Collections by Michelle Brown 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!!!!!