Written by Tanya Terry
Isaiah “Jaddai” Baker may have already been through a lot in life, but as a current Job Corps-Flint student, he is making positive progress and has been given the opportunity to try reach his aspiration to be a professional actor at the national level.
Isaiah J. Baker performed in musicals and plays at the “New” McCree Theatre, which helped strengthen his skills and abilities in acting. It gave him confidence in performing in front of people. Baker played the major role of sheriff last year, as well as this year, in “The Legend of Bass Reeves” at McCree. He also played the lead role of Othello in the play “Orthello” by William Shakespeare at Urban Renaissance Center, which is also in Flint.
“It gave me self-importance and a passion to aspire more into the acting field,” said Baker.
Baker told the Courier in an interview in early 2023 that he has experienced trauma and he was part of the foster care system. He also opened up about experiencing anxiety and depression.
“It was a rough patch in my life because my parents were going through a divorce,” Baker said.
He told the Courier that at that time, he was put in the foster care program.
“I couldn’t understand a lot of stuff I was going through at the moment, but I had to find a way to grow through it, especially with God.”
Though Baker still experiences anxiety and depression at times, it has improved.
“I know it’s just a phase. Plus, I’ve got people to talk to.”
Baker described himself as “spiritual” to the Courier in February.
“It’s basically me, spending time praying, meditating and stuff like that – taking time to listen more than I speak. I just use wisdom most of the time. I look at the Bible and follow what the Bible says.”
Baker makes music as well.
“I made over 3 million streams worldwide,” he said.
His biggest hit song as a sole artist is “Helping Hand.”
“It’s a song I made at a rough time. I was really just reaching out for a helping hand. At that time, I felt alone. So, I felt like I needed to make that song.”
Baker added people were there to help him, which helped “in a way.”
Baker was part of the group Flint Renaissance Era, while also pursuing his solo career.
“Being with that group – we’re been friends for years. We were in middle school and high school together. We basically grew together, and we all had talents and aspirations for music and stuff like that. So, we performed around the city. But, sadly that was for a season. We all departed. It changed me in some way because that was me stepping out my comfort zone putting events together around the city.”
Baker, a graduate of Carman-Ainsworth High School, is currently in the Homeland Security program at Job Corps-Flint. Baker said he is learning discipline at Jobs Corps and that is helping him work towards his goals. The director of the local center, Daniel Sheppard, offered these remarks concerning Baker:
“In a short time Isaiah has proven himself a leader within his trade, Homeland Security, and due to this he was accepted for paid work-based learning providing security for Northridge Academy. His demeanor on center sets a positive example for his peers and his value of community service has been incredibly helpful throughout the year at numerous food drives. All of this while he also dedicated time to his true passion, acting.”
In November, Baker was accepted to AMDA College of Performing Arts, located in Los Angeles, California. As a scholarship recipient, he will be learning about acting for television and film there. He plans to act in TV show and movies and likes being in musicals, in particular.
“The point is to be in Los Angeles by the end of next year.”
