Collections by Michelle Brown

C. Imani Williams will always be a Detroiter even though she currently resides in Las Vegas. She returns as a guest  to talk about her latest book "Seven Years in A Vegas" a follow-up to her book "Rootwork: Triumph Over Trauma" and building safe spaces in Las Vegas' arts community.  This queer Black Womanist is a certified creative artist and holisitc wellness life coach. A survivor of child sexual abuse she addresses trauma in both of her boks and using them as well as her life eperience to help others .

Tracee McDaniel is the Founder and Executive Director of Juxtaposed Center for Transformation Inc - an anchoring organization for Trans housing Atlanta Program.. Her talents extend beyond her advocacy for the Transgender community. She is currently working for safe, affordable housing not just for members of the Transgender community but any one in need. She is a talented artist and author having completed a memoir "Transitions - Memoirs of a Transexual Woman" as well as other projects. She un apologetically puts the "T" first. She was recently announced as one of the 2024 Esteem Award Recipients.

Marques Coley was born in Carlsbad, CA but Michigan has been home most of his life. The oldest of four children, he always knew he was different but just didn't know how. His journey to self-discovery began at a young age and has been journaling since he was fourteen. Inspired by his 8th grade teacher, he learned different styles of writing and incorporated it into in his journal. His writing took off and he began to write his feelings. His secrets poured on to the page and he began to feel safe. His book "Being That Kid" is a coming out story, his coming out story but so much more. It's where Marques shares his truth and hopes that by doing so it will start conversations for and about folks who have been that kid.. Now he is speaking at pride celebrations and talking with small groups in hopes  of helping others live their authentic lives.

Karen Kendra Holmes has been showing up and making a difference in her community not just as a member of the transgender community but most of her life. Being of service to others is just what she does! When not speaking publicly, Karen continues working with local police departments helping to bring dignity and respect to police interactions with members of the transgender community She was recognized twice as "Soldier of the Year" by the State Guard Association of the United States and the Maryland State Guard Association. This Award-Winning Public Servant and Transgender advocate shared her passion for helping others transition and to foster acceptance and support from those around them in a 2018 Tedx Talk. She has been doing volunteer work with the Maryland Defense Force; done volunteer work with the American Red Cross for the National Capital Region and has been volunteering with Community Emergency Response Team in Prince George's County, Maryland. Her latest endeavor "The Butterfly Project" housed in the Prince George's County Memorial library provides resources for Trans and Non-Binary Folks. The Butterfly Project is a dedicated workforce development project at the Fairmount Heights Branch Library specifically for young Black and brown trans women, who are among the most at-risk people in our community. Inspired by the life and work of Karen Holmes, head of the Prince George’s Trans Coalition, the program seeks to ready young women for the job market and connect them with vital, affirming services. No matter your living, earning, or job skills situation, The Butterfly Project fosters a respectful, non-judgmental space to help young women blossom at their own pace in a safe environment

Jay Kaplan has been the staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan's LGBTQ+ Project since its founding in 2001. He has worked on cases including challenging undercover sting operations targeting gay men, fighting Michigan's constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage in 2004, defending the validity of second parent adoptions in Michigan and recently advocating for a transgender high school student to run for prom court. He's been recognized and received multiple awards for his work.  Many in the LGBTQ+ and theater community also know Jay as a talented singer, dancer, actor and director. He has appeared in many local productions and recently directed the play "A Raisin In The Sun." He has enjoyed performing since he was a child. He talks about his impressive career fighting for social justice and his love of performing. What's next for Jay? The skies the limit!!

It's been a tough couple of years. COVID, some health issues and life caused us to take a break, go on hiatus, stop the conversations. But Collections by Michelle Brown - Blog Radio is back and ready to bring you the stories of individuals living between the lines, standing boldly in the crosshairs of their intersectionality and creating change, What better way to kick things off than to go back to how it  all begin.  This is the episode where we spill the tea on Collections by Michelle Brown-Blog Radio. With the help of two listeners and friends we are going to tell it all, well almost all of the history, back stories about the show and yours truly its host.  New music, new partnerships, new shows. SO sit back and enjoy the ride!!!!!

Wyatt O'Brian Evans is a Journalist. Author. Radio Personality. Intimate Partner Violence & Abuse (IPV/A) Subject Matter Expert (SME), Advocate and Speaker. Voice-over (V/O) Instructor and Talent is currently celebrating the release of his latest novel “Shattered!” The latest installment in the Nothing Can Tear Us Apart series. Wyatt is the quintessential Renaissance man. His work has been featured in various print and online media outlets. Wyatt founded and is editor-in-chief of and a writer for Wyattevans.com, a leading online news, features, commentary, and entertainment media outlet for the LGBTQ+ Community and its Allies.As a child, Wyatt wrote poems, short stories—and even a series of comic books!  This journey led Wyatt to author the groundbreaking and popular Nothing Can Tear Us Apart (NCTUA) series of novels (Gay/SGL, Male to Male).  You can learn more about Wyatt his books, podcast, events and all about this renaissance man at his website wyattevans.com

Pride in the Pews is reimagining what inclusion looks like in Black churches. Launched in 2020 by Pastor Don Abram, Pride in the Pews collects and shares stories of LGBTQ+ people in the Black Church and includes a group of eight historically Black religious denominations and other Christian groups that primarily minister to African Americans. Like any in the LGBTQ community Pastor Abram found that the church that had loved, raised and reared him turned its back on him when he came out. This experience pushed him to found Pride in the Pews. The organizatio has epanded byond the city of Chicago to communities nationwide. Our guest Calvin Taylor Director of Partnerships and Program of Pride in the Pews, leads workshops in activities about statistics of LGBTQ+ members in Black churches. The organization will be recognized at this year’s Esteem Awards in Chicago on July 1, 2023.

May is Lupus Awareness Month!! Across the planet, people are putting on purple to spread the word about the autoimmune disease. Lupus affects women, especially women of color, most often between the ages of 15 to 44 years old. Symptoms of lupus include extreme fatigue, hair loss, the mylar rash (also called the butterfly rash across the face), joint pain, swelling in hands and feet, and fevers. In the metro-Detroit area individuals living with and their families find support, encouragement and inspiration as Lupus Warriors. Through Lupus Detroit, a non-profit organization founded by Sharon Harris Warriors find more than support, they find family. Lupus Detroit hosts regular support meetings, offers financial support and holds an annual walk and gala each year. Johnetta Smith is not only a member of Lupus Detroit, but she is the surviving parent of not one but two Lupus Warriors - her daughters - who were taken too soon by this disease that still has no cure. This Lupus Warrior Mom continues her daughters’ legacy by spreading awareness about Lupus while supporting the organization .

Deidre McCalla is a singer-songwriter-guitarist. This African American mother, lesbian, feminist has been performing for close to 50 years and been in the forefront of the growing number of Black musicians reconfiguring perceptions of how Black folk do folk. McCalla came of age in the fiery blaze of NYC’s folk heyday. Her first album was released when she was 19 and a student at Vassar College. She is a much beloved performer in both folk and women’s music circles. With five independent albums to her credit McCalla has touched audiences from Maine to Maui. Her most recent release “Endless Grace” was one of the top 10 folk albums of 2022 in Rhythms Magazine and her song “Shoulder to the Wheel” was winner of the 19th Annual International Acoustic Music Awards for Best Folk/Americana/Roots Song.

Renae Taylor is an African American, disabled, nonbinary trans organizer. Born in Tupelo MS her current home base is in Memphis, TN where they are Assistant Program Manager at We Care TN. She uses they and she as pronouns. Renae has been advocating since 2000 traveling around the world on behalf of transgender rights, needs and visibility. They are an HIV prevention Educator and Activist associated with many HIV organizations. They have also participated in the local Black Lives Matter Chapter in Memphis. They are also a National Advisory Board member of positively trans. Renae believes in the  right to be Sex Positive and for Reproductive rights that aren’t criminalized and stigmatized. A self-professed social justice aficionado, Renae will be one of the keynote speakers at this year’s Black Trans Advocacy Coalition (BTAC) conference in Dallas Texas April 25th-30th..

Walter Naegle, the surviving partner of the late American Civil Rights leader and the executive director of the Bayard Rustin Fund joins us to talk about the LGBTQ, civil rights and human rights icon. On March 17th we celebrate the birth of LGBTIQ icon, activist Bayard Rustin. Rustin, who died in 1987 at age 75, was an African American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights. One of his most notable contributions to the African American Civil Rights Movement was his planning of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Now popularly associated with Martin Luther King's “I Have a Dream” speech. In the 1970s and 1980s he worked as a human rights and election monitor for Freedom House and testified on behalf of New York State's Gay Rights Bill. Walter Naegle is the surviving partner of the late American Civil Rights leader and the executive director of the Bayard Rustin Fund, which commemorates Rustin's life, values, and legacy. Many were first introduced to Rustin through the film “Brother Outsider.” Naegle is here today to shed even more light on the life and times  of Bayard Rustin including recent publications and a Netflix Documentary to be produced by the Obama’s Higher Ground Productions.

On Saturday February 25th Rethink the Narrative The Esteem Awards presented Artists in the Afternoon – Beyond Publishing. One of the panelist from that event was Tom Logan. Tom Logan is the CEO of Ebanman. EBANMAN showcases the professional lifestyle of mature Black gay/queer men within Business, Travel, Arts & Entertainment, and Community Voice Its curated publication has enlightening articles, engaging commentary, and appealing visual design. He shares his journey to establish Ebanman and the preparation for launching its new website. The Ebanman community evolved from the lack of resources, archetypes, and the media’s skewed portrayal of Black gay men. Logan and his team recognized this vast gap of diversity in the black gay experiencean decided to curate a safe space to provide resources, services and showcase our culture and lifestyle diversity. Understanding there’s a need to develop broader awareness of Black gay identity (the invisible man in the community), educating the world of who we are, defying the stereotypes set by mainstream media Tom is also here to talk about a beautiful coffee table book. Ebanman has curated this book that provides a visible and tangible extension of the brand. It includes 47 beautiful Black and White photos of mostly African American gay men and an ally living there best lives. Ebanman believes there is an incredible opportunity to unify Black gay men who are different but have shared experiences to propel our culture and community forward.

On Saturday February 25th Rethink the Narrative and The Esteem Awards present Artists in the Afternoon – Beyond Publishing.On this broadcast are the phenomenal gentlemen behind this event Author and Publisher, Dr. Derrick Tennial, and the producer/founder of the Esteem Awards, Phil Esteem. This afternoon event highlights written and spoken word, music, art, and more. Panelists in the first group will discuss why representations matters. Dr. Derrick Tennial will moderate the group panel covering everything from tapping your inner artist, how to get published & why representations matters. Panelists include: Ryan Douglass, author, freelance writer, and poet. - Aaron Foley, author, journalist and founding director of the Black Media Initiative -Michelle E. Brown, author, activist, poet, & lecturer - Frederick L. Smith, author/novelist and social justice advocate - Fiona Zeddle, author and fiction novelist - Adam L. McMath, filmmaker, activist, and Executive Director of the Black Alphabet Film Fest During the second group Tom Logan of EBANMAN will reveal an upcoming Coffee table book focusing on representation in the AFrican American Gay community matters. It will also include a special performance by Tim’m West, poet, author, educator & Executive Director of the LGBTQ Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Join this virtual event by registering on eventbrite.

Kylar Broadus  is a true warrior for equality, civil rights, the LBTQ community in general but especially Transgender individuals from communities of color. This attorney, long-time activist, public speaker, author and professor is a groundbreaking trailblazer who forged the way for many of today’s leaders. Not content to sit on his laurels, Kylar continues his advocacy in New York, Washington DC and across the nation. He was awarded the Trans Trailblazer Award by the LGBT Bar Association of Los Angeles. He was awarded the 2018 Gentleman of Excellence Award. Mastercard in 2018 featured Broadus for Pride Month. He was recognized by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office of King’s County in Brooklyn, New York in 2018 for his contributions to the legal field.In 2017 Liberty Mutual honored him at the GLAAD Awards for his 30 years contribution to the movement. The Advocate recognized Broadus as one of “25 Legal Advocates Fighting for Trans Rights.”  He was named to the Out 100 by Out Magazine in 2013. Broadus was the first out transgender American to testify before the United States Senate in favor of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act in 2012. Broadus was given the Pioneer Award at the Trans faith of Color Conference by the Freedom Center of Social Justice.   In 2011, he was awarded the Sue J. Hyde Activism Award for Longevity in the Movement at Task Force National Conference on LGBT Equality: Conference Creating Change.  He has been featured in Esquire, BlackEnterprise.Com and Diversity, Inc. and numerous other publications. He is founder and director of the Trans People of Color Coalition the only national organization dedication to the civil rights of transgender people of color

Professor Mike Whitty is a futurist and researcher on trends in politics, culture & rebuilding community. He has given seminars on the future of Detroit, human unity, unity and diversity, tolerance and civility. He brings his unique lens to the wins, challenges and potential we face moving forward including the need to overcome the extremism of the GOP (even post Trump) do it with positive hope that we can build winning coalitions 2023 & 2024 The need for connection between all the groups targeted by the far right The role of community building - not only like minded but all our neighbors

Born in Vidalia Georgia, Ericka Blount began pursuing greatness from the start. Her hard work and dedication earned her two full athletic scholarships to Savannah State University for both basketball and volleyball which allowed her to pursue her degrees in biology and chemistry. Blount chose Houston, Texas to begin expanding her reach. It was in Texas that Blount received her vision for her holistic wine company, which she entitled “Blount Wine Therapy”. Much like the creator, this unique wine is “Georgia born, and Texas made”, and using local agricultural products, she creates Artisan wines and honey-based meads that offer health benefits to enhance the social and emotional experience of each consumer and create safe spaces for healing and therapeutic conversations. Blount Wine Therapy has most recently been awarded Wine of Distinction for 2022 by the #1 US News Ranked Black Wine Club and Festival; Black Vines- Oakland, California. Her passion to connect and serve people has been made evident time and time again but is most easily seen in how she continues to serve as a mentor to children and young adults across the country. Blount currently serves as a High School Counselor, in which she has 23 years experience. Blount was nominated for  2 consecutive years for Who’s Who Among America’s Teacher Award.  She is a certified Grief Counselor, as well as a Certified Anger Management Specialist. Blount is the Regional Educational & Mental Health Director for the Greater Faith Leadership Conference, and she also has a consulting firm Distinction Management Group partnered with the Center for Innovation at Savannah State University.

Damon Percy is a self-proclaimed author, activist, cultural critic, mentor, poet, publicist and Proud Sexy Nerd is a Detroit original. He received his nickname “Magic” from membership in Detroit’s ballroom community and the name, which captures his personality perfectly, has followed him through life. Damon attended Cass Technical High School and received his degree in journalism from Wayne State University. However, it wasn’t until he was adopted into his chosen family by LGBTQ Detroit’s founder/executive director Curtis Lipscomb and began writing for KICK magazine that he really began following his passion of telling the stories of the Black LGBTQ+ community. He is now collaborating with LGBTQ Detroit to collect and archive the stories of Detroit’s vibrant African American LGBTQ+ community. He is also a proud member of Kappa Psi Kappa, Inc. fraternity. Kappa Psi Kappa is a non-profit, non-collegiate, service/social fraternity for "progressive" men of all ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and sexual orientations.  “Magic” recently was recognized at the organization’s Konclave 2022 for his membership longevity of 13 years. He works as a publicist in the Gospel Music Industry and a freelance music journalist online and in print while spreading the magic of unity, family and community wherever he goes.

Organizers of Atlanta’s Black Pride Weekend proudly boasts it is the largest Black pride in the country with day and night parties and over 25 events that are open to all. Taking place over the Labor Day weekend its a great way to close out the summer Two of the unique events include an LGBTQ+ Food and Wine Festival and a panel discussion “Artists in the Afternoon.” Tom Logan, CEO of EBANMAN INC, hosts the first food & wine festival shining an international spotlight on the diversity of the LGBTQ influence in food, wine, and the spirits industry. . Ebanman is a lifestyle brand dedicated to enhancing the lives of Black gay men. Dr. Derrick Tennial, founder and CEO of Rethink the Narrative Media Company, will moderate the panel for “Artists in the Afternoon: Prose, Poetry and More" that will explore cover everything from tapping your inner artist, how to get published and more. Panelists include Tim'm West, Dr, Cedric Bridgeforth,.T'ai Freedom Ford, Latanya Mack and more. REThink the Narrative's mission to be a creative voice that educates, empowers, and entertains communities of color Planning a road trip to Atlanta for the largest Black pride in the country. There’s something for everyone including these two unique events.

Jeffrey Glen Cross is a Detroit original. Growing up on Detroit’s east side he attended Finney high school then went on to attend Wayne State University where he studied business management and at the International Academy of Design & Technology .One of seven siblings, his most cherished photos are of family. Jeffrey always had a passion for the arts since childhood but photography wasn’t his first choice until 2002. Now a published portrait, fashion, wedding and event photographer Jeffrey Cross's work has been featured in national and international magazines. His work has also been featured in a documentary and on reality tv. He has photographed award winning cd covers for a host of musical artists. Cross has worked in New York, Houston, LA, Nashville, Chicago, London Paris & Amsterdam . On August 17th his work will be a part of a night of art, music, fashion and more in Downtown Detroit at St. Andrews Hall. RAW Detroit: Unchained!  RAW is a fun and alternative way for creatives to showcase both to their local community and the world at large. It is not your average art show. The mission is to serve independent artists with tools, resources, education and exposure needed to thrive and succeed in their creative careers.