23 January 2025 3 minute read
Finding Her Voice: A Spark Ignited 
In middle school, Peyton Shemaiah (Class of 2025)—now known by her stage name, Shemaiah Red or Red—stood before the choir, uncertain of the power she held within her voice. It was Mrs. French, her choral teacher, who first recognized the spark within her, encouraging her to step forward and embrace the music that had always been a part of her. That moment, under the fluorescent lights of the music room, but it wasn’t the true turning point. “I thought I realized my love for music, then,” Red recalls, “ but it was when I experienced it’s healing power when I was battling severe mental health challenges, that I truly fell in love with it, and I knew I wanted to pursue it.”
Her stage name, Shemaiah Red, is more than just a moniker; it embodies her essence – bold, passionate, and vibrant. To her, the color red symbolizes strength, resilience, and an unyielding love for her craft.
Her passion blossomed in those early years, but the news that her middle school choral program was being phased out left a heavy mark. The safe space that had once been her sanctuary was slipping away, a painful reminder of the fragile nature of artistic opportunities in underfunded communities. Yet Red refused to let that setback silence her, determined to let her voice rise above the obstacles.
Today, Red’s journey has taken her from those humble beginnings to the dazzling lights of New York City. Without an audition, she performed at the renowned 54 below. A friend well-connected within the Broadway scene shared her talent with a producer, and after seeing her performances on Instagram, she was immediately extended an invitation. “Sometimes, people just ask me to perform and I say 'Why not?'" she says with a smile. That fearless mindset led her to seize the opportunity to sing for Alicia Keys as a sophomore and later for the A Different World cast as a junior— moments that solidified her presence in Atlanta’s Rich music scene.
At Spelman College, the Spriggs Borough‘s Drama and Dance Ensemble became another pivotal part of Red's growth as an artist. It provided a sanctuary where she could pour her emotions into her craft, honoring the memories of loved ones through heartfelt performances. Within this space, she not only embraced her most authentic self, but allowed her artistry to flourish and evolve.
But Red’s journey is about more than music—it’s about resilience. When she arrived at Spelman College, she carried with her the weight of personal loss and financial hardship. “I almost transferred back home,” she admits. But just as she was on the brink of leaving, Spelman awarded her a $60,000 scholarship—a moment she considers divine intervention. Despite facing the grief of losing loved ones and the constant balancing act of academic work and internships, she persisted. Maintaining a 3.67 GPA while working part-time, serving as a resident advisor and taking on internships—Red’s determination remains unwavering.
Beyond the stage, advocacy runs deep in her veins. As a black lesbian woman, she stands at the intersection of multiple identities, each with its own challenges. Her activism began young – marching in the streets as a middle schooler, witnessing firsthand the iniquities in education and the lack of support for Black students. “I was always the token Black girl in gifted programs,” recalling the frustration of seeing her peers overlooked simply because no one believed in their potential. Now, she envisions a future in public policy—using her voice, not only to sing, but to amplify the issues that impact marginalized communities. “Legislation is the key to fixing what’s broken” she asserts.
Despite her academic focus on activism, Red’s artistic expression remains central to who she is. Whether it’s writing advocacy in poetry or using music to tell stories of resilience, she refuses to let her passions exist in isolation. “I don’t want them to be mutually exclusive,” she explains. “I want my music and my activism to collide in meaningful ways.”
At the heart of Red’s resilience and passion lies the inspiration she draws from her mother, her greatest hero. Despite facing the devastating losses of both her son and her mother, she remained a pillar of strength for her surviving children, even in moments when she struggled to support herself. “My story wouldn’t exist without her and neither would I,” Red reflects. Her mother’s perseverance has been a guiding force in Red’s life, shaping the woman she is today.
As she prepares for graduation, Red stands at a crossroads—considering whether to take a break from academia to perform on cruise lines traveling the world while pursuing her passion. Auditions are lined up and the future feels limitless. “We’ve been in school for 18 years straight so I deserve to explore my dream, “she says with conviction.
From the choir room of her middle school to the grand stages of New York and beyond, Red embodies the perseverance, passion and purpose of Spelman women. Whether through song or advocacy, she continues to shine—an unsung shero, using her voice to inspire and uplift others.