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Black Artist Talk, facilitated by Olujimi Dance Theatre founder and Deering Estate Artist-in-Residence Michelle Grant-Murray, is a series of conversations where members of the South Florida African Diaspora community collectively come together to generate awareness and explore strategic practices around social justice issues of restorative healing practices, the ecology of economic growth and sustainability, access to resources, education, building creative genius, and viable practices of being human. It serves as a platform and meeting ground to explore, enhance, engage, empower, and cultivate the Black Communities in South Florida. Black Artist Talk is committed to strengthening the fundamental core of South Florida’s Black Communities by taking steps to build community awareness and utilizing the power of the arts to synthesize and nurture cultural understanding. This education will generate knowledge and a sense of place, provide progressive and contemporary programming, as well as encourage and support collaborative work ethics.
This iteration of the program, on Saturday, October 28, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., is a woman-centered guided discussion and practice that integrates transformative healing practices of Kemet, the Caribbean, and West Africa. In this two-hour program, participants will create affirmations, move, breathe, engage in discussion, and rest on a path to restorative healing and liberated joy. The panelists invited by the facilitator, Michelle Grant-Murray, are Dr. Carolyn Edwards, Shanna L. Woods, Dr. Alison Davis and Dr. Linda Washington-Brown.
The program is held at the Deering Estate’s Visitor Center Theater and is Free with RSVP online.
About the Artist-in-Residence:
Michelle Grant Murray is the Artistic Director of Olujimi Dance Collective and has taught, performed, and created work in Europe, Asia, South America, the United States and the Caribbean. Most recently, Michelle has served as performer and co-choreographer of Teo Castellano’s “F-Punk Junkies.” She has presented at the 2021 Afrikin Art Basel event, Resistance, Resilience, and Creation; The Little Haiti Cultural Complex, Noir Atlantic: Connecting Continents; 45 Degrees Summer Intensive, the Smithsonian Institute, Urban Bush Women Summer Leadership Institute, the Perez Art Museum, the Norton Museum, and the Moving Body Moving Image Film Festival, Caribbean Studies Association, New Waves Festival, Edna Manley Performing Arts College, EnArts Performing Arts College, Oya Institute, the Caribbean Studies Association and the Biennial International Dance Conference. She conducts community engagement workshops, master classes and residencies at several universities, and dance institutions throughout the United States and abroad. Michelle is an Associate Professor Sr. and Coordinator of Dance at Miami Dade College where she is the Artistic Director of Jubilation Dance Ensemble. Michelle is the founder and host of “The Black Artist Talk,” a conversation that dialogs the creative process, politics, and preservation of Black Artists in South Florida. Michelle is the Founder and Executive Director of the annual Artistry In Rhythm (A.I.R.) Dance Conference presented and sponsored by Miami Dade College. As a dance scholar, she is the author of Beyond the Surface: An Inclusive American Dance History. Michelle is committed to the developmental voice of the Black Female Artists. She is currently an Artist-in-Residence with the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center and the Deering Estate.
About the Panelists:
Dr. Carolyn Edwards is a minister, chaplain, and CEO of Sunday Ain’t Enough. A naturally gifted and passionate encourager on a mission to make a difference in the lives of others by helping people see themselves as God sees them. Everything she does is designed to inspire and motivate people to live their God-given purpose. Her creative authentic and down to earth teachings are faith driven, empowering as well as easy to understand and live out. She is a graduate professor and author of sought after books including Sunday Ain’t Enough – A Devotional; I Look Good, I Feel Good, I Am Good – The Women’s Guide to Love, Peace, and Happiness and Teach Online as well as children’s books Fun with Money and I Can Be Anything I Dream. Dr. Carolyn is active in her community and serves on the advisory board of Mujer Domestic Violence Center as well as a member of the West Perrine Christian Association. She is a wife, mom, and warrior. When she’s not writing, teaching, volunteering, or podcasting she enjoys spending time with family and appreciating the water.
Shanna L. Woods is a dance artist from Delray Beach, Florida. She is a mother, choreographer, and creator. Shanna has performed nationally and internationally with Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theatre, Jubilation Dance Ensemble and Olujimi Dance Theatre. She was a guest artist for Cindy Brandle Dance Company, Ife Ile, and Brazzdance. Regional Theater credits include Deena Jones in Dreamgirls, The Wiz, The Producers, Ethel in Memphis The Musical, and dance captain for Man of La Mancha and The World Premiere A Wonderful World and Mayme in Intimate Apparel. Shanna performed at Disneyland with Viver Brasil Dance Company. Shanna L Woods is the choreographer of award winning and archived short film Brown Ballerina. Shanna is the founder and creator of Art of Acceptance Workshop, Electric F.L.Y. Ladies, and Lavish Lovin All Natural Products. Shanna is a Sacred Woman under the tutelage of Queen Afua. She is also certified in KAY Yoga for Children and AkhuYoga. Shanna is a founding member of the Florida Black Dance Artist Organization who hosts the Alaafia Peace Talk. Through dance healing, Shanna explores healing traumas and the work it takes to embody self love, self care, and accountability. Shanna believes integrity and honoring wounds is necessary to burn up, uproot and release all that no longer serves you to become new.
Dr. Linda Washington-Brown, Ph.D., EID, PNP, FNP, ANP-C, MSN, FAANP, FAAN is a nationally certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), which has provided multiple educational seminars nationally and across South Florida. She has an extensive background in academic and hospital administration and education. Dr. Brown is the retired founding Associate Dean at Broward College’s Bachelors in Nursing Program, CEO of Xspurt Provider Services, retired graduate nurse practitioner faculty at Florida National University and APRN over the vaccination project for the homeless at the Miami Rescue Mission (MRM) – Broward Outreach Center (BOC) clinics. Dr. Brown has over 47 years in nursing, 31 years as an APRN, and 35 years in academic administration teaching on all levels. She is the immediate past-President of the Miami Black Nurses Association (BNA) and countless other committees. A member of Heart2Heart International Medical Mission and has traveled globally providing healthcare services. Dr. Brown is a funded researcher and community activist, advocating for rights and health care services to underserved populations.
Dr. Alison Kennedy Davis is an Assistant Psychology Professor at Miami Dade College, Homestead Campus. Dr. Davis teaches as an Adjunct Professor for the Master’s Counseling Education Programs at Trinity International University, Florida International University and St. Thomas University. Dr. Davis serves South Florida Communities as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor providing services for diverse populations of all ages. Dr. Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Qualified Supervisor for the state of Georgia. Dr. Davis is a service provider for the identified population of Foster Care Adolescents at South Dade Community Health Inc. Dr. Davis is a Subject Matter Expert for National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination. Dr. Davis is a native Floridian; her academia includes Early Childhood Education, Interpersonal Communications, Psychological Studies and Counselor Education and Supervision. In addition to being a provider of public service, Dr. Davis has written a children’s book, “But I Can’t See It”, inspiring an early message of self-empowerment and critical thinking. Dr. Davis enjoys the great outdoors, family time, gaining and sharing knowledge, embracing community and the simple pleasures of life.
About the Deering Estate
Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Miami, is a 21st Century house museum, cultural and ecological field station, and a national landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by the State of Florida and managed by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Deering Estate is designated as one of seven Miami Dade County “Heritage Parks” which have a vital role in our community’s history, environment and in providing recreational and cultural experiences.
Cultural Arts Programming at the Deering Estate is made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, and The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc.
About the Deering Estate Foundation
For those who treasure the Deering Estate, who advocate for its preservation and wish to invest in its future, the Deering Estate Foundation provides opportunities for individuals and corporations alike to partake in membership, signature events, and one-of-a-kind experiences, all in service of providing vital funding and support to the Deering Estate. Through these efforts, the foundation fulfills its mission to uphold the legacy of Charles Deering’s cherished 1920s-era property, to provide funding for the cultural, educational and recreational experiences it offers, as well as its significant scientific and archaeological endeavors to conserve its diverse flora, fauna and the eight native ecosystems that thrive on its 450 acres, and to ensure its longevity as a prized American heritage site. Established in 1989, The Deering Estate Foundation, Inc. is a community-based charitable 501(c) 3 Florida Corporation and the philanthropic partner of the Deering Estate.
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