Kymberly Newberry

Kymberly S. Newberry began her career in Michigan at Wayne State University, where she studied African-American Theatre and Shakespeare. A member of both the prestigious Bonstelle and Hillberry Theatre Companies, Kymberly was awarded the Martin Molson Scholarship, which is presented to students whose outstanding contributions are recognized by the faculty. Kymberly is also one of the founding members of the renowned African-American Studio Theatre. Her eventual arrival in Los Angeles has lead to a nearly twenty year successful career in front of the camera. With scores of series regular and guest appearances on television and film, from "Martin", "Seinfled", "The Practice" , "ER", and "NYPD Blue" to "Barbershop", "The Ghost Whisperer" and "Dirt". Along the way, she has become an accomplished painter and assemblage artist as well, with her works exhibited in galleries in Houston and Los Angeles. While pursuing a degree in French, including studies at L'université Paris-Sorbonne, Kymberly coined the phrase "Francafricane" in response to the term, "Francophile". A self-professed "Francafricane", she grew weary of attending yearly French language celebrations that did not include the French speaking African continent or the French speaking African Diaspora. In 2009, Kymberly founded the Organization "Siggi Dimanche". Its mission is to present a yearly event, which coincides with other international Francophonie celebrations, putting forth the French language as it is utilized and enjoyed by the inhabitants of the 31 Francophone African countries and the French speaking Caribbean. "Siggi Dimanche", seeks to become an integral part of the international Francophone dialogue, also offering pedagogical components by engaging in French language workshops throughout the year.