COMMITEE MEMBERS
The DCMS Selection Committee consisted of individuals with a demonstrated commitment to uplifting creatives through education and creative programming, supporting diversity beyond the buzzword. The committee managed panelist submissions and ensured that our first-ever virtual Summit contains programming that is representative and relevant.
Michel Wright
Award Winning Media Host/Producer/Writer |
MICHEL WRIGHT is an Award Winning Media Host/Producer/Writer. She is heard nationally on her daily show 'The Suite Spot' on SiriusXM's Heart&Soul Channel and is heard weekends on the local Washington DC radio station 94-7 The Drive.
Michel is the 'voice' of the #1 nationally syndicated radio platform for 'women of color' - Cafe Mocha Radio and is the 'voice' of SiriusXM's Classical Music Channel - Symphony Hall. She is also co-host/co-producer of the tv show, 'The 202' which won the city of Washington DC its very first ever Emmy Award for 'Outstanding Interview' for her one-on-one conversation with legendary R&B group BBD. She also received an Emmy nomination as co-host/producer of a show with Mary Wilson of the legendary group The Supremes. Michel has created content for various outlets including CBS Radio, Westwood One, BET, AOL, Viacom, MHz Networks, SiriusXM. |
Dante' Pope
Artist/Creative Director |
Dante' Pope uses his roots based in the church to uplift and continue the legacy of Black American Music. His debut EP, ‘After Five Music,’ is a nod to his roots from Chicago based in blues, gospel, jazz and soul music. Since it’s release Dante' was selected as the Strathmore Artist in Residence Program, performed his debut at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, was showcased at the DC Jazz Festival and the notable Rockwood Music Hall in New York City.
Prior to his solo career, Dante' was the drummer and music director for soul artist and lyricist Raheem Devaugh and Wes Felton, known as The Crossrhodes. Their NPR Tiny Desk show was one of the highlights of his highlights during his tenure. Dante’ is a GRAMMY Board member in the Washington, DC Chapter and was featured on the 2019 GRAMMY-nominated album called, ‘Black Cowboys.’ The project, a collaboration with Smithsonian Folkways and GRAMMY award-winning artist Dom Flemons, co-founder of the group, the Carolina Chocolate drops. |
DJ Heat
DJ for WNBA Champions the Washington Mystics & also Washington Wizards /DJ for 92Q Jams Bmore |
DJ Heat is the nation’s capitol has a hometown hero that spins, scratches and blends music while staunchly staying true to her roots. You can’t mute D.C. and you can’t mute DJ Heat. This skilled talent was just 13-years-old when she first discovered her interest in turntables courtesy of a Wreckx-N-Effect classic. She then went from fantasizing about spinning records to the real thing. An indelible spark was lit and a summer of saved paychecks led to her ultimately following her path and pursuing her passion. That small spark created a full- on flame, and DJ Heat took purposeful steps to align herself with her dream.
In addition to rocking turntables, DJ Heat is an adept on-air personality with years of expertise. First there were classes at her high school’s radio program, then studying at Morgan State University that spurned into an internship at WPGC 95.5 An intentional, not coincidental experience, the position put her alongside Big Tigger at a station bursting with talent. A chance recommendation from a fellow radio colleague lead to a full-time on-air position and DJ Heat later accumulated experience at Hot 97, Shade 45 and Baltimore’s 92.3 WERQ where she currently spins as a mix show DJ. |
Tamara Wellons
Recording Artist of R&B, Soul and House music |
Tamara Wellons has over two decades of experience as a Recording Artist of R&B, Soul and House music. Tamara has executive produced three albums and has had a profoundly diverse career working internationally and nationally Grammy award winning DJ/Producers. Her unique work in the underground Soulful House music world led to collaborations with some of the most prolific names and labels in Dance music- Osunlade (Ocha/Yoruba Records), Soul Candi Records (South Africa), DJ Spen (Quantize Records), Grammy winner Roger Sanchez (Stealth Records), DJ Spinna (BBE), Lars Behrenroth (Deeper Shades Recordings). She not only shares her authentic style and voice on stage but in healthcare settings and is an Artist in Residence Program Manager for several healthcare centers in the DMV. Tamara is President/CEO of Her Dreams Productions, and is founder of a music platform, Healings Grams launching this spring. She produces and delivers services & music products for healing and the arts.
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EZ Street
Host & DJ WHUR 96.3FM Founder of Music Industry Academy |
EZ Street knew early in his college career that he was destined to be a D.J. Graduate of Kansas State University, EZ served as program director and a radio personality of the on-campus radio station KSDB. Just eight months after graduating from KSU with a degree in Radio and Television Broadcast, EZ was offered his first full time radio gig at 100.3 JAMZ in Dallas, Texas. While in Dallas, EZ broke the arbitron record for evening listeners. It was his record-breaking achievements and exceptional radio presence that caught the eye of Q-102 in Philadelphia. In 1995, EZ made the switch to Radio One family. He began in Baltimore and later moved to WKYS FM.
EZ’s influence among his listeners, as well as his entrepreneurial spirit has assisted him with many ventures both inside and outside of the studio. Realizing that today’s youth need positive outlets to properly develop and progress, EZ co-founded ‘Circle of Friends’ which is a mentor program for young African American males. |
Cecily
DC-based vocalist and songwriter |
Cecily, (pronounced ses-suh-lee), is known for her agile soprano and honest lyrics. Her sound, as soothing as it is rich, is rooted in a deep appreciation for mid-century soul and jazz, 90’s R&B, and re-imagined folk music.
In her songs you’ll hear the influence of growing up surrounded by her parents' vast record collection. Her father, a lover of Miles Davis, and her mother, a Smokey Robinson fan, filled their home with soulful sounds that captivated their daughter, and which she has channeled into her own work. This influence gives her work a unique sensuality that informs not only her vocal approach, but also her self-reflecting lyrics, grappling with self-acceptance, vulnerability, and rebirth. Soulbounce says that Cecily creates “music that pulls from the past but looks toward the future.” |