Who I Am

I am a ”Northsider for life” who has been involved in empowering mothers and families since 1987. I am a Yoruba Priestess, retired teacher, artist and writer. I partner with community artists, activists and organizations to bridge Afro-indigenous/African American culture and historical contributions into transformative actions for healing and building sustainable families and communities. I use writing and art making to speak truth to power and to hold a position of wellness in an America sick with inequalities and inequities. I self-published my memoir, Missing Mama: My Story of Loss, Sorrow and Healing in 2012.

Curriculum Vitae

Professional Experiences

  • YO MAMA’S HOUSE, INC., Executive Director, 2022 - Now

  • Independent Trainer, Consultant, and Writer, 1988 - Now

  • Department of Human Services, Parent Liaison Parent Trainer for Mental Health Behavioral Aides, 2014- 2015

  • Bright Water Montessori, Special Education Teacher, 2011-2013

  • Minneapolis Public Schools, Special Education Teacher, Kindergarten - 12th grade, Learning Disabilities, Early Childhood Education, and Parent Education, 1989-2011

Education

  • Master in Religious Leadership and Certificate in Black Church Leadership, 2017, United Theological Seminary, New Brighton, MN

  • Early Childhood Special Education, 2000, California State University at Dominguez Hills

  • Master of Special Education and Learning Disability, 1991, University of Minnesota: Twin Cities, MN.

  • B.A. Degree Creative Writing & Feminist Studies 1979, Immaculate Heart College, Los Angeles, CA.

Fellowships & Grants

  • 2024 The Camille J. Gage Artist Fellowship

  • 2024 MSAB Individual Creative Grant

  • 2022 McKnight Culture Bearer Fellowship

  • 2022 Headwater Foundation, Seeding Cultural Treasures (YO MAMA’S House)

  • 2022 Propel, Black Seed Fund (YO MAMA’S House)

  • 2022 CURA’s ANPI (YO MAMA’S House)

  • 2021 Loft’s Mirrors and Windows Fellow, Children’s Books

  • 2021 Jerome Hill Fellowship in Theater/Performance

  • 2019- 2020 Naked Stages Fellow at Pillsbury House Theater

Writings & Publications

  • CenterSAGE, “How to Redeem Monsters”, 2022

  • Witness Writing Anthology, (Northside Writers’ group) 2022

  • Missing Mama: My story of Loss, Sorrow and Healing, a self-published memoir, 2012

Plays & Performances

  • The Meaning: MTV video by Adja Gildersleve, 2022

  • Opera of Memories, Open Eye Theater Puppet Lab, 2022

  • ANGRY BLACK WOMAN & Well Intentioned White Girl, 2016-2020

  • Old Good Pussy and Good Old Pussy, Pillsbury House Theater’s Naked Stages, 2020

  • Paradise: No People Allowed, MONKEYBEAR Puppet Fellowship, 2019

Installations

  • Im/perfect Sleep, The M- Museum of American Art, Feb.-August, 2023

  • Rita Keegan Archive Project, Social Fabric, South London Gallery, 2022

  • “YO MAMA’S Northside Black History Month Pop Up Museum”, Weisman Art Museum, Feb., 2020