An Original Documentary

Directed by Christen Slaughter

Messages from the Mic is a short documentary that introduces the life and legacy of Richard Steele, a pioneering Black radio disc jockey and television broadcaster whose voice helped define the sound and soul of Chicago.

More than an entertainer, Steele was a cultural anchor and community builder. Still, behind the mic, his story was also shaped by private battles, systemic barriers, and the high personal cost of being the voice of a people.

Directed by his granddaughter, Christen Slaughter, this short blends archival footage, raw personal reflection, and untold stories to paint an intimate portrait of a man navigating the complexities of the entertainment world and the resilience it took to leave a lasting mark.

Despite the trials he faced, Steele remained a steadfast voice of honesty, humor, and resistance. Messages from the Mic is not only a tribute to one man’s legacy, it’s a love letter to the enduring power of Black media and its role in shaping collective memory.

While this short stands on its own, it also lays the foundation for a forthcoming feature-length film that will explore, more deeply, the legacy of Black media and the invisible pressures borne by those who speak truth into power.

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Meet the Team

  • Christen Slaughter

    Director/Producer

    Christen Simone is the granddaughter of Richard Steele, a filmmaker and Spelman College alumna with an economics degree. She is currently building a diverse portfolio through directing, producing, writing, and assistant directing independent film projects. She loves distribution and programming and hopes to explore more in that space.

  • Yodit Tesfu

    Assistant Director

    Yodit Tesfu is a multimedia creative and Media Administrator who blends her background in neuroscience with a passion for community, culture, and storytelling. Rooted in Chicago, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, she uses film, music, and design as tools to spark dialogue and mobilize collective action.

  • Phat T. Nguyen

    Cinematographer

    Born in Vietnam and immigrating to the U.S. at 15, Phat draws from the duality of his cultural experience to shape a visual storytelling style that finds beauty in both the extraordinary and the everyday. Guided by the belief that “beautiful things don’t ask for attention,” his work captures quiet moments that speak volumes.

  • Mitchell Norinsky

    Producer

    Mitch is the founder and owner of SureCast, Inc., a dynamic company specializing in live, engaging, and impactful content. A Chicago native with a B.A. in Business Marketing from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Mitch brings deep industry experience and strong business acumen to every project. He has made his mark across a wide range of film and media productions, consistently bringing unique stories to life. His long-standing collaboration with Steele reflects his ability to blend creativity and strategy to produce meaningful, high-quality work.

  • Barbara Allen

    Producer

  • Olivia Goss

    Producer

    Olivia is a creative producer with hands-on experience in narrative and commercial filmmaking. She is currently pursuing a BFA in Film and Television Production at DePaul University. She has produced and assistant-directed various projects, from short films and music videos to a feature film. She recently expanded her expertise as a freelance producer with a Chicago-based commercial production company.

  • Tanja Meyer

    Producer

    Tanja is a producer passionate about turning creative visions into reality, whether on set, in post-production, or managing logistics. With experience in the Swiss and German film industries and over 30 projects produced at DePaul University, she thrives on building connections and creating collaborative spaces where every team member’s talent shines.

  • Zahra Harmon-Cohran

    Research Assistant

    Zahra is a Chicago-born leader, facilitator, and storyteller committed to amplifying our shared humanity through meaningful narratives. An alumna of North Carolina A&T State University with a background in Liberal Studies and Psychology, she brings strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to every project she takes on.