Presenters & Performers

Presenters & Performers

Scroll down to learn more about our speakers! 

Dr Nicole Price

Dr. Nicole D. Price gets it.

April Dr. Price is a dynamic leadership expert who empowers individuals and teams to lead with authenticity, resilience, and purpose. Through her engaging storytelling and practical strategies, she helps leaders navigate challenges, embrace growth, and lead with confidence.

Through leadership development, coaching, consulting, keynotes, and other resources, Dr. Price encourages and enables others to live their lives in excellence. Her energetic and engaging sessions leave participants with strategies and specific tools that they can apply right away. Her lively presentation style garners rave reviews and, very often, an invitation to return.

Dr. Price received her B.S. in chemical engineering from North Carolina A&T University, her master’s degree in adult education from Park University, and her doctorate in leadership and management from Capella University. For more information about Dr. Price and Lively Paradox programs, please visit www.livelyparadox.com/our-team.

KEYNOTE! April 2nd @11:00 AM

Ed Mabrey

Host | Artist | Speaker

A Cave Canem fellow, Watering Hole graduate fellow, and Obsidian Foundation Cohort, Ed is a Pushcart nominee, and was commissioned to craft a speech encompassing the Freedom Award recipients for 2017-2021 on behalf of the National Civil Rights Museum. An NAACP Image Award Nominee, Ed’s been on TV One, as well as ABC, FOX, HBO, CNN, CBS, and NBC. Ed is a choreopoet, screenwriter, actor, a Grammy Voting Member, and a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Gamma Beta Phi. Ed will graduate in May 2025 with an MFA from Adelphi University. Ed is also considered the greatest poet in the history of Poetry Slam, with over 500 wins, four World Championships and seven consecutive regional titles. In 2024 Ed represented the United States of America performing poems at the Olympics in Paris, France.

CONFERENCE HOST! 

Mother Mary Moore

Our Resident Elder / Singer and Griot

There is so much that we could say about this magnificent woman, she is gives us permission to speak (tradition) every conference, supports us throughout the year, and speaks the truth.  Catch her legendary Apollo performance HERE.

OPENING CEREMONY! April 2nd @9:00AM

MElissa Ferrer

Kansas City Poet Laureate

Melissa Ferrer Civil (&), (she/they), formerly known as Missy T. Ferrari, is a poet, performer, organizer, and educator living on unceded Kaw, Kansa, Kickapoo, and Oceti Sakowin lands (KCMO). Rooted in the practical and the possible, their spoken word poems and songs are mostly responses to the world around them and their own internal journey. Melissa is the founder of the arts and organizing event series A Nation In Exile.

Melissa received a Bachelor’s Degree in both Creative Writing and Italian from The Florida State University. She has also received her Master’s of Education with a specialization in Urban Education from Park University. She received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Randolph College. She was also long listed for the Palette Poetry 2021 Emerging Poet Prize. They are a Charlotte Street Studio Resident, a Chrysalis Institute Alumnus, and a Heartlandarts KC Fellow. Melissa Ferrer Civil is the inaugural Poet Laureate of Kansas City, Missouri.

B-Real Academy Learn and Liberate! April 3rd @4:00PM 

Wayne Henry

Poet | Teacher | Producer

Wayne Henry is a dynamic poet, teacher, producer, host, and graphic designer from South Central Los Angeles, now based in Dallas, TX. With a passion for bringing awareness to social justice issues, mental health and promoting spiritual growth, Henry’s poetry is a powerful blend of storytelling, social commentary, and personal reflection. A multiple-award-winning poet, Wayne Henry has been recognized internationally for his work, being ranked amongst the top spokenword/slam poet consistently since 2016. Including being apart of 3 slam team reaching final stage and a Regional championship. With his unique voice and perspective, Wayne Henry continues to inspire and uplift audiences through his poetry and performances.

THE WITNESS! April 2nd @2:15 PM 

Michael Minor

Community Advocate | Entrepreneur | Mentor

Michael Minor is a community advocate, entrepreneur, and leader, dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening neighborhoods in Kansas City. Through initiatives such as MM Enterprise LLC and Mental Turning Point, he works to create opportunities, promotesmental wellness, and support community development. Michael is passionate about mentorship, outreach, and building platforms that uplift and inspire others.

Overcoming Adversity/Chair Yoga: April 3rd @9:30AM

KEnt Crockett

Mental Health Coach | Poet

I’m Kent Crockett, known to my community as KC. I am a Mental Health Coach, poet, and author dedicated to the art of vulnerability. Through my book, I Understand, I Am Misunderstood, and my podcast, In The Black of My Mind, I’ve built a space centered on the belief that healing begins with honest expression. My coaching practice blends creative resilience with actionable mental health strategies, helping my community of over 17,000 followers navigate their own complexities and turn the feeling of being misunderstood into a foundation for self-discovery.

https://www.instagram.com/reels/C7B9gvGL69d/

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1011387527271984

The Misunderstood Masterclass: April 3rd @2:45PM 

Chandra Green LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of SoulMine, LLC

Chandra Green, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of SoulMine, LLC. She is a compassionate, down to earth therapist who helps people feel seen, supported, and empowered. Chandra works with young adults and adults navigating life transitions, as well as couples and families seeking to strengthen communication and build healthier, more harmonious relationships.

Her work focuses on creating safe and supportive spaces where individuals can explore anxiety, relationship challenges, racial identity, and personal growth. Drawing from family systems and trauma informed approaches, Chandra helps people better understand themselves, deepen their connections, and develop tools for lasting emotional wellness.

Through her clinical work and community engagement, Chandra is committed to expanding access to mental health conversations that are practical, culturally responsive, and grounded in compassion.

Break Out Session: April 2nd @3:30 PM 

Joetta Mahan MA

Counselor

Joetta Mahan, MA, is a pre-licensed counselor at Riley’s Hope, dedicated to fostering mental wellness through an empathetic, experience-informed lens. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University and a B.S. in Social Psychology from Park University. Deeply committed to community service, Joetta serves on the Student Support Services (TRIO) Board at MCC Penn Valley and is a former board member for Poetry for Personal Power. As a mother and caregiver to a son on the autism spectrum, she brings a unique, heart-led perspective to her clinical work, fueled by a lifelong passion for psychology and family advocacy.

Break Out Session: April 3rd @4:00PM

Tae’Lor M. Landa

Creator and Host of the Grief Journal

ae’Lor M. Landa is the creator and host of The Grief Journal: The Unwritten Pages of My Grief Journey, a podcast dedicated to exploring the complex and deeply personal experience of loss. Through candid storytelling and meaningful conversations, Tae’Lor creates space for people navigating grief to feel seen, supported, and understood. The podcast features both her personal reflections and the stories of guests who share their own journeys through loss, healing, and remembrance.

Launched in 2021, The Grief Journal has grown into a platform where honest dialogue about grief is encouraged and normalized. Each episode invites listeners to sit with difficult emotions while discovering tools, perspective, and community along the way. Tae’Lor’s work centers the belief that grief is not something to “fix,” but a journey that deserves compassion, understanding, and space to unfold.

Through her podcast and community engagement, Tae’Lor continues to advocate for open conversations around grief, mental health, and emotional healing. Her work helps individuals, families, and communities navigate the often unspoken realities of loss while reminding listeners that they are not alone in their experience. Linktree

LIVE PODCAST! April 3rd @11:00AM 

Kourtney “Taboo” Cunningham

Spoken Word Artist | Advocate

: Meet Taboo aka Kourtney Cunningham, who unearthed her passion for poetry in sixth grade. However, she didn’t hit the stage until October of 2021: triumphing in over a dozen local slams and currently holds the title of Tri-State Slam Champion. Former Regulator, Taboo has since become a member of the Fountain City Poets Slam Team, traveling cross country competing in regional slams. Fearlessly addressing taboo topics like mental health, sexual assault, addiction, etc. Taboo sparks vital conversations, inviting audiences to confront discomfort and embrace the truth hidden beneath society’s rug. Linktree

ART OF SURRENDER! April 3rd @1:30PM

Bubba Peace

Artist | Creative | Spiritual Warrior

Oba Bushenga “Bubba Peace” AaronAli, is a Spiritual Warrior, Generational Bridge, and Creative Earth Angel. He founded the Wakanda Weekend event in Denver, CO, an Artist Co-op called B Peace MVMT, and Peace Medi Moves – a program that aspires to develop compassionate beings through wellness disciplines, mindfulness, and martial arts. Most of his work centers intergenerational healing, youth mentorship, and community empowerment.

Born in Oakland, California, Bubba Peace discovered music, poetry, mindfulness, martial arts, and being immersed in nature were necessary tools to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Bubba Peace has released a self love EP, Rose in 2021 and his debut album Roots of a Rose in May of 2025. In addition to music, Bubba Peace is on a mission to master the elements necessary to create the Nawapenda Wanafunzi martial art style. Stewards of the Nawapenda Wanafunzi style embody the MEDI principles and self mastery philosophies.

Break Out Session: April 2nd @3:30PM 

Dove Dupree

Artist | Actor | Winner Rite of Joy Slam 2025

Dove Dupree is a poet, music artist, actor, youth advocate, business owner and much more. He started writing raps at the early age of 7. 

Just like in his life, his goal in his music and poetry is to impact, inspire and all the good things in between. He is a teaching artist; where he goes into schools as an artist in residency, and teaches students educational content through arts integration workshops. He incorporates music and rap into the subjects his students are learning to help them creatively retain information and have fun while doing it. 

Dove Dupree also leads workshops across the country’s colleges, conferences, churches and more, while managing to blend spoken word and audience dialogue together on topics such as faith, mental health, social justice issues.

He has won countless team and individual poetry slams across the country since entering the slam poetry scene in 2014.

In the realm of spoken word, here is a list of a few of his recent accomplishments…

He is…

– A Ted Ex performer

–  Greenville South Carolina’s 4 time – Say What Grand Slam Champion

–  Featured on Button Poetry, WYFF and WGGS TV 

– The 2021 Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Slam Champion and 2025 King Of The South Slam Champion

– A 2 time Mayan Industry award winner for best original piece

– A ‘back to back’ Southern Fried Poetry Slam final stage finalist (Which is the nation’s largest regional competition)

– And during the 2018 Southern Fried Poetry Slam, He held the number 1 ranking out of 150 poets over the preliminary stretch

– The 2022 National Blackberry Peach Poetry Slam Runner Up

– The 2023 National Blackberry Peach Poetry Slam Winner

-The 2024 Southern Fried Poetry Slam Winner

– The 2024 and 2025 King of The South Poetry Slam Winner

For booking, please send inquries to dove@dovedupree.com

Break Out Session: April 2nd @3:30PM

Jorge Fuller

Educator | Poet | Model

Jorge Fuller is a Kansas City native, educator, poet, model, and entrepreneur dedicated to igniting potential in others. Branded as “Fuller For The People,” he focuses on Educational Prosperity, Economic Progress, and Civic Relationships. As founder of Fuller For The People LLC, he provides personal and professional development to empower individuals.

As Talent & Community Engagement Coordinator for Teachers Like Me, Jorge leads efforts to recruit and retain Black educators. He also serves as President of the American Association of Employing Educators (AAEE), advancing equitable practices. His community leadership includes advisory roles with Brothers Liberating Our Community (BLOC) and Race Project KC (RPKC), supporting youth and empowerment initiatives.

A true changemaker, Jorge Fuller continues to inspire collaboration and drive lasting impact throughout Kansas City and beyond.

Break Out Session: April 3rd @4:00PM

De Barker

The Queen of Kansas City 2Step & Line Dance !

Hosts:
*IDWD (I Dance Wit’ De)
*The Steppers Lounge
*The Big StepOff

https://voyagekc.com/interview/check-out-de-barkers-story/

https://www.communityvoiceks.com/2024/07/13/kansas-city-two-step-culture/

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CG93FBNSY/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrVrfBDiwKA

https://www.tiktok.com/@thekansascitystar/video/7563707126724463885?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Movement and Mental Health! April 2nd @9:30AM

Speaker/Presenter Name

Title/Credentials

SHORT BIO: Lorem Ipsum es simplemente el texto de relleno de las imprentas y archivos de texto. Lorem Ipsum ha sido el texto de relleno estándar de las industrias desde el año 1500, cuando un impresor (N. del T. persona que se dedica a la imprenta) desconocido usó una galería de textos y los mezcló de tal manera que logró hacer un libro de textos especimen. No sólo sobrevivió 500 años, sino que tambien ingresó como texto de relleno en documentos electrónicos, quedando esencialmente igual al original. Fue popularizado en los 60s con la creación de las hojas “Letraset”, las cuales contenian pasajes de Lorem Ipsum, y más recientemente con software de autoedición, como por ejemplo Aldus PageMaker, el cual incluye versiones de Lorem Ipsum.

Session Name: Date & Time

Session Name: Date & Time