Keke Palmer and Son Leodis Star in The Children’s Place Back-to-School Campaign
Keke Palmer’s two-year-old son, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, is stepping into the spotlight for his inaugural modeling campaign, joining his multifaceted mother in The Children’s Place’s new Back-to-School collection. The highly anticipated campaign, which features Keke Palmer, 31, and her vibrant son, is set to officially launch on Palmer’s official Instagram on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, with selections becoming available on ChildrensPlace.com in August 2025.
PEOPLE magazine secured an exclusive sneak peek into the campaign, revealing the authentic and playful dynamic between the Emmy Award-winning actress and her toddler. Palmer herself took on the role of stylist for the shoot, curating a range of looks for Leodis and his young friends. The collection masterfully blends bold prints with comfortable, functional pieces, reflecting a practical yet stylish approach to children’s wear.
Since welcoming Leodis in February 2023 with her ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, Palmer has openly embraced and shared her motherhood journey with her extensive social media following. Her platforms are often graced with a mix of humorous videos and heartfelt tributes dedicated to her son. In a poignant Instagram post from March 2023, Palmer reflected on this new chapter, stating, “Mommy’ing is coming along if you were looking for an update. I have juggled quite a few careers but this is my greatest gig of all. I will never be the same again, but if you thought I was a bad mama jamma before, you can’t imagine the greater purpose my son has given my life!”
The unique name, Leodis, holds a special story. Palmer revealed on Scott Evans’ “House Guest” podcast earlier this year that Darius Jackson conceived the name, aiming to combine elements of both their names—Darius and Lauren (Keke’s birth name). She lightheartedly noted the common Chicago practice of merging parents’ names. Palmer expressed her fondness for the name, stating, “I was pregnant, anything went. It’s adorable, … and then also it sounded like an old name.” She even joked about the historical gravitas it carries, suggesting, “He sounded like he was marching with [Martin Luther King Jr.]. It’s like Leodis Andrellton Jackson. He’s gonna be on somebody’s campaign.”
As a mother, Palmer’s perspective on life has notably shifted. In an interview with PEOPLE, she described navigating motherhood alongside her demanding career as an actress, musician, and business owner as “always a juggling act.” Yet, this new role has brought a profound sense of peace. “I do feel like being 30, it’s put me in a different head space that’s allowed me to kind of feel more observational about my life,” Palmer shared. “I’m not so in the weeds of everything. I’m really trusting and having faith that everything will work out as it should. I think so much of that peace has come from my son.” Among her many accomplishments, Palmer is particularly eager for Leodis to one day watch her acclaimed film, Akeelah and the Bee.
