An Original Documentary

Directed by Christen Slaughter

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

In a city shaped by rhythm, struggle, and creativity, Steele’s cool, commanding presence cut through the noise—rooted in honesty, humor, and a deep connection to the people he served. More than an entertainer, he was a cultural anchor and connector, interviewing icons, challenging norms, and redefining what was possible for a Black broadcaster in one of America’s most influential media markets.

Yet behind the mic, Steele’s journey was shaped by private battles, systemic barriers, and the challenges of breaking & sustaining new ground in spaces few had occupied. Directed by his granddaughter, Christen Slaughter, the film entwines archival footage, intimate reflection, and untold stories to paint a personal portrait of a man whose versatility, presence, and humanity made him a defining voice in Chicago’s cultural heartbeat.

Messages from the Mic honors not only Steele’s life, but the enduring role of Black radio as a keeper of cultural memory, where voices like his shaped a city’s sound, preserved its stories, and left an indelible mark on Chicago.

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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.

  • Keith Walker

    Cinematographer

    Keith Walker is a co-owner and Director of Cinematic Photography with nearly four decades of experience in documentary and broadcast storytelling. A Columbia College graduate, he began his career at MPG in 1987 and has since photographed stories for some of the most respected platforms in television and film.

    His work spans award-winning documentaries, long-form journalism, and cultural storytelling centered on history, justice, and legacy. Keith’s cinematography has been recognized at the highest levels of the industry, including a National Emmy Award.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Bill Healy

    Developmental + Archival Consultant

    Bill Healy is an award-winning journalist who teaches documentary audio at Northwestern. He’s produced two podcasts with the Invisible Institute: You Didn’t See Nothin, winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Audio Reporting, and Somebody, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer in 2021. 

    Bill grew up in Chicago’s southwest suburbs, and attended Georgetown University, where he majored in Sociology. Upon graduation, Bill came back to Chicago, and taught fifth grade.

    He earned two master’s degrees from Northwestern: in education and in journalism.

  • 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.

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