Performing Artist, Singer, Actress, Teaching Artist, and Activist, Denielle Marie Gray Zooms in to the Junk and Jam Hour to tell us all about her illustrious journey in performance and faith - as much like Aretha Franklin - she was raised by a Reverend Father, and naturally, the Church heavily influenced her voice, and informed her choices in music and projects. On Topic: Denielle shares her marvelous experiences of having the honor of performing and touring with Gospel heavyweights Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, and icon Karen Clark Sheard; she talks about her edification in the arts, including her big move from Brooklyn to California to earn her double BFA's in Theater-Acting and Music-Vocal Performance; and she graciously opens up about what it was like to portray Emmett Till's mother, Mamie Till in the Off Broadway production of “Till: The Musical” - and how that traumatic story in black history affected her spiritually, mentally and performatively, and we also listen to her divine performance of 'Cherish the Child'. As an artist who showcases her activism through education that uplifts and inspires change, Denielle founded Healing Expressions Through Art -- her organization that fosters the creativity and skill set of young, passionate artists, and provides high-caliber access to elite training in performance based fields. We also shout out Author, Writer, Producer and Director Shauntay Dunbar, who Denielle so lovingly portrays in the biographical upcoming short film, 'Diving in Stilettos First.' For more about Denielle, visit www.deniellemariegray.com/ Also visit www.RadioFreeBrooklyn.org and www.JunkandJam.com Music Provided by www.FreeBeats.io