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Episodes
10 hours ago
10 hours ago
In this episode of Soul Thursdays, Calvin sits down with Antwone Fisher — celebrated author, screenwriter, and one of the most compelling storytellers of our generation. From foster care to the Navy, from Hollywood to the page, Antwone shares the raw, unfiltered journey of a man who was never supposed to make it — and did.
The conversation centers on forgiveness, not as a moment, but as a process. Antwone reframes fear, survival, and identity in ways that will stay with you long after the episode ends. This is one of the most powerful conversations Calvin has had on Soul Thursdays.
Join Antwone Fisher and host Calvin on this week's episode of Soul Thursdays to explore what it means to survive, to forgive, and to finally become who you were always meant to be.
Description
Calvin opens by framing the conversation around the idea of "being chosen" — not through comfort, but through the ability to survive. Antwone shares that forgiveness is not instant: *"You have to live long enough… and process it."* He compares emotional pain to physical injury — it must heal naturally over time, not on demand.
A defining turning point in Antwone's life came when he stopped focusing on what he lacked: *"I stopped focusing on what I didn't get… and started figuring out what I could do for myself."* That shift led him to join the Navy — and eventually to writing, filmmaking, and becoming a voice for millions who grew up without one.
Antwone also shares how he began writing as a child — putting feelings on paper and destroying the pages afterward. *"That was my first beginning of getting it out."* He reframes fear not as the enemy, but as a signal: *"Maybe fear isn't the enemy… maybe it's an alarm."* This episode is a masterclass in resilience, identity, and what it means to claim your story.
Quotes
• "You have to live long enough… and process it." (00:42:15-00:42:22 | Antwone Fisher)
• "I stopped focusing on what I didn't get… and started figuring out what I could do for myself." (00:51:30-00:51:40 | Antwone Fisher)
• "That was my first beginning of getting it out." (00:38:44-00:38:48 | Antwone Fisher)
• "Maybe fear isn't the enemy… maybe it's an alarm." (01:05:20-01:05:26 | Antwone Fisher)
• "Anybody had to win, and start all over, and have to win again." (00:19:25-00:19:34 | Calvin)
Links
Antwone Fisher Website - antwone-fisher.com
Reflections Beneath the Buckeye Trees (New Book) - Purchase here
Finding Fish: A Memoir - Amazon
A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie - Amazon
Who Will Cry for the Little Boy? (Poem) - Read here
About Soul Thursdays - @SoulThursdays
Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the livestream podcast you'll want to invite friends over to watch every week. Join us Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern for real conversations, fascinating guests, community dialogue, and inspiring stories that help us learn, connect, and grow together.
Whether we're discussing mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, culture, identity, or personal growth, Soul Thursdays creates a space where curiosity is welcomed and every voice matters.
🎙️ Join us live: https://SoulThursday.com
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Soul Thursdays
Real Conversations. Real Community. Real Growth.
We Grow Together.
About Soul Thursdays - @SoulThursdays
Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the livestream podcast you'll want to invite friends over to watch every week. Join us Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern for real conversations, fascinating guests, community dialogue, and inspiring stories that help us learn, connect, and grow together.
Whether we're discussing mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, culture, identity, or personal growth, Soul Thursdays creates a space where curiosity is welcomed and every voice matters.
🎙️ Join us live: https://SoulThursday.com
Support Community Exploratory Journalism
☕ Buy Us a Coffee (Donate)
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Connect With Us
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🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays
Soul Thursdays
Real Conversations. Real Community. Real Growth.
We Grow Together.
3 days ago
3 days ago
In this episode of Soul Thursdays, Calvin sits down with Elsa Mehary, an acclaimed identity architect and strategic creative advisor. Elsa shares her journey of navigating diverse cultural landscapes and breaking barriers in the publishing world, offering deep insights into the complex politics of identity within the Black diaspora.
Description
Elsa Mehary, born in Ethiopia and raised in the United States, brings a rich tapestry of multicultural experiences that have profoundly shaped her understanding of identity and community. In the vibrant city of New York, she began her career in publishing, becoming one of the few Black art directors at major publications like Time Inc. and Hearst. Her narrative reveals the challenges and triumphs of advocating for representation in an industry historically lacking in diversity.
Facing unexpected career shifts and personal transformations, Elsa's journey led her to redefine herself and her purpose. As an identity architect, she empowers individuals and brands to embrace self-authorship, forging paths that transcend traditional expectations. Her mother's dedication to the Peace Corps and her grandmother's creativity as a seamstress influenced Elsa's approach to identity as a dynamic, evolving construct. Join Elsa Mehary and host Calvin on this week's episode of Soul Thursdays to learn more about her inspiring journey of self-discovery and community empowerment.
Quotes
• "I was born in Ethiopia, so my mom was in the Peace Corps." (16:50-16:56 | Elsa Mehary)
• "My focus was… I have to get out of where I live, and I'm moving to New York." (18:31-18:36 | Elsa Mehary)
• "InStyle for about 8 years. I was constantly… and I worked in mostly the fashion and the beauty sections." (20:48-20:51 | Elsa Mehary)
• "They would have freelancers, but, like, on staff, Very, very, very few." (20:04-20:05 | Elsa Mehary)
Links
Elsa Mehary Website - https://www.elsamehary.com
Elsa Mehary Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elsalovesyou/
About Soul Thursdays - @SoulThursdays
Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the livestream podcast you'll want to invite friends over to watch every week. Join us Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern for real conversations, fascinating guests, community dialogue, and inspiring stories that help us learn, connect, and grow together.
Whether we're discussing mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, culture, identity, or personal growth, Soul Thursdays creates a space where curiosity is welcomed and every voice matters.
🎙️ Join us live: https://SoulThursday.com
Support Community Exploratory Journalism
☕ Buy Us a Coffee (Donate)
https://buymeacoffee.com/soullivestream
🎓 Launch Your Podcast - Build a Community Following with Livestreaming
https://coedcommunity.com
🎥 Join Our Replay Community
https://SoulThursday.com
Connect With Us
🌐 Live Weekly Episodes: https://SoulThursdays.com
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/soulthursdays
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays
Soul Thursdays
Real Conversations. Real Community. Real Growth.
We Grow Together.
About Soul Thursdays - @SoulThursdays
Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the livestream podcast you'll want to invite friends over to watch every week. Join us Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern for real conversations, fascinating guests, community dialogue, and inspiring stories that help us learn, connect, and grow together.
Whether we're discussing mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, culture, identity, or personal growth, Soul Thursdays creates a space where curiosity is welcomed and every voice matters.
🎙️ Join us live: https://SoulThursday.com
Support Community Exploratory Journalism
☕ Buy Us a Coffee (Donate)
https://buymeacoffee.com/soullivestream
🎓 Launch Your Podcast - Build a Community Following with Livestreaming
https://coedcommunity.com
🎥 Join Our Replay Community
https://SoulThursday.com
Connect With Us
🌐 Live Weekly Episodes: https://SoulThursdays.com
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/
🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/soulthursdays
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Soul Thursdays
Real Conversations. Real Community. Real Growth.
We Grow Together.
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday Nov 18, 2025
Episode Summary
In this powerful Soul Thursdays conversation, Dr. April Harris-Britt unpacks the “strong, silent Black woman” archetype—where it comes from, why it’s so deeply ingrained, and how it quietly harms Black women’s bodies, minds, and relationships.
From her origin story growing up on a small farm in Durham with a hard-working single mom, to her work as a psychologist, researcher, and advocate, Dr. April traces how messages about silence, independence, and caretaking take root early. She explains how this “superwoman” narrative shows up as overwork, burnout, anxiety, depression, and physical illness—often long before Black women even have language for what they’re feeling.
The episode dives into John Henryism, the cultural pressure to outwork everyone “to death,” and the myth that needing help makes you weak. Dr. April offers a different blueprint: radical self-care, mind–body–spirit rituals, stronger boundaries, and a collective commitment to slowing down and changing the culture of overwork in our families, workplaces, and communities.
Key Takeaways
The “strong silent Black woman” is both myth and burden.It celebrates resilience but demands silence, emotional suppression, and endless caretaking at the cost of health and joy.
Childhood modeling shapes adult burnout.Watching mothers and grandmothers “do it all” without complaining teaches many Black girls that asking for help is weakness.
It shows up as illness long before language.Many Black women describe depression as feeling “off,” “slow,” or “under a cloud,” without realizing it’s burnout, anxiety, or depression.
Helpers can’t pour from an empty cup.Whether you’re a therapist, nurse, financial coach, teacher, or caregiver—your body and mind are your primary tools. Self-neglect makes the work unsustainable.
Overwork is cultural, not personal.The pressure to “just push through” is rooted in history (like John Henryism) and systems that learn to exploit Black women’s reliability.
Boundaries will upset people—and that’s okay.Some family, colleagues, or church folks won’t like your “no.” Self-compassion means honoring your limits anyway.
Self-care is not soft; it’s survival.For Dr. April, twice-daily workouts are non-negotiable—one to start the day with endorphins, one to “shake off” the trauma and drama she holds for others.
Representation at the table matters.As one of few Black psychologists in leadership spaces, Dr. April uses her voice to influence policy, laws, and decisions impacting Black families.
We must change the pace of our culture.The more of us who normalize rest, saying no, and slowing down, the less “wrong” it feels to step off the hamster wheel.
About Dr. April Harris-Britt
Dr. April Harris-Britt is a licensed psychologist based in Durham, NC, specializing in trauma, violence, resilience, adoption, and family systems. Since 2003, she has provided therapy, evaluations, research, and advocacy, serving on state and national boards to amplify Black voices and shape mental health policy rooted in equity and representation.
Quotes
“We were so poor that sharing a Happy Meal once a month was a treat—but I never saw my mother complain, cry, or ask for help.”
“If you want it done, call a Black woman. If you want it done right, call a Black woman—and that comes with a cost.”
“The strong Black woman schema says we don’t feel anger or sadness the same way, and we should stay nice so we’re not mischaracterized.”
“It doesn’t come with magic beans. They give you ten committees and no extra pay, and you’re supposed to feel honored.”
“We’re not invincible. We can’t take everything on—and we shouldn’t.”
“I’m not a savior, I’m not a martyr. I’m not saving anyone at my own expense.”
“All day I work with trauma and drama. My workout is how I shake it off so my passion doesn’t kill me.”
“As long as we’re programmed to spin fast, slowing down feels wrong. We have to change this culture together.”
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!
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Monday Sep 15, 2025
Monday Sep 15, 2025
In this engaging Soul Thursdays conversation, Dr. Tanecia Mitchell shares her journey as a scientist, author, and mentor, intertwining her passion for health with her faith. She discusses her early inspirations to pursue science, the challenges she faced, and how her experiences led her to write her book Renew the Inner You. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions, the role of scripture in personal growth, and encouraging young women of color to pursue careers in STEM. Dr. Mitchell also outlines her five-step plan for emotional renewal, highlighting the significance of practical steps alongside spiritual guidance.
✨ Takeaways
Dr. Mitchell’s journey began with a childhood dream to cure AIDS.
She emphasizes the importance of faith in her scientific work.
Writing Renew the Inner You was a process of healing and self-discovery.
Acknowledging emotions is crucial for personal growth.
Scripture provides guidance in managing emotions and perspectives.
Encouraging young women of color in STEM is a priority for Dr. Mitchell.
Her five-step plan for emotional renewal is practical and actionable.
Mentoring others is a significant part of her mission.
Dr. Mitchell believes in the power of community and collaboration.
She plans to write more books, including a children’s book.
🎙 Titles
The Intersection of Science and Faith
Empowering Women in STEM
The Power of Emotional Renewal
🎵 Sound Bites
“I really love all things of health.”
“I want to find a cure for AIDS.”
“I plan on writing another book. Absolutely.”
📅 Chapters
00:00 – Start
04:01 – Introducing Dr. Tanecia Mitchell
06:55 – The Intersection of Science and Faith
13:54 – Emotional Renewal and the Writing Journey
21:58 – Five Steps to Emotional Renewal
23:28 – The Revelation of Merging Science and Faith
25:00 – The Journey of Writing and Sharing
26:01 – Future Aspirations: Writing for Children
26:15 – Engaging with the Community
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.
Connect with Dr. Tanecia Mitchell
Website: https://www.taneciamitchell.com/
Connect with us
Website: www.SoulThursdays.com
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Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Tuesday Oct 01, 2024
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Calvin Rich sits down with Kendra Glasgow, an occupational therapy professional transitioning into entrepreneurship and relationship and intimacy coaching after her divorce. They explore Kendra's journey, the impact of family dynamics on relationships, and the lessons learned from loneliness in marriage. Kendra shares insights on intimacy issues and the shame surrounding them and offers practical advice for couples struggling with emotional connection. The discussion emphasizes the importance of communication and provides resources for couples to improve their relationships.
Takeaways
Kendra emphasizes the importance of sharing personal relationship problems.
Family dynamics can significantly shape one's understanding of intimacy.
Loneliness in a relationship can be more profound than being single.
Shame often surrounds discussions about sex and intimacy.
Women may lack encouragement to explore their sexuality.
Men face pressure regarding performance and masculinity.
Addressing intimacy issues requires normalizing the conversation.
Couples should focus on progress rather than being right.
Communication is a common issue in relationships.
Kendra offers free resources to help couples improve communication.
Chapters
Kendra's First-Gen American Experience
Lessons from Family Dynamics and Personal Experiences
Loneliness in a Relationship
Shame and Intimacy in Relationships
Quotes
"Feeling lonely in a relationship is way lonelier than feeling lonely when you're single."
"There's a lot of shame when it comes to sex and intimacy."
"Keeping your personal relationship problems private can be a problem sometimes."
Kendra Glasgow, Relationship and Intimacy Coach
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kendra.glasgow/
Download - https://pages.kendraglasgowcollaborative.live/free-guide-1
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.
Connect with us
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/
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Saturday Aug 10, 2024
Saturday Aug 10, 2024
Summary
Anita P. Stoudmire, M.S., LPC. is a mental health professional and creator of the Better Love Movement, discusses topics such as loneliness, relationships, attachment styles, and narcissistic personality disorder. She emphasizes the importance of holding space for others, developing healthy friendships, and avoiding toxic individuals. Anita also addresses the impact of consumerism on mental health and the need for individuals to define their own success. She offers resources such as her YouTube channel and books to help women navigate relationships and make better choices.
Takeaways
Loneliness is a prevalent issue, especially among young men, and is often caused by a lack of social skills and meaningful connections.
Attachment styles, such as dismissive avoidant, can contribute to relationship difficulties and loneliness.
Narcissistic personality disorder can be harmful to mental health, and it's important to recognize and avoid individuals with this disorder.
Consumerism and the pressure to impress others can negatively impact mental health and lead to feelings of emptiness.
It is crucial to define success and beauty on one's own terms and live within one's means.
Developing healthy friendships and holding space for others can help combat loneliness and improve mental well-being.
Quotes
"Men between the ages of 18 and 30 have the highest rate of loneliness."
"Dismissive avoidant attachment style: lone wolves who interact with others solely to get their needs met."
"Dating apps have become a playground for narcissistic and avoidant individuals."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Anita's Background
05:01Loneliness and Attachment Styles
09:39Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Relationships
14:07The Impact of Consumerism on Mental Health
19:27Defining Success and Beauty on Your Own Terms
24:29Developing Healthy Friendships and Holding Space for Others
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.com
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Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Episode Summary
This episode delves into redefining education through K-12 innovation with Jennifer Cantor, Principal and Co-Owner of Rivers Academy, an alternative school offering unique educational experiences. We discuss alternative education, its impact on mental health, and upcoming trends. Additionally, Katrina Leggins, LCSW, licensed clinical social worker and mental health advocate, shares insights on managing anxiety and depression for Gen Z. He also dispels misconceptions about the generation, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community support.
Takeaways
Alternative Education Models: Rivers Academy highlights the benefits of experiential learning, diverse cultures, and global adventures for student engagement and growth.
Individualized Education: Custom approaches to education help students discover their passions and thrive academically and emotionally.
Mental Health Impact: Innovative educational practices positively affect students' mental health and overall well-being.
Role of Collaboration and Technology: These elements are crucial in modernizing educational practices.
Community Support: Parents and communities play a vital role in supporting educational innovation through advocacy and volunteering.
Gen Z Challenges: This generation faces significant mental health pressures from academic and career expectations, social media, and societal standards.
Practical Mental Health Tips: Real self-care, setting boundaries, self-compassion, outdoor activities, meaningful connections, and mindful social media use are key to managing anxiety and depression.
Misconceptions about Gen Z: Contrary to views of them being overly sensitive or lazy, Gen Z is business-driven, politically active, and well-informed.
Support Strategies: Effective ways to support young people with mental health issues include listening, creating safe spaces, educating oneself, and involving mental health professionals.
Resources: Katrina Leggins, LCSW offers various tools and worksheets for teen girls and women on his website.
Sound Bites
"We got to experience real world experiences instead of just reading about it in textbooks."
"It's really made a big impact when, you know, Julia came to us and, and eighth grade was like, Hey, I really want to look at an alternative."
"I think we need to do it differently. I think there need to be options out there for kids."
"Gen Z, they are stressed out. They are burnt out, they are overwhelmed."
"Gen Z is a generation that literally grew up using social media and the internet."
"Invest in real self-care. Setting boundaries. Practicing self-compassion. Going outdoors, exercising, moving your body. Cultivating meaningful connections."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Redefining Education with K through 12 Innovation
03:17 Experiential Learning and Global Adventures
07:09 The Impact on Mental Health
10:25 The Journey of Rivers Academy
15:05 The Future of Education: Collaboration and Technology
21:41 Supporting Educational Innovation: The Role of Parents and Communities
28:40 Introduction and Background
29:38 Challenges Faced by Gen Z
30:39 Personal Journey to Becoming a Mental Health Advocate
32:59 Pivotal Moment in Career: Working with Adolescents and Gen Z
34:45 Common Issues Faced by Gen Z
36:39 Misconceptions about Gen Z
38:03 Practical Steps for Gen Z to Manage Anxiety and Depression
39:29 Resources and Tools for Teen Girls and Women
40:56 Advice for Parents and Educators
43:18 Q&A: Spreading Awareness in Public Schools
43:47 Q&A: Supporting Young People in Absentee Parenting Situations
Speakers
Jennifer Cantor
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-a-cantor-468270161/
Katrina Leggins, LCSW
https://www.elevatementalwellnessllc.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.
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Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
What impact is AI having on our workplaces? Calvin explores this question with two experts who share their insights on the implications of AI for employee privacy and workplace dynamics.
Yanika Daniels, an HR consultant from Atlanta with a background in engineering, talks about the importance of maintaining a human touch in tech-driven environments. She shares a personal case study involving AI in recruitment that inadvertently excluded diverse candidates, prompting a conversation on the need for AI tools to align with company values and diversity objectives.
Chiquita Hall-Jackson, an employment law attorney from Chicago, offers a legal viewpoint on AI usage in workplaces. Drawing from her experiences with workplace discrimination, Chiquita examines how AI can sometimes fail to capture complex human nuances, emphasizing the risks of over-reliance on technology for decisions that require deep human judgment.
Both experts emphasize the need for a balance between using AI to enhance efficiency and ensuring it meets ethical standards. They call for transparency in AI operations and continuous human monitoring to mitigate biases and protect employee rights.
Quotes
“When we help organizations find great people, we use AI, but we also look at the outputs of AI and we go back and say, ‘What bias was introduced in this process? What can we do to then go back and look and make sure that this was actually the output that we wanted?’ And if it wasn’t, then we have to do a little bit more work, right? We can’t be lazy and dependent on AI. (20:09 | Yanika Daniels)
“We have to say, ‘Hey, here are the values that this organization has given us. We want a diverse pool, 90% people of color in our pool, whatever the goals might be.’ And so we have to then use it to find those great folks and make sure that it’s not something by itself that is kind of used as an excuse to just create this continuous system of bias in our recruitment efforts.” (20:34 | Yanika Daniels)
“Keep in mind that it’s levels to this friendship game and you should separate who’s associate, who’s a co-worker, who’s a colleague, who’s my friend that I know if I need a shoulder to cry on, who's just a good time if I want to go out and have a drink on a Friday night, who can I call versus who can I confide in? Keep those things in mind in the workplace.” (01:04:01 | Chiquita Hall-Jackson)
Links
Connect with Yanika Daniels
https://www.danielssolutionsllc.com/our-team
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/daniels-coaching-consulting
Connect with Chiquita Hall-Jackson
https://chiquitahall-jackson.com/#contact
LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/blowthewhistlelaw?igsh=d3RhNTA4bHpkam0w
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 Workshop
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Purchase - Official Show Companion - Soul Thursdays Journal
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Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Wednesday May 08, 2024
What does the pursuit of Black sovereignty look like through the lens of history and community activism? Calvin sits down with Dr. Timothy Nelson about this concept. Dr. Nelson shares his journey from a tough upbringing in Compton to being inspired by Malcolm X's autobiography, leading him to academia where he studied Blackdom—an early 20th-century Black community that formed its own government and established a business in oil. He illustrates how Blackdom exemplifies Black sovereignty through municipal governance and economic independence.
The discussion covers the challenges of achieving true community sovereignty. Dr. Nelson highlights the essential role of education and collective understanding in advancing Black communities’ autonomy.
Later in the episode, community activist Curtis Pitts brings a practical perspective on activism. With decades of experience, Pitts explores how reclaiming and effectively utilizing community resources are crucial for development and local control.
This episode connects historical examples and contemporary challenges faced by Black communities striving for self-determination and economic independence, offering insights into the past and guidance for today's efforts in community sovereignty and empowerment.
Quotes
“To be Black is to be political.” (06:51 | Dr. Timothy E. Nelson)
“If I’m talking to you and I’m telling you about Black people, it’s different than when I’m telling my dissertation chair about Black people. Because now, I’m trying to prove that Black people are human to my dissertation chair, who is white.” (15:43 | Dr. Timothy E. Nelson)
“Sovereign is a state of mind. I heard that a sovereign requires agreement and understanding. I had to be sovereign. You have to invest. And once you get to the point where you have a sovereign mind, then you have to find a way to protect that sovereign mind. And remember that you still live in a place that is threatened by your sovereignty.” (22:49 | Calvin)
“People don’t realize that black folks going to the projects was a forced migration. It was not a voluntary thing. They forced us into the project, they broke up our families,they sent us in there, and we developed this dependent mentality that was never us. We have to go back from being at the children’s table at the picnic and force our way back to the adults table. And the way we do that is we have to be able to say, ‘What we brought to the table allows us to eat the good food and the good news.’” (38:28 | Curtis Pitts)
“We have to create sovereignty by creating a hub of self-help and self-work. That does not mean we have to exclude anyone. Racism and Black nationalism is not a place where we have to use that as a means and a medium to destroy and move others by taking pride in our history and culture… It took them 70 years to separate us from our economics, our culture, our music, our faith, and our families, because they know with our churches and our families, they could never defeat us. We got married in slavery, even when they didn't know it.” (49:12 | Curtis Pitts)
Links
Dr. Timothy E. Nelson:
https://blackdomthesis.com/
Curtis Pitts
https://curtispitts.us/services
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Friday Apr 26, 2024
Friday Apr 26, 2024
What can gardening teach us about nurturing and growth in education? Today’s episode of Southern Soul explores this question through the transformative experiences of two individuals: Alethea Victor, founder of GroLeafy, and Janelle Wood, founder of Black Mothers Forum.
Alethea shares her journey from social worker to gardening enthusiast, a hobby that provided her solace and therapeutic benefits during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, Alethea had no experience with gardening and struggled to keep plants alive. Now, she is an avid gardener and composter, guiding others on how to start their own gardens, from selecting the right soil to starting seeds and managing pests organically.
The discussion shifts to Janelle Wood, whose advocacy is deeply rooted in her experiences in the Middle East and Arizona’s prisons. Janelle tackles critical issues like systemic racism and the school-to-prison pipeline, which disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities. Her work with the ACLU led her to advocate for micro schools—an innovative educational model offering personalized, trauma-informed environments. These schools emerged in response to the traditional public school system's inadequacies, particularly in meeting the needs of Black children and incorporating parental involvement. Janelle points out that micro schools provide tailored education for small groups, enhancing student support. The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed this initiative, pushing for a transformative approach to education for Black children.
This episode offers insights on personal growth, community empowerment, and innovative approaches to education. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or an advocate for educational reform, there’s inspiration and practical advice to be found in the stories of Alethea and Janelle. Tune in to uncover how small-scale interventions can lead to substantial changes in our lives and communities.
Quotes
“I just remember reflecting and just wondering that I wanted to live a healthier life now; make some choices and changes in my life that would affect me in a positive way. I know that we're not here forever, but I really wanted to just make some changes at that point.” (04:22 | Alethea Victor)
“I would come home and I would spend hours in the garden. It would just really help me to decompress and to just relax. It was my form of self-care. And that really helped me through difficult times.” (07:22 | Alethea Victor)
“It started to hit me that one thing that I had in common with many black mothers was that I had a black son in America and that he was deemed a threat by the police. And that became a problem for me because I realized that we raised our sons, many of us mothers of black sons, raised our sons to be respectful, to get a good education. And for me to even think that someone would think that he was a threat just because of the color of his skin was unacceptable.” (35:10 | Janelle Wood)
“What are our top three urgent issues? Mothers, what do you think we need to do? And the mother said, ‘We want to save our children now, especially our sons. We want to deal with systemic racism. We want to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder in the black community, and we need to pray.’ So we started our first four core groups off of that. But our mission became getting educated so we could get organized to take action, to do whatever we needed to do to make sure our children could live the life that they were birthed here to live and to be who God created them to be. (36:28 | Janelle Wood)
Links
Alethea Victor, founder of Gro Leafy https://www.facebook.com/GroLeafy/
Janelle Wood, Founder of the Black Mothers Forum.https://blackmothersforums.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 Workshop
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