Our Black Gay Diaspora Podcast

Topher Campbell is a British filmmaker, artist, and writer whose career spans film, theatre, education, and consultancy. Much of his work centres on sexuality, masculinity, race, human rights, and climate change. Some of Topher’s works include his 1995 film, The Homecoming: A Short Film About Ajamu. Topher and Ajamu X are the founders of rukus! Federation Limited, a Black LGBT cultural archive comprising collected diaries, letters, magazines, and other black British queer media. Topher’s other projects include 2018’s short film, FETISH, the 2022 documentary, Moments That Shaped: Queer Black Britain and his installation at London’s Tate Modern.

JAKE Small is an American researcher, non-profit leader, advocate, keynote speaker, DEI workshop facilitator, and poet. JAKE supports professionals at every level of seniority and companies across every industry. He’s also about advancing the education equity of Black boys in the United States. In May 2024, JAKE published his collection of poems titled FOR EVERY BLACK BOY. I didn’t just read the collection; I absorbed it. JAKE shares about his professional journey, and how he uses his credentials and experiences to embrace who he is and encourage others.

George M. Johnson is an American Emmy-nominated, award-winning, New York Times bestselling author, journalist, and activist known for 2021’s We Are Not Broken and 2020’s bestselling memoir manifesto All Boys Aren’t Blue. Their new book is titled, Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I'd Known.

The bimonthly On The Panel series is back with the topic, “Black Queer Citizens in the Workplace”. Thank you to Episode 8’s Prince Beasley (United States), Episode 28’s Edward D. Lathan IV (United States), and Episode 50’s Kaecy (South Africa) for sharing their insights on what being an out Black queer citizen in the workplace means to them.

Mike Henderson is the American founder and CEO of B.A.G. Travel, “a premier group travel consulting firm specialising in crafting immersive and transformative travel experiences.” In 2022, it was selected by New World Report 2022 Awards as Best Emerging Travel Agency - California. With over 20 years of expertise in the travel industry, and a background in urban planning, Mike is dedicated to helping travellers explore the world in meaningful ways. 

Steven Kabuye is a Canadian-based Ugandan LGBTQ+ activist. Thank you to Episode 61’s Russell Brooks for connecting us. Steven is the Executive Director of Coloured Voices Media Foundation, a youth-led organisation advocating for and promoting the human rights, health, and socioeconomic well-being of LGBTQ+ citizens. He's also the recipient of the 2024 Troy Perry Medal of Pride, an award honouring “fearless LGBTQ+ young people & community leaders who are making an impact through social & spiritual activism.”

Paul Jerome is a Haitian-American actor, writer, director, and producer, whose career spans theatre, television, and film. As an actor, his credits include roles in ABC's Sister, Sister, The Drew Carey Show, and Spin City. He's also been on FOX's 9-1-1 and Boston Public, BET's Twenties, and The DL Chronicles. The gay-themed LOGO series created by filmmakers Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossfield. As a writer and producer, Paul has worked on shows like The Big Dick Mike Show and B-Boy Bear. One of his more recent projects includes the film, Maxie.

Zarah Hilliard is an American surrogate for SurrogateFirst, a team made up of surrogates and potential parents in ten U.S. states and Asia. Their mission is to make “…the surrogacy journey as smooth, safe and stress-free as possible for everyone involved.” Since she was young, Zarah has searched for ways to positively impact others. She is enrolled at Pikes Peak State College in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to become a labour and delivery nurse. Zarah has been on one surrogacy journey and is preparing for a second one. She’s someone committed to blessing others with the miracle of joy and life.

Dr. Maurice Franklin is a Public Policy and Public Administration Adjunct Professor California State University, Northridge, and CEO and President of Franklin Management Consulting, lecturing and consulting on organisational sustainability and organisational development strategies throughout the United States. His career includes senior management roles within legacy African American non-profit organisations like Manhattan’s Community Board 10, the Second Vice-President of the Harlem Hospital Community Advisory Board, a Board member of the Prince Hall Medical Foundation, and the Chair of Health and Wellness for the founding Chapter of One Hundred Black Men in Harlem. He’s also a community advisor to the City University of New York, Graduate Center's Harlem Strong Community Mental Health Project. Dr. Franklin attributes his activism and social justice commitments to the influences of his mother, James Baldwin, Reverend Jessie Jackson, and Marcus Garvey.