Cherie “Chillin' da Conscious Poet” Kabba Named 2026 Soul Stroll Ambassador
Cherie “Chillin’ da Conscious Poet” Kabba is a powerhouse of creative strategy and cultural preservation. Hailing from the inner city of Chicago, she has spent her life transforming the "grit" of the urban experience into the "gold" of professional excellence. With a formidable academic foundation—including an AAA in Graphic Communications, a BS in Business, an MBA, and a Master’s in Information Systems—Chillin’ seamlessly fuses high-level technical expertise with raw, authentic artistry.
“Our heartbeat is the ink,
Our pulse is the page,
Let’s write a story of purpose,
power, and unapologetic pride on this stage.
Some call it a walk, there’s swag in our stroll;
let the stories of our spirits spread our soul.”
The Visionary Behind the Movement
As the Founder, CEO, and Innovative Extraordinaire of The Soultown Magazine, Chillin’ has served as the sole designer and layout artist for 115 publications over the last decade. Her reach is expansive, with a distribution network spanning 20 states and 52 cities. For Chillin’, content is more than media; it is a tool for liberation. She has dedicated ten years to crafting purpose-driven narratives that celebrate Black stories and uplift underrepresented voices, ensuring that history is not just told, but preserved with dignity.
From the Mic to the Masterclass
Chillin’s journey began in the world of spoken word and slam poetry, where she earned national recognition from Poetry Slam Incorporated (PSI). This background in grassroots engagement and oral tradition fuels her work today. Behind the lens, she produces digital short-form features; in front of it, she hosts soul-stirring interviews and multimedia campaigns designed to inform, inspire, and ignite community pride.
Her accolades reflect a lifetime of impact:
Master Columnist & Award-Winning Graphic Artist: Honored by the Iowa Newspaper Association.
Everyday Hero & Cultural Icon: Hand-picked by Original Shark Kevin Harrington (Shark Tank) as one of ten female entrepreneurs to watch.
Reel Hood Hero: Recognized in 2014 for her cinematic contributions to the Bay Area.
Tech & Education Pioneer: An Adobe Lead Educator, Certified Google Cloud Digital Leader, and co-creator of the Googler Apprentice teen program.
Global Impact & The TS52 Project
A true global citizen, Chillin’ has lived in five states and ten cities, and her mission has taken her to Dakar, Senegal; Dublin, Ireland; and Munich, Germany. Whether teaching technology in West Africa or inspiring youth in Mexico, her work always centers on helping others reclaim their narratives. In 2026, she launched The Soultown’s 52. (TS52), a landmark storytelling series dedicated to the transformative journeys of 52 Black and Brown women. 52 Stories. 52 Weeks. 52 Truths. This project, alongside her book Snaps, Not Claps!: 100 Reasons Why You Should Tell YOUR Story, stands as a testament to her belief that every voice deserves a platform.
The Soul Philosophy
Chillin’ doesn’t just document culture; she cultivates it. From her seven-year tenure as a columnist for the Waterloo Courier to her leadership in youth development—garnering awards from Intel, Nickelodeon, and the America Promise Alliance—she remains a relentless advocate for the next generation.