Junious Brickhouse
Silverspring, MD
Junious is an internationally recognized scholar practitioner dedicated to the sustainability of Hip Hop Cultures. As a researcher, folklorist, cultural ambassador, mentor, and logistician, Junious currently serves as Director of Next Level, driving the strategic direction of the program’s cultural diplomacy and global conflict transformation initiatives. He comes from a 21-year career as a Logistics Professional in the U.S. Army and later as a Department of Defense contractor. Throughout this time in various international assignments, Junious developed both a military and dance career, eventually rising to positions of leadership in both areas.
Dr. Anna Morel O’Brien
Culpepper, VA
Annamarie Morel is an independent folklorist who works in museums and non-profits. She currently works for Folkstreams as the communications manager, and Treasure Island Museum. Morel received her PhD in American Studies from Penn State University, with a certificate in Ethnography & Folklife, and concentrations in Popular & Folk Culture, and Media Studies & Visual Culture.
Isiah Smallwood
Elmira, NY
Isaiah is a son, a proud husband, a brother, a leader, and more. While he considers himself a student still, most of his peers call him an artist. He is a gospel and R&B artist who leads a faith team at one of the local churches, teaches audio production at a local community center, and was a recent recipient of a NYSCA-sponsored Rural & Traditional Arts Fellowship. He has been involved in many church choirs and worship teams, and even began pursuing music at the collegiate level. He has a very deep love for all types of music but is particularly drawn to R&B, Gospel, and Soul.