Entertainer Karen Williams And Author Michelle Brown Join National Black Justice Coalition
Entertainer Karen Williams and Author Michelle Brown
Join NBJC Board
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is pleased to announce the addition of author and performer Karen Williams and author / activist Michelle Brown to its Board of Directors.
Ms. Williams is perhaps best known for her stand-up comedy work and appearance in films such as "Laughing Matters" and through her Humor and Healing Arts Institute (HaHA), whose mission is to encourage the fullest and highest activation of human potential for compassion, wisdom, and life force through the daily use of humor and healing arts.
"I am delighted to serve on the NBJC board based on my own commitment to peace and justice, and the use of ongoing dialogue to ease conflict and tension and create understanding, tolerance, and unity between people. Certainly appropriate humor has its place in opening the hearts, minds, and wallets of concerned and passionate citizens who are willing to fight for change; and I find the mindset of the NBJC constituency to be set on initiating and supporting change in today's America. It is my honor to be of service as a member of the NBJC Board, and I will do what I can to support its legacy," said Ms. Williams.
An internationally acclaimed and nationally-known comedienne and humorist, Ms. Williams background includes over twenty years of theatrical training, improvisational comedy, dance and movement, psychodrama, active parenting, metaphysical studies, and Buddhist practice. She is also the creator and facilitator of the Humor-at-Large Workshop Series, founder of the National Women's Comedy Conference, past president of the Association of Women's Music and Culture, and former Board Member of AIDS, Medicine and Miracles. Williams graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland State University with a personally designed major in "Humor and Healing," and earned a Master of Education degree from CSU's Adult Learning & Development program.
Michelle E. Brown is an author and activist born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Her work is strongly influenced by the socio-economic, political and human rights history of the city. Drawing upon the city’s rich history and her own personal travels locally and nationally for inspiration, she has written essays for several mainstream and alternative newspapers, is a monthly columnist in “Between the Lines” Michigan’s only LGBT Newspaper, and has published poetry, short stories and authored two books. When not writing she works as a consultant to small businesses and non-profit organization providing organizational development assistance.
Ms. Brown commented: “The next time someone, Black, White, Gay or an LGBT Ally, asks what we can do about homophobia in the African American community tell them about NBJC. Joining NBJC will allow me to support my African American LGBT Brothers and Sisters, and engage communities and people of faith in the work of gaining full equality for all. Together we can be the change we need.”
Michigan Equality Board President Douglas Meeks also weighed in on her appointment:
“Michelle Brown is a pillar of hope who is continuously striving for equality and racial justice. She doesn’t just talk the talk; she walks the walk tirelessly improving our community. She is in the true sense of the word an activist for all human rights.”
"We're extremely excited to have people of such magnitude and talent on our board! I look forward to working side by side with Michelle Brown and Karen Williams," said NBJC Board President Kylar Broadus.
The National Black Justice Coalition (www.NBJC.org) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Its mission is to eradicate racism and homophobia. NBJC envisions a world where all people are fully empowered to participate safely, openly and honestly in family, faith and community, regardless of race, gender-identity, or sexual orientation.
