Black Her Stories

In this bonus episode, Michaela turns the lens toward the people who show up every day — the social workers, coaches, and human services professionals who carry the weight of this work alongside the families they serve. Through conversations with licensed therapist Jeffery Williams and COTS Director of Coaching and Training LaTonia Walker, we explore what vicarious and secondary trauma actually lo...

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 sto...

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 wh...

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 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...

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 t...

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...

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 Instagr...

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 R...

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 R...

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 cultu...

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 Detro...

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 Re...

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: I...

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 ce...

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 creatin...

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 scu...

Take a walk with me and Halima Afi Cassells through her garden. Listen as we chat about her artistic journey, sustainability practices, and the Black women in her life that inspire her. An award-winning, interdisciplinary, community-engaged artist, and mother of three, Halima is an avid gardener whose roots are deeply woven into the soil of Detroit, Michigan. Halima's deep connection to nature and...

Tune in to hear an interview with Gwendolyn Wallace . Together we dive into nuances of navigating strong emotions, the insightful moment that motivated her to write the book, and how Wallace's early childhood experience informed the Light that She Feels Inside.  👀 Wanna see pictures of our in-person event at the  Bronx Children's Museum ? Take a peek at our Instagram to see the magic for yourself...

In this episode, we dip our baby toes into a conversation with Gwendolyn Wallace. Gwendolyn Wallace is a New York City-based researcher, storyteller, and children's literature author. Her work for both children and adults centers Afrodiasporic voices to explore the unfolding relationship between the spatial logics of colonialism and our body-minds.  In this episode, we talk about:  The emotional c...

In this episode, we explore the lessons of leadership Jahmad Canley. Jahmad is a husband, father, community member, and the president of Potential Unleashed, business coaching company specializing in providing solutions to companies, teams, and individuals of every description through improved performance and increased human effectiveness. Together, we elevate the impact of his Grandma, Betty Jo D...

In this episode, we explore the possibilities of the Black imagination with architect Donna Carter. A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Donna D. Carter is the President of Carter Design Associates, an architectural, planning, and restoration firm in Austin, Texas. Her practice is focused on projects that combine revitalization, historic preservation, and new construction within a com...

In this episode, we explore the possibilities of the Black imagination with architect Donna Carter. A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Donna D. Carter is the President of Carter Design Associates, an architectural, planning, and restoration firm in Austin, Texas. Her practice is focused on projects that combine revitalization, historic preservation, and new construction within a com...

Hello, and Happy Black History Month! In this mini-episode, BHS creator and host, Michaela Ayers, invites you to cozy up on the couch for a friendly catch up. This year Black Her Stories celebrates her 5th birthday so now is the perfect time to reflect on where we've been and share what is coming next in season three.   ◉ Substack: https://blackherstories.substack.com/  ◉ IG: @blackherstories  ◉ W...

In this episode, we stroll into a conversation with the artist formerly known as Michaela Ayers. With a BFA in Art History from the University of Kansas and a studio practice of collage, ceramics, and fiber arts, multi-disciplinary artist Mickey D is ready to be seen. Facilitated by BHS co-producer Jassmine Parks, this interview dives into Mickey's early childhood curiosities and inspirations. We...