Soul Speak: Soul Tracks

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

Yvette Modestin-Lepolata Aduke Apoukissi-Empress Modest-I is a writer, activist, poet, visual artist, playwright and storyteller born and raised in Colon, Panama. Ms. Modestin was named one of “30 Afro Latinas you should know." The Boston Globe named her “The Uniter” for her work in bringing the Latin American and African American community together and for her activism in building a voice for the Afro Latino Community. She is the co-curator of The HairStory Project production ReRooted. She is the founder of #MyCrownSpeaks Street Stories. In 2021 Ms. Modestin testified before the Massachusetts Senate on behalf of the Crown Act. The Crown Act was passed in March 2022 in Mass. She is the narrator of the Museum of Science production, Black Hole Symphony. Yvette’s passion is the empowerment of the Black community, she highlights the need to repair the ongoing impact on the Trans Atlantic Slavery from a Pan African perspective using the arts as a way to heal internally and externally.

Michele Avery is a writer, producer, and director, born and raised in the Republic of Brooklyn, NY. She has 20 years of experience in writing, copywriting, social media, and creative marketing within the entertainment and media space, working with recognizable brands such as the OWN Network, lifestyle brands Food Network, and Cooking Channel. Michele brought her creative and visual skills to the ReRooted project as a Creative Director and Consultant for the HairyStory Project. She is a cofounder of ReRooted Productions. Avery’s passion is the advocacy and empowerment of Black Women and interested in partnering with organizations that engage with the Black community authentically and unapologetically.

Banjineh "Op.timus" Browne, son of Karlai Holden & Gbatoh Browne. Proud Poppa to Solwazi Neklun & Nkemjika Wahmon. A Nana Kru, Seaside Grebo, Pan-African, Bostonian who teaches in Public School. A famed radio host of 88.9 @ Nite, an artist, an educator, an officiant, steeped in oral tradition. & as an architect of the Foundation Movement — Op. uses music as a tool to cultivate expression & illuminate stories of love, resilience & resistance.

TiElla Grimes is a Spoken Word Alchemist, she uses her voice as a tool for reflection and remembrance – unearthing the unspoken and creating space for truth, healing, and deeper self-awareness. She invites individuals to expand their perspective, move beyond limiting beliefs, and step fully into who they are becoming. She creates spaces where individuals feel seen, challenged, and empowered to rise into their next chapter
with clarity and intention.

With over two decades behind the decks, DJ Zelda is an international open-format DJ and MC that loves to build inclusive, cross-cultural spaces through vibrant global rhythms.