In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Gaskins, a remarkable individual who has not only survived multiple sclerosis (MS) but has also become a leading advocate for the use of cannabis in autoimmune care. Join us as we delve into her inspiring journey and explore the profound impact of cannabis on autoimmune conditions. Episode Highlights: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing ChangeMedical Marijuana for Autoimmune Conditions Confronting Mental Health Stigma Self-Care, Cannabis, and Cultural Heritage Unveiling Medical Marijuana's History and Usage Quotes "Cannabis has been a game-changer for so many people with autoimmune conditions." - Jennifer Gaskins"I'm proud to be part of an industry that's changing the narrative around cannabis and its benefits." - Jennifer Gaskins "Education is key. It's important for people to understand how cannabis can be used for medical purposes." - Jennifer Gaskins"We recommend books like 'Cannabis Pharmacy,' 'The Women's Guide to Cannabis,' and 'Cannabis High Tea' for learning about medical marijuana dosing and usage." - Jennifer Gaskins Dr. Rachel Knox, a black doctor, is spotlighted for her work in running a cannabis institute that certifies patients and educates them about the endocannabinoid system and the body's natural ability to utilize cannabis. Jennifer recommends essential reading materials for understanding medical marijuana dosing and usage, including "Cannabis Pharmacy," "The Women's Guide to Cannabis," and "Cannabis High Tea."   Connect with Jennifer Gaskins https://www.southernsoulthursdays.com/guests/jennifer-gaskins/   About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.   Build a Community Following with Podcasting - from concept to creation, we'll explore the essentials of crafting compelling content and building an engaged audience.   Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or a newbie, you'll find valuable insights in this episode. Tune in and get ready to amplify your voice in the podcasting sphere! 🚀 #Podcasting101 #SoulThursdays #AmplifyYourVoice Side Gig Saturdays is your ticket to unlocking new skills, nurturing your side gig, and revitalizing your entrepreneurial passion.   Discover how Side Gig Saturdays can empower you in this engaging podcast episode. Don't miss it! 🚀🎙️#SideGigSaturdays #SoulThursdays #Empowerment   Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee! Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays JournalRegister - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”

Overview In this illuminating episode, host our host engages in a profound conversation with Calvin Lawrence, the author of "Hidden in White Sight," as they delve into the intricate world of artificial intelligence and its impact on racial equity. Together, they explore the hidden biases lurking within AI systems and discuss the crucial journey from awareness to action. The episode begins with a poignant discussion about racial bias in technology and how AI, once considered a mere concept, has become an integral part of our lives, influencing decisions that can significantly affect individuals. The conversation progresses to dissect the notion of bias in AI, differentiating between intentional racism and systemic bias. This distinction proves vital in unraveling the complexities of AI's hidden biases. Calvin Lawrence concludes with his vision for the future, underlining the importance of sustained awareness about AI's hidden biases. He remains committed to being a vocal advocate for responsible AI and intentional   Quotes AI is no longer just technology; it's a set of business applications that impact our day-to-day lives." - Calvin Lawrence "Think about the last three years. You'll see probably 95% of the applications that you touch today will be fueled by some AI algorithm to some extent." -  Calvin Lawrence "Regardless of what field you find yourself in, you need to have a basic understanding of AI because it will touch every industry."  - Calvin Lawrence We have to continue to scream as long as we can to ensure that people who are building apps are doing it intentionally with the victim in mind."  - Calvin Lawrence    Connect with @SoulThursdays Website | Facebook Instagram | Twitter | TikTok   Connect with Calvin Lawrence Website | Linkedin | Instagram   About with Soul Thursdays - LIVE Episode Podcast: Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.   Build a Community Following with our Podcasting Coaching  - from concept to creation, we'll explore the essentials of crafting compelling content and building an engaged audience. Get ready to amplify your voice in the podcasting sphere! 🚀 #PodcastWorkshop #AmplifyYourVoice Side Gig Saturdays is your ticket to unlocking new skills, nurturing your side gig, and revitalizing your entrepreneurial passion. Discover how Side Gig Saturdays can empower you in this engaging podcast episode. Don't miss it! 🚀🎙️ #SideGigSaturdays #SoulThursdays    Support - Soul Thursdays Buy us  A Coffee - Support our Community-drive Exploratory JournalismLearn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays JournalRegister - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”

The episode explores Lynne's coined phrases, including "50 and Fed Up," "Career Deceleration," and "Flow from Frustration to Freedom." These phrases encapsulate the mid-career professional's journey, where individuals may feel stuck, frustrated, or uncertain about their career trajectories. Lynne provides practical steps for mid-career professionals to realign their paths and rediscover their purpose. She emphasizes the importance of dreaming and dabbling in one's passions, suggesting that individuals give themselves permission to explore their interests. Additionally, Lynne encourages leveraging social media and curating online communities that align with one's aspirations.   Quotes "Burnout isn't just about exhaustion; it's about not recognizing who you are."- Lynne Stokes, MBA"It's one thing to have the dream, but that dream stays stagnant if you don't do anything, Dream and Dabble in your passions. Give yourself permission to explore your interests." - Lynne Stokes, MBA"I really believe in a personal brand. Everybody needs one. Everybody has one, whether you know it or not... your personal brand is what people think of when they hear your name or see you." - Lynne Stokes, MBA   Connect with @SoulThursdays Website | Facebook Instagram | Twitter | TikTok   Flow from Frustration to Freedom with Lynne Stokes, MBA Facebook | Website | Instagram   About with Soul Thursdays - LIVE Episode Podcast: Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.   Build a Community Following with our Podcasting Coaching  - from concept to creation, we'll explore the essentials of crafting compelling content and building an engaged audience. Get ready to amplify your voice in the podcasting sphere! 🚀 #PodcastWorkshop #AmplifyYourVoice Side Gig Saturdays is your ticket to unlocking new skills, nurturing your side gig, and revitalizing your entrepreneurial passion. Discover how Side Gig Saturdays can empower you in this engaging podcast episode. Don't miss it! 🚀🎙️ #SideGigSaturdays #SoulThursdays    Support - Soul Thursdays Buy us  A Coffee - Support our Community-drive Exploratory JournalismLearn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”

In the podcast, Dr. Carrie Rosario stands out as a strong advocate for overall well-being. Alongside Counseling Psychologist Tatyana Smith, Dr. Rosario engages in a dynamic conversation that puts her expertise at the forefront. Her thoughtful insights highlight critical themes of resilience, reflection, and renewal, resonating deeply with the audience. She underscores the value of safe spaces for exploring experiences, vulnerability, and personal growth. Tatyana Smith draws from her research to explore the experiences of cisgender heterosexual Black men who have faced childhood sexual abuse. She discusses the challenges these men confront in building healthy relationships and self-identity, shedding light on coping strategies and available resources for healing. Together, the speakers highlight the importance of recognizing the diversity within identity and offering tailored support for growth and renewal. The episode serves as a potent reminder that healing and resilience can be achieved through self-reflection, openness, and cultural sensitivity.   Quotes "Every step towards healing matters, regardless of its size. Each moment of self-awareness, self-care, and self-acceptance contributes to the journey of resilience, reflection, and renewal."- Dr. Carrie Rosario "Black men's healing involves breaking free from the survival mode imposed by historical trauma. Thriving is about reaching a space where they can self-actualize." - Tatyana Smith"In the process of healing, it's essential to honor our emotions, even the difficult ones. Emotions provide valuable information about our inner world and guide us towards a more authentic sense of self." - Dr. Carrie Rosario"Childhood sexual abuse impacts black men's romantic relationships. Challenges in emotional intimacy and trust arise due to societal pressure on masculinity." - Tatyana Smith
 Connect with @SoulThursdays Website | Facebook Instagram | Twitter | TikTok   Speaker Info Tatyana Smith, Counseling Psychology PhD StudentDr. Carrie Rosario, Health Equity Advocate   About with Soul Thursdays - Live Episode Podcast Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.   Support our Community - Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee! Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”

In this episode, we dive into the heart of mother-daughter relationships with the remarkable Dr. Monica Moore, MD. Join us as we explore healing mother wound with Girls Growing Gracefully—a platform dedicated to strengthening the bond between mothers and daughters. Dr. Moore guides us through empowerment, the value of shared experiences, and the art of nurturing resilience. From fostering authentic connections to managing stress and anxiety, this episode unveils the secrets to fostering lifelong relationships. Tune in to discover how Girls Growing Gracefully empowers not only the present but also the future generations to come. Get ready for an inspiring journey of growth, connection, and lasting memories. strategies that will shape the destiny of the Black community. The revolution starts now!   Quotes "Empowering mothers and daughters to live their lives unapologetically is at the heart of Girls Growing Gracefully. It's about equipping them with the knowledge to learn, do more, and see more." - Dr. Monica Moore, MD"Our goal is to create long-lasting positive memories for mothers and daughters. Quality time together, engaging in activities like spa days, cooking, and meditation, can deepen your bond." - Dr. Monica Moore, MD   Connect with @SoulThursdays Website | Facebook Instagram | Twitter | TikTok   Speaker Info   Dr. Monica Moore, MD  @drmonicacares Be Unique: A Girl's Guide to Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance    About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.   Support  Community Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee! Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”

Join us on an inspiring Soul Thursday episode as host D-Rich engages in a captivating conversation with Theresa Cummings, founder and CEO of Cummings Consulting & Management, LLC, alongside the incredible Dr. Ashlie Booth, MD, from Healing Beyond the Stethoscope Primary Care. Together, they unveil the secrets to manifesting career success like never before.   In the words of Theresa Cummings, "Difference matters, and when we prioritize people, the numbers will naturally follow. It's crucial to focus on embracing diversity and inclusivity." Prepare to be enthralled as she shares her profound insights into the power of collaboration and allyship, reminding us all that unity propels us toward greatness.   Dr. Ashlie Booth, on the other hand, faced her own set of challenges as the sole Black individual in her immediate environment, both on campus and within her Biology major. Despite the discouragement she encountered, her unwavering determination fueled her pursuit of a lifelong dream—to become a doctor. Resisting the well-intentioned suggestions to explore alternative paths like business, Dr. Booth fearlessly blazed her own trail. And today, she proudly owns and operates her clinic, Beyond the Stethoscope Primary Care where she is able to provide a unique approach to health and medicine by centering her practice on building genuine connections with patients and empowering them to make health decisions that seamlessly align with their real lives.    Diversity gaps can be disheartening, but the most unexpected allies can emerge if you maintain an open mind and unwavering determination. Refuse to let anyone dictate your capabilities. Stay laser-focused on your ultimate goals, and seek out mentors who will elevate and support you on your journey. Quotes • “My leadership style is such that I'm very collaborative and from my upbringing, I was able to transfer that into the corporate world and be a little bit more successful from going through a whole lot of that mess.” (4:32-4:46 | Theresa) • “You cannot act as if you're in corporate in running your own business. You have three roles, doing the business itself, being the visionary of the business, and managing the business.” (20:23-20:35 | Theresa) • “What I continue to do is teach people that difference matters. And we focus on the people, the numbers are going to come, but you have to focus on all people.” (25:51-26:01 | Theresa) • “Life affects your health, so I have to be able to put all of that together to make sure you are totally well.” (44:24-44:30 | Dr. Booth) • “Treatment plans look beautiful on paper, but if a patient is not following it, then what sense does it make?” (46:46-46:53 | Dr. Booth)   Links Connect with Theresa Cummings Website - https://www.cummingscm.com/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-cummings/   Follow Dr. Ashlie A. Booth MD Linktree - https://linktr.ee/DrAshlieABoothMDInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/drashlieaboothmd/ About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.    Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy  Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal  Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”    Connect with SoulThursdays Website | Facebook  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

Buckle up for an exciting and enlightening episode as host D-Rich engages in a dynamic conversation with the remarkable Rev. Lakesha Womack, Rev. JerQuentin Sutton, Rev. Carline Brown, and Dr. Chelece Brown. Together, they unveil groundbreaking strategies aimed at transforming the future of Black churches.   Gone are the days when the church solely served as a social hub for the Black community. Rev. Lakesha Womack passionately asserts that the true essence lies in theological engagement—helping individuals grapple with real-life issues. It's not about superficial changes like logos or fancy effects, but rather about empowering people to navigate the adversities they face, both spiritually and practically.   To usher in a brighter future, Black churches must evolve beyond traditional norms. By shining a light on mental health, social justice, and financial literacy, church leaders can become beacons of support for their congregations. It's time to address spiritual abuse, collaborate with faith-based organizations, and uplift entrepreneurial endeavors within the community. Together, these efforts will guide the Black community toward diversity, justice, and economic empowerment.   Get ready for an empowering journey as these visionary leaders illuminate the path toward a more inclusive and equitable future for Black churches. Tune in to discover the transformative strategies that will shape the destiny of the Black community. The revolution starts now! Quotes • “It's not about getting a logo or taking the altar out of the church or turning off the lights and bringing in fog machines. It's about, how do you really help people wrestle theologically with the issues that they're dealing with.” (11:25-11:37 | Rev. Womack)  • “The solution is talking about trauma within the church, because there's a lot of trauma, especially with churches in urban communities.” (14:50-14:56 | Dr. Brown) • “When the church is able to forgive someone who has strayed, it helps us to understand reconciliation and solidarity with the poor and the oppressed.” (30:04-30:16 | Rev. Sutton)  • “A lot of people say, ‘I'm a Christian’. But, when they say they're a Christian, what I've come to realize through therapy is that they may not have a relationship with Jesus.” (36:01-36:14 | Rev. Brown)   Links Rev. Carline Brown Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/carline-brown/Website - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/carline-brown-riverview-fl/1121595   Rev. JerQuentin Sutton WRSU 88.7 FM Sundays 6 to 8pm Eastern - https://radio.rutgers.edu/schedule/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gqallmighty/Website for Lebanon Baptist Church Westwood: https://www.lebanonbaptistchurchwestwood.com/   Rev. Lakesha Womack Website - https://www.blackseednetwork.com/aboutBook LaKesha - https://womackcg.com/book-lakeshaRethinking Church Strategies - http://rethinkingchurchstrategies.com/   Dr. Chelece Brown Website - https://www.chelecebrown.com/Instagram - https://instagram.com/drchelecebrown?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.    Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy  Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal  Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”    Connect with SoulThursdays Website | Facebook  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

Prohibition of cannabis has been about bad science, racism, propaganda, and violence, “ says Arti Finn, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, APDS.  In this episode, host D-Rich leads a fascinating exploration of the intricate world of legalized cannabis and the political and social landscape that surrounds it.    Our panel of guests share experiences about their presence in the industry, including the challenges they have confronted and solutions they have implemented. During a discussion on the topic of incarceration and the prison system, we delve into the massive role that prisons play in treatment for substance abuse and mental health, the many issues with private correctional institutions, and life after incarceration. And the panel guests emphasize the need for a cultural shift toward more effective solutions, backed by data and results.   Quotes • “I think there's an opportunity for the industry to have an outsized word on criminal justice reform by saying taxes that are redirected from cannabis sales should be put into correctional education. States don't have enough money dedicated to that. Less than 17% of the folks that are incarcerated get any access to programming. So if you want to actually start to regulate the industry, control where the money goes.” (25:35 - 25:59 | Arti) • “We criminalized things that should not have been criminalized, including cannabis consumption. And we did it on bad science. We did it using racism, we did it using propaganda, we did it using violence. And we're continuing to use that violence by putting people in cages for using something that is relatively harmless.” (38:22 - 38:44 | Maggie) • “We miss the fact that the American prison system and jail system is the largest mental health institution we have in the country. There are more mentally ill people in our prisons and jails than there are in all the state psychiatric institutions combined. Also, people who are under the influence of drugs, well, jails are now the largest detoxification facilities in the country. 100 times more people are detoxed in jail than are detoxed in detox centers in the community or in hospital emergency rooms.” (43:58 - 44:36| Andy) • “Talk to your state legislatures, your governor, anyone who's in policy making and really advocate for changing corrections from a place of warehousing to a place of true rehabilitation. And when you start to raise the pressure on government, they step up.” (1:04:19 - 1:04:39 | Arti)   Connect with our guests: Maggie Kinsella - https://coyotecannabisco.com/Arti Finn - https://apds.works/Andrew Klein - https://www.ahpnet.com/About/Meet-our-Experts/Andrew-KleinKyle Moon - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-moon-4404b1170/ About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.    Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy  Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal  Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”    Connect with SoulThursdays Website | Facebook  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

“Race can be a very positive thing, but it can also be something that can promote a lot of stress against children. And we want to make sure that children are prepared,” explains Dr. Stephanie Irby Coard, clinical psychologist, professor, and founder and President of Kindred Behavioral Research. Talking to children about difficult topics like anxiety, depression, and racism can be intimidating and stressful for parents, especially parents of color who are having to navigate racism themselves. Today, Dr. Stephanie joins host D-Rich along with Tavara Franklin, CEO and founder of Healing Grounds Therapy and Wellness Center, to discuss how to have fearless conversations with children about important topics that are often viewed as taboo like race and anxiety.   Racial ethnic socialization is all about preparing children of color to deal with racism. It is critical that parents teach conflict resolution and problem solving skills to their children with regard to navigating racism. Otherwise, children may respond by being reactive, which could lead to bigger issues since Black children will often face much harsher consequences for being reactive than their white peers. It’s never too early to start talking about race and instilling positive messages so that children can be more resilient when facing nasty remarks about their skin tone or their hair later on in life.    When it comes to having difficult conversations with children, the best thing a parent can do is to remove the stigma around talking about these topics. If children think a topic is taboo, they might not feel comfortable discussing it, and might even start to think something is wrong with them for having a hard time navigating their emotions.    Quotes • “Racial ethnic socialization is the process by which we talk to, transmit messages about, expose our children to, meaning around race.” (6:30-6:42 | Dr. Stephanie) • “Resilience is incredibly important. And I think that racial socialization is actually a mechanism by which we can help our children to be even more resilient.” (15:00-15:11 | Dr. Stephanie) • “Race can be a very positive thing, but it can also be something that can promote a lot of stress against children. And we want to make sure that children are prepared.” (24:19-24:30 | Dr. Stephanie) • “Anxiety is a normal emotion. It is a natural emotion, everybody experiences anxiety.” (49:12-49:21 | Tavara)  • “With mindfulness, it helps us to be able to ground ourselves to identify what is most important at this moment.” (54:22-54:30 | Tavara)   Links Connect with Dr. Stephanie Irby Coard: Professor Page - https://hhs.uncg.edu/hdf/people/coard-stephanie-irby/ Kindred Behavior Website - http://www.kindredbehavior.com/team-member/dr-stephanie-irby-coard/   Connect with Tavara Franklin, LPC, CAMS: Website https://healinggroundstherapy.com/hgt-team/ Tavara's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tavarafranklin/ About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.    Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy  Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal  Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”    Connect with SoulThursdays Website | Facebook  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

“I realized the crazy ridiculous impact that sharing our stories and being vulnerable could have on letting other people share their stories and be okay with getting treatment,” explains Dr. Rhonda Mattox, MD. There is incredible power in advocacy and creating cultures centered around support. Today, Dr. Rhonda joins host D-Rich along with Dr. Jenny Vazquez-Newsum, Ed.D., to talk about advocacy, destigmatizing mental illness, and the untapped leadership potential of marginalized people.   Growing up, Dr. Jenny rarely if ever saw anyone in a leadership role that looked like her. As a multiracial woman, she found that the books on leadership were primarily written from the perspective of white men. This inspired her to write a book of her own and found an organization that centers marginalized perspectives. Although she struggled at first with imposter syndrome, she ultimately realized that the issue is systemic and not due to any deficit of her own.    Dr. Rhonda grew up with similar experiences, deciding to become a doctor after being inspired by a strong, Black woman who asked not what she wanted to be when she grew up, but who she wanted to help. While pursuing her degree for psychiatry, Dr. Rhonda realized that she was still holding onto many of the stigmas around mental illness that she had grown up with. She could not recognize her own depression, because her mother had taught her that Black people cannot be depressed. When she managed to push past the stigma and share her story anyway, she found immense power in being vulnerable.    There is a lot of untapped power in speaking up and advocating for yourself. As a leader, you have the opportunity to shatter the stigmas and break down the barriers that hold marginalized perspectives back.    Quotes • “We tend to kind of define being a leader as this far off destination, and then we lose out on the opportunity to lead right here and now.” (24:55-25:04 | Dr. Jenny) • “I grew up hearing from my mother, in a southern town, Black people don't have the luxury of being depressed. Black people can't call into work, you’ve got to get up and go.” (37:37-37:47 | Dr. Rhonda) • “Don't you pour water on anybody's dreams. Be the person who kneels down and looks in the little girl or the little boy's eyes and see them and tell them they can do it.” (1:14:38-1:14:48 | Dr. Rhonda)    Links Connect with Dr. Jenny Vazquez-Newsum, Ed.D.: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyvazqueznewsum/ Book: Untapped Leadership: Harnessing the Power of Underrepresented Leaders - https://www.amazon.com/Untapped-Leadership-Harnessing-Underrepresented-Leaders/dp/1633889165   Connect with Andre Smith: Website: https://www.chosn.io/getmygoals Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrechosn   Connect with Dr. Rhonda Mattox, MD: Website:https://drrhondamattox.me/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rhonda-mattox-physician-and-consultant-66175011/ About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.    Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy  Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal  Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”    Connect with SoulThursdays Website | Facebook  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

“If they can lead the organization from an inclusive cultural perspective, they're going to see the pendulum shift in the right direction. DEI training is great, but it only scratches the surface,” shares Sheree Knowles, CEO of HR Knowledge Source. HR has changed a lot throughout the years and with AI advancing, there are many more changes coming to consider when thinking about a career in Human Resources. Today, Sheree joins host D. Rich along with Deirdre Simmons, certified coach and VP of Human Resources, to talk about the future of human resource careers.    For most companies, there is a long way to go when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. The focus on the leaders in the organization really control how HR is able to function. Sheree experienced this first hand when working as the head of HR in a corporate environment, helping others navigate through racial biases and microaggressions while simultaneously experiencing the same issues herself. With so many changes in the way people do business, including the push from employees for remote work, the implications of AI technological advancements, and a stronger emphasis on DEI, the future of Human Resources looks very different from how it used to be.    If you are considering going into Human Resources, it is a good idea to identify your strengths and figure out exactly what you enjoy doing. There are many different HR avenues to explore like employee engagement, benefits, compliance, payroll, and learning and development.    Quotes • “If you are considering a career in HR, I want you to consider your strengths.” (4:08-4:13 | Deirdre) • “Depending on the organization, depending on the focus of the leaders in the organization and how they view HR is how HR is able to function, and that impacts the employees.” (15:55-16:09 | Deirdre) • “Here I am the head of HR. I'm helping employees, other people, navigate exclusion and microaggressions and bias while at the same time, I'm personally experiencing exclusion, microaggressions and bias.” (40:12-40:27 | Sheree) • “AI is going to have an enormous impact on the HR profession.” (46:11-46:16 | Sheree) • “In the HR world, DEI, diversity, equity and inclusion, is a hat that most HR professionals find challenging to put on.” (48:02-48:11 | Sheree)  • “If they can lead the organization from an inclusive cultural perspective, they're going to see the pendulum shift in the right direction. DEI training is great, but it only scratches the surface.” (49:19-49:32 | Sheree)   Links Connect with Sheree Knowles, SPHR, CPM: Website: https://www.hrknowledgesource.com/about-hrks/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shereeknowles/   Connect with Deirdre Simmons, MSHRM, PHR, SHRM-CP: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deirdresimmons Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdeirdresimmons/ About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.    Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy  Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal  Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”    Connect with SoulThursdays Website | Facebook  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

“Flexibility is probably the number one characteristic you need to have as entrepreneurs,” explains J Haleem Washinton, author and entrepreneur coach. No matter how much you plan, there will always be things that happen unexpectedly that require you to think on your feet and pivot in a new direction. Successful entrepreneurs are the ones who can roll with any changes that come their way. Today, J Haleem joins host D-Rich along with Dr. Daryl Green, business marketing and management professor, to discuss the challenges of growing a small business in Atlanta.   Entrepreneurship is not without its challenges, but it also provides incredible opportunities for people to earn a living outside of the often inaccessible corporate world. Due to his felony record, even with a college degree and Dean’s List letters, J Haleem was unable to get accepted to any reasonably paying position after graduation. Instead of giving up and going back to hustling on the streets, he created his own opportunities. No one was going to give him a fair shot due to his criminal record, but he was determined to provide for his family and was flexible enough to work around any obstacle he encountered along the way.    Growing a small business is a challenging, yet rewarding endeavor. It can be very isolating and lonely, especially if you do not have a strong support system. J Haleem shares that without support, it is often too tempting for people to give up and go back to the streets. That’s why regardless of the level of support you have, flexibility and knowing how and when to pivot is the number one skill set that all entrepreneurs need.    Quotes • “A lot of people don't understand marketing is more than just selling and buying.” (1:31-1:35 | Dr. Green) • “In 2020, we realized something, even churches, that if you don't have a digital platform, you don't exist.” (1:57-2:06 | Dr. Green) • “What I learned is that a lot of times when I fell, there was nobody around. There was no support.” (1:12:26-1:12:32 | J Haleem) • “Hustle while you work.” (1:15:38-1:15:39 | J Haleem) • “Once I figured out how I wasn't going to starve, then I had the chance to focus on other people.” (1:19:56-1:20:01 | J Haleem)  • “Flexibility is probably the number one characteristic you need to have as entrepreneurs.” (1:21:15-1:21:20 | J Haleem)   Links Connect with Dr. Daryl Green, DSL: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdarylgreen/   Connect with J Haleem Washington, CPC: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjhaleem/   About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.    Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy  Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal  Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”    Connect with SoulThursdays Website | Facebook  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

“The big challenge is a knowledge gap, legal gap, estate planning gap. Because when you lose the land, you lose the presence, you lose the control over the place,” explains Dr. Andrea Roberts, founder of the Texas Freedom Colonies Project and Associate Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning at the University of Virginia's School of Architecture. She is a proud 6th generation Texan whose ancestors have roots in the Texas freedom colonies. Today, Dr. Andrea joins host D-Rich to talk about historic Black “freedom” towns and the importance of preservation and bridging the legal knowledge gap.   Many historically Black places are not listed on any map, but are known by names whispered by descendents of those who lived there. Preserving these historical sites from old Black “Freedom” towns, settlements and colonies has been challenging as the land may not even be owned legally by the descendents. The majority of Black-owned land is what is called intestate, which means that you lose legal control over the place when your loved one passes on rather than being able to truly inherit it. Being able to put a name, information, and exact mapped location to these places that are otherwise lost to history is pivotal for anyone who may want to reclaim the land and protect what remains.    The Texas Freedom Colonies Project aims to not only preserve historically Black places, but also to educate through providing access to resources like free legal assistance to help bridge the knowledge gap. By having a mapped and fully visualized story of the past available, people can learn and connect better with their family history and the places that their ancestors called home.    Quotes • “No one was explaining to me why this entire Black cemetery is here, surrounded by all of these middle to upper middle class to elite suburbs right outside of Houston.” (8:09-8:22 | Dr. Andrea) • “70 to 75% of all Black-owned land is intestate, meaning it's in a state where you cannot sell it, make use of it, take control of it, when your loved one passes on, because you don't have proper legal standing.” (17:14-17:30 | Dr. Andrea) • “The big challenge is a knowledge gap, legal gap, estate planning gap, because when you lose the land, you lose the presence, you lose the control over the place.” (18:40-18:51 | Dr. Andrea) • “Our ancestors gave so much and they gave until they couldn't give any more. And that martyrdom got us this far, but that same martyrdom is not what's going to get us the next part of the way.” (49:04-49:16 | Dr. Andrea)   Links Connect with Dr. Andrea Roberts: Website - https://andrearobertsphd.com/homepage/about/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/FreeBlackTX LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrearoberts/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRRoberts   About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.    Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy  Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal  Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”    Connect with SoulThursdays Website | Facebook  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

“Many women don't get diagnosed until their kids get diagnosed because people miss it,” shares ADHD coach, IngerShaye Colzie, MSW, LSW. IngerShaye went 50 years wondering why certain things were so difficult while others were easy. In spite of noticeable struggles in her childhood continuing into her work and college life, her ADHD went unnoticed until her own child was diagnosed. Today, IngerShaye joins host D-Rich to talk about ADHD and how it presents in Black women and girls.    ADHD is a brain based condition affecting the way someone’s brain is wired that tends to show up differently in girls than it does in boys. Many people are familiar with the textbook idea of a distracting, impulsive little boy with ADHD, but are less adept at recognizing girls with ADHD. For girls, it often shows up as the inattentive or combined version versus strictly hyperactive. And when it is hyperactive in girls, that hyperactivity is directed inward. IngerShaye shares that some of the challenges of ADHD are time blindness causing her to be late constantly, trouble prioritizing, impulsivity, disorganization, and getting overwhelmed easily. She also explains that ADHD comes with strengths like empathy, a strong sense of fairness, resilience, hyperfocus, passion, and creativity.    It is important to build awareness and seek support for  Black women and girls with ADHD because it is not okay that so many are slipping through and not being diagnosed until much later in life. When Black women have ADHD, they face additional challenges. There is a lot of misinformation circulating about ADHD and when we come together to talk about our experiences, more of those myths can be dispelled and replaced with the truth.   Quotes • “Once we went from learning to read to reading to learn, it just got harder and the ADHD started to kick in.” (2:42-2:49 | IngerShaye) • “Many women don't get diagnosed until their kids get diagnosed because people miss it.” (10:44-10:51 | IngerShaye) • “The thing about ADHD, the H part, the hyper part, it's not outward. For women especially, it turns inward.” (11:49-11:56 | IngerShaye) • “When I got diagnosed with ADHD, my whole life flashed in front of me because all the things that were confusing began to make sense.” (12:33-12:40 | IngerShaye)  • “Kids with ADHD get, I think they say, 20,000 more negative messages by age 12 than other children.” (24:44-24:51 | IngerShaye) • “I think what encourages me more than anything else is that, seeing this is a room full of people of color that we are furthering this conversation about something that's so important in our community that we haven't been saying out loud, and it's so encouraging to see so many people in the chat and in the breakout room who are realizing that they need to learn more about this, because it may be something that's really relevant in their lives." (1:20:10-1:20:38 | KD)   Links Connect with IngerShaye Colzie, MSW, LSW, ADHD Coach: Website: www.ingershaye.com Instagram: @ingershaye   Resources Available to Parents ADHD Parent Training and ResourcesADHD Resources for Youth   Quizzes for ADHD Symptoms ADHD TestingADHD Test for Black Women   Books ADHD 2.0 - Edward Hallowell, MD & John J. Ratey, MDSelf-Care for People with ADHD, Dr. Sasha HamdaniA Radical Guide for Women with ADHD, Sari Solden, MS & Michelle Frank, PsyD About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.    Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy  Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal  Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”    Connect with SoulThursdays Website | Facebook  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

“How do you feel when you think about your self concept and your self reflection? How much of yourself do you see in your mother?,”asks Dr. Richarne Fuqua aka Dr. Shawn, the LPC. Today, Dr. Shawn joins host D-Rich alongside Tiara Nicole Riley, life coach, motivational speaker, and author to talk about the “Mother Wound” and understanding mother-daughter conflict and healing.    The goal of this show is to help guide women who are stuck in painful cycles - feeling unworthy because of insecure thoughts about themselves, which stem from the Mother Wound. For some, there is a deep yearning for love, acceptance, and nurturing that can never be fully satisfied. This pain builds up over time as our needs remain unmet, and we unconsciously form a belief system that says, “I am not enough,” “I don’t deserve true love,” or “It’s not safe to trust and love again.”    Black women have always been laborers in America and they are always giving more than they take. Much of what we struggle with today is actually rooted in intergenerational trauma. This Mother Wound often stays unhealed and can cause a lot of conflict between mothers and daughters.    Quotes • “I didn't know her daughter, but I was able to say, ‘When your daughter is going through this, maybe this is what she needs. Maybe you can try this’. This is what I wish my mother knew, and I couldn't tell her in the moment. These are questions that you can ask to figure out what she specifically might need.” (6:02-6:17 | Tiara) • “If you empower the woman, especially if you empower the Black woman, that's where the real change begins.” (12:07-12:13 | Tiara)  • “How do you feel when you think about your self concept and your self reflection? How much of yourself do you see in your mother?” (35:07-35:13 | Dr. Shawn) • “Honor and obey are not the same thing. As an adult who pays her own bills among somebody I no longer feel the need as an adult to obey my mother. Honoring my mother means I show love. I show care." (55:55-56:20 | Tiara)    Links Connect with Dr. Shawn, The LPC: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshawnthelpc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drshawnthelpcTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drshawnthelpcWebsite: https://www.drshawnthelpc.com/   Connect with Tiara Nicole Riley: Instagram: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiaranicoleriley/Free Consult: https://www.tiaranicoleriley.com/coachTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tiaranicolerileyWebsite: https://www.tiaranicoleriley.com/ About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.    Support - Community Exploratory Journalism -  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register Free Training - Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting WorkshopShop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise - Buy  Official MerchandisePurchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal  Register - Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”    Connect with SoulThursdays Website | Facebook  Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

“The church is not just what we do on Wednesday and Sunday, but how do we really live our faith and become the change agents in the world?”, shares LaKesha Womack, church growth consultant and founder of the Rethinking Church Project. Today, LaKesha joins host D-Rich to talk about the future of the Black church in the Black community. Later, they are joined by several ministers and pastors who contribute their own observations from their communities.   The Black church was an extraordinarily important fixture in the Black community during the Civil Rights Era. Recently Gallup released poll results that revealed that church membership in the US has fallen below 50% for the first time. While 66% of American adults born before 1946 belong to a church, only 36% of millennials do as well. It is often said that Sunday at 11AM is the most segregated hour in America. The Black church was initially started because of slavery and the widely held belief that going to church created better slaves. For a long time, Black people were not able to hold any leadership positions within the church and had to be overseen by white ministers. Church is still largely segregated due to the way Black people were treated historically.    It's important to recognize that no church is perfect. Unfortunately, some churches create toxic environments that are not about connecting with God, but instead focus on prosperity preaching and pastoral salvation. This can be especially problematic for Black churches, given their history and the potential for discomfort within a polarized society.   When Black churches fail to consider this history and its implications, it can lead to people feeling disconnected and ultimately stopping attendance altogether. This trend is particularly evident among Millennials and Gen Z, who display declines in religiosity.   To encourage young Black people to attend church, it's critical to be intentional about the environment you're creating. This means creating a space where they can actually have a spiritual encounter, rather than feeling like they're just being sold a message of prosperity or salvation. By being mindful of these issues, Black churches can help to build a stronger connection with their community and create a more welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all. Quotes • “The church is not just what we do on Wednesday and Sunday, but how we really live our faith? And live it in a way that does not make you feel like, ‘Oh, I’ve got to forsake the world,’ but how do we impact the world and how do we become the change agents in the world?” (7:13-7:29 | LaKesha) • “The reality is a lot of people are still going to church. They're just not going to your church.” (10:48-10:53 | LaKesha) • “A lot of people really need to take some time to examine the history and not just assume that we don't worship together because of color, but it was actually because of culture and the way that we were treated.” (17:10-17:21 | LaKesha) • “Black women are the backbone of the Black church, even though most churches are led by Black men.” (20:28-20:36 | LaKesha)    Connect with LaKesha Womack: Website: https://womackcg.com/about-wcgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakeshawomack/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsLaKeshaWomack/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/womackcg/ About with Southern Soul Live Stream - Live Episode Podcast  Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Southern Soul Livestream - Podshow is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences. Tune in each Thursday at 8 pm eastern at SoulThursdays.com to connect with guests from across the generations and to laugh with our "cast of characters," hosts who are as charming as they are talented!   Support - Community Exploratory Journalism Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register for our free podcast workshop trainingGetting Started in BIPOC Podcasting Workshop Shop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise Buy  Official Merchandise Purchase - Official Show Companion SSL Companion & Journal   Register -  Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!” Click here to register.   Connect with Soul Thursdays Website: www.SoulThursdays.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/Twitter: https://twitter.com/soulthursdaysTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays

“Some clients and vendors would often ask me to consult my husband, or they would request to speak to my male counterpart,” Tracy Green said, “I would politely offer to help with their request and tell them that if I was unable to do so we could consult my male counterpart.” Tracy is the President of TinMan Enterprises, a company that puts up fencing, does metal fabrication and welding repair, and is part of the larger male-dominated construction industry. Gender and minority discrimination are still rampant within the construction industry. Today, Tracy joins host D-Rich to talk about Black women in construction. Later, they are joined by Demetria Bivens of NAMC-DFW who shares her insight into the booming Texas construction industry and the incredible earning potentials available.    The construction industry is heavily male-dominated and there is still a lot of stigma around trade workers. However, there is a really good amount of money to be made in the trade and an experienced journeyman typically earns 60-80,000 a year. Texas has a booming construction industry and actually has some minority hiring initiatives that can be beneficial to take advantage of. There are many job opportunities within construction that do not require you to be out in the field. Women who do not wish to be in the field may thrive working as an appraiser, an administrator, or as a salesperson.    One way to get involved if you are interested in learning more about the construction industry is to seek out your local chapter of the NAMC, which is the National Association of Minority Contractors. There are 23 chapters nationwide, including the one Demetria works with in Dallas Fort Worth, and every minority is represented and welcomed.    Quotes • “A lot of the municipalities have gone back and actually performed disparity studies that allow them to do preference or race-based initiatives.” (55:05-55:17 | Tracy) • “Most times my minority status outweighs the women owned status because the women own businesses, if you look historically, they have grown and they have been able to get a larger percentage of the work, whereas minority owned firms are still getting single digits.” (55:41-56:00 | Tracy) • “Being a black contractor, not all black contractors are supporting other black contractors.” (1:16:25-1:16:29 | Demetria) • “If you want to get into this industry, it's wide open. Just be fearless and just go out there and just do it.” (1:27:08-1:27:15 | Demetria)    Connect with Tracy Green: Website: https://tin-man.net/about-our-president/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-green-813ab75/ Connect with  Demetria Bivens: Website: https://consultantsdlb.com/services/Website: http://www.namcdfw.org/leadership.html   About with Southern Soul Live Stream - Podshow  Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Southern Soul Livestream - Podshow is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences. Tune in each Thursday at 8 pm eastern at SoulThursdays.com to connect with guests from across the generations and to laugh with our "cast of characters," hosts who are as charming as they are talented!   Support - Community Exploratory Journalism  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register for our free podcast workshop training Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting Workshop Shop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise  Buy  Official Merchandise Purchase Official Show Companion  SSL Companion & Journal   Register -  Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”  Click here to register.   Connect with us Website: www.SoulThursdays.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/Twitter: https://twitter.com/soulthursdaysTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays

“People want change. People want something different. And I think Black women bring a special narrative when it comes to addressing issues of poverty,  fairness, and issues related to justice,” explains Judge Robin Kimbrough-Hayes of General Sessions Court of Nashville-Davidson County, Tennessee. Today, Makya Renée Little, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, and Judge Robin join host D-Rich to talk about electing Black women into political office.   Black women are the backbones of their communities. Growing up, many Black women experience racism, poverty, sexism, and exposure to domestic violence. These experiences make them uniquely qualified to address the issues affecting the most marginalized members of society. Nowadays, people are seeking change and want something different from the status quo. That makes now the perfect time for electing Black women who will be able to bridge the gaps between communities and fix the issues that are most important to marginalized people.    Black women are the fastest-growing segment of voters, and in 2019 there was a record-number of Black women serving in state legislative office. Electing Black women is a great way to show that you are listening to Black women and to begin addressing the changes that need to be made to create a more just society.    Quotes • “Black women are naturally nurturers. We are the backbones of our families. Our matriarchs are our everything.” (16:56-17:05 | Makya) • “When you can empathize with those most harmed by society systems, you're more prone to wanna fix them, not just for your children, but for everyone's children.” (17:26-17:43 | Makya) • “People want change. People want something different. And I think Black women bring a special narrative when it comes to addressing issues of poverty, addressing issues of fairness, addressing issues related to justice.” (56:15-56:32 | Judge Robin) • “It's important to have a voice, wherever that voice is, that can speak to the hood and speak to the holler and bring those communities together.” (1:10:16-1:10:25 | Judge Robin)    #ElectBlackWomen and connect with    Judge Robin Kimbrough-Hayes: TikTok - https://in.tiktok.com/@judgerobincaresTwitter - https://twitter.com/judgerobincaresLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/judge-robin-kimbrough-hayes-8a10281a7/Website - https://kimbroughhayes.com/meet-robin   Connect with Makya Renée Little: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/makyalittle/Twitter - https://twitter.com/MakyaLittleWebsite - https://www.makyalittle.com/aboutThe Phoenix Phoundation™ - https://www.thephoundation.org/ About with Southern Soul Live Stream - Podshow  Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Southern Soul Livestream - Podshow is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences. Tune in each Thursday at 8 pm eastern at SoulThursdays.com to connect with guests from across the generations and to laugh with our "cast of characters," hosts who are as charming as they are talented!   Support - Community Exploratory Journalism  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register for our free podcast workshop training Getting Started in BIPOC Podcasting Workshop Shop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise  Buy  Official Merchandise Purchase Official Show Companion  SSL Companion & Journal   Register -  Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”  Click here to register.   Connect with us Website: www.SoulThursdays.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/Twitter: https://twitter.com/soulthursdaysTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays

“If there is a feeling, an emotion, expression that you want to get out, that's what you can do with cosplay,” shares Melony Isaac. Today she and Joy Stephens join host D-Rich to discuss Black Unicorns, uniqueness, connection, and cosplay.    Cosplay provides a means for self-expression that can be invaluable to people who otherwise struggle with expressing themselves. By embodying a character, you get an opportunity to step into a whole new role. It can be a great tool for finding your tribe. Because when you dress up as a character, it will attract people with similar interests to come and speak with you. Fantasy has for such a long time been viewed through an overwhelmingly white lens, but Black people can be magical and whimsical too. Too often Black people are cast as the villains in fairy tales and not given the opportunity to embody powerful, good, magical creatures. Cosplay can help change that by empowering Black people to step into the shoes of their favorite fantasy characters.    Showcase your unique personality through cosplay. If you don’t know where to start, just take a look in your closet and put something simple together. Cosplay can be a great means of expressing yourself and making new friends, especially if you typically feel like an outsider.    Quotes • “I can become a character and embody it by just putting on some face makeup, putting on cat ears, putting on a cape. And I am instantly a new thing, a new person. That's what cosplay is for me.” (10:56-11:12 | Joy)  • “If there is a feeling, an emotion, expression that you want to get out, that's what you can do with cosplay.” (14:33-14:40 | Melony) • “Everything that we have seen in the United States has white people being all of these different characters and us being relegated to pimps, prostitutes, strumpets, whatever you want to call us and not really being able to be the whimsical, the fairytale, etc.” (17:34-17:50 | Joy) • “Don't let other people stop you from doing what feels right to you. And once you find your tribe, I feel like you will feel more comfortable doing that.” (21:13-21:23 | Melony)   Links Connect with Joy Stephens, MBA: Website: https://www.newheightsawait.com/team/joy-stephens-mbaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-stephens-newheights/   Connect with Melony Isaac, MBA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmelony/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missmelony/ About with Southern Soul Live Stream - Podshow   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Southern Soul Livestream - Podshow is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences. Tune in each Thursday at 8 pm eastern at SoulThursdays.com to connect with guests from across the generations and to laugh with our "cast of characters," hosts who are as charming as they are talented!   Support Community Exploratory Journalism Buy us  A Coffee!  Shop Southern Soul Official Merchandise Buy  Official Merchandise Purchase Official Show Companion SSL Companion & Journal   Register for Live Episode - “It’s a Whole Vibe!” Click here to register.     Connect with us Website: www.SoulThursdays.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/Twitter: https://twitter.com/soulthursdaysTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays

“Imagine being a Black boy growing up, seeing where you're targeted, but nobody's talking about it. And worse, no Black parent is talking about it,” shares Dr. Christina Christian, educator and leader in special education and student success. Today, she joins host D-Rich to explore how parents navigate the joy, excitement, anxiety, and fear of raising a Black son.   Parents of Black boys need to be very intentional and proactive about their educational, social, spiritual, and emotional development to establish a strong foundation against the racial targeting they are unfortunately going to face. Black boys are still the lowest performing academically and research shows that they end up in the system more frequently than their White counterparts. Many teachers still have very little to no expectations for the success of Black male students and this can be extremely damaging to them. The systems in place and the discrimination especially within educational settings are designed to hold our Black boys back.    Talk to your Black sons about what it means to be a Black male in today’s society and be proactive about getting involved in their education from the start so that you can stop any issues that may arise. Be sure to read your son books that reflect who he is and will become and validate the qualities that make him special and unique, so that he won’t lose himself in the face of discrimination.    Quotes • “For a lot of these young boys, they just wanted school clothes, that was it. These were good kids who just wanted a nice jacket. They wanted the shoes and they saw drugs as a very easy, quick, simple way to get it. And they were being arrested over and over and over.” (10:10-10:27 | Dr. Christian) • “It's still Black males and the stereotypes that teachers have for them and no expectations, not low, but no expectations for what they're able to accomplish.” (23:47-24:03 | Dr. Christian)  • “When you put your child in a class, especially when you have a Black boy, write down your expectations. Sit down and have a meeting with that teacher and tell that teacher, these are the expectations I have.” (29:05-29:17 | Dr. Christian) • “Our black boys are the lowest performing we have in academics.” (34:06-34:12 | Dr. Christian) • “A black boy, white boy, black girl, white girl. All four of them can commit the exact same offense, and research shows black boys will be given the harshest consequence.” (35:24-35:40 | Dr. Christian) • “Imagine being a black boy growing up, seeing where you're targeted, but nobody's talking about it. And worse, no black parent is talking about it.” (40:35-40:44 | Dr. Christian)   Links Connect with Dr. Christina Christian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcchristian/   About with Southern Soul Live Stream - Podshow   Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Southern Soul Livestream - Podshow is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences. Tune in each Thursday at 8 pm eastern at SoulThursdays.com to connect with guests from across the generations and to laugh with our "cast of characters," hosts who are as charming as they are talented!   Support - Community Exploratory Journalism  Buy us  A Coffee!  Learn - Register for our free podcast workshop training Getting Start in Podcasting Workshop Shop - Southern Soul Official Merchandise  Buy  Official Merchandise Purchase Official Show Companion  SSL Companion & Journal   Register -  Join a Live Episode Show - “It’s a Whole Vibe!”  Click here to register.   #BecauseIhaveaBlackSon #BlackSon Connect with us Website: www.SoulThursdays.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/Twitter: https://twitter.com/soulthursdaysTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays