Keynote Speaker

Michaela angela Davis

Michaela angela Davis, cultural critic, writer, and urbanista, has made a career for herself by exploring African Americans’ relationships with the media. Her explorations have included the power and beauty of urban style, women’s politics and hip-hop culture. She served as fashion editor and later Executive Fashion and Beauty Editor of Essence magazine. Davis also served as fashion director of Vibe and Honey magazines. In addition to magazines, her writing has appeared in books, including Everything But the Burden: What White People are Taking From Black Culture. Her credits also include numerous television appearances on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, VH1, and TVOne. Davis was instrumental in “Take Back the Music,” a multimedia campaign that increased awareness about the representations of young women in mainstream media. In 2006 and 2007, she continued the discussion about these representations by co –producing and serving as a panelist on “Who You Calling a Ho?” and “Sisters Take Issue with Our Images” as part of Essence Music Festival’s Empowerment Series. Presently, Davis is continuing her tradition of empowering women by serving on the board of Black Girls Rock!, Image Nation and The Brooklyn Community Arts and Media High School. She also hosts Salon de Shine, a monthly mentoring program and multi platform destination.

Poet/Recording Artist

Ursula Rucker

Ursula Rucker, a Philadelphia native, is a poet and a performance and recording artist. In 1994, the Temple University graduate began performing during an open-mic night at Philadelphia’s Zanzibar Blue. Word of her talent quickly spread and that same year she made her first recording, “Supernatural,” which received international attention as a popular club hit.  Described as “strong, vulnerable, wounded and raging,” she has drawn comparisons with the likes of famed poets Sonia Sanchez and Nikki Giovanni.  Rucker has recorded with such artists as The Roots 4 Hero, Jamaladeen Tacuma, King Britt, The Silent Poets, Josh Wink, and Bahamadia. In 2001, she released her debut album SUPA SISTA, which she followed with Ma’at Mama (2006), Silver or Lead (2003), and Ruckus Soundsysdom (2008). Over the years, Rucker’s work has transcended both literary and musical genres, however, she remains influential in the world of Hiphop.