Black Her Stories

In this mini-episode, Michaela sits down with Aisha Shillingford, Creative Director of Intelligent Mischief, to hear the creative journey that led to the Futures of Repair exhibit.

Links and Resources:

• Intelligent Mischief: Discover the world building practice of Intelligent Mischief and learn more about the Futures of Repair exhibit.

• While you're on the interwebs, give Aisha a follow on Instagram (@aishashillingford)

• BHS Newsletter 💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more stories from Black Her Stories.

In this two-part episode, Michaela is in conversation with independent curator, social practice artist, caregiver, and founder, Ashara Ekundayo.

Together, we explore the influence of bell hooks on Ashara's life and the role of artists in moments of celebration, chaos, and catastrophe.

Links and Resources:

• Artist as First Responder: Discover the interstellar creative work of the Artist as First Responder platform and learn more about the important work of Ashara Ekundayo.

• While you're at it, give her a follow on Instagram (@blublakwomyn)

• bell hooks: To learn more about our sister, bell hooks, check out this site. To view the performance of 'Why is We Americans,' click here.

BHS Newsletter 💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more stories from Black Her Stories.

In this two-part episode, Michaela is in conversation with independent curator, social practice artist, caregiver, and founder, Ashara Ekundayo.

Together, we explore the influence of bell hooks on Ashara's life and the role of artists in moments of celebration, chaos, and catastrophe.

Links and Resources:

• Artist as First Responder: Discover the interstellar creative work of the Artist as First Responder platform and learn more about the important work of Ashara Ekundayo.

• While you're at it, give her a follow on Instagram (@blublakwomyn)

• Amiri Baraka: To learn more about our brother, Amiri Baraka, check out this site. To view the performance of 'Why is We Americans,' click here.

• BHS Newsletter 💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more stories from Black Her Stories.

In this episode, Michaela Ayers explores the transformative power of love, creativity, and community care. Reflecting on her journey through the Seeda School for Black feminist worldbuilding, Michaela shares how the recovery of her creative spirit has shaped her latest offering—The Art of Black Love, a collage and memory workshop.

Join us inside Wa Na Wari, a historically Black home turned cultural space, where participants gather to reflect on love in all its forms. Listen as workshop attendees, including Rachel Chapman, bring their memories to life through creative writing and collage.

Resources:

• Sign up for Michaela's Creative Moments newsletter to learn more about her offerings. To listen to Act II, join BHS on Substack.
• Discover the work of Rachel Chapman, Associate Professor of Cultural Anthropology.
• Learn more about Ayana Zaire Cotton and Seeda School, a liberatory space that explores Black feminist worldbuilding and creative actualization.
• Check out Wa Na Wari's work advancing belonging through Black arts and Culture in Seattle.

In this reflective episode, Michaela travels through space-time to revisit one of her proudest moments of 2024. This episode also introduces the concept of Black Quantum Futurism, connecting ancestral wisdom to our present lives. Join Michaela as she shares a heartfelt letter to her future self and offers a glimpse into her personal journey as an artist.

Links and Resources:

• Trinit Watson: A Detroit-based Cultural Worker, Resource Mobilizer, and Facilitator of Birwood House's Collective Memory Mapping Series. Learn more about her artistic practice and commitment to communal care.

• Birwood House 🏠: Tap in at Birwood House. Subscribe to their newsletter to learn more about this community-minded nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents.

• Black Quantum Futurism 🚀: Dive into the depths of Black Quantum Futurism and learn more about the important work of Moor Mother and Rasheeda Phillips.

• Stateside 🎙️: Subscribe to Stateside to get the 411 on what's happening across the state of Michigan—from policymakers in Lansing to entrepreneurs in Detroit, to artists in Grand Rapids.

• BHS Newsletter 💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more stories from Black Her Stories.

In this episode of Black Her Stories, Michaela Ayers reconnects with Chef Franchesca Lamarre. Together, they host an intimate backyard dinner party where food rituals and lineage intertwine.

From her roots in Haitian traditions to her bold experimentation with Black American flavors, Fran takes us on a journey through food that honors her ancestors and connects her to her community.

Links and Resources:

• Episode Sponsor: The FBomb Breakfast Club is badass peer support network where women and gender-diverse business leaders come together to laugh, learn, and share recipes for success.

• Join the FBomb community (@fbombbreakfastclub) to gain access to monthly meetings, accountability groups and business resources. Blow up the ordinary on f-bomb at a time.

• Follow that Fran Keep up with Fran (@franchescalamarre) to stay up to date on her food pop-ups (@ayitispaghetti) book clubs (@thisisthepeoplesbookclub), and so much more!
• Learn More About Feed'em Freedom Growers: Explore the work of Myrtle Thompson and Feed'em Freedom Growers (@feedemfreedomgrowers), the Detroit-based farming community featured in the dinner.
• BHS Newsletter 💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and interviews on Substack.

Connect with BHS:

• For collaborations and media inquiries, send a message 👉🏿 helloatnourishevents.org

This episode of Black Her Stories celebrates our maternal connections through food and the sisterhood between chefs Franchescha Lamarre and Mariya Moore Russell.

Both women allow us to tag along their journeys through the culinary world and their commitment to preserving Black food traditions. Tune in for a delicious conversation about food, family, and the care of cooking.

Links and Resources:

• Instagram 📸: Keep up with Fran (@franchescalamarre) and Mariya (@mariyamoore_russell) to stay informed about their upcoming events. And if you haven't yet, be sure to give BHS (@blackherstories) a follow.

• Food Pop-Ups 😋: If you're in Detroit (@ayitispaghetti) or Chicago (@conniesunderground), don't miss the opportunity to attend their pop-up food events. Prepare to get your grub on!

• BHS Newsletter 💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more food stories from Black Her Stories.

Dive into the rich heritage of collard greens and explore the connection between food, family, and tradition. Join Michaela Ayers as she hosts a storytelling booth at Detroit's 2nd Annual Collard Green Cook-Off, capturing the culinary memories of the community. From the preparation techniques passed down through generations to the evolving practices of today's chefs, this episode is a flavorful celebration of cultural roots.

Key Takeaways:

• Heritage Preparation: Learn how traditional cooking methods, especially those for collard greens, connect us to our ancestors.

• Community and Food Sovereignty: Discover the significance of food sovereignty in Detroit and how it empowers residents.

• Culinary Evolution: Explore how different generations adapt classic recipes to suit modern tastes.

Interactive Links and Resources:

• Photos from the Cook-Off: Feast your eyes on our event photos and share your collard green preferences on Instagram.

• Food Sovereignty Resources: Learn more about Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network and their mission.

• Partners: Learn more about Detroit is Different and support their work. Check out Jena Brookers food blog.

• Sign up for our newsletter: Join BHS on substack to get behind the scenes and check out the archive.

Tune into this bonus episode to meet the team at Sidewalk Detroit and get an exclusive behind-the-scenes listen of in the last chapter of artist Halima Afi Cassells's eco-art residency.

Get up close and personal with the visionary leaders who are pioneering a creative approach to city building, climate resilience, and community care.

Together, we dive into how artists play a vital role in creating public art that raises awareness of critical social issues and how Sidewalk Detroit leverages collaborative approaches to foster meaningful change.

Resources & Special Mentions:

• Organizations

• Sidewalk Detroit

• Halima Afi Cassels

• Website: https://www.halimacassells.com/

• IG: halima_afi

• Places of Interest

• Eliza Howell Park

• Rouge River

Tumble down the rabbit hole with Halima Afi Cassells as we dive into the world of eco-art and sustainability. Discover ways to care for Mother Earth, reimagine our relationship with waste, and explore the often unseen impact of microplastics.

In this episode, we take you inside an Eco-Art workshop hosted by Sidewalk Detroit, where Halima and community members transformed trash into an upcycled sculpture for Eliza Howell Park.

Resources & Special Mentions:

• Halima Afi Cassels

• Website: https://www.halimacassells.com/

• IG: halima_afi

• Organizations

• Ecology Center

• Sidewalk Detroit

• Places of Interest

• Eliza Howell Park

• Rouge River