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.

“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!”

D.Ruff is a 2022 Boston Music Award Spoken Word Artist Of The Year nominee. D is a Roxbury-bred artist, performer, educator, artivist, and host. He co-hosted "if you can Feel It, you can Speak It" Open Mic movement for fourteen years. “Feel it, Speak it” is the only monthly Nonelitist and non-pretentious open mic dedicated to providing a platform of expression to the queer communities, and invites everyone to bless the mic, regardless of their identity and talent. His work can be found in the CBS News, Museum of Science, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, The Boston Globe, GBH and much more. He has also released his first book, "Staying on 94: Tales from a Misguided Soul" in the Fall of 2012 and is setting up for re-release in 2025. Most of his poems stem from personal experiences and observations, and therefore range in topics from love and heartbreak to inequality and culture. D.Ruff performs with inspiring passion in hopes that someone of color, will also want to find a way to express themselves, find that "tribe" and do it all, with the intention of leaving all the hurt, pain, and negativity, right where it was showcased.