Black History Month is a time to celebrate brilliance, creativity, and impact—and today, we’re shining a light on Black professionals who bring play, innovation, and inspiration to everything they do. These incredible individuals use joy, curiosity, and engagement to spark growth, unlock potential, and create meaningful connections across industries. Their work isn’t just important—it’s transformational.
Spotlight on Playful Black Professionals:
Jeff Harry | Facilitator, Keynote Speaker, Coach
Jeff helps organizations escape toxic work cultures and embrace the power of play. His Positive Psychology Play method creates spaces where people feel safe to have tough conversations, break down barriers, and build stronger, happier workplaces.
Sarah Iverson | Coach, Author, Artist
Sarah blends coaching, writing, and art to guide people on a journey of self-discovery. With a spirit of playfulness, she helps others embrace curiosity and creativity, leading them toward deeper self-awareness and personal growth.
Darryl Edwards | Coach, Author, Keynote Speaker, Facilitator
Darryl is the leader of the primal play movement, showing that fitness should be fun. His approach to movement, health, and wellness makes exercise feel like a game—energizing bodies and minds alike.
Betsaida LeBron | Facilitator, Coach
Betsaida brings play into leadership, helping teams communicate with confidence and ease. Her interactive approach fosters collaboration, trust, and creative problem-solving.
Dashaun Simmons | Facilitator, Reiki Practitioner, Intuitive Counselor
Dashaun combines reiki, intuitive counseling, and facilitation to help people heal, grow, and find balance. He creates playful yet deeply transformative spaces that encourage self-reflection and resilience.
Azhelle Wade | Inventor, Marketer
Known as The Toy Coach, Azhelle makes the toy industry more accessible while championing creativity in product development. She proves that fun and business can go hand in hand.
Eric Jones | Magician, Entertainer
Eric doesn’t just perform magic—he creates moments of awe and possibility. His illusions remind us of the wonder we experience when we let our imaginations run free.
Randy Thomas | Performer, Teacher, Actor
Randy uses performance and teaching to cultivate artistic expression. His work invites people to embrace creativity and explore the power of storytelling.
Ingrid Broussillon | Facilitator
With her multilingual skills and expertise in facilitation, Ingrid builds bridges across cultures. She uses play to enhance communication, proving that joy is a universal language.
Ran’D Shine | Magician, Entertainer
Ran’D captivates audiences with magic that blends playfulness and intrigue. His performances remind us to embrace the joy of everyday moments and keep a sense of wonder alive.
Stephanie Rae | Performer, Entertainer, Facilitator
As a member of the Black Improv Alliance, Stephanie uses humor and play to create spaces for connection and transformation. Her work proves that laughter can be a powerful tool for growth.
Kai Dickens | Coach, Entrepreneur
Kai helps entrepreneurs dream bigger and move with confidence through play-based coaching. His energetic approach inspires innovation and action.
Denise Jacobs | Keynote Speaker, Facilitator, Author, Creative
Denise is all about helping people reclaim their creative confidence. Through her work, she empowers others to silence their inner critics and unlock fearless self-expression.
Michael Bradford | Playwright, Educator
Michael’s storytelling in theatre and education sparks important conversations. He helps students and audiences alike explore complex ideas through the power of narrative and play.
John Gebretatose | Comedian, Performer, Facilitator, Keynote Speaker
John knows that laughter is a bridge to connection. Through comedy and facilitation, he creates environments where humor fosters deep understanding and community.
Instagram (personal)
Instagram (proffesional)
LinkedIn
Yolonda Deon
Yolonda Deon is a multifaceted influencer renowned for her vibrant presence in both creative and professional spheres. Through her dynamic approach, Yolonda combines artistry and expertise to inspire and empower others. Her work is marked by a dedication to authenticity and innovation, creating a resonant impact across various platforms. As a leader in fostering creativity, Yolonda encourages individuals to explore their unique voices and talents, contributing to a more diverse and enriched community.
These incredible professionals aren’t just playing—they’re changing the game. Their work proves that joy, creativity, and connection can transform lives. Check them out, support their work, and stay tuned as I continue to highlight even more playful Black changemakers!
Communities
Afro Play Collective
The Afro Play Collective is a vibrant community rooted in the African diaspora, dedicated to celebrating and promoting unique play styles inherent in African heritage. By fostering collaboration, solidarity, and support, the collective aims to build a strong sense of community and shared experience among its members. From double dutch teams to improv players, the Afro Play Collective provides a welcoming home for those who resonate with its joyful and resilient spirit. The collective encourages individuals to join the movement, offering a platform for engaging and connecting with like-minded players. Through their efforts, the Afro Play Collective seeks to enrich the cultural tapestry of play and elevate the voices of those who play with passion and purpose.
Black Improv Alliance
The Black Improv Alliance is a dynamic community committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the world of improvisational theatre. By creating opportunities and platforms for Black performers, the alliance nurtures talent and encourages artistic growth. With a focus on empowering performers to share their unique stories and perspectives, the Black Improv Alliance plays a crucial role in broadening the landscape of improv. Through workshops, performances, and community events, they offer a supportive environment where creativity can flourish and connections can be made. Their work is instrumental in bringing more visibility and representation to Black improvisers, enriching the art form with fresh voices and powerful narratives.