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Nov. 2 | A History of Echoes-Part 2: Sound of Trans Freedom

  • Knox Hall Room 509, Columbia University 606 West 122 Street New York, NY, 10027 United States (map)
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WHEN: Thursday, November 2, 2017, 6:00 - 7:30 pm

WHERE: 606 W 122nd Street, Knox Hall 509, Columbia University

Watch this talk here.

Since 1994, Ultra-red have been developing sound-based methodologies for collective reflection and analysis of lived experience. These sound investigations employ instructions, or protocols for collective listening that guide participants through listening together to audio recordings from everyday life places, events, and speech. This experience of listening together serves as a catalyst for sharing, discussing and analyzing what people hear in the recordings themselves and in the ways others listen. Ultra-red will present on different aspects of its work and methods in two different sessions.

The second session will describe Vogue’ology, a collaboration between the Arbert Santana Ballroom Freedom and Free School, which includes the Ballroom Archive and Oral History Project, and Ultra-red. Vogue’ology is an initiative by and for members of New York’s House and Ballroom Scene, a creative collective and intentional kinship system established by LGBTQ individuals of color. The decision to archive the community’s histories builds on its tradition of intergenerational learning.

Please don't miss part one of the History of Echoes series.


Michael Roberson is a public health practitioner, advocate, activist and leader within the LGBTQ community. With a focused commitment on the health disparities of Black gay men and Black gay men within the House/ball community, Michael created the Federation of Ballroom Houses, and co-created the National Black Gay Men's Advocacy Group and the nationally diffused CDC HIV prevention intervention “Many Men, Many Voices.”

Michael graduated with his MDiv from Union Theological Seminary, and completed his STM (Masters of Sacred Theology) at Union as well. Over the last 6 years, Michael has been engaged in well international art and politics as a member of the international sound art collective Ultra-red.

Michael is a guest lecturer at New York University through “The Black Lives Matters” curriculum and is an adjunct professor at both The New School University and Union Theological Seminary. Lastly, Michael is also a consultant with VICE Media global, having co-created a “diversity/respect in the work place” curriculum to train their 800 employees.


This event is part of a yearlong series on Oral History and the Arts.

INFORMATION: For more information, please email Amy Starecheski at aas39@columbia.edu.

This event is FREE and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

No registration is required, but RSVPs on the event Facebook page are appreciated to gauge attendance.