Chatters That Matter Celebrating Autism Awareness Month With Hot Mike And Kia Shine

<p>Raised in Linden, New Jersey, part of the New York Metro area, bordering Staten Island, Michael Eric Buckholtz, (also nicknamed ‘Buck‘) an aboriginal Cherokee🏹, officially, got his musical start, at 7 years old. His first instrument (at his father’s insistence on discipline) was the clarinet. Later, he developed a passion for the electric bass guitar. Michael’s mission, then, became to learn many other instruments and become proficient with the piano. In 1975, the family moved south to Macon, GA., the home of Otis Redding and Little Richard, continuing his musical development in the family band.</p> <p>In late 1989, he joined MC Hammer’s record label, Bust-It Records, distributed by Capitol Records, eventually writing and producing music for Hammer and many label mates.</p> <p>Officially diagnosed as autistic, Michael decided to author the book, “Autism Is My Universe“, as a way of sharing his personal point of reference living with autism while “Black“. Michael’s understanding of his autistic traits, as well as others, continues to evolve. He was invited, by ANCA Consulting, to British Columbia, Canada, for a book signing, to share his message about recognizing the importance of accepting autistic people. In 2012, Music Producer Hot Mike received Canada’s INAP “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award, along with a Canadian Parliamentary certificate of recognition. In 2016, he was featured in ZOOM Autism Magazine’s ninth issue. Michael is, also, acknowledged, in the New York Times Best Seller “NeuroTribes – The Legacy of Autism…”, by author (and good friend) Steve Silberman. Currently, he is a Member Board of Trustees with YICUNITY.org who’s mission believes individuals with disabilities should have the same right as non-disabled individuals to have access to a full range of available employment opportunities and to earn a living wage in a job of their choosing based on their talents, skills, and interests. This includes access to training and employment services to aid individuals with disabilities in obtainin