Former Disney star Skai Jackson made a radiant return to the spotlight at the NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors in Los Angeles on February 21, marking her first public outing since announcing the birth of her son, Kasai, last month.
The 22-year-old actress, celebrated for her role in Jessie and advocacy for Black excellence, stole the show at the Young, Gifted, and Black panel, embodying grace as she navigates her new role as a mother.
Looking like a living doll, Jackson attended the Young, Gifted & Black panel wearing a playful, structured mini dress that mixes bold stripes with crisp white accents. The halterneck bodice features a wide, white collar that plunges into a V-shape, and the stripes continue down the center with large black buttons running in a row.
The sleeves that sit off the shoulders have a subtle flare, while the skirt features pleated white panels that enhance its volume and offer a striking contrast. The result is a playful yet refined silhouette that merges bold lines with a lively, feminine touch that showcases her signature style.
Radiating confidence, Skai’s look was perfect for a night celebrating the brightest stars in Black entertainment.
The Jessie alum surprised many when she revealed on Instagram that she had quietly welcomed her first child with a boyfriend she’s chosen not to identify publicly. In a heartfelt post on January 26, Skai shared a touching photo of her newborn’s hands in hers, captioned simply: “Kasai.”
Speaking to PEOPLE in an exclusive interview on the NAACP red carpet, Skai Jackson disclosed that the experience of motherhood has already “been so positive.”
“I love being a new mom. It’s just so exciting. So exciting,” Jackson says. “I’m here tonight, I’m already missing my baby. But it’s been a great month with my new little one.”
The Young, Gifted & Black panel at the NAACP Image Awards is designed to spotlight emerging and established Black talent, so it’s fitting that Jackson, who’s navigated showbiz since childhood, was part of the evening’s festivities.
Although she hasn’t disclosed her upcoming projects or how being a mother could affect her timetable, fans expect her popularity to keep increasing. She has consistently expressed her wish to evolve as both an artist and an inspiration for young individuals. Now that she is balancing her new role as a mother, it is probable that she will infuse her work with a fresh sense of maturity and complexity.
