The Beak

In this episode of The Beak, host Dr. Terresa Hardaway sits down with Uzoma Ngwu, a multidisciplinary artist and founder of Zoma Studios, to explore the vibrant world of animation and creative storytelling. Uzoma shares insights into their journey from freelance illustrator to establishing Zoma House, a creative hub that fosters collaboration across various artistic disciplines.As they discuss the significance of community in the creative process, Uzoma reflects on the power of collaboration and how working alongside other local artists has enriched their creative output. Highlighting their upcoming animated short film, Uzoma delves into themes of cultural identity, the complexities of navigating grief, and the importance of centering Black narratives in animation.Join us for an inspiring conversation that champions creativity and the stories waiting to be told.Follow Uzoma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uzotheartistVisit Uzoma's website: https://uzongwu.comPlease consider joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/blackbirdrevolt to help support our work as an abolitionist creative studio. Enjoy early access to podcast episodes, creative workshops, tutorials, and exclusive merch giveaways.You can support our work for free by subscribing to the show and leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay updated on new events and merch drops: https://linktr.ee/blackbirdrevolt

In this episode of The Beak, host Dr. Terresa Hardaway speaks with Jordan Moses, co-founder and director at Blackbird Revolt, to explore his journey as a creative storyteller and advocate for liberation. Jordan reflects on his early experiences with zines and community organizing, sharing how these formative moments shaped his vision for Blackbird and its mission to uplift progressive and abolitionist narratives through various mediums.As they delve into the challenges and triumphs of running a creative studio, Jordan discusses the importance of intentional partnerships and the need to disrupt traditional nonprofit models. He shares insights on how Blackbird aims to create a space where creativity thrives without compromising the soul of the work, fostering a community that values collaboration and mutual support.Please consider joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/blackbirdrevolt to help support our work as an abolitionist creative studio. Enjoy early access to podcast episodes, creative workshops, tutorials, and exclusive merch giveaways.You can support our work for free by subscribing to the show and leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Visit www.blackbirdrevolt.com to learn more about our mission, shop our latest abolitionist apparel, or inquire about collaboration opportunities.Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay updated on new events and merch drops:https://linktr.ee/blackbirdrevolt

In this episode of The Beak, host Dr. Terresa Hardaway engages in an enlightening conversation with Mycall Akeem Riley, a dynamic educator and advocate for equity. Mycall shares his journey as a Black queer, gender-expansive individual, reflecting on the myriad experiences that have shaped his identity and commitment to social justice.Mycall discusses the importance of community and collaboration in his work, emphasizing the need for thoughtful engagement and the challenges that arise when striving for inclusion. He candidly addresses the complexities of navigating equity work within institutional settings, shedding light on the systemic barriers that persist in educational environments.Join us as Mycall passionately articulates his vision for a liberated future, one that embraces diverse voices and fosters intergenerational connections. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of community in the pursuit of justice.Follow Mycall on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mycallakeemrileyPlease consider joining our Patreon community at www.patreon.com/blackbirdrevolt to help support our work as an abolitionist creative studio. Enjoy early access to podcast episodes, creative workshops, tutorials, and exclusive merch giveaways.You can support our work for free by subscribing to the show and leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Visit www.blackbirdrevolt.com to learn more about our mission, shop our latest abolitionist apparel, or inquire about collaboration opportunities.Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay updated on new events and merch drops:https://linktr.ee/blackbirdrevolt

In this episode of The Beak, host Dr. Terresa Hardaway welcomes Kelsi Sharp, the innovative mind behind Sharp Signs, to discuss her journey in the world of design and fabrication. Kelsi shares her evolution from a design-focused business to a multifaceted sign-making enterprise, emphasizing her passion for traditional techniques such as hand painting and gold leaf work.As Kelsi reflects on her career path and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the creative industry, she highlights the importance of creating meaningful work that serves the community. She discusses her commitment to projects that not only showcase her artistic vision but also contribute to a more inclusive and liberated society.Join us as Kelsi paints a vivid picture of liberation in her work and explores the deeper meanings behind her projects. This episode is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the pursuit of a future where art and community thrive together.Follow Sharp Signs on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sharpsigncoFind out more about Sharp Signs and Cool Runnings:https://sharpsigns.com/Please consider joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/blackbirdrevolt to help support our work as an abolitionist creative studio. There, you'll get early access to podcast episodes, creative workshops, tutorials, merch giveaways, and more.You can help support our work for free by subscribing to the show and leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Visit www.blackbirdrevolt.com to learn more about our mission, shop our latest abolitionist apparel and accessories, or inquire about a design collaboration.Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to be the first to know about new events and merch drops:https://linktr.ee/blackbirdrevolt

In this second episode of The Beak, host Dr. Terresa Hardaway sits down with Gayle Smaller Jr., a passionate advocate for men's mental health and the visionary behind the Man Down Project. Together, they delve into the intricate connections between patriarchy, mental health, and the liberation of Black men, exploring how these themes intersect with creativity and community.Gayle shares his journey from North Minneapolis to becoming a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, while also founding a nonprofit dedicated to destigmatizing men's mental health. He discusses the importance of emotional expression for men and how societal expectations often hinder their ability to engage with their feelings. Through the lens of his work, he highlights the need for collaboration and community support in fostering healing and growth.Join us as they explore the significance of the Man Down fashion show, a unique platform that merges fashion with crucial conversations about mental health. Gayle reflects on the transformative power of community and the role of accessibility in creating spaces where everyone feels welcome to engage in these vital discussions.Follow Gayle on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gayle.is.king/Follow The Man Down Project on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mandown_fashion/Buy Tickets to MAN DOWN Vol. 6: Men at Work, May 30https://linktr.ee/themandownprojectPlease consider joining our Patreon community at ⁠⁠patreon.com/blackbirdrevolt⁠ ⁠to help support our work as an abolitionist creative studio. There, you'll get early access to podcast episodes, creative workshops, tutorials, merch giveaways, and more.You can help support our work for free by subscribing to the show and leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Visit⁠ ⁠www.blackbirdrevolt.com⁠ ⁠to learn more about our mission, shop our latest abolitionist apparel and accessories, or inquire about a design collaboration.Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to be the first to know about new events and merch drops:⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/blackbirdrevolt⁠⁠

In this premiere episode of The Beak, host  Dr. Terresa Hardaway engages in a heartfelt conversation with Brittany Wright-Otero, a multifaceted creative and doula. They explore the intersections of art, community, and activism, discussing how creative expression can drive liberation. Brittany shares her passion for family wellness and health equity, the importance of centering marginalized voices, and her experiences as a doula advocating for maternal health justice.Follow Brittany on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/heymissbrit/Please consider joining our Patreon community at ⁠patreon.com/blackbirdrevolt⁠ to help support our work as an abolitionist creative studio. There, you'll get early access to podcast episodes, creative workshops, tutorials, merch giveaways, and more.You can help support our work for free by subscribing to the show and leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Visit⁠ www.blackbirdrevolt.com⁠ to learn more about our mission, shop our latest abolitionist apparel and accessories, or inquire about a design collaboration.Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to be the first to know about new events and merch drops:⁠https://linktr.ee/blackbirdrevolt⁠

The Beak is a podcast from Blackbird Revolt, an abolitionist creative studio dedicated to shifting culture and building power. Hosted by Dr. Terresa Hardaway, designer, educator, and Creative Director of Blackbird Revolt, each episode invites you into the minds of creatives fueling today's movements. We explore how design and visual culture can dismantle oppressive systems and co-create a radically just future. From organizers to visionary artists, we hear their stories and together look toward a liberated future.Please consider joining our Patreon community at patreon.com/blackbirdrevolt to help support our work as an abolitionist creative studio. There, you'll get early access to podcast episodes, creative workshops, tutorials, merch giveaways, and more.You can help support our work for free by subscribing to the show and leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Visit www.blackbirdrevolt.com to learn more about our mission, shop our latest abolitionist apparel and accessories, or inquire about a design collaboration.Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to be the first to know about new events and merch drops:https://linktr.ee/blackbirdrevolt