Our Black Gay Diaspora Podcast

Rinaldo Walcott is a Canadian academic, writer, and a Professor and Chair of Africana and American Studies at the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. He holds the Carl V. Granger Chair in Africana and American Studies. Thank you to Episode 98’s guest, Lyndon K. Gill, for connecting us. Rinaldo's published works include The Long Emancipation: Moving toward Black Freedom and On Property (2021), BlackLife: Post-BLM and the Struggle for Freedom with Idil Abdillahi (2019), Queer Returns: Essays on Multiculturalism, Diaspora and Black Studies (2016), and Black Like Who?: Writing Black Canada (1997 and 2003).

Shelley Nicole is an American singer-songwriter, musician, composer, actor, poet, healer, and the frontperson and founder of the band, Shelley Nicole’s blaKbüshe. In a league with artists like Rosetta Tharpe, Nina Simone, Betty Davis, Labelle, Joan Armatrading, and Meshell Ndegeocello, Shelley Nicole’s blaKbüshe is equal parts rock, soul, blues, jazz, and funk. Shelley has collaborated with various artists—including Vernon Reid of the band, Living Colour and the American improvisational band, Burnt Sugar.

Tim Vincent is co-founder and president of Brothers of the Desert, “…a non-profit organization with a mission to support Black gay men and allies through education, advocacy, social networking, volunteerism, philanthropy, and mentorship.” Aigner "Anye Elite" Ellis is a member of Brothers of the Desert and the founder and chief project manager of Icon City Entertainment, LLC, a company that “…embodies a spirit of transformation and empowerment.” On March 22, 2025, Brothers of the Desert’s 6th Annual Wellness Summit will be at The Riviera Hotel in Palm Springs, CA.

Aurora Krotoa Moses is the South African founder and CEO of Aurora Kaleidoscope Movement. She’s also a Global Ambassador for Theirworld, and an alumnus of FutureElect. In 2023, she was the focus of Carl Collison’s documentary, ‘Aurora’. Her portrait was one piece featured in Cape Town-based visual artist Selvin November’s December 2023 display at Cape Heritage Hotel.

Nzube Ufodike is a British entrepreneur, investor, and advisor. Thank you to Gamal ‘G’ Turawa for connecting us. Nzube is a co-founder of Amoo Angels, a UK-based angel network. He's a board member and advisor to early and growth-stage businesses in the UK and emerging markets. Nzube is also a fundraising coach / entrepreneur-in-residence for other accelerator programmes. He's a trustee at The Africa Centre, a chair at the BCS Foundation, IoD Emerging NEDs Special Interest Group, and is on the board at Queen Mary University of London.

Niki Lopez is an Afro-Latina interdisciplinary visual artist, curator, and social practitioner. She is the founder of What’s Your Elephant™, a “…charitable arts and educational organisation dedicated to catalysing awareness and fostering vital dialogue around under-addressed topics.” Niki is a renaissance person, doing her part to make the world more inclusive, honest, and colourful.