Shukura

The word SHukura means "grateful" in the Swahili language and she chooses to live by this principal. SHukura can be seen in the recurring role of Prison Guard Raina on NBC TV's, New Amsterdam (2018). SHukura can also be seen in the final season of the final episode of the Netflix award winning series, Orange Is the New Black (2013). Also, check out SHukura's improvisation performance on Crackle-TV's, Inside the Black Box (2022). SHukura's television and film looping credits include in HBO's The Wire (2002) and Warner Brothers Pictures Liberty Heights (1999). SHukura has also stared in both films and Web Series including, The Trade (2015), Pocket Full of Nickels-Te Adoro (2013), 12 Steps to Recovery (2010), The Department of... Ed (2017), How Did That Happen? and Blue Flame (2019). SHukura's numerous national and international commercials has gained her recognition with television audiences. Among the many were: Coca Cola, Johnson and Johnson, Mountain Dew, KFC, Nintendo, MCI, Jello, Sony, Kellogg's Pop Tarts, Wrigley Spearmint Gum, Oxy, three consecutive commercials for Wendy's and a promo for Comedy Central. SHukura has also worked in voice overs for national radio commercials including Burger King, a PSA for Domestic Violence and a PSA for HIV. SHukura is also no stranger to the stage. SHukura already knew she wanted to be an actor from winning each annual Story Telling Contest in her elementary school starting at age seven. Her studies in acting began at age eleven due to her being discovered by an acting teacher who insisted she attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Subsequently, SHukura's acting studies continued for consecutive years. Alongside the American Academy, SHukura attended a middle school for the performing arts where she majored in drama. After middle school due to a Knock out audition, SHukura was granted admittance to the prestigious world renowned Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts-the school made famous by the movie Fame, where she also majored in drama. After college SHukura began pursuing a professional career in acting by performing in theater productions at some of New York and Los Angeles' finest theater houses, including Playwrights Horizons and The Ivar theater. SHukura was selected as the winner of The Episcopal Actors Guild Monologue Competition and was nominated for best actor by The Black and Latino Filmmaker's Coalition for her performance in the film, Blue Flame. SHukura, the world is "grateful" for your amazing talent. Union affiliations- SAG/AFTRA