Q&A with Eddie Williams, LLMSW
Q: What brought you to Mosaic?
A: I joined Mosaic in 2011, during my sophomore year of high school. At the time I was becoming more involved and interested in the theatre program at my school and was looking for more opportunities to perform on stage. I had heard about Mosaic through Matthew Webb and Diamond Tigney, fellow alums who at the time had been in Mosaic for many years already. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into as I hadn’t heard about Mosaic or seen a performance before hearing about it through word of mouth. One of the things I remember when I first walked into the building was the energy of all the young artists. It was like nothing I had ever seen or felt before. I knew from that initial experience that I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to learn what Mosaic was about. I was excited to meet so many passionate young artists, and for the opportunities to perform on a level my high school couldn’t provide at the time.
Q: What’s the most impactful thing you learned/gained from participating in Mosaic?
A: By participating in Mosaic, I was able to learn what it means to be a professional artist. The creative directors held us all to a standard of excellence. They brought out the best in us, which also carried over into my academic and personal life. The motto, “Only the Best, Nothing Less,” has stuck with me even today. Mosaic also allowed me to meet, interact, and collaborate with young artists across metro Detroit. I made lifelong friends during my time in the program. It’s also an unspoken bond/fraternity between current and past participants. All I have to know is that you were associated with Mosaic in some capacity and there will be an instant connection made. Mosaic gave me a sense of pride and confidence about myself as they pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I never thought I would perform in front of a packed-out audience at the DIA or a juvenile facility or a nursing home. Mosaic also helped me to get into the drama program at the University of Michigan. The college invitational led to many colleges being interested in me, which encouraged me to pursue theatre at the college level.
Q: What are you up to now? Is there anything about your Mosaic experience you carry with you in your work? In life?
A: Since graduating from Marvin L. Winans Academy of Performing Arts and Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit in 2014, I was able to attend the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, where I obtained a bachelors of fine arts degree in acting performance and a bachelors of arts in psychology. My passions include working in Detroit and creatively providing mental health resources to underserved communities. As an undergrad from 2014 to 2019, I was afforded the privilege of performing on stage as an actor in numerous productions within the School of Music, Theatre, and, Dance (SMTD). I also began working with the Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP). Under the leadership of Dr. Ashley Lucas, I facilitated theatre workshops in two adult men’s prisons—the Federal Correctional Institutions in Milan and the Michigan Reformatory in Ionia—and an adult women’s prison at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility. This program allowed incarcerated individuals to engage in arts-based programming, which granted them a space to be vulnerable, transparent, and creatively address issues they faced in their past, present, and future. I continued my journey working with underserved communities and discovering my passion for connecting theatre and psychology. After graduating in 2019, I took a gap year to teach theatre in two public schools in Florianopolis, Brazil. I then pursued a masters degree in social work at the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor. In 2022, I began my professional career working for Assured Family Services as a clinical therapist. In this role, I conducted individual, family, and group counseling sessions using evidence-based interventions that facilitated youth and family progress towards specific goals and objectives. I truly believe in caring for a person’s well-being and making sure their social and emotional needs are met so they can go on to live long, full, and healthy lives. Today, I work as a Behavior Specialist at the Community Education Commission. I am now working with the City of Detroit to help improve the well-being of K-8 students through several after-school programs provided at the Northwest Activity Center. One of my main responsibilities, during school hours and while kids are participating in these programs, is to tend to the social and emotional needs as they arise through individual and group counseling sessions. I am excited to continue working for Detroit, promoting mental health, and helping kids develop the tools they need to manage their emotions in a fun and safe learning environment.
Q: What, if any, difference/impact has Mosaic made in Detroit? In the world?
A: I believe Mosaic is one of the greatest jewels of Detroit. It was life-changing for many other young Detroiters and me because it exposed us to opportunities and a different perspective on life. It provided a safe space to express myself and tap into a potential creatively I didn’t know existed. As long as I can remember Detroit has gotten a bad reputation for being a dangerous place you shouldn’t visit or desire to live in. When people learn about Mosaic, I believe most will be shocked at the caliber of talented, passionate, and disciplined young people that currently participate and have gone through the program in the past. All of that exists here in Detroit. Mosaic has consistently changed the narrative and stigma around Detroit and young people in general.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: I love Mosaic! I miss performing! My time there is one of the few memories I wish I could re-live!
Q: Please finish the phrase “Mosaic is…”
A: …family. I literally wouldn’t be where I am today without Mosaic.
