ACT ONE: A Creative Collaboration and the Month of Imagination
Release Date: 11/19/2025
Sound Journal, Vol. I: A Sonic Collection of Memories from 2025
Black Her Stories
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 💌: for a peek behind-the-scenes and join us on Nourish: Discover upcoming workshops, creative offerings, and narrative projects led by...
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ACT ONE: A Creative Collaboration and the Month of Imagination
Black Her Stories
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...
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ACT TWO: Becoming a World Builder with Aisha Shillingford
Black Her Stories
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...
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ACT ONE: Imagining Futures of Repair with Aisha Shillingford
Black Her Stories
In this mini-episode, Michaela sits down with Aisha Shillingford, Creative Director of Intelligent Mischief, to hear the creative journey that led to the . Links and Resources: Intelligent Mischief: Discover the world building practice of and learn more about the exhibit. While you’re on the interwebs, give Aisha a follow on Instagram () BHS Newsletter 💌: for updates on future episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more stories from
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Act One: Remembering bell hooks with Ashara Ekundayo
Black Her Stories
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 platform and learn more about the important work of While you’re at it, give her a follow on Instagram () bell hooks: To learn more about our sister, bell hooks, check out . To view the...
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Act Two: Recognizing Artists as First Responders with Ashara Ekundayo
Black Her Stories
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 platform and learn more about the important work of . While you’re at it, give her a follow on Instagram () Amiri Baraka: To learn more about our brother, Amiri Baraka, check out . To view...
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Act One: Celebrating Black Love through Collage with Rachel Chapman
Black Her Stories
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 cultural space, where participants gather to reflect on love in all its forms. Listen as workshop attendees, including Rachel Chapman, bring their memories to life through creative writing and collage....
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Jumping Timelines: Reflecting on the Past, Present, and Future
Black Her Stories
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 Detroit-based Cultural Worker, Resource Mobilizer, and Facilitator of Birwood House's Collective Memory Mapping Series. about her artistic practice and commitment to communal care. Birwood House 🏠:...
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Act Two: Savoring Ancestry and Black Diasporic Food with Franchescha Lamarre
Black Her Stories
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 Resources: Episode Sponsor: The FBomb Breakfast Club is badass peer support network where women and gender-diverse business leaders come together to laugh, learn, and share recipes for...
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Act One: Honoring Ancestry and Black Diasporic Food with Franchescha Lamarre
Black Her Stories
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: Instagram 📸: Keep up with Fran () and Mariya () to stay informed about their upcoming events. And if you haven’t yet, be sure to give BHS () a follow. Food Pop-Ups 😋: If you’re in...
info_outlineIn 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
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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
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BHS Newsletter 💌: Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on future episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and more stories from Black Her Stories.
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Nourish: Discover upcoming workshops, creative wellness offerings, and narrative projects led by Michaela and the Nourish team. https://www.nourishevents.org