Diamond Jones, Young People Who Rock
June 26, 2008 | Vetting explained
Diamond Alegra Jones is an American actress, model, author, poet, philanthropist, and public speaker. Diamond is of Caucasian (French), Spanish, and Cherokee descent. As a young child, Diamond was vacationing in Florida with her mother and sister, and ended up being featured as an extra in a Walt Disney World commercial. Throughout middle school and high school, she starred in several local plays and musicals such as “Oliver!” and “Hello, Dolly!”
Diamond has been featured in various ads and promotions, including those for Proctor & Gamble (Swiffer), Unilever (Axe), Bank of America, Wahl, and Sophisticate’s Black Hair. Diamond is the former host of the popular UPN hit “Richmond Live!” and a former on-air personality for Virginia Voice radio. “Richmond Live!” was the first-ever Virginia-based live talk show on a major network, and it was broadcast regionally, reaching households in over 5 states. Diamond also served as Project Manager for the show, helping secure sponsorships and selecting the wardrobe. Diamond starred as the lead in the critically-acclaimed stage play “Mama Said: Can’t Judge a Book by its Cover!” The play was the first ever “live” soap opera, and played to a sold-out audience every night. Diamond performed the voice-over spec for “Mama Said” on the local radio.
In 2004, Diamond beat out more than 900 other hopefuls to compete as “Beyonce” in the MTV phenomenon “Becoming Presents Destiny’s Child,” hosted by Christina Milian. Diamond went on to win the entire show, and perform live, along with Charlyn as “Kelly” and Portia as “Michelle.” Diamond, Charlyn, and Portia attracted the attention of a grammy-winning music producer while they were performing on MTV, and when they were backstage, they were approached and offered representation. They formed a girl group, 4IInd, as a tribute to where they met, 42nd Street in New York City. They went on to record their demo as a group, but split up before a deal was signed. As a solo artist, Diamond wrote and recorded a country music demo. Diamond also sang in the grammy-award-winning Love Fellowship Choir with Hezekiah Walker.
Diamond has appeared on the Oxygen Network as a guest contestant on the game show “Trackers,” and she also has appeared repeatedly on the WB. Diamond starred in the main role (”Day”) in the independent film “Refuge,” directed by Khari Ajene. Diamond reportedly has said that she is very proud of the role because she had to dig deep to play the character of Day, who had a secret psychosis, and yet was very vulnerable. “Refuge” won the acclaim of SimmonsLathan (which subsequently resulted in a worldwide distibution deal). For the screening of “Refuge,” Diamond helped coordinate the first-ever independent film premiere, with media attention, in Richmond, VA.
Diamond has written two books, “Broken Wings” (a poetry book), and “Catching More Flies with Honey than Vinegar” (an etiquette book). She is an established poet and columnist. Diamond has been honored with the Outstanding Achievement in Poetry award and the Editor’s Choice award by the International Society of Poets.
Diamond is an active volunteer and mentor, primarily working with underprivileged children, the disabled, and the homeless. She teaches a GED class at Columbia University.
Diamond is the CEO of Diamond Girl Publishing, and the grandniece of modeling pioneer Ophelia Devore.
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