AfricatownMedia

Renowned Central District artist and culture creator, Melvin Freeman aka TheFlyBlindGuy sat down in The AC with Wyking to discuss growing up in the Central District and how the music and culture of the CD shaped his outlook on art and life. Melvin also discusses his latest artistic works and what's next for his art especially as he battles a progressive eye diseases that is slowly stealing his vision. Melvin also speaks in depth about his recent trip to Egypt and Dubai, which has not only changed his outlook on global culture but inspired new artist creations.

#BlackWealth #RealEstate #Investments - The AC Podcast: Carnisha & Chance Rodgers join Wyking in the AC and discuss how this mother and son team work together on real estate investments and wealth building strategies. -------------------- Carnisha Rodgers Something Different Accounting carnisha@sdacct.com 253 470 6909 --------------------- The AC Podcast Produced by Converge Media on behalf of Africatown Media. Info@AfricatownMedia.com

Seattle musician and community activist, Draze, sits down in The AC with Wyking to discuss growing up in a musical family, life in the Central District, preserving Black Culture, music, Black Wealth, and his current musical projects both here in the United States as well as internationally.

Question and Answer session hosted by Curtiss Calhoun with Director Victorious De Costa Vitamin D Nichelle Alderson Owuor Arunga Logic Amen Mafi D

The AC Ep. 14 - Kibi Anderson, President of Red Table Talk Enterprises drops gems on navigating life, pursuing career dreams, the Central District past and present, and future opportunities in the media business. In this powerful one hour interview, Kibi takes Wyking on her journey from the Central District and Garfield High School, all the way to Singapore at age 17 and onward to Harvard University up to today and her role at Red Table Talk Enterprises dropping gems for viewers along the way. Kibi discusses the career sacrifices she made early on to be supportive of family and the iron will and determination that gave her the courage to step out on faith and pursue a career in entertainment in Hollywood where she literally started from the bottom years ago and now is at the top of her field and rising higher. #BuildAfricatown. (Please forgive audio imperfections i this recording it is due to technical difficulty). ------------------------------------- Kibi Anderson President, Red Table Take Enterprises Kibi Anderson /@KibiAnderson -------------------------------------- The AC Podcast Host: K. Wyking Garrett Produced by @ErErik Kalligraphy Africa Shabazz X of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media Info@AfricatownMedia.com

Ebonee sits down with Shalisa Hayes of the Billy Ray Shirley II Foundation shares her journey of dealing with grief of loosing her son Billy Ray and how she channeled the pain of that loss to bringing Billy Ray's vision of a community center for youth to life.

Award winning musician and Central District native, Owuor Arunga sints down in the AC with Wyking to take a look back at Owuor's amazing journey thus far and as well to have a candid discussion in regards to Mental Wellness in the artist and African American community. The general public is invited to join in this discussion on January 30th at Ark Lodge Cinemas for a screening of the film, Digging for Weldon Irvine, which takes a look back at the life of Irvine who was a very famous musician and song writer of his time but ultimately committed suicide. Owuor Arunga will be on the panel discussion following the screening. Please click the link below to reserve your seat today. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digging-for-weldon-irvine-film-screening-mental-wellness-panel-tickets-88067661747

Iconic Seattle music producer, Beezie2Slapss (Fred Brydwell) checks in and breaks down how the Seattle Hip-Hop scene in the mid 80's and who the early movers and shakers were at the time. Beezie shares how he and his group The School Boys recorded their first single while in the 6th grade at Meany Middle School. How the music scene grew while he was at Garfield High School and opened a record store and studio soon after graduating in 1990 and signing his first production contract at 20 years old.

#VanishingSeattle - Community Corner Season 2/ Episode 1 Trae Holiday sits down with Cynthia Brothers of Vanishing Seattle to discuss the impact of gentrification and overall change and across Seattle that has seen iconic buildings, businesses, homes, and people vanish from the Emerald City over the past few years. Brothers also discusses her efforts to highlight those that have not vanished and as well document via film the impact that the change has had on the soul of the city we all call home. Vanishing Seattle is hosting a free film screening on Thursday January 16th at Wa Na Wari from 7pm - 9pm. -------------------------- Cynthia Brothers Vanishing Seattle @VanishingSeattle VanishingSeattle@Gmail.com --------------------------- Community Corner with Trae Holiday Produced by Erik Kalligraphy Africa Shabazz X of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media. Info@AfricatownMedia.com ------------------------- #BuildAfricatown

Trae Holiday sits down with Langston Hughes Programs Director Jazmyn Scott for a discussion about the importance of Langston Hughes to the community and Black culture and history in the Pacific Northwest as a whole. They also discuss the upcoming A.C.T.I.O.N youth acting classes that are launching on January 22nd. -------------------------------------- LANGSTON and Nu Black Arts West Theater Present: A.C.T.I.O.N. - Acting Communally Together in Our Neighborhood We are pleased to offer beginner and advanced classes for Black/POC middle and high school students, to learn the basics of acting with known acting coaches who will guide them through the creation of their own content focusing on social justice issues that matter to them. At the conclusion of the program, the students will perform their work on the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute stage for their families and the community. Save the date - Saturday June 6, 2020! A.C.T.I.O.N. aims to ensure that our youth have access to the arts and to show the world the talent that Seattle has to offer! ***The program will be held weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 3-6pm; from January 22nd through June 5th and final performance on June 6th.*** COST: $70 per week, $200 per month Feb-May (pay weekly rate in January and June) OR, Save $380 by registering for the entire 20-week session for $1,020! CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/action-a...

The Toolkit Episode 3 - "Push each other to our greatness" - Dre Franklin of B.U.I.L.D. opens his toolkit for providing pathways to opportunities for community youth. -------------------- The Toolkit Podcast Produced by Africatown Media Info@AfricatownMedia.com

#TheToolKit - Episode 2 - Africatown Community Land Trust President & CEO, K. Wyking Garrett opens up his toolkit on community development and building sustainable places for Black people not only today but in the future in Seattle. ------------------------ The Toolkit with Ebonee Heller is a Vodcast designed for those who are impacted or marginalized by the criminal justice system and seek advice as how to best make life changes for the better. ------------------------ The Tool Kit is produced by Erik Kalligraphy of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media and filmed at Africatown Media Studios at Black Dot Underground. info@AfricatownMedia.com #BuildAfricatown

#TheCredibleMessenger - In the first episode of The Tooklit with Ebonee Heller, social justice advocate, Willard Jimerson, shares his life's journey and motivation for his work in the community to disrupt the school to prison pipeline and to advocate and provide access to those in our community who need it most. Willard gives guidance for young men and women in our community who are seeking to set forth on a new path as well as shares some tips that help him stay focused which includes waking up early every morning “listening for God's voice" ----------------------- The Toolkit with Ebonee Heller is a Vodcast designed for those who are impacted or marginalized by the criminal justice system and seek advice as how to best make life changes for the better. ------------------------ The Tool Kit is produced by Erik Kalligraphy of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media and filmed at Africatown Media Studios at Black Dot Underground. info@AfricatownMedia.com #BuildAfricatown

#TheACPodcast - King County Councilman Elect, Girmay Zahilay joins Wyking on Episode 8 of The AC Podcast. In this episode, Zahilay speaks about equity issues in King County, ways to combat gentrification, his thoughts on Africatown's work, his humble beginnings in South Seattle, as well as his plans for the future of Martin Luther King Jr. County. #BuildAfricatown ----------------------- #TheACPodcast Directed by Erik Kalligraphy Africa Shabazz X of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media. Produced at Africatown Media Studios. Info@AfricatownMedia.com

Wyking sits down with Aaron Bossett of the Black Cannibus Commission for a discussion about the current economic divide between Black and White in Seattle as well as the massive opportunities for Black people in the Cannabis industry. The AC - If you are a Garfield High School Alum, then you know that the AC (Activity Center) was where all the real unfiltered conversation about the days latest events occurred. Welcome to real community talk, welcome to the AC.

Wyking sits down with Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA Executive Director, Greg Lewis. Greg has an amazing story from graduating from Ingraham High School and the UW where he was a standout football player, onward to the NFL and then a career as an athletic director, and then back to the community where he has served as the Chief Development Officer for the Boys and Girls Club of King County and now as the Executive Director of the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA. Greg Lewis is known for his commitment to community and creating capacity and opportunity for our youth. In this episode Greg discusses the historical role that the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA plays in the Black community of Seattle. Greg also discusses the innovative programs and opportunities that the YMCA continues to provide for community members young and old as well as how the YMCA can partner with organizations across the sound to strengthen education and health platforms.

Appollonia "Apple" Washington, Co-Owner, A 4 Apple Home Daycare / Preschool, sits down with Wyking to discuss generational entrepreneurism, owing a family business, life in the Central District, generational wealth building, and how to best communicate with your children. #BuildAfricatown ---------------------------------- The AC Podcast Produced by Erik Kalligraphy of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media. Info@AfricatownMedia.com

Nicole Bascomb of Bascomb Real Estate sits down in The AC with Wyking to discuss gentrification of the Central District, the decline of Black home ownership, as well as national initiatives launched by NAREB (National Association of Black Real Estate Brokers) to put two million Black people into homes over the next five years (2mn5) as well as the House before the Car initiative. Nicole highlights options for elders who want to "age in place" and Nicole also discusses home buying options for those who are seeking to purchase their first home and also to invite those interested in home buying to a Black Wealth and Home ownership event occurring on Saturday December 7, 2019 at Black Dot Underground. The event is free but space is limited. You can click the link below to secure your ticket.

Wyking sat down with Trey Lamont in The AC to discuss growing up in the Central District and early influences that later shaped Trey's culinary journey. As well as some of the iconic Black owned restaurants past and present that have paved the way for The Jerk Shack. Trey also gives advice for those seeking a career in the culinary arts or ownership as well as some of Trey's favorite books and podcasts. #BuildAfricatown --------------- Trey Lamont The Jerk Shack https://jerkshackseattle.com/ --------------- #TheACPodcastDirected by Erik Kalligraphy of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media. Info@AfricatownMedia.com

#FeelGoodFriday - From Underdog to a True Motivation - Central District native, Garfield High School and University of Washington Alum, Tre Simmons sits down in The AC with Wyking for a far reaching interview that covers everything from Tre's upbringing in the Central District, his time at Garfield, his journey through 4 junior colleges before ever reaching the University of Washington, his 14 year professional basketball career. How after retirement from his pro career, Tre has come back to the Central District and brought his hallmark humility and hard work back to Garfield High School to invest his time in our community's youth and future. Tre also discusses the launch of his new clothing line, True Motivation LLC and his journey as an entrepreneur. Perhaps most importantly, Tre discusses the underdog moniker that he has worn his whole career, in which he has always had to try harder than the next guy but never took shortcuts on the streets or on the court because for Tre it has always been all about doing things the right way. For all of you underdogs out there, don't give up, stay after it, your time is coming soon. #BuildAfricatown --------------------------------------- The AC Podcast Produced by Erik Kalligraphy of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media. Info@AfricatownMedia.com

#GoodNews - Tech advocate, Jeremiah Walters sat down with Wyking to discuss how he continues to #FinishTheMission in regards to building more capacity for Black people in tech in Seattle and beyond by expanding his journey while at the same time reaching back to the youth in our community and showing them new opportunities and avenues to success through tech. Inspired by Nipsey Hussle, his parents, and his children, Jeremiah is on top of his game in tech but still walks the streets of the Central District staying close to his roots and the very community that nurtured his hardwork and hustle. Welcome to The AC. ----------------------------- Jeremiah Walters Technology Advocate @Afrotechnician -------------------------------- Production Produced by Erik Kalligraphy Africa Shabazz X of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media. --------------------------------- Do you want to be a guest on The AC? Email info@AfricatownMedia.com

Rashaad Fontenot of Axum Analytics sits down in The AC with Wyking to discuss his journey from nerd to felon to six figure income as well as his advice for those wanting to double their bag with a career change in tech. Rashaad also discusses ways that our youth can engage with tech from early age by combining tech with community passions. ---------------------------- Rashaad Fontenont Axum Analytics @RashaadFun2Know ---------------------- #TheAC Produced by Erik Kalligraphy of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media. ------------------ Info@AfricatownMedia.com

Kay Cole of Quality Development LLC sits down in The AC with Wyking to discuss her journey in the real estate business. The effects of the war on drugs and gentrification on the Central District. The successes and obstacles that Kay has faced as one of a few Black women winning in the construction and development industry in Seattle. Kay also discusses some of her favorite podcasts as well as her personal inspirations. Welcome to The AC. ---------------------------------- Kay Cole Quality Development LLC https://www.qualitydevelopment.biz/ QualityDevelopmentLLC ------------------------------------ The AC Wyking Garrett - Host Director - Erik Kalligraphy of Contemporary Love Affair Productions on behalf of Africatown Media. Info@AfricatownMedia.com

#JamalCrawford #SeasonPremier- The highly anticipated season premier of The AC Podcast featuring Seattle hometown hero Jamal Crawford. Jamal sits down with Wyking and takes us on a journey through his career mostly off the court, from his early challenges at Rainier Beach High School, his rapid entry into the NBA, a look back on a two decade career, how fatherhood has changed him and who the real MVP of his household is. Jamal also opens up about his relationship with his father and what has become more and more of a passion to him as he continues to mature, giving back to the community and impacting the lives of children in Seattle and beyond. We learn about who inspires Jamal today and what is on his reading list. Jamal also chimes in on Marshawn Lynch, the work of Africatown and Africatown Community Land Trust, preservation of the Central District and ways to address the recent epidemic of gun violence in South Seattle. ---------------------- Jamal Crawford www.JamalCrawford.com @JCrossover ---------------------- The AC Podcast Host: Wyking Garrett @WykingRMC Directed: Erik Kalligraphy Africa Shabazz X of Contemporary Love Affair Produced: Converge Media LLC on behalf of Africatown Media Info@AfricatownMedia.com #BuildAfricatown

Curtiss sits down with Ella Marie Wallace of Live in Full Power to talk her work as a life and parenting coach, how her method works, and the positive influences she's been able to have on her community.

Curtiss sits down with Seattle entrepreneur Alex Brooks of the data analytics firm Entreprov to talk how customer data can be a goldmine to engaging and monetizing your customers long term.

Curtiss Calhoun sits down with author and entrepreneur Marrio Mathews to talk about his journey from the deep south to the Pacific Northwest and reclaiming black narratives, his new book and "blerd" culture.

Curtiss Calhoun of Black Dot Masterminds is joined by Jenefeness Tucker of Fiscal Finesse to talk about her journey as a businesswoman and a person, and how adversity has shaped and motivated her to succeed in a number of fields, including starting businesses, consulting, helping others and being an author! Insightful, emotional and informative!

The Community Corner welcomes Orisade Awodola and members of the I-ACT team to talk the need for black healers to heal black wounds, psychology and mental health in the Black community and what they are doing to dismantle the orthodoxy and implement specific community-based programs.

Black Dot Masterminds is back with DonYeta Villavaso Madden of Lucy Yee Management Consulting to talk her work in racial justice, intersectional education and social inclusion.

Curtiss Calhoun sits down with Converge Media owner Omari Salisbury to talk black business ownership, inspiration, and success.

Trae sits down with Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant for a wide-ranging discussion about economic justice, community empowerment and the politics of gentrification and displacement!

The Big O is back in the studio with none other than one of the iconic rappers and businessmen in the PNW, Portland's own Cool Nutz! Get a history lesson on everything this dude has done to put on for his region and put artists from this region on in the game!

Artist Cal Bonner discusses his CD Legends Midtown Mural and the debate it has sparked in the community.