Black Her Stories

Nourish
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Black Her Stories reshapes Black history through the inspiring stories of women you may never have heard of. Through nourishing conversations with leading writers, artists, and entertainers, we explore what is possible when creativity meets history - when we tap into our creative power to unlock our purpose. If you need to reconnect with your creative courage, then this show is for you.

  1. ACT TWO: Peeling Back the Layers of Poverty, Homelessness, and Motherhood

    4D AGO

    ACT TWO: Peeling Back the Layers of Poverty, Homelessness, and Motherhood

    In this episode, Michaela steps into the courtyard of Peggy's Place — COTS's emergency shelter on Detroit's west side. What unfolds is an intimate portrait of caregivers navigating homelessness and generational poverty, told through art and honest conversations.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to challenge what they think they know about homelessness — and who gets to tell that story. Links and Resources: COTS — Coalition on Temporary Shelter: Learn more about the organization Creating Opportunities to Succeed for families experiencing homelessness in Detroit. cots-detroit.org Follow them on Instagram (@cotsmichigan) Detroit Action: Discover the culture and community organizing work of Anthony Baber and the Detroit Action team. detroitaction.org Revive Mind Counseling: Learn more about Jeffery Williams and his practice in Southfield, Michigan. revivemindcounseling.com Poverty Solutions at U of M: Explore the research behind the child poverty statistics referenced in this episode. poverty.umich.edu BHS Newsletter 💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more stories from Black Her Stories.

    43 min
  2. ACT THREE: Uprooting Poverty Narratives Through the Power of Family

    4D AGO

    ACT THREE: Uprooting Poverty Narratives Through the Power of Family

    In this episode, Michaela returns to COTS — this time at the Peterboro Arms Apartments, a dignified affordable housing community in Detroit's Midtown. With collage materials in hand, she facilitates a workshop that invites residents and staff to examine the narratives they've inherited about poverty — and imagine new ones. Through intimate conversations, this episode asks: what becomes possible when a community decides to rewrite its story together? This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to challenge the narratives that keep cycles of poverty in place — and find hope in the power of family, chosen or blood, to change them. Links and Resources: COTS — Creating Opportunities to Succeed: Learn more about the organization supporting families experiencing homelessness in Detroit, and how you can get involved or donate. cots-detroit.org Follow them on Instagram (@cotsmichigan) Detroit Action: Discover the culture and community organizing work of co-facilitator Anthony Baber and the Detroit Action team. detroitaction.org Revive Mind Counseling: Learn more about licensed therapist and change agent Jeffery Williams and his practice in Southfield, Michigan. revivemindcounseling.com Collages from the Project: To see images from the creative storytelling engagement — including the collages made at Peterboro — visit Black Her Stories on Substack. blackherstories.substack.com BHS Newsletter 💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more stories from Black Her Stories.

    45 min
  3. Remembering Dr. Rosa Slade Gragg and the Detroit Association of Women's Clubs

    MAR 8

    Remembering Dr. Rosa Slade Gragg and the Detroit Association of Women's Clubs

    In this episode, Michaela is in conversation with Candace and Cidney Calloway of the Detroit Association of Women's Clubs during a live recording of With Love and Flowers, a collaborative event with Black Bottom Archives. Together, they honor the life and legacy of Dr. Rosa Slade Gragg, a visionary matriarch whose leadership cultivated a space for education, political activism, and collective care in Detroit. From the story of the DAWC clubhouse to the enduring power of archives, this conversation reminds us that our stories are precious—and are best remembered when we tell them ourselves. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to learn more about Black women's leadership, Detroit's living history, and the communities working to preserve both. Links and Resources: Detroit Association of Women's Clubs Support the restoration of the historic DAWC clubhouse and learn more about the legacy of Dr. Rosa Slade Gragg and the women who helped shape this enduring institution. Black Bottom Archives Discover the exhibit From the Bottom Up and the ongoing work of Black Bottom Archives to preserve Detroit's history. Marsha Music on Black Her Stories Listen back to our conversation with Marsha Music for another doorway into the story of Dr. Rosa Slade Gragg and the DAWC clubhouse. Black Her Stories Newsletter 💌 Join the newsletter on Substack for updates, reflections, and more stories!

    48 min
  4. Sound Journal, Vol. I: A Sonic Collection of Memories from 2025

    JAN 21

    Sound Journal, Vol. I: A Sonic Collection of Memories from 2025

    In this episode of Black Her Stories, Michaela welcomes the new year with a playful offering—a sound journal composed of voices, moments, and memories gathered in 2025. This expression is less about arriving somewhere and more about honoring where we've been. To view images that accompany these sounds, visit Michaela on Substack and follow Black Her Stories on Instagram for more reflections from the journey. Links and Resources BHS Newsletter  💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for a peek behind-the-scenes and join us on Instagram. Nourish: Discover upcoming workshops, creative offerings, and narrative projects led by Michaela at https://nourish.community/

    43 min
  5. ACT ONE: A Creative Collaboration and the Month of Imagination

    11/19/2025

    ACT ONE: A Creative Collaboration and the Month of Imagination

    In this episode of Black Her Stories, Michaela shares the story of a creative collaboration with COTS Detroit, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families experiencing homelessness. Through conversations with COTS leaders, we explore their radical practice of the Month of Imagination—a full month devoted to rest, reflection, and dreaming beyond limits. Together, we uncover how imagination fuels transformation, how collaboration builds community, and how rest itself becomes a form of resistance. Tune in for a story about creativity, care, and the courage to reimagine what's possible when we pause to dream. Links and Resources COTS Detroit: Learn more about COTS' mission to break the cycle of generational poverty through housing, partnerships, and family-centered support.  https://www.cotsdetroit.org BHS Newsletter  💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more stories from Black Her Stories. Nourish: Discover upcoming workshops, creative wellness offerings, and narrative projects led by Michaela and the Nourish team. https://www.nourishevents.org

    18 min
  6. ACT TWO: Becoming a World Builder with Aisha Shillingford

    09/05/2025

    ACT TWO: Becoming a World Builder with Aisha Shillingford

    In this two-part episode, Michaela is in conversation with Collagist and Creative Director of Intelligent Mischief, Aisha Shillingford.  Together, we explore her unique path to artistry; how she followed her intuition, experimented with different mediums, found her creative voice, and ultimately, self-actualized into an artist.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready for their inner artist to take up more space.  Links and Resources: Visual Voice: A 5-week virtual course that blends the hands-on practice of collage with art history and group coaching. The next cohort is an affinity space for Black women and is inspired by the practice of world-building.  To learn more program and enroll, check out our site.  Intelligent Mischief: Discover the work of Intelligent Mischief and how they unlock the power of Black imagination to fortify their world-building practice.  While you're at it, give them a follow on Instagram (@intelligentmischief) BHS Newsletter  💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more stories from Black Her Stories. Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown An excellent resource for anyone cultivating a movement-building/facilitation practice. 10/10, highly recommend. Queer Times, Black Futures by Kara Keeling Alexis Pauline Gumbs El Anatsui

    40 min
  7. ACT ONE: Imagining Futures of Repair with Aisha Shillingford

    08/20/2025

    ACT ONE: Imagining Futures of Repair with Aisha Shillingford

    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.

    7 min
  8. Act One: Remembering bell hooks with Ashara Ekundayo

    07/30/2025

    Act One: Remembering bell hooks with Ashara Ekundayo

    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.

    26 min
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About

Black Her Stories reshapes Black history through the inspiring stories of women you may never have heard of. Through nourishing conversations with leading writers, artists, and entertainers, we explore what is possible when creativity meets history - when we tap into our creative power to unlock our purpose. If you need to reconnect with your creative courage, then this show is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Nourish
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Nourish, LLC
  • Show Website
    Black Her Stories