Graves to Gardens Podcast

Suit up for an incredible conversation about economic freedom and confidence building with Dress for Success', Melissa Tenzer . As the Central Jersey Chapter's CEO, Melissa serves as the perfect person to speak on the ways that Dress for Success has managed to impact the surrounding communities of Central New Jersey. This nationwide organization empowers women across the country to look their best...

In today's episode I’m joined by fashion designer, educator and founder of the brand Arielle, Arielle Crawford . What sparked today's conversation was a piece she published in 2021 on her brand's website arguing against the use of prison labor in fashion . Her sustainable apparel label is not only committed to preserving the integrity of ethical labor and manufacturing within the industry, but it...

The focus of today’s conversation is a beautiful and captivating documentary which will be filmed at the Alexandria Film Festival on November 11th in Alexandria, Virginia called Oh Mother Of Mine . In today’s episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Charnal Chaney , one of the film's central voices and Anna Rawls the filmmaker of Oh Mother of Mine - a documentary film piece which began as the s...

In today's conversation I’m joined by artist, curator and researcher Sofia Thieu D’Amico. In this in-depth discussion, Sofia takes us through the intersections of art, landscapes and incarceration, informing us on how convict labor has historically been forcibly used for the cultural development of Upstate New York. We begin our conversation with a focus on her thesis research titled, Up River Stu...

Today I’m talking about curating a clothing collection with Founder and Creative Director of Black Boy Knits , Jacques Agbobly . Jacques is one of the 2022 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist and recipient of the 2022 DHL Logistics and Fashion Award in partnership with the CFDA. They were also part of this year's NYFW.  In today’s episode we spoke about a collection that pre-dates Black Boy Knit...

For the second episode of the season I'm bringing you guys another exhibition story. This time we're in Philly visiting Mural Arts Philadelphia's exceptional exhibition, End the Exception: Abolish Slavery in Prisons . While the exhibition just ended you can still visit their website to engage with the work they shared over the last two weeks. This exhibition focuses primarily on prison labor and d...

Welcome back friends to the start of Season 2! For today's episode I have a very special one for you guys because it comes with some amazing news you guys -- I can officially call myself a curator!! In this episode I'll take you on a journey through an exhibition that I co-curated called Clothing Inside: Addressing American Prisons. This exhibition is currently open to the public for the entire mo...

In today's episode I will be looking primarily at one single case study, Basquiat's Defacement - The Untold Story , brought to the Guggenheim Museum in 2019 by curator, author and activist Chaedria LaBouvier. The purpose of this episode is to examine the ways that black artists engage with issues of injustice (specifically as it relates to racist police violence) be voice their opposition of it. Y...

In today's episode I'm joined by Skyler Rich, the Founder and current Director of Operations and Marketing for the company For Everyone Collective . Skyler and I speak about everything from the evolution of the collective to what they envision for the future of their company and so much more. I really love For Everyone's approach, their use of cool clothing to tell stories about moments in history...

For today's episode I'm joined by the producer and host of the Brazilian POV podcast . We discuss her podcast in length as well as her background in law. As someone who has studied law in Brazil, Ana has a lot to share with regards to the system of policing in Brazil and their current political climate. You may notice some of what she shares eerily resembles that of the U.S. The good news is, some...

In today's episode I'm joined by Kerishma Nara, the founder of the candle company, Wisteria and Ivy . Kerishma creatively uses their candle company as a way to engage in many activist groups and collectives that they otherwise could not have. In the age of the global pandemic, connecting with organizations and groups have been tough and Kerishma found a way to remain in solidarity with groups whil...

Welcome to our Juneteenth Special! This episode features a panel discussion that was held at Parson School of Design and put on by the Joseph and Gail Gromek Institute for Fashion Business . The Director of the Gromek Institute , Abrima Erwiah , hosted the first of many panel discussions. In today's discussion you'll hear from Olivier Rousteing - Creative Director of Balmain, Victor Glemaud - Foun...

In today’s episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Sari Baez , the VP of Sales and Marketing for the streetwear brand Diplomacy Worldwide . Sari and I discuss the social movements Diplomacy has connected itself with along with some of what to expect from Diplomacy in the the future. As a way to further engage yourself beyond the listening experience, make sure to shop Diplomacy Worldwide and s...

In today's episode I'm joined by Loriel and Anthony Alegrete, co-founders, of the California-based fashion & lifestyle brand 40Tons . T his social impact brand began as a way for Loriel and Anthony to support their friend and co-founder, Corvain Cooper pay for his lawyer fees as he fought for his freedom while serving a life sentence for weed distribution. Now, Corvain is home and the brand ha...

Today, I am joined by fashion and social media expert Chrissy Rutherford . After a little over 8 years working at Harper's Bazaar, Chrissy has now shifted into the next phase of her career as a digital content creator for brands like Tiffany & Co., Jimmy Choo, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more. She also manages her newsletter FWD Joy as well as co-leads an anti-racist consulting firm called 2 Black...

In today's episode I'm joined by affiliates of Fortune Society : Marvin Wade , Mic Ruiz , Becky Dunham , Jamie Maleszka . We discuss the arts programming at Fortune and the transformative role that the arts plays not only in the process of re-entry but also with respect to mental health. And get this, we'll talk about these artists work with MoMA PS1 titled " We Choose to Bloom " which was done in...

For today's episode I am joined by former Oregon State Penitentiary theater instructor Phil Stockton and former standout student of the theater program Sterling Cunio. We cover everything from the process of creating a play in a place like prison to the success that came about from the groups exceptional performances.  You can find Sterling's latest work by checking out his website . Justice...

For today's episode I am joined by poet, author and prison abolition activist Ann Bracken to discuss her latest collection of poetry from her book,   Once You're Inside: Poems Exploring Incarceration . You can purchase Ann's books here . She is also connected with an amazing organization called the Justice Arts Coalition which facilitates artistic connections with activists/anyone interested...

In today's episode I'm joined by Grace DeTrevarah, the LGBTQ Liaison and Senior Peer Educator at the Osborne Association . In today's episode Grace shares her own personal experience of serving time in a men's facility as well as the work that she's doing now for other trans individuals still incarcerated. You can follow Grace on Instagram and on Facebook . Be sure to also follow the Osborne Assoc...

For today's episode I'm joined by Darren Mack, the Co-Director and Co-Founder for Freedom Agenda. We discuss the plans that Freedom Agenda has outlined to close Rikers and why this work is so important. Make sure to follow Darren on Instagram or stay connected with him via email at DMack@urbanjustice.org. You can also check out Freedom agenda on their website or follow their Instagram account. If...

In today's episode I'm spilling the tea on where we've been, explaining all of the new changes and urging you all to act on behalf of Melissa Lucio. Melissa Lucio has a scheduled execution date on April 27th in the state of Texas, but we can all do our part to make sure that a woman who is very likely innocent is sent home. Please make calls to Governor Abbott at 956-446-2866 or visit Savemelissa....