Artist | Oral Histories
DJ Summersoft
Nia Amina Minor
Nia-Amina Minor is a movement artist, choreographer, curator, and educator originally from Los Angeles. Her work focuses on the body and what it carries, using physical and archival research to converse with memory. She approaches her practice as an imaginative space grounded in rhythm where improvisation and choreography meet. Nia-Amina has received regional and national commissions for her choreographic and film work and has a working background as a performer and dramaturg. She is co-founder of Black Collectivity, on faculty at Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University and is the Curating Artist in Residence at Velocity Dance Theater.
Jusmoni
Seattle born and raised JusMoni, aka Moni Tep, is a mother, singer/songwriter, published writer, How We Met Apothecary owner and founding member of Sway and Swoon DJ Collective.
Guided by ancestral memory and lifelong spiritual practices, Moni is an artist and cultural worker blessed with game, grace and gravitas beyond her 33 years. Moni’s singular works echo both the Black church and her mothers’ native Cambodia. She shares spiritual kinship and common purpose with her Black Constellation family —in constant communion with the Sacred
Dora Oliveria
Listen to Dora Oliveira’s Oral History Here
A native of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, Dance with Dora’s founder and creative director, Dora Oliveira, is a master of her craft who has been choreographing, performing, and teaching Afro-Brazilian dance and music to adults and kids for over 30 years.
Dora is a talented artist whose passion for dance and music inspired her to establish her own company. Her persona is vibrant and authentic, and her bold style allows her to teach her students with boundless energy and fervor.
Dance with Dora brings the joy, strength, and diversity of Brazilian culture to the Pacific Northwest through original productions, festivals, parties, workshops, and weekly classes.
To learn more about Dora and her company, classes, and events, follow Dance with Dora on Facebook and Instagram. Inquiries can be sent to info@dancewithdora.com.
Micaiah Jeffrey
Micaiah “Pluto” Jeffrey (he/him) is a Black transmasculine dancer and choreographer born and raised in Seattle, WA. His movement style stems from both his childhood as a praise dancer and his experience within the Seattle dance community over the past 11 years. Throughout that time, he has trained with Kuttnup, D&G Dance Company, the Arete Project and other mentors around the pacific northwest. Although he got his start in hip hop choreography, for the past 4 years he has focused on street and club dances such as Krump, house, waacking, and hip hop freestyle.
In late 2024 he co-founded Alignment Crew; an up-and-coming dance crew made by and for new gen freestyle dancers. From 2024-2026 he worked with the UW Hip Hop Student Association to foster growth and community within street dancers in and around University of Washington. He continues to build his professional dance network by connecting with Seattle movement artists and travelling locally and internationally for dance battles and opportunities. He hopes to use dance as a tool of healing (both for himself and those who witness him) while consistently learning about and protecting the history and culture of Black and queer dance cultures.
Clarence Williams
Listen to Clarence’s Oral History Here
Clarence Williams is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, where he attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He has resided in Seattle, Washington, since 1964. He was employed by the Seattle Fire Department for 30 years where he retired in 1998 as a Lieutenant in the Fire Marshall’s office where he headed the Certification Division. He is married to Ms. Paulette Guyton-Williams and is the father of five children.
Clarence was one of the founding members of the Seattle Black Fire Fighters Association (SBFFA) and served as its President for the first 10 years. He served as Regional Director, Executive Vice President, and President of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters (IABPFF).
dani tirrell
dani tirrell (pronoun: dani tirrell / dani t.) is an Inkster, MI-born and raised, Black, Trans Spectrum, Queer choreographer, dancer, and movement guide whose work centers Black identity, collective care, and storytelling through embodied practice. dani tirrell's artistic work has reached audiences across the United States—from Detroit to Seattle to Washington, D.C.—creating spaces for reflection, connection, ritual, and transformation. dani t. is the Founder and Artistic Director of dani tirrell & The Congregation, a movement-based performance ensemble dedicated to amplifying stories from the African Diaspora. dani tirrell also hosts a monthly event at The Inspiration Lab: First Sunday Soul Line Dance and Card Party.
LivT
LIVt (pronounced LIV) is a Black and queer (RNB and Hip Hop) artist from Lakewood, Washington. Using music and film, she captures the laid back authentic essence of the Pacific Northwest, while blending the timeless influences of Black culture with heartfelt storytelling. As both a musician and filmmaker, she composes and performs her own music while also writing, directing, and editing the visual worlds that bring it to life. Through the lenses of Hip Hop and RNB, her work moves between vulnerability and humor, reflecting the complicated and beautiful reality of the Black experience: grief, coming of age, redemption, and of course, love.
Regina Harris
Listen to Regina Harris’ Oral History Here
Regina is a born and raised Seattleite with familial roots in Louisiana. Having lived most of her life in the Central District, she has witnessed the city change in many ways. She attended Garfield High School and University of Washington. Regina has spent her life helping others working in hospitals and nursing homes. She is a proud member of community, a mother, aunty, and grandmother.
Symone Sanz
Symone Sanz is a dance artist versed in performance, improvisation, and choreography based in Seattle. She holds a BFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has enjoyed creating work with Heather Kravas, The Seattle Project, Cherdonna Shinatra, and zoe|juniper, among many others. Symone inspires euphoria in her Dance Church® classes and supports the Seattle dance community through her work in arts administration.
Leonard Dawson
Listen to Leonard Dawson’s Oral History Here
Leonard Dawson was born and raised in Seattle Washington and is an original member of the Seattle Black Panther Party. He is an alumnus of Garfield High School and University of Washington. Leonard went on to be a teacher, instructing in schools such as African American Academy. He also did pivotal work in responding to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic.
KWEEN KYASH
KWEEN KAYSH is a powerhouse Queer Afro-Indigenous DJ, singer, and event producer shaping Seattle's music scene. As the visionary behind @shonuff.parties, she’s been electrifying audiences since 2017 with her dynamic sound and high-energy sets. Known for her collaborations with major brands like Spotify’s @ourfrequency, the WNBA’s @seattlestorm and appearances at Seattle’s top festivals. KWEEN KAYSH is celebrated for creating inclusive, unforgettable dancefloor experiences. With her vibrant energy and trailblazing talent, she continues to redefine the city’s party scene and beyond!
