Iyanna Faith Lawrence is an American celebrity and Instagram personality born on November 9, 2000, in Los Angeles, California. She’s the daughter of comedian Martin Lawrence and entrepreneur Shamicka Gibbs, known for her education at Sarah Lawrence College and her activism on social issues.
Growing up in the spotlight isn’t easy. Most celebrity children struggle to find their identity away from their famous parents’ shadow. Yet Iyanna Faith Lawrence has shown she’s more than just a celebrity kid by pursuing higher education and advocating for social causes while maintaining her privacy.
Who Is Iyanna Faith Lawrence?
Iyanna Faith Lawrence was born on November 9, 2000, making her 24 years old as of 2025. Her name means “God is gracious,” reflecting the thoughtful approach her parents took when naming their first child together.
Her parents, Martin Lawrence and Shamicka Gibbs, dated for over ten years before marrying on July 10, 2010, at Lawrence’s Beverly Hills home. The wedding featured celebrity guests, including Eddie Murphy and Denzel Washington. However, the marriage ended when Martin filed for divorce on April 25, 2012, citing irreconcilable differences.
Despite their separation, both parents remained committed to raising their daughters together. In 2021, Shamicka Gibbs posted a Father’s Day tribute writing: “Our girls are so blessed to have you as their daddy. They get their funny, their honesty, their loyalty, and their kindness from you”.
Family Background and Siblings
What Is Martin Lawrence Known For?
Martin Lawrence is an American actor, comedian, and producer who rose to fame in the 1990s through his work hosting HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, starring in the Bad Boys franchise alongside Will Smith, and leading his own sitcom Martin. His films have grossed hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide.
Martin was born on April 16, 1965, in Frankfurt, West Germany, where his father served in the U.S. military. After his parents divorced, he was raised by his mother in Maryland and began his entertainment career through stand-up comedy.
Who Is Shamicka Gibbs?
Shamicka Gibbs, born November 11, 1975, is a successful entrepreneur, chef, and television personality. She owns several Massage Envy Spa franchises across the United States and created an organic meal delivery service. She also appeared on VH1’s reality show “Hollywood Exes” after her divorce.
How Many Siblings Does Iyanna Have?
Iyanna has two sisters: Amara Trinity Lawrence, born on August 20, 2002, and Jasmine Page Lawrence, born on January 15, 1996. Jasmine is her half-sister from Martin’s first marriage to Patricia Southall.
The three sisters maintain a close relationship. In May 2025, Jasmine married Eric Murphy, son of comedian Eddie Murphy, in a private ceremony. Amara, the youngest sister, has pursued music and released original songs, including “Long Time” and “To Myself” on SoundCloud.
Education Journey
Where Did Iyanna Go to High School?
Iyanna graduated from high school in 2019 after attending a private school in her Los Angeles hometown. During her senior year, she demonstrated her commitment to activism. In 2018, she spoke on a panel about her experience being a Black student in a predominantly white school.
What College Did Iyanna Faith Lawrence Attend?
In 2019, Iyanna enrolled at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York, where she concentrated in creative writing. The college is known for its liberal arts education and individualized approach to learning.
When her parents dropped her off at college, Shamicka posted on Instagram: “Today was one of the hardest days of my life. I left my baby girl at school to start her new chapter of college life. Your father and I are so proud of the young woman that you have become”.
Sarah Lawrence College offers a nationally recognized writing program where students work in close collaboration with faculty members who are active, successful writers, including Pulitzer Prize winners and Emmy award-winning screenwriters.
Career and Interests
Is Iyanna Faith Lawrence on Social Media?
Yes. Iyanna maintains an Instagram account under the username @iyanna_faith with over 27,000 followers. She shares glimpses of her life, family moments, and fashion choices while keeping much of her personal life private.
She understands the balance between staying connected and staying private, showing that social media isn’t just about likes but staying true to herself while honoring her family’s privacy.
What Does Iyanna Faith Lawrence Do for a Living?
While Iyanna has potential as a model due to her fashion sense and lifestyle, her exact career path remains private. She graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a concentration in creative writing, suggesting her interests lie in literary and creative pursuits.
Some expect she’ll eventually step into entertainment through acting, producing, or writing, though she might choose to stay behind the scenes and let her work speak for itself.
Personal Life
Is Iyanna Faith Lawrence Dating Anyone?
Iyanna is currently single and appears focused on her career and education. She maintains privacy about her romantic life, choosing not to share relationship details publicly.
What Are Iyanna’s Physical Characteristics?
Iyanna stands 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs approximately 55 kilograms. She has black hair and black eyes, and maintains an active, healthy lifestyle.
Net Worth and Financial Background
What Is Iyanna Faith Lawrence’s Net Worth?
Iyanna’s exact net worth remains undisclosed, but her father, Martin Lawrence, has a net worth of $110 million, while her mother, Shamicka Gibb, has an estimated net worth of $5 million. She comes from a financially secure family that has provided her with substantial opportunities.
Activism and Social Engagement
What Causes Does Iyanna Support?
Iyanna is passionate about activism, particularly regarding racial equity in education. Her 2018 panel discussion about being a Black student in predominantly white schools demonstrated her willingness to speak about uncomfortable truths.
In 2018, she also participated in a women’s march in Los Angeles, showing her engagement with broader social justice movements.
Family Public Appearances
Iyanna joined her father, mother, and sisters at the Los Angeles premiere of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” in 2024, one of several red carpet appearances the family has made together. These events showcase the close bond the Lawrence family maintains despite Martin and Shamicka’s divorce.
In June 2023, Martin Lawrence received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with all three daughters and his fiancée, Roberta Moradfar, present at the ceremony. Fellow comedians Tracy Morgan and Steve Harvey spoke about Martin’s impact on television and comedy.
Key Facts About Iyanna Faith Lawrence
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Iyanna Faith Lawrence |
| Date of Birth | November 9, 2000 |
| Age (2025) | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
| Parents | Martin Lawrence and Shamicka Gibbs |
| Education | Sarah Lawrence College (Creative Writing) |
| Siblings | Jasmine Page Lawrence, Amara Trinity Lawrence |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| @iyanna_faith (27K+ followers) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Iyanna Faith Lawrence?
Iyanna was born on November 9, 2000, making her 24 years old in 2025.
Are Martin Lawrence’s daughters close?
Yes. The sisters celebrated holidays together, including a 2020 Halloween cosplay of the “Girlfriends” cast, and regularly celebrate each other’s birthdays.
Did Iyanna’s sister marry Eddie Murphy’s son?
Yes. Jasmine Lawrence married Eric Murphy in May 2025 during a private ceremony with just the couple and a preacher present.
What does the name Iyanna mean?
The name Iyanna means “God is gracious”.
Where does Iyanna Faith Lawrence live?
Iyanna grew up in Los Angeles, California, and attended college in New York, though her current residence remains private.
Building Her Own Identity
Iyanna Faith Lawrence stands out because she doesn’t let celebrity attention consume her. She shares what she wants, celebrates her family, and quietly writes her story one chapter at a time.
Unlike many celebrity children who immediately pursue entertainment careers, Iyanna chose education first. Her decision to study creative writing at a prestigious liberal arts college shows her commitment to developing skills and building a foundation for whatever career path she ultimately selects.
With supportive sisters, loving parents, and strong educational credentials, she’s positioned well for whatever comes next. Whether she becomes a published author, enters entertainment, continues her activism, or takes an entirely different path, she’s demonstrated the independence and thoughtfulness to succeed on her own terms.
The Lawrence family’s public appearances at movie premieres and award ceremonies show a united front. These events remind people that while Martin is the star, his children are his biggest pride.
Final Thoughts
Iyanna Faith Lawrence represents a new generation of celebrity children who understand the value of education, privacy, and authenticity. She’s not rushing into the spotlight or trading on her famous last name for quick fame.
Instead, she’s investing in her education, engaging with social causes she cares about, and building relationships with her family and peers. Her approach offers a refreshing alternative to the typical celebrity child narrative.
As she continues to grow and define her path, one thing is clear: Iyanna Faith Lawrence is writing her own story, and it’s worth following.
