At fifty-eight, American actor Malik Yoba describes himself as “the most evolved he’s ever been.” As a dedicated entrepreneur, actor, and member of the community, his journey has been a long one, beginning in the South Bronx and Harlem. Yoba grew up in a strict but creative home with his loving parents. His father, after taking the risk of pursuing his dreams to be a musician, always preached independence, self-determination, and giving back. This sentiment manifested in his father’s bold decision to rename himself. Originally Milton Myers, but tired of predetermined notions placed on him, he crafted the name Yoba. The actor reminisces on his childhood, sharing, “My dad created his own name because he refused to let the world define him.”
It was in this creative household, by inspiration of his very creative mother, where his love for acting began. At just four years old, he witnessed the magic of his first play, Alice in Wonderland. Surrounded by his mother’s artistic friends and immersed in drama clubs, Yoba found a deep passion for the stage. By twenty, the actor had landed his first role in a film, leading him to major parts in Cool Runnings, New York Undercover, and The Family Business. More recently, he has been involved in independent films, like Redeemed, which was filmed this past year in Jamaica. He remains deeply immersed in the arts, balancing work on and off screen.
Yoba’s community-centered interests take up much of the time he spends off sets. He founded his real estate company, Yoba Development, in 2017. Growing up, the actor’s mother displayed a profound appreciation for architecture, and consequently, as a kid, he always dreamed of putting buildings in the empty lots around Harlem, prior to gentrification. Yoba communicates the mission of the company, saying, “It’s not just about money; it’s about transforming the community.” Fittingly, in 2018 the entrepreneur played a real estate developer working in Harlem on a show. This opportunity beautifully brought together his two most important passions.
This same incredible devotion he has towards building community is what attracted him to the Cristian Rivera Foundation. Yoba’s connection to the founder, John Gungie Rivera, witnessing his unwavering passion for the cause, prompted the actor to show up to every gala until formally asked to join the board. Yoba depicts the importance of the foundation’s mission, stating, “Not many kids get D.I.P.G., so it’s a very rare cancer that needs as much exposure as possible.” He feels the recent work and success of the foundation, particularly the contribution of over half a million dollars in donations in 2025, is a significant accomplishment. He presses on, affirming the importance of continuing the good work by saying, “Until there’s a cure, that is the goal.”
For all of those suffering from D.I.P.G. and the families of those diagnosed, he conveys, “Know that you are not alone.” He hopes everyone understands that CRF is a wonderful resource for information, support, and community. He also urges everyone, everywhere, to support CRF’s mission by spreading awareness so more research can be done and a cure can be discovered.