99 Lead Balloons

FROM A CAPITAL OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE—ATLANTA, GEORGIA… AWARD-WINNING SINGER-SONGWRITER & AUTHOR ANDRE HENRY IS FANNING THE FLAMES OF REVOLUTION AROUND THE WORLD. The son of Jamaican immigrants, listeners say his “Future Reggae” sound, is truly unique—combining the influences of Atlanta's trap-inflected R&B, Caribbean pop, and conscious lyrics with his impassioned vocals and gripping storytelling. From personal tales of run-ins with the police to anthems about unarmed women who fought off Nazi soldiers, Andre's music aims to convince listeners of the power ordinary people have to change the world. He's also an award-winning writer and sought-after speaker on the topics of racism and building nonviolent movements for social progress. His message can be summed up in a single lyric: “It doesn't have to be this way.” Listen to Andre's new single, It Doesn't Have to Be This Way, here. Links to Andre's work & social media here: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Spotify Patreon

Hello! My name is Miss Katie (she/her) and I'm a songwriter, music teacher, and filmmaker based in Chicago. I view making music for children to be truly radical, beautiful work. Through my songs, I promote social-emotional learning, tenderness, creativity, and advocacy. I've worked as a professional musician and teacher for several years, ranging from on-camera lessons for the renowned Fender Corp. to in-person kids classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music, to virtual classes for preschools across the country.  Through my work, I want young children to feel the way Mister Rogers made me feel growing up: valued, creative, and seen. I love what I do here. I hope you do too. More of Katie's work, including social media, can be found here: https://linktr.ee/misskatiesings

Hello! My name is Miss Katie (she/her) and I'm a songwriter, music teacher, and filmmaker based in Chicago. I view making music for children to be truly radical, beautiful work. Through my songs, I promote social-emotional learning, tenderness, creativity, and advocacy. I've worked as a professional musician and teacher for several years, ranging from on-camera lessons for the renowned Fender Corp. to in-person kids classes at the Old Town School of Folk Music, to virtual classes for preschools across the country.  Through my work, I want young children to feel the way Mister Rogers made me feel growing up: valued, creative, and seen. I love what I do here. I hope you do too. More of Katie's work, including social media, can be found here: https://linktr.ee/misskatiesings

Welcome, Mr. Chazz! His mission in life is to enjoy the process of becoming the best version of himself and help others do the same

Welcome, Mr. Chazz! His mission in life is to enjoy the process of becoming the best version of himself and help others do the same

Marielle is a thought leader who is passionate about culture, community and leadership. She has extensive experience in leadership development, higher education, student development, culture commentary and analysis. She is a speaker, conference presenter, workshop facilitator and commentator. With a passion for organizational leadership, she is dedicated to helping leaders and organizations. She is the creator of With The Facts (WTF), a podcast designed to address and challenge norms of race, politics, religion & culture and is committed to telling the truth and coming with facts. Twitter: @iammariellet Instagram: @iammariellet Podcast: iammariellet.com Linktree: @iammariellet

Marielle is a thought leader who is passionate about culture, community and leadership. She has extensive experience in leadership development, higher education, student development, culture commentary and analysis. She is a speaker, conference presenter, workshop facilitator and commentator. With a passion for organizational leadership, she is dedicated to helping leaders and organizations. She is the creator of With The Facts (WTF), a podcast designed to address and challenge norms of race, politics, religion & culture and is committed to telling the truth and coming with facts. Twitter: @iammariellet Instagram: @iammariellet Podcast: iammariellet.com Linktree: @iammariellet

Mr. Crim is an award-winning educator, activist, public speaker, author of 'Black History Saved My Life,' WVON radio commentator and cast member on the PBS documentary 'Divided We Fall' who has been featured on CBS, NPR, Soledad O'Brien's 'Matter of Fact' television show, Adrienne Banfield-Norris' (from Red Table Talk) podcast 'Positively Gam' and nearly one hundred other podcasts. Mr. Crim’s social awareness increased after he pursued and obtained justice when he and his wife were the targets of a hate crime that went viral in 2016. Since then, he has committed himself to speaking publicly about issues of social justice while also advocating for equitable legislative reform in the Chicago-area. Twitter: @MrCrim3 Facebook: Mr. Ernest Crim III Other Platforms: YouTube, Website

Mr. Crim is an award-winning educator, activist, public speaker, author of 'Black History Saved My Life,' WVON radio commentator and cast member on the PBS documentary 'Divided We Fall' who has been featured on CBS, NPR, Soledad O'Brien's 'Matter of Fact' television show, Adrienne Banfield-Norris' (from Red Table Talk) podcast 'Positively Gam' and nearly one hundred other podcasts. Mr. Crim’s social awareness increased after he pursued and obtained justice when he and his wife were the targets of a hate crime that went viral in 2016. Since then, he has committed himself to speaking publicly about issues of social justice while also advocating for equitable legislative reform in the Chicago-area. Twitter: @MrCrim3 Facebook: Mr. Ernest Crim III Other Platforms: YouTube, Website

Nishea Balajadia is the founder of Might Community Advocacy, a nonprofit whose mission is to help advocate for others through the systems of oppression while bringing healing to the survivors at no cost. Nishea is a Chamorro woman living in Fresno, CA, who uses her social media as a place to teach and coach others into healing their world beliefs that have been shaped by white supremacy and white Christian church. Instagram: @nishea.baebae, @mightycommunityadvocacy Twitter: @nisheabalajadia Website: patreon.com/nishea

Nishea Balajadia is the founder of Might Community Advocacy, a nonprofit whose mission is to help advocate for others through the systems of oppression while bringing healing to the survivors at no cost. Nishea is a Chamorro woman living in Fresno, CA, who uses her social media as a place to teach and coach others into healing their world beliefs that have been shaped by white supremacy and white Christian church.  Instagram: @nishea.baebae, @mightycommunityadvocacy Twitter: @nisheabalajadia Website: patreon.com/nishea

Chantel Charis is a first year graduate student at Northern Illinois University in Violin Performance working towards their Performer’s Certificate. While classical music is their primary passion, they are also an avid singer-songwriter with Midwestern roots and a strong pull towards traditional folk music culture. As their career develops, Chantel’s goal is to find ways to intertwine social issues into their musical outreach and performance endeavors through collaboration, amplification, and connection. As a queer person, Chantel has experienced unique situations throughout their upbringing and immersion into society. Their conservative and religious indoctrination as a child gives them an expanded view into the lives of others, particularly a more refined glance into the political climate that we are presently living in. For more projects Chantel is working on, or to check out their music, follow them on Instagram @chantelcharismusic Follow 99 Lead Balloons on Twitter & Instagram: @ninetyninepod

Chantel Charis is a first year graduate student at Northern Illinois University in Violin Performance working towards their Performer’s Certificate. While classical music is their primary passion, they are also an avid singer-songwriter with Midwestern roots and a strong pull towards traditional folk music culture. As their career develops, Chantel’s goal is to find ways to intertwine social issues into their musical outreach and performance endeavors through collaboration, amplification, and connection. As a queer person, Chantel has experienced unique situations throughout their upbringing and immersion into society. Their conservative and religious indoctrination as a child gives them an expanded view into the lives of others, particularly a more refined glance into the political climate that we are presently living in. For more projects Chantel is working on, or to check out their music, follow them on Instagram @chantelcharismusic Follow 99 Lead Balloons on Twitter & Instagram: @ninetyninepod 

Jo Luehmann is a Colombian born and raised pastor who moved to the US to get her masters degree in ministry and theology. After 10 years working inside of churches, developing curriculum, and teaching classes on theology and doctrine, Jo quit her job and committed to finding a faith that wasn't abusive. Alongside her partner she started the Living Room (LivingRoomSD.com), a non-profit reclaiming faith and Christianity as a spiritual expression that can lead us toward wholeness, healing, and heaven on earth. In the summer of 2020, alongside a group of victims and survivors of church abuse, Jo started @doBetterChurch, an online space where people abused in churches can be seen, heard, believed, and connected to others who can offer tools in their journey toward healing, as well as an initiative to invite churches to do better. In less than 6 weeks, the space grew to over 5000 people, with over a thousand different reports of abuse reported. Jo speaks and teaches about decolonizing faith and theology, as well as the importance of dismantling white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism, both individually and collectively, for the purpose of liberation. Follow Jo on IG and Twitter: @joluehmann The Living Room: http://www.livingroomsd.com Jo's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/joluehmann Follow 99 Lead Balloons on Instagram and Twitter: @ninetyninepod or visit ninetyninepod.com

Jo Luehmann is a Colombian born and raised pastor who moved to the US to get her masters degree in ministry and theology. After 10 years working inside of churches, developing curriculum, and teaching classes on theology and doctrine, Jo quit her job and committed to finding a faith that wasn't abusive. Alongside her partner she started the Living Room (LivingRoomSD.com), a non-profit reclaiming faith and Christianity as a spiritual expression that can lead us toward wholeness, healing, and heaven on earth. In the summer of 2020, alongside a group of victims and survivors of church abuse, Jo started @doBetterChurch, an online space where people abused in churches can be seen, heard, believed, and connected to others who can offer tools in their journey toward healing, as well as an initiative to invite churches to do better. In less than 6 weeks, the space grew to over 5000 people, with over a thousand different reports of abuse reported. Jo speaks and teaches about decolonizing faith and theology, as well as the importance of dismantling white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism, both individually and collectively, for the purpose of liberation. Follow Jo on IG and Twitter: @joluehmann The Living Room: http://www.livingroomsd.com Jo's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/joluehmann

Chris Cambell is a mixed race Native American living as an immigrant in England. Chris is a poet, storyteller, and graphic designer. Making his living problem solving, creating, and marketing, Chris makes it a point to work on projects and with people he respects. Visit chriscambell.com for more of his work, or follow him on IG @chriscambell and Twitter @chrisncambell. References: Native Foster Care: Lost Children, Shattered Families : NPR American Indian Treaties | National Archives In 1868, Two Nations Made a Treaty, the U.S. Broke It and Plains Indian Tribes are Still Seeking Justice | At the Smithsonian | Smithsonian Magazine

Chris Cambell is a mixed race Native American living as an immigrant in England. Chris is a poet, storyteller, and graphic designer. Making his living problem solving, creating, and marketing, Chris makes it a point to work on projects and with people he respects. Visit chriscambell.com for more of his work, or follow him on IG @chriscambell and Twitter @chrisncambell. References: Native Foster Care: Lost Children, Shattered Families : NPR American Indian Treaties | National Archives In 1868, Two Nations Made a Treaty, the U.S. Broke It and Plains Indian Tribes are Still Seeking Justice | At the Smithsonian | Smithsonian Magazine

Kimberly Wehr is a writer & producer from Chicago, IL. She is one of 15 siblings, which makes for great stories. Along with a lifelong commitment to community activism, Kimberly has always had a strong passion for the arts. When she didn't see the roles out there that she would like to play she decided to write them. Her recent works include a feature screenplay "Legacy," a Semi-Finalist in the Fade In Screenwriting competition, and a proof of concept for a television pilot titled, "Viktory" a story grounded in her personal experiences as a foster child. She is also working on a documentary short about gentrification and the history of Bronzeville, one of Chicago's oldest neighborhoods. Her goals as an artist are to tell the stories of the underrepresented and lift up marginalized voices. Find Kim and her work on Twitter @kjour or to follow her on Facebook, click here Kimberly Briana Wehr 50 years after Kerner: https://www.epi.org/publication/50-years-after-the-kerner-commission/ Graphic and Web Design by Chris Cambell Creative at www.chriscambell.com Theme song by Luciano Music Co., sourced and licensed by Premium Beat by Shutterstock Produced and edited by Stoke the Wild Studios Follow us on IG and Twitter @ninetyninepod or go to www.ninetyninepod.com

Kimberly Wehr is a writer & producer from Chicago, IL. She is one of 15 siblings, which makes for great stories. Along with a lifelong commitment to community activism, Kimberly has always had a strong passion for the arts. When she didn't see the roles out there that she would like to play she decided to write them. Her recent works include a feature screenplay "Legacy," a Semi-Finalist in the Fade In Screenwriting competition, and a proof of concept for a television pilot titled, "Viktory" a story grounded in her personal experiences as a foster child. She is also working on a documentary short about gentrification and the history of Bronzeville, one of Chicago's oldest neighborhoods. Her goals as an artist are to tell the stories of the underrepresented and lift up marginalized voices. Find Kim and her work on Twitter @kjour or to follow her on Facebook, click here Kimberly Briana Wehr 50 years after Kerner: https://www.epi.org/publication/50-years-after-the-kerner-commission/ Graphic and Web Design by Chris Cambell Creative at www.chriscambell.com Theme song by Luciano Music Co., sourced and licensed by Premium Beat by Shutterstock Produced and edited by Stoke the Wild Studios Follow us on IG and Twitter @ninetyninepod or go to www.ninetyninepod.com