MICHELLE: When I was a little girl, about 7 or 8 years old, I remembered watching a great movie called “The Sounder.” It’s known as a Black classic film. In the movie, I saw a powerful Black woman performing. I was puzzled and asked my mom who the woman was. She said it was Cicely Tyson. I asked her, “What do you call this?” That’s acting my mom responded back. It got me thinking… I like her and I want to be like her.
MICHELLE: Apparently, I was the first Deaf student that enrolled into that college (State University of New York) and they did not have an interpreting service or anything. So, I really had to educate them, the administrators specifically, on how to take care of things for the Deaf students such as interpreters, notetakers, and other needs in order to provide services for the deaf. My experience there was great because there was an opportunity to meet many wonderful students that are hearing. I grew up going to Kendall and MSSD then Gallaudet for one year. That was the point when I felt that is enough. I’ve been in a deaf institution all of my life. To get out of DC and go to a college full with hearing students would be a good challenge for me. It was where I can really push forward my goals as an actress. My journey was a great experience – met great people there who was willing to work with me. AND some of the students, we’ve become best of friends. I taught them a few signs and even some already knew ASL before.
MICHELLE: I set up Onyx Theater Company during 1989 to 1990 with two friends of mine. My mentor was the one who encouraged me to set this up as the recognition for the Deaf Black actors out there was not enough. There weren’t a lot of work for them. Really, its more for deaf and hard of hearing people of color actors. It include Asian, Spanish, Native American, and African American. Of course, it was set up in New York City, the heart of the Apple City. A city where it draws all the actors, entertainers, diverse people and cultures. We did this for eleven years. With that, we did several wonderful productions like “Love Your Enemies” and “FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF.” We did great plays for the Deaf and hearing audiences. I strongly believe in mainstreaming.
MICHELLE: Yes. A friend of mine contacted the person from ESSENCE Magazine and recommended that they should interview me. This is because of my work with Onyx Theatre Company. So, they contacted me expressing their interest in interviewing me due to the great work I’ve done overall. I was super excited. ESSENCE is one of my favorite magazines. Of course, I said yes. They came to Onyx Theatre Company, my organization, in New York City. It was great interview as they were asking me about how Onyx Theatre was established, its purpose and mission, what work I’ve done with the company, and personally about myself.
MICHELLE: My show, one woman show, which its called “Reflections of a Black Deaf Woman.” I did the play in Los Angeles for six weeks. Well, the first play I did was about four weeks then in the valley for six weeks. Amazing. That play I wrote from my observations of Black Deaf Women all over. A lot of people think that my one woman show is about my life experience, but it is not. It is really about them that I see with my own eyes, heard, and take them all into one story. Specifically, that story is about a Deaf mother and daughter, both deaf – their lives is very similar, but the only difference is that they come from two different generations and education backgrounds. The mom is more of on the grassroots side while her daughter is more educated. Both of them helped each other to be successful in their own lives. It is definitely my favorite play in which I toured. I loved how the audience responded to my one-woman show because they feel a connection and its close to them. As for favorite television, I must go with my first tv gig called “Soul Food.” Because that was my FIRST tv opportunity. I worked hard to get myself into that tv show by contacting the producer. I told them of my idea of putting in a Black Deaf character in the story. In fact, it took almost one year to get through to the producer’s head and wrote a character for me. So, it was rewarding!
MICHELLE: All are wonderful women, wonderful talents in their own fields, but there two I noticed the most interesting. Amy Edwards was one of them. Because of her animation skills on the computer in the film. I thought it was interesting. It must be one fascinating career. Interesting! Because I like to work in a similar industry as her and I think it would be great to meet her.
MICHELLE: A Pearl… an example of a hidden treasure that takes you by surprise. It shows the uniqueness in a person. Wow! Self-confident, hold its own beauty, elegance, fearless, and is ready to open up to receive new experiences within this world. That’s how I see the word “Pearl.”
MICHELLE: I would pick… I would nominate Ann Marie Bryan, but we called her Jade. Right now, she lives in New York City. Certainly, a wonderful woman. She is a filmmaker and has done a lot great work with documentaries. Recently, she just completed her first feature film, “If You Could Hear My Tune.” I think people need to see and recognize her work. Because she has been working tirelessly for so many years.