Blacker The Berry

In celebration of Black History Month and Valentine's Day, we wanted to take an evening stroll down Lover's Boulevard and collect 5 stories from Artist couples. It's a race to beat the clock! With only 1 minute each to answer 5 questions, join our stroll as we expound upon the many hills and valleys Artist couples experience everyday!

Let's sizzle things up with some good ole fashioned "kitchen talk". Inspired by the play Stew by Zora Howard, In The Kitchen features a collection of multi-generational stories that are sure to make you laugh, cry, and celebrate the bonds melded over cooking.

We're artists. We craft things-it's what we do. Actor and Designer, Austin Winter, shares a story on the experiences he's had as a Black Queer man working in the theater and why it's important he uses his creativity to represent his most authentic self.

Music has the power to change, influence, and impact. Rapper, Don Jay Live allows his music to transform through conscious lyrics, stimulating visuals, and the message of Love.

Chike Johnson is an accomplished actor, father, husband, and filmmaker. In this personal story he details why it's important to him to get the job done and get it done well. Black Excellence at it's finest people!

Chicago based Actor and Artistic Director of Black Box Acting, Eric Gerard shares a story on how he stays grounded in truth. Through his beginnings of growing up heavily in the church, to recognizing his value as an artist. These experiences have shaped him to be an even more grounded artist and even better leader through the mantra of, I AM ENOUGH.

Too big for just one episode! In this continuation from part one, T.R. is at the helm of a major theatrical production on her college campus, but is given the run-around by school administration and fellow students. Listen to how the words of Ntosake Shange broke the chains of an old narrative and gave inspiration for a new one.

As our favorite Auntie Rep. Maxine Waters said "Reclaiming my time!" Our guest, T.R. Williams proceeded to do just that with the intriguing details of her thesis statement. Her story is powerful, but her voice is even more powerful.

Founder an CEO of MBraced Culture, Braylen Stevens, shares his personal story on remaining authentic to his values and purpose, all while helping others reach their highest potential.

Mama we Made IT! This season, we'll be exploring stories on the theme of Purpose. Stories the capture the essence of what gives us purpose and how it shows up in our lives. We'll also have conversations from everyday people on the themes of relationships, careers, and the arts. Tell your mama, tell your daddy, tell your friends, that Blacker The Berry is back!

We're back for more real-life stories on the experiences of Black artists!

Midwest-born with a West Coast vibe. Animator, Music Producer, and Audio Engineer, Cardell Cerrtified offers his take on his creative process from beginning to end, from writer's block to final edit. his mission: to inspire.

In continuation from her previous episode, Vocal Artist Kyndal J. shares her personal story on how she fell in love with Jazz, where its brought her to now, and where she has yet to go.

Not is it everyday you're thrown into a situation you've never been in before and you know exactly what to do. Vocal Jazz Artist, Kyndal J. leans upon her Arts training to get her through sticky situations and she learns a valuable lesson about the joy and advantages of being uniquely you.

A story of self-discovery, purpose, and triumph. Theatre Artist Gavin Lawrence shares his journey on what led him to become the first Black Core Acting Company Member at a well-known regional theatre. Just how our ancestors faced many unfathomable hurdles on their journey through the middle passage, Gavin's story is a tribute to the ones that came before us in the realization that we have come a long way, but there is still more left to do.

Mahatma Gandhi once said "Be The Change You Wish To See In The World" One of the most honest statements spoken about activating change in the 20th century. Making art more inclusive and accessible for Black audiences is a topic in many circles for Black Artists. Actor and Director, Malkia Stampley-Johnson proves it's possible when we look to each other and be the change right in our own community.

Being in the entertainment industry can present its unique set of circumstances. For most people, family becomes the anchor of their lives. Actor and Director, Malkia Stampley-Johnson puts her family limits to the test one show at a time.

We have hands. Why not use them for good? Actor and Urban Gardener, Andre Lee Ellis tells his story of his beginnings as an Actor in New York City and how it led him to creating job opportunities for young men in his garden through his "We Got This" program.

She has performed at our very own "Artist Therapy 1.0" and has headlined several Milwaukee music festivals including opening for Janelle Monàe at Summerfest 2018. She is B~Free! Now she tells her personal story of detours along the way in her professional music career,