Random Thoughts of Reign

Queen GDedicated to her craft, Gabrielle Gibson is a multi-faceted creative, educator, and public speaker. Utilizing her strong background in the arts, she spent years performing and teaching all over the United States and around the world, engaging diverse audiences on a variety of platforms. Her creative work investigates identity, challenges oppression, and reimagines community, culture, and faith as it reinforces her belief in the power of storytelling.As a professional spoken word artist, she won multiple titles, including 2017 7 Hills Grand Slam Champion; Button Poetry, Write About Now, Bandaloop, and Poets in Autumn national tour have featured her work. She uses her affinity for words on and off the stage, lending her vocals to projects as a voice actor (for clients such as Scholastic and Harvard) and as host of The Royal Room podcast. Her professionalism and passion present her as a skilled consultant and copywriter.She has a strong background in community development and education; these experiences lend to engaging and enlightening content when she creates curricula, cultivates programs, and consults for corporations and independent clients alike. She worked both domestically and internationally, with over 15 years of experience in coordinating, non-profits, workshop facilitation, public speaking, and presentations. Currently, she manages Queen G Poetry full-time, facilitates for Roger Williams University part-time, and serves as Creative Arts Director at New Dimension Apostolic Center.She published The Whetting Stone, her debut chapbook and CD on December 17, 2016.Her ultimate goal is to use her gifts to inspire, encourage, and empower.

Though he was born in Panama City, Panama, Arsun F!st spent his formative years (from age eight on) in various places around the U.S., where he developed a love for hip-hop. After receiving degrees in both psychology and recording engineering, the rapper set out to pursue his musical career. Teaming up with fellow artist Em-Eye-Cee to form Team I.A.M. (along with producers Fatman & Tropical and Watson's Grocery), Arsun F!st began making his name known around the American Southeast thanks in part to his introspective and intricate lyrics, so much so that he was included on Green Lantern's MySpace Invasion mixtape and won MP3 com's Best Up and Coming Artist award in 2007, shortly before his debut full-length, It's a Struggle to Get Deep, came out on indie label Domination Recordings in February 2008. Arsun proceeded to release 4 more  projects  on the label over the next two years culminating with the release of another full length album titled “Life is a Beautiful Monster”  in November of 2010.     After a longer than expected hiatus, Arsun joined forces with Stillwater and Paten Locke to form the group Steam Mechanics. With a new group album in the works, Arsun released a solo effort in November of 2020 called “Black Peace-is” and continues to expand his artistic range with his first video director credit on the Qwazaar & Batsauce song “Cloud Pour” released on FullPlate Records in September of 2021.

Asa Leveaux delights in the fact that he has learned to operate within his personal motto of "possessing a joyous existence conceived by enlightened thought and achieved through love, passion and wealth". As a result of working with Asa, aspiring queer identified entrepreneurs learn how to create their first $10,000 in business authentically so they can know what it feels like to be proud AND paid. He revels I’m not willing to leave anyone behind in the fulfillment of their dreams, a concept introduced by his 20 years in the US military where he was the recipient of the Bronze Star. Asa serves the world through his endeavors of love, passion and wealth through being the Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer of Leveaux Group, Inc, Founder of Queer Money Gang™ and  best selling author of "I Am Man Enough: 365 Affirmations for Men", "I Am Woman Enough" and “Fuck Balance”. His latest book, “Black and Queer” is his first memoir. Leveaux has been featured in such publications as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, Black Enterprise and The Gayly. Asa often tells his audiences and clients that, "Business is a necessity. Bliss is a luxury. You deserve both!”

Jennifer Smith is an awesomely smart, intelligent and gorgeous teacher, nurse, author and a single mother of two teenagers with a passion to care for and educate others. Her journey through adulthood and motherhood inspired her to write her first book, "Stay On Your Birth Control", to make childless women and men aware of what it's like being a single parent. In today's world, it seems like being a "single mother" or "single father" is the norm but single parenthood is far more than a title. Single parents are raising an entire human being. Single parenthood affects all aspects of your life emotionally, mentally, spiritually, financially and education. Her love for educating the community about all aspects of health is evident in her first book "Stay on Your Birth Control" published in 2021. This book has testimonies from single mothers, single fathers and single mothers after divorce. Always remember, through any trial or tribulation, take care of yourself and love yourself first.Jennifer Smith received her first Bachelors degree in Community Health in 2004 from the University of North Florida. While teaching in the public high school sector, her passion for wanting to be a nurse never went away. While being a full time teacher, she earned her nursing license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 2011 from Florida State College of Jacksonville. After working as a teacher for six years, she resigned from teaching and became a full time nurse. She went back to school and received a 2nd Bachelor degree as a Registered Nurse in 2017 from Florida State College of Jacksonville. She's currently an ICU/Progressive floor travel nurse with licenses in Florida (compact), New York, Rhode Island and California. She  pursued her dreams as a travel nurse with assignments in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and California. Jennifer has a beauty company called Magnate Beauty which sells skin care products and lashes. Jennifer was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. She also raised her two teenagers in Jacksonville, FL. She loves traveling for pleasure too with destinations to Spain, Dubai, Jamaica, the Virgin Islands, Canada and many states in the U.S. She recently became engaged toward the end of writing this book in December 2019. Can we say possible spin off book!!

La'ki is an exceptional world-class Author, Speaker, Educator, Self-Love Coach, Visual Artist, and Musician. Her focus on authentic love, confidence, and letting go is helping the world transform their outlook on what it means to fully live without the chains of self-judgment and fear. She uses her life experiences to deliver unforgettable messages through books, music, visual art, and speaking events. Her notable creativity has taken her all the way to Nairobi, Kenya!Continue to follow her journey as she paints the world Sky Blu!  

S2 Episode 8 - The Reformed Butterfly

Storyteller at HeartMbinguni is a natural storyteller. Born and raised on the barrier island of Fernandina Beach, FL, she's had dreams of writing professionally for as long as she can remember. An avid reader, she began composing her own narratives as a small child in grade school. Mbinguni began writing Looking for Hope as a labor of love. She has  channeled her technical know-how of Instructional Design into her creative passion. Looking for Hope is her debut novel.https://www.mbinguni.life/Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Season 2 Ep. 6 - Lance Greenwood

Season 2 Ep. 5 - Antoniyo Greenwood

Theresa tha SONGBIRD is a supernatural wellspring of entertainment. This Grammy nominated, viral sensation hails from the south suburbs of Chicago, and calls Atlanta home. Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Theresa is committed to education and service in her community.  SONGBIRD is dedicated to making arts and humanities accessible to young people through her outreach in school systems across the country, while also using her skillset to provide talent consultation/coaching and production management through her company, BIRD Media Enterprises.Theresa carries the honor of her poem  “You So Black” having a viral impact across the globe,  and features with S.I.R. and Bridgette Kelly on Robert Glasper’s Grammy nominated F*ck Yo Feelings album.  Amidst running businesses and touring the globe Songbird self-published her first book of poetry, MASS MATTER MAGIC,  and self-produced her own spoken word musical 4 tha BIRDS, which is preparing to tour. In her career Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. has been blessed to share the stage with such wonderful poetic, musical, theatrical and comedic talents as: the Last Poets, Nikki Giovanni, Omari Hardwick, Marsha Ambrosius, Big Rube, Eric Roberson, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Killer Mike, Chrystale Wilson, Raheem DeVaughn, Ledisi, Dead Prez, Talib Kweli, Anthony David, Rodney Perry, Black ice, J.Ivy, Mikki Howard, Arrested Development, Robert Glasper, Jazmine Sullivan, MC Lyte, YoYo, Rapsody, Trina, Mumu Fresh and Jill Scott.

Bayou Baby/Midwest Kid/New York City Hard Knock Graduate living in Atlanta, Ga...Fior "FiFi Writes" Baptiste wrote her first song at 7 years old, and her pen hasn't dulled since. Early in her career, she moved to New York and lived in Covenant House where she pursued music and landed the opportunity to pen songs for a then teenage Jazmine Sullivan. Later in her career, she wrote for an artist by the name of Jzanell on her album "Private Thoughts".FiFi stepped away from music to work as a booking agent, but her calling to create music took over; she has completed her long-awaited first project..."Cheap Liquor".Her debut video, “Ideal (Reloaded)” is available on YouTube!

Loviya Torian also known as Thick Emcee ,anMulti talented artist in who resides down south in Jacksonville Florida

Mommy, DJ, Actress, Recording Artist Manager, podcaster, mentor, and music enthusiast alike, DJ Ms. Tan hails out of Jacksonville, Florida via Riviera Beach Florida. Holding Bachelors degree in Mass Communications and working in a Radio station as an Announcer helped to build her love of djaying.  Having spent many years playing at all kinds of private parties she branched out to events and major local nightclubs (alongside local hard-hitters and national acts alike). Tanya has had a lot of time to develop her talent, which is very unique. It has been said that a good Djay plays music you want to hear DJ Ms. Tan plays music you didn’t know you wanted to hear. Don’t be surprised when you suddenly find yourself dancing.For her, it’s all about mood and a deep, groove… playing those tracks that get you tapping your feet and nodding your head without you realizing it, regardless of genre, tempo, style, or release date. The gist that DJ Ms. Tan possesses is she can read her crowd, which is a very important trait for a good Djay. When not djaying, she spends her time reading, traveling and listening to music aided by over a decade of djaying and an upbringing in a very musically influenced home. DJ Ms Tan is doing a podcast called DJ Ms Tan Talks which include segments on JoColbys Heart a foundation she started to help siblings who have lost siblings to death , Liv Thru it which encourages others to live through life’s tragedies and promoting Unsigned artist through the Fleet Djs.

Nikesha Elise Williams is a two-time Emmy award winning news producer and author. Her latest novel, Beyond Bourbon Street, received the 2020 Outstanding Book Award from the National Association of Black Journalists. Nikesha also received the 2018 NABJ Outstanding Literary Work Award for her debut novel Four Women. The Florida Authors and Publisher’s Association awarded Four Women the 2018 Florida  President’s Award in the category of Adult Contemporary/Literary Fiction. Nikesha is a Chicago native. She attended The Florida State University where she graduated with a B.S. in Communication: Mass Media Studies and Honors English Creative Writing. Nikesha is a full time writer and writing coach and has freelanced for several publications including The Washington Post, ESSENCE, and VOX. Nikesha lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her family, but you can always find her online at contact@newwrites.com, Facebook.com/NikeshaElise or @Nikesha_Elise on Twitter and Instagram.

Chris’ evolution as a Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Executive Producer and Artist, all lead to him becoming an on-air personality as the creator and visionary of Chris Epps Presents… on Atlanta’s Hott R&B Station Hott923 on iHeartRadio.Born and raised in New York, he lived in Jacksonville, Florida for a number years where he honed his musical ability as a singer, songwriter, & producer, releasing in 2011 his debut LP entitled “Here I Am…”.  At the height of promoting his debut LP, he shared stages with The Clark Sisters, CeCe Winans, Donald Lawrence & Co., Leandria Johnson, The Legendary Dorothy Norwood, Jessica Reedy, Melonie Daniels, & a host of other notable Artists. As a creative, he further expanded his musical footprint as a songwriter, executive producing BET’s Sunday Best Finalist Jamarien Moore debut EP entitled “I’ll Go”. After relocating to Atlanta, Georgia just three years prior, in 2017 Chris created an all-male panel web-series talk show entitled “The Social Breakdown”. After the web-series gained notable traction, as a collective were offered a weekly broadcast radio show! However, within the initial six months of broadcasting “The Social Breakdown” dissolved amicably. Immediately upon the show being dissolved, Chris was approached by the Hott923 Program Director and offered his own spin-off known today as Chris Epps Presents… on Atlanta’s Hott R&B Station Hott923 on iHeartRadio! Music being his first love, the show intentionally features the best in R&B, Soul, Hip-Hop music from legends like The First Lady of R&B, Faith Evans to musical underground movement artist like Tank and The Bangas and all facets in between laced with compelling subject matters, conversations and hott topics w/his co-host and/or featured guest between the musical breaks. There is yet so much more for Chris to create and achieve, but in the interim you can tune-in Saturday’s between 11-1pm{est} and find him surfing the radio airwaves on Atlanta’s Hott R&B Station Hott923 on iHeartRadio.www.chriseppspresents.com

Multi-faceted artist Barbara Colaciello began her career working with Andy Warhol for six years at the Factory in NYC as the Advertising Director of Interview Magazine."Warhol actually pursued me for over two years. I was an actress with a BFA from Rider University working as a saleswoman at the Yves St Laurent boutique. I didn't know anything about publishing. But Andy loved talkers. And I was funny."  - Barbara ColacielloWhile selling advertising for the Pope of Pop, Barbara continued to pursue her passion for acting and studied at Warren Robertson’s studio in NYC with acclaimed acting coach Larry Moss, and with  director Peter Flood at the Real Stage. After her Warhol years, Barbara worked with her brother, Vanity Fair Magazine writer Bob Colacello, for 10 years. She managed his many projects and acted as lead researcher/interviewer for his book, Holy Terror: Andy Warhol Close-Up.In 1993, Barbara's husband was offered a job in Jacksonville, FL. Barbara did not want to leave her family (built-in babysitters), her friends, and fabulous job. "I'll give it a year." Barbara moved to Ponte Vedra, Florida with her husband and two sons. Sensing a lack of culture in her golf and tennis-oriented beach community, she founded an acting program in her home called Inter-Act. It specialized in improvisation.Her desire to connect to community through the arts, led Barbara to host soirées at her home, inviting friends to experience innovative work by poets, dancers, musicians, and visual artists. These popular artistic evenings became the catalyst for Barbara's work for the next 20 years.  In 2005, she accepted the position as Education and Outreach Director of Players by the Sea Theater in Jacksonville Beach.Barbara has collaborated extensively with poet, playwright, and award-winning NPR radio host, Al Letson, as his acting coach and director/producer of many of his plays. In 2006, they were invited to bring Griot: He Who Speaks the Sweet Word to the NYC International Fringe Festival. It received rave reviews.Barbara's original one-woman show, Life on the Diagonal, had its NYC debut at Theater Lab in April of 2008. She then had the privilege to workshop it with Tony award-winning choreographer Patricia Birch.“Probably the most authentic piece of theatre I've ever seen. I'm so happy to know Barbara Colaciello, and happy to live on the diagonal.”  ~ Daniel Austin, actor, director, educatorLife  on the Diagonal celebrates life’s mysteries and imperfections with  humor, sexuality and a little A.D.D. madness. Seamlessly integrating  storytelling, and spoken word with her original music, Colaciello takes  her listeners on an intense, yet funny journey through an  experience-strewn landscape, into and beyond the “land of should”.In 2010, Players by the Sea and the Cummer Museum of Arts and Gardens commissioned Barbara to research, write, and perform a solo show about the museum's founder, Ninah May Holden Cummer for the museum's 50th anniversary.Barbara's company, Improv to the Rescue, housed at BABS'LAB, specializes in experiential and creative learning to enhance communication skills, develop storytellers and encourage collaboration through workshops, classes and performances.

Lysania Thomas is a brown, queer, woman storyteller, acclaimed as a two-time Southern Fried Poetry Slam Champion and six-time winner of Philadelphia Pride Poetry Slam. She is a highly regarded performer, writer and social justice artist. Rooted in her various global communities, Lysania’s work in youth development and LGBTQ+ advocacy are the compass for her writing and passion. Opening for the likes of Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, Nikki Giovanni, Sonia Sanchez, The Roots and many more. Lysania is currently working on her first book of poetry and resides in Portland, Oregon with her partner, child and pup.

Rashad Hawkins is an author and spoken word poet from Jacksonville, Florida. He has three published works of poetry; Women and Other Catastrophes (2017) Pendulum (2018) and Making Noise (2020). Much of Rashad’s work is inspired by his life experiences, music, and personal relationships.  Facebook: Rashad.Hawkins7 InstagramInstagram: @Rashadisonarampage3 Tumblr: Rashadisonarampage  Twitter: @Henny_Hawkins 

Episode 93 - DJ Uncle Dopee

Recognized by Poetry Slam Inc as a “Legend of the South,” Amoja Sumler (author of “Fables, Foibles, & Other ‘Merican Sins”) is a nationally celebrated poet, essayist and one of the preeminent emerging voices of leftist intersectional social advocacy. A Watering Hole graduate fellow and 2020 MFA recipient, Amoja’s work throughout the Arkansas poetry scene was a legendary seed. From his essay’s discussing the role of law enforcement to the value of capitalism he is best known for fusing the art of the intellectual into the familiar. Amoja has headlined poetry festivals such as the Austin International Poetry Festival, the Bridgewater International Poetry Festival, Write NOLA in New Orleans and Rock the Republic in Texas. As a resident artist of several southern Arts in Education rosters, Amoja lectures at schools and literary nonprofits, while teaching creative pedagogy and keynoting at social advocacy conferences like Long Beach Indie Film Pedagogy Conference and Furious Flower, throughout the nation. His poetry appears in the Pierian Literary Journal, Muddy Ford Press, Swimming With Elephants, FreezeRay Poetry, and the Antigonish Review as well as other journals.