Check Out Akela O’Neal’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Akela O’Neal.

Akela , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Akela O’Neal is a 34-year-old Stand-comedian, actor, father, and aspiring educator from Compton and Watts—Raised by a Southern grandmother with world-class clapbacks, Akela learned early that quick wit was not optional—it was survival. His mom balanced that out by introducing him to different programs culutenresrifes and opportunities making sure he knew there was a world beyond the block and helping him develop the listening skills and imagination that fuel his storytelling today. His love for information reading film and tv gave him the imagination he needed.

Before life ever hit him with a COVID scare, Akela had already survived the hood as a young Black man—guns, gangs, poverty, teenage parenthood, and the emotional bruises that don’t show up in your Instagram highlights. He is surviving racist systems designed to swallow young men whole, and instead of becoming bitter, he walked away with perspective, resilience, and a sense of humor sharp enough to cut through generational trauma.

Then came the COVID scare not one but two and first heartbreak—a one-two punch that forced Akela to confront himself in a deeper way. It shook him, but it also woke something up in him. He realized he wasn’t just meant to survive—he was meant to grow. To learn. To build something bigger. And to finally chase the dreams he kept putting on hold.

A few viral podcast clips later, the world got a taste of his voice—his timing, his honesty, his animated delivery—and comedy opened its doors. With a background in theater from Sam7 Productions (Leon Anderson) , Akela brought physical storytelling, character work, and stage presence into his stand-up, turning each set into a full-on performance. Comedy wasn’t just a career shift—it became a way to transform pain into purpose, struggle into punchlines, and lived experience into connection.

But Akela wasn’t done evolving. He went back to school—full-time—while still working a blue-collar job, raising his child, and building his comedy career. His goal? To earn a PhD in Black history and Pan-African Studies and become the kind of educator who once inspired him: a professor who can break down the effects of colonialism and deliver a joke that lands just as hard as the lesson.

Now, Akela is grinding on all fronts—comedian, scholar, father, worker—proving every day that being from the hood doesn’t limit your path; it strengthens your stride. Whether he’s on stage acting out his childhood, unpacking culture and politics, or in a classroom shaping the minds of future generations, Akela uses laughter and learning as tools for empowerment.

He’s not just building a career—he’s building a story. One where the hood meets the university, the punchline meets the lesson, and the man who survived it all becomes the man who teaches others how to rise.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been smooth at all. I’ve faced a lot along the way — teenage parenting, divorce, mental-health challenges, and healing from the trauma of my environment. I’ve had to break generational curses, fight against racism, and learn from immature choices I made when I was younger. I also spent time in jail and carry a criminal record. All of these struggles shaped me and pushed me to grow into who I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Besides being a custodian blue collar worker keeping a job

My connection tot he community via the black church also community activism an organizing community outreach even connection to pastors and preachers

I’m most proud of my children despite the obstacles circumstances showing them not to give up and they dad will never

I never lost my identity I always was me

Starting SafeSpaceComedy LLC
A comedy show featuring Top Notch comics with a unique environment bringing that death comedy comic view and Tiny Desk feel all in one raw rugged funny

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
When the people around me or rowing who I encounter are happy or taken care of are in a better space than they once was. It took me a long time to realize that other people’s happiness joy laughter makes me happy gives me joy. It makes me laugh also being able to see my people being better than they once were the day before

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @iamakelao__

Image Credits
Ashley Byrd