Award for Best Performance, Female, radio is the gig I'm best known for in L. A.
Because I did Overnights, Quite Storm, Middays, Weekends, station drops, image liners and the Kultural Kalendar, my voice could be heard on the air on KACE, 24/7.
During a 3 month stint as Acting Marketing Manager, I coordinated a Reggae Sun Splash Promotion that took me and 8 lucky couples to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, courtesy of KACE and the Jamaican Tourist Board.
As a service to the community, KACE asked me to produce a pre-recorded spot I called the "Kultural Kalendar," a free public service listing of the happenings in Southern California.
Before it was all over, the Kultural Kalendar was sponsored and created additional revenue for KACE. I was proud to have created a vehicle that contributed to the station financially.
As an actress, in 1995, I guest starred on an episode of Martincalled Uptown Friday Night" with Micole White and Kym E. Whitley.
We played a trio of bandits robbing Romey Rome's Club Shiznit. I'm the one with the mask covering my face.
In 1997, on the sit-com Moesha, "Labor Day Jammy", I played myself, radio personality, Karla With a K, where I introduced the musical group, Dru Hill on an episode called "Labor Day Jammy."
I've also been in several commercials, including a national Lexus commercial (remember the Black man who surprised his wife with a Lexus for Christmas and she covered her mouth in surprise?) that ran during the 1999 Christmas/New Year season.
A graduate of Howard University, with a B. A. in Communications (Radio, TV, Film) and Theatre, I am still pursuing my goal of being an artistic force in the media.
Straight out of college, my first job was working behind the scenes in Production at the ABC affiliate, WXEX-TV8, in Richmond/Petersburg, VA. Due to job dissatisfaction and frustration, I took a part-time gig as a D. J. at Richmond/Petersburg's Magic 99FM and stepped in front of a radio mike for the first time in June 1984. But even my new found love of radio didn't satisfy my soul. It was time to leave home.
The day after Christmas 1984, I left Petersburg to take my career to the next level in Los Angeles, California. With my survival instincts kicking in first, I put my performing on hold and worked behind the scenes on film, TV and stage projects.
Over the years, I've worked on numerous productions, including:
Warren G's "I Shot The Sheriff," directed by Paul Hunter,
NAACP Image Awards (1988),
Lou Rawls Parade Of The Stars,
HBO's Pay Per View "Rapmania" with Sinbad and Debbie Allen and
worked in Marketing/Booking for the Harlem Globetrotters(1989-90).
I'm also very proud of having helped Michael Williams pioneer L. A.'s 1st Black comedy club,The Comedy Act Theatre (The CAT) in 1985. Its 12 year history, some of the best comedy talent ever, graced the stage of the CAT in Los Angeles or Atlanta to hone their talents before hitting it big. Between L. A. and Atlanta, the CAT roster included: Martin Lawrence, Robert Townsend, Keenan and Damon Wayans, the late Robin Harris, Lewis Dix, Ricky Harris, Michael Colyar, Chris Tucker, Don D. C. Curry and many others.
Over the years, I've continued to be involved with the comedy scene via the SAG/AFTRA/WGA Comedians Caucus. --------------------------------------------------------
On the L.A. theatre scene, I received a nomination in 1992 from the Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Theatre Awards for Best Supporting Performance, Female for my role in Stacey McClain's comedy stageplay, "Culture Shock."
I also had a long run playing Hazel Simpkin in Kenneth B. Davis' renowned stageplay, "South of Where We Live." -------------------------------------------------------- In 1991, I went back home to Petersburg, VA, as a victim of domestic violence, but while there, I wrote a book, "My Steps To Healing," as a SURVIVOR. The book is a collection of original poems inspired by the Biblical scripture I read that helped lead to my spiritual, emotional and physical healing; I also included notes that chronicle the healing process. While writing the book, I resumed my radio career right where it had begun, at Magic 99FM in Richmond/Petersburg, VA.
In 1992, I accepted a position as Public Affairs Director at Virginia State University's WVST, 91.3FM.
In that capacity, among other duties, I produced 6 radio talk shows which I coined "Urban Talk," and I played contemporary jazz and r&b music as the Midday host.
Upon returning to Los Angeles in 1994, KACE hired me to do Overnights which ultimately led me to become the Midday host in Los Angeles.
On January 14, 1998, while on the air in the Midday, I was stricken with symptoms of what turned out to be a deadly strain of bacterial meningitis that almost killed me.
It was scary for a minute, but by God's grace, I fully recovered. I resumed my on-air presence at KACE from June '99 until we were sold in Feb. 2000.
In Spring 2003. I repackaged myself as performers do from time to time to stay "fresh," and I stepped into the intimidatingly challenging, horrifyingly scary, often misunderstood, yet over-saturated arena of Stand-Up comedy, as a a tall, Christian, Politically INcorrect, blonde-afroed, Black woman who challenges you to think!
That was a hard gig to be consistent with, so it's still a goal.
Now in 2010, I've been an Internet Marketer (www.ProClubGear.com) for over five years, I continue to Substitute Teach and pursue acting and/or radio (again), but I'm still a work in progress, so....may God bless YOU to live your dreams!
Romans 8:28...All things work together for good, to them who love the Lord, to them who are the called according to His purpose.
-------------------------------------------------------- In 1991, I went back home to Petersburg, VA, as a victim of domestic violence, but while there, I wrote a book, "My Steps To Healing," as a SURVIVOR. The book is a collection of original poems inspired by the Biblical scripture I read that helped lead to my spiritual, emotional and physical healing; I also included notes that chronicle the healing process. While writing the book, I resumed my radio career right where it had begun, at Magic 99FM in Richmond/Petersburg, VA.