A few nights ago, I had the privilege of being invited to a deeply moving event held at The Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan. I usually don’t need much of an excuse to leave the little Island I call home and dive into the center of the Universe, so when Alysse informed me of the opportunity, I immediately replied back that I was down. I had no idea just how special of an event this was.
On June 5th, I attended The Soberness Story Hour. I had no idea what to expect, whether it would be three different presenters sharing their stories, a panel discussion, or what. And I decided not to conduct any research to spoil the surprise. As I entered the hotel lobby, I felt my heart thumping with anticipation. A breathtaking tapestry of vulnerability, truth, and community connection unfolded.
Hosted by legendary TV personality and sobriety advocate Cat Greenleaf, this live panel event centered on the urgent and underexplored topic of Race & Recovery—and it did so with unflinching honesty and unapologetic power. The panelists—Chris Marshall (founder of Sans Bar), Ola Ojewumi (disability justice powerhouse), and EXITFAME (rap artist and peer recovery coach)—shared their stories in a way that shattered stereotypes and built bridges.
Each voice was distinct, yet woven into a shared narrative of resilience and transformation. EXITFAME spoke from the heart about incarceration, the tragic loss of his father to an accidental overdose, and his current work guiding others in recovery as a Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CRPA). Ola commanded the room with her story of surviving organ failure, cancer, and systemic injustice, transforming pain into activism for people with disabilities and communities of color. And Chris reminded us why inclusive, sober spaces like Sans Bar are revolutionizing wellness culture from the ground up.
Threading it all together was Cat Greenleaf’s signature warmth and wisdom, guiding the conversation with grace and grit. The event wasn’t just about storytelling—it was a living act of resistance against silence, shame, and stigma. The room pulsed with music by @Streetlightboutique, who brought energy and soul to the space, turning it into something sacred.
The attendees of the event were surprised by a live performance by EXITFAME, which was joined by Streetlight Boutique. His performance earned a standing ovation, and he talked about his path to and through recovery. Attendees also got to sip on non-alcoholic wine by Seraphim Social Beverage. I had an opportunity to sit down with their founder and discuss what makes their non-alcoholic wine different from the rest (you can read all about it later on this week in the Weekend Edition of The Sober Sip).
This wasn’t just an event. It was a movement in motion. A masterclass in what recovery looks like when it’s rooted in equity, culture, and compassion. For everyone who was lucky enough to witness it live, The Soberness Story Hour wasn’t just heard—it was felt. Deeply. And the ripple effects are only just beginning.
EXITFAME: Remind Me (Visual) Prod @boiyanel
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