Our Team
Yodit Mesfin Johnson
Momma Bear. Activist. Black Feminist. Nonprofit Know It All. Founder, @BlackMenRead
Yodit Mesfin Johnson (she/her) has been working at the intersections of racial justice and liberatory practices for women and black, indigenous and other people of color for nearly two decades. Recently, she has been facilitating dialogue with individuals, organizations and communities of people who wish to explore race, anti-racist practices and smashing white dominant culture. As a champion for equity and social change, she believes there is no greater antidote for hate than love and liberation. She founded Black Men Read and leads the organization’s culture and strategy work. In her spare time she is actively trying to decolonize her mind.
Tamara Tucker-Ibarisha
Ph.D.Science Nerd. Crafty Creative. Dancer. Cultural Enthusiast. Educator.
Tamara Tucker-Ibarisha holds a doctorate in Cell and Molecular Biology and has been teaching at the college level for over a decade. She has a passion for education and has developed and been involved in STEM education outreach initiatives for children, college students, and the general public. She is a co-founder of Black Men Read and focuses on the educational and creative aspects of the program.
Nuola Akinde
Afro-Caribbean writer, mama and decolonizing early childhood educator.
We were delighted when Nuola Akinde, founder of Kekere Freedom School, agreed to join our team. We’re forever indebted to our sister for helping us in those early days and for continuing with us now as our Director of Culture and Curriculum. Nuola’s eye for play-centered learning helps us learn how to decolonize learning and continues to leave an indelible imprint on our programs and mission. Will Jones and Naya Bass round out our team and keep our feet firmly planted in our mission through their Coordination and Storytelling.
Kate Williams
(she/her)
Program Coordinator, artist, educator, and advocate for youth and community voice
Kate is an education professional working in Southeast Michigan. She instructed K-12 visual art for eight years. While teaching, Kate focused her career around student centered learning, culturally relevant teaching, and community engagement through the arts. She believes in arts and culture as meaningful avenues for learning and changemaking. One of Kate’s favorite children’s books is The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, and she loved reading it to the students in her art classes.
Trae IsAAc
Fine Artist and Creative Director
My name is Trae IsAAc, Fine Artist and Creative Director of over 15-years. I am driven by a genuine passion for manifesting awe-inspiring and psychologically empowering pieces of art. Based on my life as a person who has had to find power through loss and peace through discomfort. Primarily raised by my grandparents, losing my youngest brother and mother to cancer in my mid-teens were and still is the primary fuel to the fire that I use to push myself to create and provide for my family through art.