Our Director of Development & Advancement Nazarina Mwakasege is BACK honey! This bonus episode discusses DEI through a global manufacturing lens with Global Director of Diversity & Inclusion Lamar Thomas of MAGNA International. 

If you’re moved to give during #GivingTuesday⁠⁠, please click here to donate⁠⁠.   

We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at ⁠⁠Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos 

As the saying goes, “Blood is thicker than water "but the true quote is consistently misused. The real saying is, “Blood of the covenant is thicker than water of the womb” meaning, those you choose to “shed blood with” have a stronger relationship than those you are born from. In this episode, we bring our good friend JM (They/He) the Education & Facilitation Manager at the Ruth Ellis Institute BACK to discuss chosen family and its significance through history.  

If you’re moved to give during this time⁠⁠, please click here to donate⁠⁠.   

We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at ⁠⁠Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos 

It’s Primary election season and time to get out to vote, but what if you don’t know how? Yes, that may sound shocking to some but many of those we serve don't know their rights around voting, how to vote or even if they can vote. On this episode we talk about voter education with Emme Zanotti, Director of Advocacy & Civic Engagement

Here are some resources to help you make an informed decision when voting: 

www.vote.org 

www.mvic.sos.state.mi.us 

www.hatewont.win 

www.isidewith.com 

We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. 

Check out our producer Patrick and his work at 
Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos

The book officially releases October 8th everywhere books are sold. We encourage you to read it, buy it from your local bookstores or request it at your public library, if all else fails Amazon is an option. If you are in the Metro Detroit area you can request this book at a few of our favorite bookstores such as

Source Booksellers on Cass a local black owned bookstore

John K. King Books North on Woodward in Ferndale or John K. King Books on Lafayette in Detroit

Love &Other books on E. 9 mile in Ferndale.  

I'Sha and Krystina conduct and in-depth conversation with Joyya Pettus, Assoicate Housing Director and Manny, a young person at Ruth Ellis Center.

These conversations address why the Ruth Ellis Center is so important to the community we serve. Thank you for listening and don't forget to leave your episode suggestions in the comments or on our social media.

We want to highlight the talented

Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast.

Check out our producer Patrick and his work at

I'Sha and Krystina Discuss Pride 2024

We highlight the amazing support we received this year during Pride and uplift those who have been supporting our efforts to make the world a better place for LGBTQ + young people.

We attended many Pride events from Motor city to Royal oak. We also had the pleasure of hosting an amazing Catfight for the Crown with a huge that you to our sponsors 6th Degree Production, Ford, Rocket Companies, Display Group, 4 Wall Entertainment, Fleur Detroit, Motor City Pride, Stonewall Sports, L Tantay, Three Cats, Eaze, Broadway in Detroit, Pingk, and Detroit Parasol.

We want to highlight the talented

Hey y'all, missed us? We've missed you too, but we're back honey!!! This time with an engaging conversation about Faith and resiliency with one of our colleagues JM and some insight on where we will be and what we will be doing this Pride Month. It's juicy, heart grabbing and interesting!

Catfight For The Crown- June 14th, Tickets available

Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey: A Methodist pastor and queer womanist theologian.

Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas: An Episcopal priest and Canon theologian, Dr. Douglas is a leading voice on sexuality and the Black church.

Dr. Phillip Butler: A scholar of Black transliberation theology, Dr. Butler explores artificial intelligence and biological technology to enhance somatic healing. Octavia Butler: A renowned science fiction writer, Octavia Butler's works often explore themes of identity, community, and survival. Her speculative fiction provides a unique lens through which to consider questions of faith, transformation, and resilience. James Baldwin: An influential writer and social critic, Baldwin's essays and novels delve into the complexities of race, sexuality, and religion.  James Cone: Known as the father of Black Liberation Theology, Cone's work emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus through the lens of the Black experience. His theology is rooted in the struggle for justice and affirming Black identity and dignity. Resmaa Menakem: A therapist and author, Menakem's work focuses on healing racial trauma. His book "My Grandmother's Hands" addresses how racial trauma is stored in the body and offers practices for healing and resilience.

Rev. Dr. Thomas Brandon Crowley: An academic who explores the queering of the Black church, Dr. Crowley's research examines how Black queer identities navigate and transform traditional religious spaces.
Bishop Yvette Flunder: Founder of the City of Refuge, a radically inclusive church, Bishop Flunder is a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the faith community.
Unity Fellowship Church Movement: Founded by the late Archbishop Carl Bean. (In the 1970s, Motown producers approached Bean to sing a song they'd been working on. It was called "I Was Born This Way.",) this movement provides a spiritual home for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly people of color.
Sr. Bishop Jacquelyn D. Holland: A theologian, activist, teacher, mother, and lesbian, Bishop Holland has dedicated her life to the intersection of faith and sexuality.
I Know What Heaven Looks Like: A Modern Day Coming of Age Story By: Lawrence Tanner Richardson

We also want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. 

Check out our producer Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos 

Happy Women’s HERstory Month!

We’d like to close this month of celebrating Women by highlighting two powerhouse women in our organization.

Harmony Harris, Health Equity Manager of the Drop-in Center.

Women Who Inspire Us:

I’Sha Schultz-Spradlin- Mama Shu’s

Krystina Edwards- Ruth Charlotte Ellis (ruthelliscenter.org)

Harmony Harris- Ts Madison (Ts Madison™️©️ (@tsmadison) • Instagram photos and videos)

Kathie Griffin- Dr. Sheryl Simmons Youth for Global Health

We have an exclusive collaboration with the

If you’re moved to give during this time⁠⁠,

We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast.

Check out our producer Patrick and his work at ⁠⁠Patrick Harris (@presidentpat)

Holiday Season is a BUSY one for Ruth Ellis Center. All of the staff are running around and organizing things to make sure the young people we serve have a holiday season of joy, needs met, and space for their chosen families. That being said, sorry for our tardy on this episode. Krystina and I'Sha discuss the importance of safe queer spaces, have conversations with staff and a young person about what that means to them AND reveal a little surprise collaboration with the folks over at Sepia Coffee @scpdetroit-instagram www.sepiacoffeeproject.com and Pottluckery Ceramics @pottluckery-instagram pottluckery.com.

If you’re moved to give during this time⁠, please click here to donate⁠.

We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at ⁠Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos

'Tis the season of gratitude and giving and I’Sha and Krystina discuss just what that giving from supporters like you looks like for the agency and share our gratitude. #GivingTuesday is right around the corner on November 28th, be sure to use the hashtag to show your support for the REC.  If you’re moved to give during this time, please click here to donate.

If you are interested in doing a clothing or food drive for

We want to highlight the talented Patrick Harris II, Volunteer Executive Producer of Voice of REC Podcast. Check out our producer Patrick and his work at Patrick Harris (@presidentpat) • Instagram photos and videos