Black Men Speak Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Terrell Spurlock Sr. and Terrell Spurlock Jr. of Spurlock and Son Inc. Founded in 1998, Spurlock & Son Inc. is a leading electrical contracting firm in Chicago, IL. We will discuss the firm's commitment to service, community, and inspiring future generations.

In this episode, we will discuss the low rate of employment in Black America, especially Black Men. One of the three major labor market challenges facing this population and on using subsidized employment as a tool to address this problem. Austin Algernon has conducted research and writing on issues of race and racial inequality for over 20 years. Austin has a PhD in sociology from Northwestern University, and he taught sociology as a faculty member at Wesleyan University. He has held positions at the Economic Policy Institute, the Center for Global Policy Solutions, Dēmos, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He has discussed racial inequality on PBS, CNN, NPR, and other national television and radio networks.  

In this episode, we will discuss "A Peculiar Legacy" with novelist Rashid Darden. A Peculiar Legacy is part contemporary fiction and historical fiction. It's the story of a Black community in the District of Columbia called Slope that gathers in silence every Sunday, without the presence of a Pastor, in silent prayer, with occasional vocal ministry from among themselves. Rashid Darden is an award-winning, best-selling novelist of the urban LGBT experience, a seasoned leader of Black fraternal movements and nonprofit organizations, and a professional educator in alternative schools. He is local to the District of Columbia and Conway, North Carolina.

Cy Richardson, Senior Vice President for Economic Programs at the National Urban League and a member of the League's Executive Leadership Team, will discuss the gap in financial literacy among the African American community, the P-Fin index, and the eight key knowledge areas that should be understood around personal finance.

Writer, philanthropist, and producer Damon Mosley, discusses how walks around Target to help achieve a daily steps goal turned into a crusade to help children connect with the joy of reading.

Black Men Speak talks with Malcolm D. Lee is a highly accomplished director, producer, and screenwriter known for films like The Best Man series, Girls Trip, and Space Jam: A New Legacy. We discuss his creative process, career evolution, and unique perspective on filmmaking regarding Black Men.

Black Men Speak host, Keith Dent speaks with Jelani Millard, host of the podcast Pay Me in Plane Tickets, a podcast discussing all things travel with individuals who love to explore all parts of the world, experience all cultures and people and would rather be paid in plane tickets. 

We talk to Alphonse Dotson, a former NFL defensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders, and owner of Dotson-Cervantes Winery. He along with his wife Martha Cervantes went from the sparkle of a dream to growing some of the most-prized grapes in Texas, and creating the most exquisite wines. We will discuss how his life experiences have taught him determination and the strength needed to accomplish his goals. From his beginnings on the football field at Yates High School in Houston, Alphonse worked hard to go on to play for the Grambling State University Tigers. After making the All-American Team in 1964, Alphonse was highly sought-after in the National Football League, signed on by the Kansas City Chiefs, the Miami Dolphins, and eventually playing for John Madden's Oakland Raiders from 1967-1970.   WARNING - THERE IS SOME EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

Eugene T. Barnes is a husband, father, stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, singer, rapper, and advocate for black family and marriage originally from Lakeland, Fl. He is a successful commercial actor appearing in commercials for top brands including Udemy and Amazon.   He is also the star of the upcoming film Office Madness set to debut in November of 2024 on Amazon Prime. “Still Love”, a web series starring Eugene is currently in production and is set to debut in early 2025.   Eugene co-wrote “The Come Up”, a web series inspired by the 1990 Richard Pryor classic “Stir Crazy”. The script has been making noise on the festival circuit winning Best Comedy Script in major festivals including The Georgia Shorts Film Festival, The Vegas Movie Awards, and The New York International Film Awards.   Eugene and his lovely wife, singer/songwriter Bernadette Barnes own and operate “Book The Barnes”, a live event production company providing party entertainment services. The services offered include live music, comedy, hosting/emcee services, and event production. Together Eugene and Bernadette make up the musical duo “The Barnes”. The couple performs with their band at weddings, festivals, and clubs nationwide. The duo is currently working on original music and plans to release an EP in 2025

In this episode, we will discuss the importance of empowering black voices through media and mentoring with Kevin Benoit. Established in 2004 by founder, Kevin Benoit, Parlé Magazine began as an entertainment and lifestyle print publication, distributed in New York City. The print publication featured some of the biggest names in music, literature, and film. Kevin is interested in discussing topics such as "How to Launch an Arts Nonprofit and Get Funding in Year One" and "Empowering Black Voices: The Vital Role of Supporting Black-Owned Media Publications in 2024," offering practical insights and actionable advice to your listeners. As a first-generation Haitian American, Kevin graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and holds a Master's in Business Administration with a focus in media management. His passion for empowering the urban community led him to create Parlé Magazine in 2004, an entertainment magazine spotlighting entertainment and featuring celebrity interviews, yet also mindful to keep literacy and the written word at the forefront. The publication prioritizes BIPOC voices and stories, aiming to empower, entertain, educate, and motivate Black and Brown lives within the media industry. Kevin's extensive work at various nonprofit organizations in New York City, including Police Athletic League, Job Path, Hip-Hop 4 Life, Imani House, and SCO Family of Services, showcases his dedication to youth empowerment and community development. He founded Parlé Endeavors to continue his impactful work, providing comprehensive mentorship programs, scholarships, grants, exposure to industry leaders, and invaluable hands-on experience to youth with a passion for and interest in the fields of arts, media, journalism, and entrepreneurship. In his first year of running Parle Endeavors, Kevin was awarded the BeyGOOD Small Business grant, which he used to host Parle Endeavors' inaugural Teen Poetry Slam and provide youth comprehensive mentorship programs, scholarships, grants, exposure to industry leaders, and teen poetry writing workshops. This accomplishment further highlights his expertise and success in the entrepreneurial realm.  

Ameer Natson wears several hats. He is a chef, humanitarian, entrepreneur, faith leader and counselor. He is the founder of Become Creative Agency, a full-service creative and marketing agency that hires local talent from inner-city communities. He is also the founder of Fresh Chef Foundation, an organization that transforms lives through food. Their mission is  to combat food insecurity, empower aspiring chefs, and nourish communities. They believe everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious meals and the opportunity to pursue their culinary dreams. We sit down with him to discuss the early days of entrepreneurship owning a hot dog business in to being a celebrity chef, winning a James Beard award, and ultimately giving back opening a non-profit organization and investing in a culinary institute at St. Thomas University in Miami. 

In this episode we tackle the issue of nutrition and the importance of speaking to a nutritionist with licensed dietitian Gregory Lafortune.  At the age of 11, he was told that he had Type 1 Diabetes. He truly hated this reality and battled it daily.  He had two options to choose from: 1) Make excuses & let this diagnosis ruin his life or 2) Take control of his health & rule over negativity. Through faith, prayer,  and support from his village, he was able to adopt a more positive outlook on his condition. Based on his journey, he decided to pursue nutrition as a career to help communities of people, especially men of color who also struggle with chronic diseases of many sorts. Gregory is the owner and operator of  Clocked in Wellness, LLC., an organization that is designed to transform healthcare by providing services that are male-centered & improve chronic disease rates in different populations.  Gregory, earned my B.S. at Georgia State University in 2016 and his M.S. in Nutrition & Human Performance at Logan University in 2020.      

Thomas C Knox, a Master Connection Curator, Social Entrepreneur, and Thought Leader from Brooklyn, New York, is committed to curating impactful educational and community experiences through The Connection Collective. At the forefront of innovation, his company endeavors to challenge and empower individuals to forge unique connections. As the owner of BeGreat Bow Ties, an exclusive custom bow tie brand, Thomas encourages his customers to express their individuality by being unique in style. Importantly, he is the visionary creator and host of the Emmy-winning television series, boasting an impressive 13-time award recognition. This achievement is rooted in his pioneering connection platform, Date While You Wait.

We catch with Eric Seals and Donnie Seals as we discuss their documentary film Bike Vessel. It's a film that follows a father and son, 35 and 70, as they cycle from St. Louis to Chicago. Film director Eric Seals 'father almost died after three open-heart surgeries. However, he makes a miraculous health recovery after discovering his love for cycling, bringing his son Eric along with him.

Today's episode is about When Crack Was King with author Donovan X. Ramsey. It's a book about the crack epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s. It is arguably the least examined crisis in American history and how it impacted the lives of four individuals, Elgin Swift, son of a crack-addicted father who turned their home into a “crack house”; Lennie Woodley, a former crack addict, and a sex worker; Kurt Schmoke, former mayor of Baltimore and an early advocate of decriminalization; and lastly, Shawn McCray, community activist, basketball prodigy, and a founding member of the Zoo Crew, Newark's most legendary group of drug traffickers. Donovan X. Ramsey is a journalist, author, and an indispensable voice on issues of identity, justice, and patterns of power in America. Ramsey's writing career has been focused entirely on amplifying the remarkable unheard stories of Black America. He believes in people-first narratives that center individuals and communities—not just issues.  

We discuss Darrin Bell's Graphic Novel "The Talk" which is a a conversation Black parents in the United States feel compelled to have with their children and teenagers about the dangers they face due to racism or unjust treatment from authority figures, law enforcement or other parties, and how to de-escalate them. Darrin Bell who is black and Jewish, born in Los Angeles California, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American editorial cartoonist and comic strip creator known for the syndicated comic strips  Candorville and Rudy Park. He is a syndicated editorial cartoonist with King Features. 

We discuss Darrin Bell's Graphic Novel "The Talk" which is a a conversation Black parents in the United States feel compelled to have with their children and teenagers about the dangers they face due to racism or unjust treatment from authority figures, law enforcement or other parties, and how to de-escalate them. Darrin Bell who is black and Jewish, born in Los Angeles California, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American editorial cartoonist and comic strip creator known for the syndicated comic strips  Candorville and Rudy Park. He is a syndicated editorial cartoonist with King Features. 

In this episode, we will delve into relationships from the Black Male perspective with Keishorne Scott and Dr. Armon Perry. Mr. Scott is a bestselling author, international speaker, relationship & heartbreak coach, TV and Media Personality, and the founder of Your Love Experience Intl, which seeks to cultivate the power of healing, relationships, and love through creative online content, podcasts, special events, and community.   Dr. Armon Perry is Professor and Director of the BSW Program at the University of Louisville's Kent School of Social Work. Dr. Perry teaches Introduction to Social Work and Social Work Practice with Families. Dr. Perry's is the author of Black Love Matters - Authentic Men's Voices on Marriages and Authentic Relationships.

We will discuss the physical and mental health of black men, racism, how it impacts our health, and what we can do about it. with Dr. Derek Griffith. Dr. Griffith is the Founder and Director of the Center for Men's Health EquityThe Center for Men's Health Equity conducts research that helps men live healthier lives. While there is growing interest in how social and cultural factors shape men's health, few researchers have comprehensively studied these influences.

Robert Washington-Vaughns started the Black Men Flower Project in the summer of 2021 in Columbus, Ohio when he began delivering flowers to his guy friends in and around town as a token of his gratitude and appreciation towards them.   Robert conceptualized the project during his time in an outpatient mental health program in Columbus, Ohio in 2018. He was inspired by the community, art, and nature therapy practice of wabi-sabi and wanted to adapt it to something portable and impactful.   John Caleb Washington is the founder of Plank & Pistils, a floral design company that exists to design high-quality floral art that evokes a social and emotional connection to Black freedom, creativity, self-care, and growth.   John's floral design work has been in Munaluchi Bridal Magazine and he was included in “125 Florists To Be Celebrated in 2022” by Florists' Review Magazine.

As we close out 2023 on Black Men Speak, my guest Collin Mays and I discuss his journey to care for his health and some of the things Black Men need to do in 2024. Collin serves as the President and Founder of LMS Solutions, a strategic planning consulting firm that assists local governments and nonprofits. Most recently Collin served as Director of the Department of Economic Inclusion for the City of Cincinnati. He also is Co-Chair of The Soul Of Philanthropy Michigan where he led a volunteer effort of 25 people and raised more than $400,000

In this special 4-part series, we'll examine the life of Jarvis Jay Masters born in Long Beach, California, in 1962. He is a widely published African-American Buddhist writer and the author of That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row and Finding Freedom.  Originally sent to San Quentin State Prison in 1981 for armed robbery, Jarvis was convicted of conspiracy to murder a prison guard in 1985 and sentenced to death in 1990. Because his case involved a correctional officer, he was placed in solitary confinement and endured there for twenty-one years, from 1985 to 2007. Jarvis exhausted his state appeals in 2019, and his case is currently headed to the federal courts. For more information on the growing campaign to exonerate him, go to www.freejarvis.org.

In this special 4-part series, we'll examine the life of Jarvis Jay Masters born in Long Beach, California, in 1962. He is a widely published African-American Buddhist writer and the author of That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row and Finding Freedom.  Originally sent to San Quentin State Prison in 1981 for armed robbery, Jarvis was convicted of conspiracy to murder a prison guard in 1985 and sentenced to death in 1990. Because his case involved a correctional officer, he was placed in solitary confinement and endured there for twenty-one years, from 1985 to 2007. Jarvis exhausted his state appeals in 2019, and his case is currently headed to the federal courts. For more information on the growing campaign to exonerate him, go to www.freejarvis.org.

In this special 4-part series, we'll examine the life of Jarvis Jay Masters born in Long Beach, California, in 1962. He is a widely published African-American Buddhist writer and the author of That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row and Finding Freedom.  Originally sent to San Quentin State Prison in 1981 for armed robbery, Jarvis was convicted of conspiracy to murder a prison guard in 1985 and sentenced to death in 1990. Because his case involved a correctional officer, he was placed in solitary confinement and endured there for twenty-one years, from 1985 to 2007. Jarvis exhausted his state appeals in 2019, and his case is currently headed to the federal courts. For more information on the growing campaign to exonerate him, go to www.freejarvis.org.

In this special 4-part series, we'll examine the life of Jarvis Jay Masters born in Long Beach, California, in 1962. He is a widely published African-American Buddhist writer and the author of That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row and Finding Freedom.  Originally sent to San Quentin State Prison in 1981 for armed robbery, Jarvis was convicted of conspiracy to murder a prison guard in 1985 and sentenced to death in 1990. Because his case involved a correctional officer, he was placed in solitary confinement and endured there for twenty-one years, from 1985 to 2007. Jarvis exhausted his state appeals in 2019, and his case is currently headed to the federal courts. For more information on the growing campaign to exonerate him, go to www.freejarvis.org.

In this episode, we will speak with Isaiah Jones, a Comedy Touring and Live Events Agent at United Talent Agency in New York. Initially from Dinwiddie, VA, we will talk about his passion for music and percussion and how that led him to serve as the Brand Manager and Speaking Agent for Marcus Johnson, an esteemed international jazz pianist, producer, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. Now growing as an Agent in Comedy Touring, Isaiah represents and books various talent for live events, including stand-up comedians, digital creators, podcasters, kids' character-based live stage shows, and more.

Black Wallstreeter Consultation Services (BWCS) was started by the father and son team, Kevon and Kamari Chisolm in 2018.   In 2020 started a nonprofit called Junior Wallstreeters, Inc., whose motto is: Empowering Youth with Financial Wellness.   We will talk about BWCS's primary goals which are to decrease the wealth gap in African - American communities. They focus on two areas: 1) helping others build wealth through investment clubs; and 2) empowering youth with financial wellness, which includes our financial literacy/investing curriculum and materials.

In 2020 Tyrese Allyene-Davis celebrated his 21st birthday alone in his NYU dorm room in the middle of a pandemic. It was a mere few days after his school's closure, and a few weeks before the wave for racial justice would surge following the murder of George Floyd. Seven months later, still confined by a wheelchair and isolated with only his thoughts, he watches the documentary film “I Am Not Your Negro” by Raoul Peck and breaks down in verbal tears. With no one to talk to, Tyrese pours his visceral feelings into a live Facebook post with only audio, leaving his followers to reflect upon his present state of being, and the images behind those thoughts. This experimental documentary short, In the Wake of Mourning by Adetoro Makinde is the visual amplification of Tyrese's words, bringing the viewer into his world, his trauma, and the awakening of a personal call to power. Tyrese can be found on these social media platforms.  Instagram accounts:   Main Instagram- _thethinktank   Poetry, Instagram page-pennedbypablo   Book review Instagram page- _therollingreader

Omari Anderson is the founder and CEO of The Best Dirty Lemonade, a brand born from a deeply personal mission. As the only child of a mother battling Alzheimer's, Omari channeled his tenacity and love into creating a remedy to soothe her ailments. As her condition worsened, affecting her sleep, appetite, and mood, Omari was driven to help in the best way he knew how. Despite his academic roots in law and liberal arts, as a graduate of Morehouse College and Howard University School of Law, Omari found himself tapping into the culinary memories of his childhood. Recalling the refreshing beverages his mother used to make, he painstakingly crafted his unique lemonade recipe. Omari's commitment to making a difference extends beyond his business. He is an active member of the Minority Cannabis Business Association and a proud graduate of the 2022 Black CannaBusiness Northeastern Cohort. In his journey, Omari has demonstrated that with resilience, passion, and a strong sense of purpose, transformative solutions can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.

Spencer Russell currently boasts over 550,000 followers on TikTok, two years ago, he was just a dad going through a career change and looking to give his son a head start. Now the owner of Toddlers CAN Read, Spencer teaches kids as early as 18 months a simple approach to reading.  Deciding to teach his son how to read at such a young age stems from his experience feeling academically inadequate to his family members and peers in his youth. Russell knew from a young age that he was different from his siblings; school and education didn't come as easy to him. In a family where everyone excelled — the Russell family tree is decorated with advanced degrees from Brown, Cornell, Princeton, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins — he learned early on that he would have to give extra effort in areas that seemed more natural to his four older siblings

In David Steele's new book - It Was Always a Choice Picking up the baton of athlete activism, he explores the complications and risks encountered by professional athletes regarding their personal involvement on social issues.   In Part 2, we discuss activism after George Floyd, and the Mount Rushmore of Athlete Activist.    David Steele has been a professional sports journalist for more than 35 years. He has written for the Sporting News, AOL, the Baltimore Sun, the San Francisco Chronicle and Newsday, and has contributed to ESPN's The Undefeated, USA Today, and the NAACP's The Crisis magazine.

In David Steele's new book - It Was Always a Choice Picking up the Baton of Athlete Activism, he explores the complications and risks encountered by professional athletes regarding their personal involvement on social issues.   David Steele has been a professional sports journalist for more than 35 years. He has written for the Sporting News, AOL, the Baltimore Sun, the San Francisco Chronicle and Newsday, and has contributed to ESPN's The Undefeated, USA Today, and the NAACP's The Crisis magazine.

Omar Bailey is a footwear design & creation entrepreneur who built his reputation working with stars such as Jay-Z, Karim Benzema, Terry Crews, Quest Love & Allan Houston, and top-tier brands like Adidas, Supreme, Timberland, New Balance & K-Swiss.   He along with his partner Abhishek Som started a sneaker production company. Dubbed “FCTRY LAb,” the Los Angeles-based footwear prototyping lab and venture studio aims to support both emerging and established designers.   From 2019-2022 Omar was Head of the Innovation Lab at Yeezy-Adidas helping bridge the gap between cutting-edge conceptual designs and physically wearable footwear as Yeezy grew to more than a billion dollars in revenues.   Omar studied Industrial Design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan & graduated from the College of Design, Architecture & Art at the University of Cincinnati.

In this special episode of Black Men Speak, Tierra Cunningham explores the meaningful topic of relationships from the point of view of a Georgetown student. Tierra interviews Chris Pitt, a junior track and field athlete as he discusses the rigors of being a college athlete while maintaining a sense of identity at the University. 

In this year's Valentine's edition we speak with Paul Carrick Brunson. Known as the ‘love doctor' and ‘real-life Hitch' because of his work as a matchmaker, television host, serial entrepreneur, and author. He was proudly chosen as the World's Most Influential Matchmaker by the Matchmaking Institute. He co-host Married at First Sight UK and Celebs Go Dating on UK's Channel 4.

In this special episode of Black Men Speak, Tierra Cunningham explores the meaningful topic of relationships from the point of view of a Georgetown student. I interviewed Kenan Blakey, a Junior studying French and Korean, about his journey of making friends at Georgetown and comparing the friendships he has made here with his friends at home. As a result, our interview touched on his journey of making friends, culture, values, faith, and Covid. 

Dr. Ovell Hamilton currently serves as an Assistant Professor of History at his alma mater, Morehouse College. Dr. Hamilton became the first instructor to teach world history on a Virtual Reality platform at Morehouse College, also this feat makes him the first professor around the world to utilize a pure Virtual Reality Classroom specified for history.   He will take it up a notch as part of the Spring semester 2023, Morehouse College will launch its first Black history course in the Metaverse. History of the African Diaspora Since 1800 will be led by Professor Ovell Hamilton, and it will recreate prominent moments in Black history from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement.

J. Dillard, weary from being bullied in grade school due to his mother and older sister's attempts at a proper haircut, Dillard taught himself the art of barbering at a very young age. In 1999, he simultaneously became a licensed barber and opened his first barbershop while attending Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. 22 years later, he is a trailblazing master barber whose celebrity client roster includes comedy sensation Kountry Wayne and more.   In 2021, Dillard turned his love of barbering into the award-winning literacy series "J.D. the Kid Barber," which hilariously illustrates how a young Black boy's life drastically changes after discovering he has a natural talent for barbering. In addition to a positive portrayal of a young Black boy, the semi-autobiographical book series teaches children about entrepreneurship.

Roy Shuler, a gifted, talented, and charismatic communicator, long enchanted with public speaking, storytelling, and the power of words, began his acting career in 2007 at age 42 with a nondescript role in a regional commercial. While working in corporate America, his faith and determination opened the doors to additional commercials, voice-over, community theatre, TV, and print model opportunities. We will discuss hanging onto your dreams and having the courage to go after them.

The nightlife in Hoboken, NJ is movin' and groovin'. After all, as the birthplace of American breweries, is it any surprise that Hoboken is home to some fantastic bars, taverns, and clubs? In Hoboken, most people don't see the other street life that is just as alive, but Rev. Anthony Forbes does as Shelter Manager of the Hoboken Shelter. 

Damon Mosley is an Ohio-based writer, producer, and creator of #SmileForWe, an online photo campaign he started post-pandemic to highlight Black men actively participating in joy.

Chef Donald J. Smith was born and raised in New Orleans, the heart and soul of Creole and Cajun culture. It was there that he learned the ins and outs of authentic Creole Cuisine at the feet of his mother and uncle. Known in culinary circles as “Chef D,” the chef specializes in Creole, Cajun, and soul food. Chef D has owned several restaurants. His portfolio boasts preparing meals for various entities, including conventions, corporations, celebs like Barry Bonds, The O' Jays, The Clark Sisters, and Miguel, and feeding the homeless and less fortunate.  The New Orleans native is a natural-born, innovative chef.  Chef Donald has traveled the world and interacted with other first-rate chefs worldwide; he has had the rare opportunity to share his expertise and passion for good food with other chefs from countries like Brazil, Italy, and Spain. To enhance and broaden his knowledge and skills of Creole Cuisine and add a little professional twist to things, he attended Louisiana Vo-Tech and Delgado Community College, where he earned many Culinary Arts certificates. Through his company, Chef D Services, not only does he mix his own spices, for his spice line Yes Chef Gourmet Spices and Foods, but he has also written cookbooks, Donald Lukie Smith New Orleans Underground Chef (2020) and most recently, The Underground Chefs, for which he was the visionary author.  Chef Donald now has 20-plus years of experience in culinary cuisine preparation under his belt and has received many awards, including “Gumbo” competitions, and accolades. In 2018, he was voted one of Louisiana's best chefs, and in 2020, he received the Culinary Excellence Award from the National Black Chef Association.  Last summer, Chef D was also named Culinary Ambassador for Louisiana for the National Black Chef Association. 

Jermaine Hall, CEO of LEVEL MAN is a publication that originally started branched out at Medium but is now a stand-alone website for Black and Brown men. LEVEL offers the best commentary on race, identity, and culture for men of color and tips on how to live your best life. Men can visit LEVEL for advice on parenting, sex, relationships, marriage, and more. With over twenty years of experience creating award-winning, digital content at the intersection of entertainment and popular culture, Jermaine is the perfect person to discuss the trends affecting our black men.

THE BLACK MEN SPEAK PODCAST IS BACK. In October of 2021, I interviewed Phillip Henderson as he was about to lead a team of seven climbers to the top of Mt. Everest. He is back, along with Dom Mullins and Thomas Moore to give a first-hand account of his journey as he and his team successfully reached the summit on May 12th, 2022.

Nearly two decades ago, Andre Norman was serving a 100-year sentence in prison, but he was no regular prisoner. A natural-born leader, he rose to be the top gang leader within the facility, running all the daily gang activity. After an epiphany in solitary confinement, Norman made the decision to turn his life around. He had a simple dream to attend Harvard University and become successful. Over the next 8 years, Andre worked 20-hour days to make this dream a reality. He taught himself how to read, then to study and understand the law, and then volunteered to participate in anger management groups. After winning his appeal and being armed with a GED and a dream, Andre walked out of prison in 1999, after serving 14 years. Having survived rock bottom, Norman knew he could help others do the same. He pulled from his life experiences and created The Academy of Hope and set out on his mission to teach both individuals and corporations how to turn any situation around.

Lavar Jacobs founded Not Just October in memory of his mother, Kim Jacobs, who passed away from breast cancer in 2009. Not Just October is dedicated to increasing awareness around breast cancer and its effects on families and helping breast cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones lead a more comfortable life. 

Dwayne Taylor was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. Attended St. Patrick's Grammar school and then Marist H.S in Bayonne NJ.  In 2003 He became a Jersey City Firefighter, where he is currently a battalion chief. In a full-circle moment in 1950, Thomas Gerald Taylor, Dwayne's Grandfather, became the JCFD's first African American firefighter.

Emeka "AR" Chiedu and Naseed Gifted from PBS Media are two blockchain "enthusiasts" that will explain the important aspects of cryptocurrency and NFT's

The only way we can transform the health of Black Men is to replicate a program that is working. We have found such an organization and it's called the Rebalanced - Life Wellness Health Association by Founder and CEO Aaron G. Perry. Frustrated by his own medical challenges, Perry created his own medical team to help eliminate a medical condition he lived with for over 2 years. Now he has created a new innovative health model for reducing health disparities and improving the Social & Health Conditions of Black men in Dane County. And is seeking to do so nationwide.

Dr. Armon Perry joins Black Men Speak to discuss love and relationships. We will discuss: The Black Manosphere, What marriage books should we read? and Realistic Black Movies on Relationships.

In Part of our Black Men Speak Health Challenge, we talk about some challenges around the problem of black men's health with guest Derrick Lane of BlackDoctor.org and two guests who are taking on the challenge Tim Davis, and Joe Winters.