Let There Be House Music: Transformative Storytelling with Guest The Queen of Chicago House Music Darlene Jackson, DJ Lady D

Make It Make Sense with Tomee Sojourner-Campbell Podcast, Season 2, Episode 4Description:In this podcast episode, Tomee and Darlene Jackson, DJ Lady D, the Queen of Chicago House Music, discuss the power of house music and the socially transformative power of Chicago-style house music. Tomee and Darlene take listeners on a journey, moving us through the historical roots of house music, from the innovations of Black, Brown and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, to the generation of collective spaces across the globe. Darlene also shares her wisdom, in-depth knowledge, insights, and expertise on how we can draw on house music to generate transformative spaces across borders and realities.In this episode, Darlene discusses the role of African American entrepreneurship in building collective movements driven by intersectionality, inclusion, and affirming that those of us pushed to the periphery, were/are enough. Together, Tomee and Darlene provide a heartwarming and joy-filled storytelling space where the importance of being true to oneself, taking collective action, re-rooting our stories, speaking back to mainstream erasure, building community wealth, and cultural memory moves us forward.Through her words, actions, and advocacy, Darlene reminds us that the foundations of house music centre trust, safety, the lived experiences, and the stories of folks from historically marginalized communities. It is also a part of movement-building.Tomee and Darlene's conversation focuses on:* The roots of house music, which began with Chicago house music and Frankie Knuckles.* The intersectional roles of Black, Brown and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in the creation of house music spaces, businesses, and culture.*Lessons businesses and organizations can take from house music.* Black, African American roots of house music.* The split between house music and hip hop.* Reclaiming of self and re-centring of Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks in all their intersections*The power of lyrics, beats, movement and sharing collective energies.For more information about this episode, contact Tomee at [email protected] information about Darlene Jackson, DJ Lady D, links to her thought leadership, media, and community advocacy:Darlene Jackson is a trailblazer of Chicago House Music, a community leader, and writer from Chicago. Darlene started professionally DJing in 1995. She performs globally and changes lives with her transformative sets. Since 2004, she has run her own label and marketing group, D'lectable Music. https://djladydchicago.com/DJ Lady D's Book Club Radio set, Joyful Chicago House Inside a Circus,https://youtu.be/RS2yS1d9Ozw?si=GaRjxRbPYHo0vkKKDarlene has performed at festivals worldwide, including Wanderlust, SXSW, and Lollapalooza.She is featured in the 2025 documentary, Move Ya Body: The Birth of House, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival (https://www.sundance.org/blogs/move-ya-body-the-birth-of-house-blows-up-what-you-think-you-know-about-the-origins-of-modern-pop-music/)Listen to the podcast on Spotify or watch on The Tomee Sojourner Group's YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@tomeesojournergroup