Smart Chronicles: Recent Episodes
Tonya Smart
Podcast chronicles the life and experiences of the host. Tonya Smart is an entrepreneur, poet, writer and founder of the non profit organization, Jax Youth Poetry Slam. Smart Chronicles will explore how art, business and politics intersect in our community and world as a whole.
Dr Kennesha Bracely returns (see episode 15) to discuss her recent travels during the pandemic. The founder of Live Long Enterprise discusses how to continue to live life to the fullest while being safe.
See below for bio…
Dr. Kennesha Bracely is the Founder Live Long Enterprises, Inc where she encourages others to Live Long by UNlimiting themselves. Live Long Enterprise’s core purpose is to inspire people to become resilient and live the life they desire after experiencing losses, disappointments, and traumatic life events through transformative travel, authentic personal and spiritual growth, art-based interventions, and physical and mental fitness.
Dr. Bracely is no stranger to loss and disappointments. She has overcome a lot in life, but the loss of her 19 yr old son, and the aftermath changed her life forever. She was inspired by her son to launch the Live Long Enterprises lifestyle brand to encourage others by presenting various ways for individuals to "Live Long" through the most challenging aspects of this journey called life using various forms of art, spiritual, mental, and physical fitness, and travel. She has used both her personal and professional experiences to coach others towards resilience after life has presented some unexpected experiences. Dr. Bracely has worked with other mothers and fathers who have lost children, individuals with disabilities, and created and facilitated groups and trainings such as UNlimit Yourself Health and Wellness Transformation Coaching, Art with Angels Support Group, and Live Long Passports & Suitcases.
Dr. Kennesha Bracely holds the following professional certifications: Integrative Health and Wellness Coach, Group Fitness, and Kangoo Jumps Fitness. She has an earned Ed.D in Educational Leadership specializing in Higher Education, MA in Organizational Management, and a BA in Business Administration. She also holds teacher education certifications in the fields of Educational Leadership, Special Education, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, a proud mother, and passionate coach and educator.
Bio
Emanuel Washington is a business founder, filmmaker, and creative voice. His work has included piecing together a number of spiritual/poetry shows in his Jacksonville, Florida community and building platforms to share information to preserve the history and legacy of the human experience. Washington’s latest feat is the documentation and production of his film, “Oh Happy Day: The Journey of a Song,” that is set to be released summer of 2020. This exertion started for him four years ago through his enjoyment for traveling music concerts. His festive experiences were cultivating his desire to record and document the song. Over the course of his journey from then to now, he has blossomed enough passion and garnered enough support to execute his vision.
With a film crew of names such as Maxie Coleman (Co-producer), J. West (Videographer), Anthye Heard (Videographer), Jose Lopez (Cinematographer), Janice Bradley (Administrative Assistant), and Tiffany Overby (Administrative Assistant), along with an illustrative movie trailer and cinematography clips, Washington is well on his way to finishing up his work by his 2019 production deadline.
“Oh Happy Day” will document its therapeutic properties, impact on contemporary culture, and ability to furnish peace in the world. It will also show how the song has deeply influenced Washington’s life and the world around him.
He is among the most acclaimed filmmakers in the Jacksonville area and looks forward to getting the world onboard for his joyful journey that is to awaken the cheerful soul of humanity.
You can connect with Washington on Facebook © via FilmakerEmanuel Washington or by email at lamar199004@gmail.com if you would like to learn more.
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Bio:
Joan 'Lyric' Leslie is the epitome of what it means to be "more black girl than magic". Her work, a journey through healing and self-love, has been described as a love letter to black women. Lyric is a Harlem, NY native, performance poet, community organizer and podcast host. She has been a member of two national poetry slam teams and is featured on Button Poetry, Write About Now, All Def Poetry and Voyage ATL Magazine. She is a 2019 fellow of The Watering Hole Retreat, a Southern Fried Poetry Slam Finalist and a 2-time back to back Queen of the South Poetry Slam Champion. Lyric has been performing for audiences in academic, corporate, and social spaces throughout the country since 2009. She currently tours the college market and slam poetry venues using her stories, poems and comedy to empower youth and communities of color to share their truth.
Ebony Payne-English is an author, performer, playwright, and educator from Duval County. She is the first woman to establish her own chapter of the international poetry organization, Black on Black Rhyme. Ebony is the 2017 Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville’s Emerging Artist and recipient of the Spoken Word Gala’s 2017 William Bell Humanitarian Award. Ebony currently serves as Executive Director of The Performers Academy, a 501c3 arts education organization in Jacksonville, FL and is a founding member of the Board of Directors of Southern Fried Poetry, Inc. which produces the largest adult regional poetry slam in the nation.
As author of graphic novel, The Random Happenings, as well as award winning poetry collection, Secrets of Ma’at, currently available on Amazon, Ebony has been featured in esteemed publications as well as digital outlets such as The Florida Times Union, PBS's Hometown, Derniere Vie Magazine, WJCT's First Coast Connect, and My Black Matters. In her 17 years of professional experience, Ebony’s performance accolades include The New Orleans House of Blues; Essence Festival; Nuyorican Café; Crossroads Theatre, TEDx, Jax by Jax as well as countless other colleges, universities, and prestigious entertainment venues nationwide. Her discography includes 6 albums: Old Soul (2006), Struggle’s Embrace (2010), EbEnFlo (2012), School Beats (2013), Know Love (2015), Kuongoza (2021).
Ebony’s educational background features Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, New World Conservatory, Florida A & M University and Florida State University. She has taught invitational workshops at venues such as the University of North Florida, the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, Morgan State University, HBO Brave New Voices, the National Afterschool Programming Conference and the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Ebony's critically acclaimed play, On Purpose, produced by poet/philanthropist Heather Moore and directed by Julliard alumni and Artistic Director to Phase Eight Theatre Company JaMario Stills, was her debut as an American playwright and opened with record breaking success. March of 2021, Ebony boasts another triumph with the release of her first short film titled after her 6th studio album, Kuongoza.
Welcome back to Smart Chronicles – season 2
This season I wanted to explore the 6 degrees of separation theory. Which is basically an idea that all people are 6 or fewer social connections away from each other.
My motivation for this theme stems from wanting to explore my network and highlight and learn from the people outside of my circle of friends.
In the article, The Science Behind Six Degrees, Gardiner Morse wrote: The idea that we’re all connected by just “six degrees” 6 other people – is entrenched in our folklore.
Essentially Morse and the sources he used explored the nature of social networks and theorized the “big small world” concept.
Am I going to get that deep? NOPE!
I’m here to show and prove the quality of my friends, my network.
The first episode will be available on the morning of April 13th. Episode 1 will feature the lovely Ebony Payne English. This poet, author, activist, etc. etc. We will discuss her new film, KUONGOZA. KUONGOZA is Swahili for guide, lead, navigate.
See you next week.
This is the end of season 1 of the Smart Chronicles. We will return on 3/23/21 with more episodes/Season 2. Thanks for the support!
Desirae (Des) Lee is a multi-media journalist, photographer, and filmmaker from Jacksonville, FL. She is an Alumnae of the University of Florida where she completed a unique program infusing photojournalism and innovation. Des is currently pursuing her MFA in film at Howard University.
When she's not on set, her passions include poetry, fashion, and spending time in the sun.
Desirae aspires to become a creative director, travel the world, tell honest stories
and sprinkle stardust everywhere she goes.
Ebony Payne-English is an author, youth poetry slam coach, performance artist, and educator from Jacksonville, FL. She is the Executive Director at the nonprofit organization, The Performers Academy in Jacksonville, FL. In addition, she is the first woman to establish her own chapter of the international poetry organization, Black on Black Rhyme, she is the curator of the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville’s first Hip Hop exhibit.
What's next on the Smart Chronicles: Book Discussion, bringing back the Femme Horizon crew, etc.
In this episode, I interview Monica Cole aka The Vegan Chic. Ms. Cole is a counselor, artist, restauranter, but most importantly, she is the person that I go to for everything vegan. Recently, Ms. Cole opened her own spot, Movs Vegan Kitchen (1872 N. Pearl Street, Jax, FL). I wanted to take this moment to thank her for blessing us with that good food. In addition, I wanted to do a little bit of a Q & A concerning the vegan lifestyle and what lead
The definition is the practice of eating only food not derived from animals and typically of avoiding the use of other animal products. Within the last 5 years, there has been an increase in the number of vegans within the African American community as well as an increase in vegan cafes and restaurant. Many cite the swing to vegan as a fad and many cite the swing to veganism for healthier lifestyle changes, which include diet and animal cruelty.
Dr. Kennesha Bracely is the Founder Live Long Enterprises, Inc where she encourages others to Live Long by UNlimiting themselves. Live Long Enterprise’s core purpose is to inspire people to become resilient and live the life they desire after experiencing losses, disappointments, and traumatic life events through transformative travel, authentic personal and spiritual growth, art-based interventions,and physical and mental fitness.
Dr. Bracely is no stranger to loss and disappointments. She has overcome a lot in life, but the loss of her 19 yr old son, and the aftermath changed her life forever. She was inspired by her son to launch the the Live Long Enterprises lifestyle brand to encourage others by presenting various ways for individuals to "Live Long" through the most challenging aspects of this journey called life using various forms of art, spiritual, mental, and physical fitness, and travel. She has used both her personal and professional experiences to coach others towards resilience after life has presented some unexpected experiences. Dr. Bracely has worked with other mothers and fathers who have lost children, individuals with disabilities, and created and facilitated groups and trainings such as UNlimit Yourself Health and Wellness Transformation Coaching, Art with Angels Support Group, and Live Long Passports & Suitcases.
Dr. Kennesha Bracely holds the following professional certifications: Integrative Health and Wellness Coach, Group Fitness, and Kangoo Jumps Fitness. She has an earned Ed.D in Educational Leadership specializing in Higher Education, MA in Organizational Management, and a BA in Business Administration. She also holds teacher education certifications in the fields of Educational Leadership, Special Education, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, a proud mother, and passionate coach and educator.
In this episode, we revisit two previous guests to the podcast. This is the second part of a 5-part series dedicated to finding best practices concerning podcasting. Podcasting has existed for quite some time, but there are still tons to learn and benefit from these monthly conversations.
See below for the bios for both participants
Taryn “LoveReigns” Wharwood: Taryn “LoveReigns” Wharwood is a poet, writer, author, emcee, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur. She is a native of Miami, is the Co-Founder of the Cypher Open Mic Poetry & Soul, the longest running open mic in Jacksonville history & 2nd in the State of Florida; Founder of Artis(Tree)Live & The Closet Jax. LoveReigns’ passion for people and words has afforded her opportunities to perform and advocate on the hills of Washington, DC, Canada and educational institutions from K12 - University levels across the country.
She has touched stages across the country and is showing no signs of slowing down. She has shared stages with Christina Milian, Deborah Cox, Natalie "The Floacist" Stewart, Knight Krawla, The Reformed Butterfly, The IGive, Monsta, Monica Monet, Kia Nicole and so many more. With her first spoken word cd, "The Evolution of a Poet" under her belt, she is currently working on a Chap Book and "Semi-biography" entitled "When the Reign Comes". She is also working on her sophomore album "Love's Paradox".
Mr. Al Pete: Mr. Al Pete began MCing in 2005 and released his first album in February Since then, he’s released 6 studio albums, 3 mixtapes, 2 collaborative albums, and has featured on numerous independent artists in Jacksonville, Florida and the North and South East regions of The United States.
Mr. Al Pete added the ‘DJ’ title while developing his emcee stance. He has played major roles in successful and historical events around Jacksonville, Florida, including The Glossary events, Rewind Old School events, the annual summer Fly Socks and Tees event, and has DJed many engagements that have kept him rising and being a sought out DJ. Mr. Al Pete added also the ‘actor’ title as well. He has been in numerous independent movies and plays, including the indie film ‘Treacherous’, which was in rotation at film festivals nationally, which his song ‘Something More’ being the movie’s soundtrack.
To expand and solidify his brand standings, Mr. Al Pete made efforts to establish his new venture: Mister Peterson’s Neighborhood, in March of 2013. With instant success of the themed ‘warehouse’ parties and creating a sub brand, The Groove Suite, which was created in 2014, the levels were raised. While hosting multiple events, The Groove Suite Podcast was formed in early 2016. The podcast was created to showcase the Neo Soul/ Progressive and other related genres of music of various U.S. and international independent artists. In August of 2016, Pete began working with the internet radio station The Sound of Duval by hosting his online radio mix show ‘Cubicle Music Mondays.’
While keeping up the daily jobs of a musical entrepreneur, he pursued expanding the brand to a network. In January of 2020, Pete created the Mister Peterson’s Neighborhood website and The Neighborhood Podcast Network, which hosts a range of podcasts from Jacksonville, Florida.
Taryn “LoveReigns” Wharwood is a poet, writer, author, emcee, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and in the words of Ebony Payne-English, a curator or dopeness. LoveReigns is truly in a lane of her own and isn’t afraid to create another one if she has to.
Taryn "LoveReigns" Wharwood, a native of Miami, is the Co-Founder of the Cypher Open Mic Poetry & Soul, the longest running open mic in Jacksonville history & 2nd in the State of Florida; Founder of Artis(Tree)Live & The Closet Jax. LoveReigns’ passion for people and words has afforded her opportunities to perform and advocate on the hills of Washington, DC, Canada and educational institutions from K12 - University levels across the country.
Wharwood has literally been poetry's baby since the beginning. Her love of poetry began with her mother and continued throughout her years in private school. "In Kindergarten, the directors of my school would make us recite a poem everyday before we could enter into the building, the rest is history" She is used to being on stage and has definitely found a home within poetry professionally.
She has touched stages across the country and is showing no signs of slowing down. She has shared stages with Christina Milian, Deborah Cox, Natalie "The Floacist" Stewart, Knight Krawla, The Reformed Butterfly, The IGive, Monsta, Monica Monet, Kia Nicole and so many more. With her first spoken word cd, "The Evolution of a Poet" under her belt, she is currently working on a Chap Book and "Semi-bioraphy" entitled "When the Reign Comes". She is also working on her sophomore album "Love's Paradox".
Deborah Reid is an accomplished artist and an AV rated attorney with over 36 years’ experience. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and providing support to other creatives. She is a seasoned federal practitioner and is admitted to the bars of Florida, California, New York, and New Jersey. Deborah is the author and presenter of Law: Artfully Explained Seminars which include Copyright or Wrong? That’s (not) Fair, Contracts for Creatives and Art Speaks!. The seminars translate legal concepts into images and educate artists on areas of the law that impact their careers.
Lastly, if you have time and want to read more about Deborah, please go to the following link:
https://deliaquigley.com/2020/09/20/interview-deborah-reid/
It is a good interview that shines light on the artistic side of Reid. Great interview questions. Enjoy!
Bilaal Muhammad is an award-winning poet, writer, and spoken word artist who now lives in Savannah, Georgia after more than a decade in southeast Georgia. He has read his work in major US cities, several high schools, and colleges. His poetry has been recognized by the International Library of Poetry, he received the Editor’s Choice award in 2003, 2004, and 2005 for his poetic artistry. He is a writing Fellow for Deep Center, mentoring young writers, poets, and authors. While perfecting his craft, he has worked as a Police Officer for twenty-seven years which makes Bilaal an interesting artist. He shares his perspective as officer in his work.
Bilaal and I discussed the duality of his existence as an artist, police officer and community activist. Bilaal was transparent and gave some very honest responses as it related to his experiences as a police officer and a civilian.
Here is some information concerning Grid Iron Firearms Training (G.I.F.T).
Kareem and Chanel are the business minds behind G.I.F.T. – Grid Iron Firearm Training, LLC. G.I.F.T.’s mission is to educate the community about 2nd Amendment rights and firearm use. It is one thing to train people but it is another thing to educate and have the ability to certify them to obtain their conceal carry license/permit (CCW) but you have to have special training for this. Having seen the large influx of request for conceal carry certification in the community, Kareem and Chanel decided to take it to the next level and became NRA Certified Instructors.
The mission of the organization is to provide clients with a powerful tool to grow their firearms training business, provide customers with an easy to use centralized web service that meets their diverse needs in finding reputable firearms instructors and training classes, and provide a networking tool that helps customers and clients build mutually beneficial bridges in the firearms training industry.
They believe in activism through training, meaning that the preservation of our 2nd Amendment right to keep and bear arms begins with education and continues with quality firearms instruction.
They believe that training citizens who carry for personal protection and professionals who carry a gun for a living on how to safely and effectively use firearms is a high calling in the history of our country.
For additional information, please visit https://firearmstrainingcentral.com/about-ftc/about-us/
In this episode, we explore the business of podcasting with guests and podcasters: Badr Milligan (The Short Box: A Comic Book Podcast), Ray Hollister (Digital Media Director at WJCT) and Shantrell Holmes (Southern Tea Podcast). This episode is basically about best practices as it relates to creating and curating content, monetization, marketing, and publishing episodes. The guests basically tell stories of what went wrong, what went right and how they arrived to where they are currently. Basically, informing the listener that everything is trial, and error and the fact is that it takes grit to maintain in the world of podcasting. This is the first episode in a monthly series that will seek to find ways to present a better listening experience to the listener. This series run throughout 2020 and 2021.
Bio for Deacon Carpenter
At the age of 16, chronic illness and obesity led Deacon to a fateful meeting with a local Ayurvedic doctor, which created a seismic shift I Deacon’s perception of food, health, and physical balance. Heeding the advice of his doctor, Deacon modified his diet, started to practice yoga, and shed over 140 pounds. To Deacon, Ayurveda and yoga together just made sense. Once he was educated and emplowe4red to understand what was causing him to be sick, the steps reclaiming his health were clear and simple.
Deacon’s momentum in Ayurvedic studies continued at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa. Although always knew that he would become an Ayurvedic practitioner at some point in his lifetime, it was a 16-year career working in the trenches of New York City advertising agencies that gave him the wherewithal to strike out on his own. Working in the global advertising and branding, he was able to hone his communication skills, enabling him to convey the complex ideas and concepts of Ayurveda and Yoga in a very comprehensive manner.
Deacon is the author A little bit of Ayurveda and believes in a practical approach to Ayurveda and Yoga. He teaches Hatha at WELL+Sonoma and brings the Yoga studio experience anywhere in Sonoma and Napa counties with The Yoga Van.
In this day and age, true to heart Hip Hop artists are far and few between, and Mr. Al Pete is definitely one of those artists. One part emcee, one part DJ, and one part musical entrepreneur, makes up some of the ingredients in the recipe for this Hip Hop elitist in Jacksonville, Florida.
Mr. Al Pete’s music journeys start as early as 2005. His first emcee studio album, ‘Talk About It’, was released in February of 2009. Since then, he’s released 6 studio albums, 3 mixtapes, 2 collaborative albums, and has featured on numerous independent artists in Jacksonville, Florida and the North and South East regions of The United States. To add on, he created the ABA basketball team, Jacksonville Giant’s, theme song and has executive produced for various independent artists, including MJbaker’s mixtape ‘Just Another Interlude’ and her studio album ‘Feel Somethin’’.
Mr. Al Pete added the ‘DJ’ title while developing his emcee stance. He has played major roles in successful and historical events around Jacksonville, Florida, including The Glossary events, Rewind Old School events, the annual summer Fly Socks and Tees event, and has DJed many engagements that have kept him rising and being a sought out DJ. Mr. Al Pete added also the ‘actor’ title as well. He’s been in numerous independent movies and plays, including the indie film ‘Treacherous’, which was in rotation at film festivals nationally, which his song ‘Something More’ being the movie’s soundtrack.
To expand and solidify his brand standings, Mr. Al Pete made efforts to establish his new venture: Mister Peterson’s Neighborhood, in March of 2013. With instant success of the themed ‘warehouse’ parties and creating a sub brand, The Groove Suite, which was created in 2014, the levels were raised. While hosting multiple events, The Groove Suite Podcast was formed in early 2016. The podcast was created to showcase the Neo Soul/ Progressive and other related genres of music of various U.S. and international independent artists. In August of 2016, Pete began working with the internet radio station The Sound of Duval by hosting his online radio mix show ‘Cubicle Music Mondays.’
While keeping up the daily jobs of a musical entrepreneur, he pursued expanding the brand to a network. In January of 2020, Pete created the Mister Peterson’s
Neighborhood website and The Neighborhood Podcast Network, which hosts a range of podcasts from Jacksonville, Florida.
For updates and social media handles, please visit www.mralpete.com.
In this episode, I speak with Elexia Coleman-Moss. Coleman-Moss is the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, Empowerment Resources, which was founded in 2002 and incorporated in 2003. Empowerment Resources, Inc. (ERI) is a private 501c3 nonprofit organization located in Jacksonville, Florida.
Upon moving to the community in 2001, Coleman-Moss recognized the need for gender relevant programming for at-risk girls in the city. After learning about the issue’s girls face locally and enlisting community support, Coleman-Moss started a pilot “rites-of-passage” program called Journey Into Womanhood. In 2014, Journey Into Womanhood (JIW) celebrated its 10th anniversary and it is ERI’s flagship program.
In 2006, ERI expanded its programs to include Life Skills Workshops and Parenting Education Seminars that are offered in schools, churches, recreational facilities, and other spaces where community members meet. These services allow ERI to “meet people where they are.”
Coleman-Moss walks us through the process of building a nonprofit organization from the ground up. More importantly, she guides us through leading a community-based organization through COVID and social unrest that has continued throughout the United States.
In the episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Walter “Wally B.” Jennings. Wally and I have been peers within the nonprofit world for over a decade. He is one of the most supportive individuals in his field and he has helped to guide a generation of youth spoken word artists in Tampa FL. He is a gifted storyteller who helps you find humanity in every situation. See below for his complete bio.
Walter "Wally B." Jennings is an ordained minister, published poet, spoken word artist, radio personality, community organizer, instructor and strawberry Fruit Roll-Up enthusiast! A native of Tampa, FL, he began writing poetry as an 8th grade student in response to an English assignment. His poems share and discuss common experiences from everyday life, ranging from: diabetes, marriage and fatherhood, youth empowerment, and self-determination. Wally does not use profanity or vulgarity in his work, to ensure his messages can be communicated in all mediums.
Wally B.’s poetical talents have allowed him to conduct over 1000 performances, workshops and mentorship sessions in the national spoken word community over his 20-year career. He is an award winning, 4-Time Finalist of the Southern Fried Regional Poetry Competition. Wally currently serves as a Poet Artist in Residence for Hillsborough County Schools and the Arts Council of Hillsborough County-reaching over 800 students and teachers per year.
Wally B. is one of the founding members of Back Talk Poetry Troupe (the organization responsible for Black on Black Rhyme) and founder of “Black on Black Rhyme-Tampa”, one of Central Florida’s largest and longest running open-mic poetry shows since September 2001.
He graduated from Florida A&M University (Cum Laude) in 1998 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics.
Walter currently serves as Program Manager for the University of South Florida Foundation- Diversity Initiatives and Scholarship Office, which provides support for the USF student community through philanthropic contributions.
He has been married to his wife, Charmaine for 19 years and they have two children: Charmione-17 and Simone-12.
In this episode 4, I interview a group of craft beer enthusiast. This group, who go by the name of Shades of Hopz, are a group of African American beer lovers. No, I am not talking about a group of people that sit around drinking beer just for the sake of drinking beer. In July, I had the pleasure of the interviewing 4 of the 5 members – whose Gov’t names are Janelle, Jon, Mal, Hank and Mike – speak about the enjoyment of breaking down the complexities of craft beer, diversity, inclusion, and breaking stereotypes (whether gender or racially based). They are among a growing populations of African American craft beer enthusiast and brewers.
It should be noted that like many other industries, breweries have been negatively impacted by COVID. In June of this year, amid the shaky economy and social unrest, over 1000 breweries (in 15 countries) agreed to support the Black is Beautiful initiative.
What is this initiative? Well, Black is Beautiful is a collaborative initiative to bring awareness to racial injustices. Recently, the members of Shades of Hopz partnered with local brewing companies Aardwolf and Main & 6th. One hundred percent of the proceeds are being donated to a charity that has a mission/foundation based on racial equality and justice. One hundred percent of the proceeds is going to impact the community.
On May 16th, I facilitated a conversation about the business of poetry. I was blessed to be joined by the following poets: Ebony Payne English (Jacksonville, FL), Matthew “Cuban” Hernandez (Los Angeles, CA by way of Jacksonville, FL), Dasan Ahanu (Raleigh, NC), Aslee Haze (Atlanta, GA by way of Chicago, IL), Joan “Lyric” Leslie (Atlanta, GA by way of Harlem, NYC), Dennis Amadeus (Tampa, FL), Taryn “Love Reigns” Wharwood (Jacksonville, FL by way of Miami, FL) and Tiffany Duhart (Jacksonville, FL).
The panel was open and honest about their experience as an artist and business person. They gave real life examples of what drove them to become a top performer in their field.
In February 2020, there were 1.65 million black owned businesses up and running in the United States. When COVID19 hit the United States in 2020, the numbers were almost cut in half to reflect 600,000 that were still in existence. In this episode, I have a conversation with local educational leader, Dr. Standralyn Terry. In June of 2020, Dr. Terry started an initiative to address the financial impact COVID19 has had on black owned restaurants in Jacksonville, FL (also known as DUVAL COUNTY). The initiative, Duval Dines Black, visits local black owned restaurants to provide support through free advertisement but more importantly with dollars. When Dr. Terry started the initiative, she did not anticipate that it would take off so quickly in terms of popularity and support from all walks of life within the Jacksonville community. In this interview, she walks you through starting a movement in a field that you were not trained but succeeding anyway.
In this episode, I have a discussion with Alexis Thomas concerning mental health. Ms. Thomas is an experienced & licensed therapist in Jacksonville, FL. Ms. Thomas discusses the importance of good mental health but also introduces us to tele-health therapy.