Michael D. Ellison
Encyclopedia
Michael D. Ellison is an African-American recording artist, producer and actor. The Detroit-based performer has made repeat appearances on HBO's Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry
and in 2007 MIKE-E opened the three-network simulcast of the widely anticipated football game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. The television audience for this game was over 34 million. MIKE-E's music was used by the Barack Obama presidential campaign, broadcast at rallies and included on the official barackobama.com web site. MIKE-E's debut CD "AfroFlow" is the first ever Hip-hop CD sold by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
, the world's largest institution dedicated to the African-American experience. AfroFlow, meaning flowing from Africa, recognizes Hip-hop’s indigenous roots and empowering messages.
Ellison’s acting credits span film, television and theatre. He has appeared in such films as The Butterfly Effect 3, Standing in the Shadows of Motown, All’s Faire in Love, Little Murder, and MVP, with a cameo appearance on the HBO’s original series Hung. A member of Detroit’s 2002 National Slam Poetry Championship team, Ellison holds a Communications Degree from the University of Virginia and has been featured in international print campaigns for urban clothier Pelle Pelle.
Tour. Entering its fourth year in 2010, the tour of U.S. colleges and universities, middle and high schools, churches, communities and music venues has become a major component of the Society’s initiative to engage youth, young adults and families nationwide in the fight against cancer, as well as tobacco prevention and cessation. The tour has reached millions through live concerts, outreach, and extensive media coverage. MIKE-E also wrote, produced and appeared in a series of public service announcements for the ACS, one of which (Victorious) features his aunt, a cancer and heart transplant survivor.
Early Life
Ellison was born in Ethiopia, where he actively supports several orphan outreach and healthcare programs. His song and video "Ethiopia (Everything Will Be Alright)," one of the East African country's most popular hits, helped to raise significant funds for the Fistula Foundation and the HIV/AIDS Prevention Care and Support Organization (HAPCSO),[8] founded by celebrated humanitarian and African Prize for Leadership recipient Sister Tibebe Maco.
Def Poetry
Def Poetry, also known as Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry or Def Poetry Jam, which was co-founded by Bruce George, Danny Simmons and Deborah Pointer, is an HBO television series produced by hip-hop music entrepreneur Russell Simmons. The series presents performances by established spoken word...
and in 2007 MIKE-E opened the three-network simulcast of the widely anticipated football game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. The television audience for this game was over 34 million. MIKE-E's music was used by the Barack Obama presidential campaign, broadcast at rallies and included on the official barackobama.com web site. MIKE-E's debut CD "AfroFlow" is the first ever Hip-hop CD sold by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is located in the Cultural Center of the U.S. city of Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1965, it holds the world's largest permanent exhibit on African American culture. In 1997, it moved into a 120,000 square foot facility on Warren Avenue...
, the world's largest institution dedicated to the African-American experience. AfroFlow, meaning flowing from Africa, recognizes Hip-hop’s indigenous roots and empowering messages.
Ellison’s acting credits span film, television and theatre. He has appeared in such films as The Butterfly Effect 3, Standing in the Shadows of Motown, All’s Faire in Love, Little Murder, and MVP, with a cameo appearance on the HBO’s original series Hung. A member of Detroit’s 2002 National Slam Poetry Championship team, Ellison holds a Communications Degree from the University of Virginia and has been featured in international print campaigns for urban clothier Pelle Pelle.
The AfroFlow Tour
MIKE-E’s performances lauding the disproportionate tobacco advertising aimed at youth, ethnic and economically challenged populations brought him to the attention of the American Cancer Society (ACS). In 2007, the ACS partnered with MIKE-E, sponsoring the groundbreaking AfroFlowAfroflow
AfroFlowis a musical group that consists of a signature style heavily influenced by African beats through drums, spoken word, and call and response. The group started the Afroflow tour in 2006. AfroFlow prides themselves on the positive message they send to their audience...
Tour. Entering its fourth year in 2010, the tour of U.S. colleges and universities, middle and high schools, churches, communities and music venues has become a major component of the Society’s initiative to engage youth, young adults and families nationwide in the fight against cancer, as well as tobacco prevention and cessation. The tour has reached millions through live concerts, outreach, and extensive media coverage. MIKE-E also wrote, produced and appeared in a series of public service announcements for the ACS, one of which (Victorious) features his aunt, a cancer and heart transplant survivor.
Early Life
Ellison was born in Ethiopia, where he actively supports several orphan outreach and healthcare programs. His song and video "Ethiopia (Everything Will Be Alright)," one of the East African country's most popular hits, helped to raise significant funds for the Fistula Foundation and the HIV/AIDS Prevention Care and Support Organization (HAPCSO),[8] founded by celebrated humanitarian and African Prize for Leadership recipient Sister Tibebe Maco.