I am a fourth-generation truth-teller. The daughter of a preacher. The granddaughter of a preacher. The great-granddaughter of a preacher. The fire of truth is in my belly. My calling in life is to embody Divine joy as a balm to those in sorrow, to journey as a hopeful companion with those in pain and difficulty, and to continue a legacy of proclaiming freedom to those in bondage. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, seamstress and designer, singer-songwriter, and professional chaplain. Whether you saw or own a Redo x Renew custom creation, or you engaged with The Funky Chaplain individually, in a group setting, or through The Chaplain’s Corner, or you broke yo’ neck head bobbing to Ya-Ya’s musical freedom journey, I’m glad you’re here!
I started sewing in middle school home economics and was hooked! I still remember my first two projects in high school home ec: a white bunny with pink ears and a pencil-shaped pillow in my favorite color, purple! In my early twenties, I was intrigued with making clothing, but until 2015 I only made a few garments here and there. In 2015 when I continued my education as a second-year chaplain trainee I decided on a bit of a uniform to make that exhausting year easier. I began making wide-leg Ankara pants to wear with a blazer and my clergy collar. I loved the funky edge the Ankara pants added to an otherwise conservative uniform. At the time my friend and colleague asked me, “Do you sew for other people? You should.” When the training assignment ended and I was in between jobs I started doing just that, making upcycled purses, bags, and garments from a combination of thrifted, reclaimed, and new textiles. In 2017 I did my first runway show just to prove to myself I could do anything I set my mind to! What an exhilarating experience! I decided then that I wanted to live my life as a creator and Redo x Renew was born. Since then I’ve continued to make garments, purses, bags, and jewelry that make me happy and spread some of my funky to my fabulous customers! My work style has steadily evolved in proportion to my freedom, and I only wear my collar for special events, but I still make most of my workwear to this day. Now I am leaning into the funky edge, dubbing myself The #FunkyChaplain, mixing and matching vibrant colors and Ankara prints, and bringing joy every place I go!
I’ve been providing spiritual care at hospital and nursing home bedsides since starting a clinical pastoral education internship in October 2010. My first hospital visit was providing a supportive presence to a family walking their loved one to end of life. It was tough and sacred and holy, and I felt an overwhelming sense of meaning and purpose for my life. My practice of support and care grew over the years with extensive training delivering spiritual care to those struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. I have delivered individualized care and support at the bedside to diverse populations in long-term care, critical care, medical/surgical, palliative care, and inpatient psychiatric units. I’ve also provided group care in inpatient psychiatric units and outpatient substance use disorder treatment environments. Additionally, I’ve provided group and individual education to post-master’s level clinical trainees. Today, I continue to grow and expand my practice of care outside of the traditional clinical environment, because I believe spiritual care, support, and education should be available to everyone, everywhere. My book, “It Gets Better” is part memoir, part encouragement, and part practical spiritual care for everyday life. It is designed to be an easily digestible read for anyone struggling with remaining hopeful about their life.
Every freedom fighter has a back story…
Around 1998 I realized I could sing and write music, or perhaps it’s better to say I began to believe in my own gifts. Actually, my brother recognized it first and started pushing me to share my gift. As soon as I said yes, God, the universe, my ancestors, and all in the Spirit who are for me arranged a collision course with rapper and producer Aron “Ace” Epps who gave me my stage name. He thought I sounded like a modern-day Mahalia Jackson because of my lower register, soulful lyrics, and gospel music-inspired sound. He shortened her name, doubled the last syllable, and dubbed me “Ya-Ya.” Mahalia Jackson was my grandfather’s favorite gospel singer so it felt a fitting tribute; I’ve worn it with pride ever since. Almost immediately I met another dope producer Kareem “The Silent Stepchild” Ellis, and we started working furiously. It didn’t take us long to develop our underground hip-hop soul sound, and we started working on my first project: What Freedom Dreams (2001). I envisioned Ya-Ya as my alter ego, and I found the inspiration to dream of freedom through her. Ya-Ya is a born freedom fighter, waging war throughout the inhabited universe against those who would hold others captive. She proclaims freedom to those in bondage and helps the newly released walk in freedom. Although “What Freedom Dreams” was released in 2001 (2002 digitally), life’s pressures buried my expression through Ya-Ya for nearly 20 years. Then, almost suddenly, I felt Ya-Ya’s call to proclaim freedom once again; it was as if a part of me woke up from a long slumber! In July 2019 I joined in musical partnership with Kareem Ellis for production again and released the “Ya-Ya Lives!” EP. In November 2020 I released my first self-produced full-length project, “Home: Welcome to 3020.” In August 2021, 20 years after “What Freedom Dreams” was released I released “What Freedom Dreams, Vol. 2” as a continuation of Ya-Ya’s freedom journey! On November 26, 2021, I will release my second self-produced project, “Next.”