Rev. Malika Lee Whitney is Artistic Director of Pickney Productions, an arts, culture, and education collective based in Harlem. A performance artist, storyteller, poet, playwright and producer known for presenting culturally relevant content for audiences of all ages. Her artistry has been presented at the Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, American Museum of Natural History, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Wave Hill, New Victory Theater, Bronx Zoo as well as many public, private and charter schools around the city. Global travels to Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, Central and South America have enriched connections within communities engaged through creative initiatives and social justice advocacy. Rev. Whitney is author of the acclaimed biography, “Bob Marley Reggae King of the World.” She frequently serves as moderator and panelist for major film festivals and emcee for popular cultural events at major venues. Rev. Whitney’s community engagement commitment is exemplified by the Significant Elders Intergenerational Project and coaching the Double Dutch Dreamz. WBAI Radio listeners have enjoyed her insightful arts, public affairs and children’s broadcasts for many years. She is currently enrolled in the Bard College initiative Just Leadership Program.
Kevin Nathaniel Hylton, a Yale University graduate, as a Scholar in Fine Arts, is an artist, performer and multi-percussionist, who specializes in the ancient African mbira. He spent nearly 20 years mastering the mbira as an apprentice to Zimbabwe’s mbira master, the late Ephrat Mujuru. Kevin has taught tens of thousands of people around the world the art of mbira making and playing. He has composed music for Alice Walker for the film Beloved; and has performed at several institutions which include: Lincoln Center, Juilliard and Carnegie Hall; as well as working with renowned artists such as Oprah Winfrey, Jonathan Demme, Thomas Mapfumo, Miriam Makeba, Bobby McFerrin and Madonna. Kevin has also helped to create the “CAP” program of African Music for NYC schools at Symphony Space. He is also a founding member of several touring musical groups which include: Spirit Ensemble, Heritage O P, Forestdance, Kaleidhaphonic, Africa Meets India and Harmony Mbira. Kevin lives in NYC, his music can be found on Spotify, iTunes and other outlets.
Sharon Gordon’s exemplary talents are represented in print, on radio and within the Jamaican diaspora as a community leader and cultural influencer. Her distinctive voice has been heard on several radio programs throughout the Tri-State area since the early 90’s. Sharon’s writings have been published in VIBE magazine, the North American Weekly Gleaner, and Caribbean Life newspaper among other periodicals. Sharon is an actress, storyteller, audio book narrator, as well as a frequent Mistress of Ceremonies and now Zoom host. She is an acclaimed journalist, publicist, promoter, film producer, and special event coordinator. With an ardent understanding of ethnomusicology and ethnic marketing, her resourceful insights have led to her role as a cultural consultant for multi-discipline programming with arts institutions. Sharon serves on the planning committee for the International African Arts Festival, Hub City Sounds Presents, New Brunswick Caribbean Festival and The NY Grace Jerk Festival Cultural Stage.
