Soul Speak

Led by Yvette Modestin and Michele Avery, is the driving force behind the impactful play Crown of Times and the popular immersive exhibit What's Hair Got To Do With It? Their collaboration combines two decades of artistry and activism dedicated to amplifying the voices of the Black community.

Dr. Evan Auguste is an assistant professor of psychology at UMass Boston. His identities as both a Haitian and African American man have informed his work on examining how the U.S. 's history of anti-Black racism has shaped psychological realities both in and outside of the country’s borders. He has held Black men's groups for adults and adolescents, and currently chairs the Association of Black Psychologists Sawubona Healing Circle program.. 

Thaddeus Miles is a distinguished advocate for social change, renowned for his impactful work in photography, literature, and community empowerment. As the Senior Director of Diversity Initiatives at MassHousing, he has been instrumental in driving initiatives to promote equity, inclusivity, and prosperity throughout Massachusetts. Drawing upon his extensive experience in crime prevention and insights gained from Harvard Law School and MIT, Thaddeus is dedicated to pioneering innovative approaches to community engagement and development.

In 2019, Thaddeus launched the Black Joy Initiative, a dynamic celebration of Black culture's resilience and beauty. Now in its fifth year, Black Joy Day in Boston has become a cornerstone event, uniting the community in joy, pride, and unity. Through this initiative, Thaddeus is also leading efforts to create a youth-authored book on Black Joy, a reflective journal, and a clothing line that embodies the movement's spirit.

In addition to his work with the Black Joy Initiative, Thaddeus is a co-founder of the Road to Wellness 5K, addressing health disparities and promoting well-being within underserved communities. He also co-founded the Alray Second Chance Scholarship and HoodFit, empowering youth voices and fostering community resilience.

Thaddeus's commitment to social justice has garnered him numerous awards, including the Visionary Award from the Timothy Smith Foundation and Boston's Most Influential Men of Color 2023. As a United States Air Force veteran, his dedication to family and community remains unwavering, driving his ongoing efforts to create environments where joy can thrive.

Michael Rain leverages storytelling and technology to expand the world’s perception of diverse communities. He is the Founder of ENODI, a media and research company focused on the cultural innovations, entrepreneurial impact, and identities of people with immigrant backgrounds. He is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Ethics at Harvard University and a board member of the BMEN Foundation, which builds spaces for Black men to process their unique experiences. Michael's TED Talk, which has over 1 million views and has been translated into 28 languages, was named one of "The 100 Best TED Talks" and one of “10 Black Male TED Talks You Must Watch.” The talk has been required and recommended for viewing by over 30 academic, corporate, and faith-based institutions, including PwC, for their Inclusive Mindset training.

“Yo! My name is Matthew Sebowa, and I’m currently entering my 3rd year of college as a psych student. I enjoy anime, music, and video games (mostly Nintendo). I’ve been working with my fellow panelist, Evan Auguste, in his lab for the past year, most of it being focused on the concept of black consciousness as well hip hop and it’s connection to black masculinity. Being a black man, I am invested in the welfare of black men and boys and I am enthralled by the opportunity to share this space with everyone today!”