The Liberating Power of Body Art
Throughout the episode Dr. Jae invites curiosity, challenges perceptions, fosters empathy, and embraces the dichotomy of experiences as a black person, demonstrating the transformative power of self-expression through tattoo art.
Welcome back to another INKspiring episode that dives deep into the world of self-expression through body art.
Our guest is Dr. Jae Williams, an award-winning educator who has spent over a decade supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in K-12 and at the college and university levels.
With almost his entire body adorned in ink, except for his back and stomach, Dr. Jae reminds us that tattoos are not simply marks on the skin; they are powerful forms of art, telling a story of cultural heritage, personal passions, and significant moments.
I was especially moved by the touching tribute behind Dr. Jae’s first tattoo at age 16: a basketball with angel wings and his best friend's basketball number, serving as a memorial to his dear friend who tragically passed away during a game.
Throughout the episode Dr. Jae invites curiosity, challenges perceptions, fosters empathy, and embraces the dichotomy of experiences as a black person, demonstrating the transformative power of self-expression through tattoo art.
Tune in as we uncover the hidden stories beneath Dr. Jae’s ink and discover how body art can spark conversations, inspire truth, and shape a more inclusive and understanding world.
Tap this link to learn more about Dr. Jae’s deep work in DEI and social equity, connect with him online, and follow his popular podcast called Dr. Jae’s Office Hours.
Hop on over to Your Ink Story’s Instagram feed to watch the video reel showcasing Dr. Jae’s (almost) full body of INKspirational tattoos.
Shoutout to Khoa at Skin Art Studio in Cambridge, MA for his Master Ink artwork!
Please rate and review this podcast wherever you are tuning in, and if this episode inspired you, please share it, so we can bring more people together, inspire connection, and ignite conversations that go beyond the surface.
🎙️Want to join the conversation? Leave me a voicemail on the website by tapping the podcast mic icon. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this episode and all the amazing stories that have been shared so far! 🗣️🎧
You can also share your thoughts and INKspirations from these conversations in the comment threads wherever you’re tuning in … or over on Instagram @tellmeyourinkstory.
Waving from Boston and wishing you a delicious day, everywhere you glow – cheers!
Ande ♥
FAVE Dr. Jae quote: "Invisibility is something that many of us, particularly those in the margins, have to contend with. And so it's a reminder for me to always speak my truth regardless of the room I'm in, regardless of how uncomfortable it feels, regardless of what I think the other person is thinking on the other end. It's a reminder for me that I have to stick to my truth by any means."
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Dr. Jae
Educator
Dr. Jae M. Williams, affectionally known as "Dr. Jae," is an award-winning educator. In 2022 Williams was awarded the prestigious Dean's Medal for Outstanding Doctoral Work for his dissertation titled America's Empathy Deficit: Our Bloody Heirloom and the Invisible Backpack, Northeastern University's highest honor. Jae has spent over a decade in education, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in K-12 and at the college and university levels.
His research highlights how the history of race in America and higher education play a role in the lack of diverse stories we see in mainstream media. Jae has spent over a decade in education, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in K-12 and higher education.
In the Spring of 2022, Williams' launched the Creative Café Collective, a media production company that features the popular podcast Dr. Jae's Office Hours which focuses on building a dynamic learning community anchored in social justice centering college students representing marginalized communities. He also shares a weekly newsletter titled Educator Unplugged, an intimate journal series shared to inspire personal growth, hope, and lifelong learning.
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