On a crisp Spring evening, story lovers gathered at Radio Milwaukee for After Dark: For the
Culture. The night was catered to the black and brown community, encouraging them to
share their experiences in a brave and welcoming atmosphere.
Eight participants graced the stage beginning with Ex Fabula Program Director Alea
McHatten. She gave the audience insight into the lives her grandmother and mother had as
caregivers for a nice elderly white woman named Ms. Betty. At just eight years old Alea
recognized the correlation of black women caring for white families to chattel slavery in
America. She had to decide if she was going to let her relationship with Ms. Betty change or
if she would understand that her grandmother and mother did what they had to do for their
family. Ending her story with a poem, Alea gave us both laughs and deep thought.
The second storyteller was artist Nicole Acosta. She eloquently talked about starting over
after becoming a parent and needing to find herself again. As the creator of The HOOPS
Project, a remarkable exhibition and stage play surrounding culture, confidence and history
of the jewelry, Nicole spit great marketing game about taking photos and having her friends
change their social media profile pictures at the same time to capture folks attention. She
concluded with, “If you’re an artist like me, do it if you’re scared. Do it if you’re broke.”
Next, we heard from Elle Rodriguez and then Brazilian born Kris. Elle helped the audience
participate in traditional Spanish and made-up words too, while honoring her best friend who
was also her abuela. Kris told us a little bit about being considered white in Brazil and then
coming to America and knowing she was now Latina. Kris said, “Ex Fabula meetings almost
felt like group therapy,” and was encouraged to go into business instead of low paying jobs
that America saw fit for immigrants. It was inspiring to hear that Kris runs a successful
bookstore and now no one doubts her skills or complains about her accent.
Story Wrangler Zhane’ spoke about her self-love journey through her hair and Christine
recently realized she became exactly who her 14-year-old self wanted her to be: a strong,
educated protector.
Conan a father, took to the stage and read a detailed script like dialogue between him and
his son about a road trip.
The featured artist was poet and teacher Miss Unique. She hosts an art and entertainment
series called Best Impressions every 2nd & 4th Wednesday at Promises on the southside of
Milwaukee. She didn’t use a microphone to recite new pieces about the human experience,
self-love and a happy relationship.
To hear more heartening tales, you can catch the next upcoming AfterDark: For the Culture StorySlam on  June
13th.