Reaching Out with Alexandra Almaz

Nikelola Balogun, who is not only an artist of many talents, but also a world traveler, teacher, and one who likes to go against the grain. Similar to a pearl that goes against the grain, she is working to get to that place where she'll become iridescent. 

LaNisa Williams, of Barista Life LA and Hustlers Cup is an incredible young woman. She learned what was needed and made her own path to follow her passion for coffee, brewing, and passing on her knowledge to others. You can find more info on her at: www.baristalifela.com, #baristalifela, #hustlerscup, and #blackinbrew.

In this episode I talk about the movie "Luce" in relation to transracial adoptions.  Mainly, I discuss the ideas of race, class, family, identity, and the assumptions that people make of others on those aspects. While the movie played out the ideas mentioned above, I felt that it did not really go deeply into any area. But, maybe that is what the director, Julius Onah, had wanted; to have a jumping point to start having these conversations about those very ideas and/or issues. So, let's start the conversations!

In Part 1, I talk about international adoptions. Specifically, adoptions of African children/youth that have taken place over the years. Adoptees from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Burundi, South Africa, Morocco, among others. And delve into the issues of Trans-racial adoptions particularly in the US. The subject is not really known nor talked about by the parents or adoptees.  You can go to www.npr.og to read more on the ban on foreign adoptions. 

Gemini Soul is an artist that is truly dedicated to his art. He's also dedicated to sharing his artistic abilities with young adults and younger generations so that they know their history and culture. 

I interview Ali Rahmaan, who is the Manager for kankouran Dance Company. Ali has been with the KDC both as a drummer and a manager. He brings another element to the dance company's long history and talks about why it's important to pass on the history and traditions. 

In the second installment of my LA Stories series, I talk about my identity. Specifically, how my nationality had been invisible for many years. And, how the shift in the awareness of Africans in the US has caused people to ask a different question: are you Eritrean or Ethiopian?

Aron Tadesse, a musician in his own right and the owner of Industry Cafe & and Jazz in Culver City has supported musicians and live music. He lives and breathes music and has brought live music to his restaurant for the last 15 years! 

Baba Eziokwu, a staple of Leimert Park, has held west African traditions close to his heart for years.  He has shared the traditions with countless youth and adults in the L.A. area and taught them the importance of self-knowledge and her/history! 

Dr. Carter, a Professor of African Studies at the University of Arizona, surprised me during our conversation.  Not only does he teach about African Studies but he is known for his work in Digital Culture. And, how that translates in engaging students in all things digital. You can find more info about Dr. Carter here: https://africana.arizona.edu/people/bryancarter.

On this episode I talk about a few of the many experiences I've had living in L.A. Naturally, it's a huge city with so many languages, cultures, and food (my favorite)! Discovering the many parts of this large city and talking to a variety of people has given me the chance to learn about other cities and countries through their stories. 

Adiam Tesfay, an incredible force to be reckoned with, is a community activist, mentor, and leader that's committed to her community- both small and large. You can see her in the youtube video, "Anti-Black Bias in the Habesha Community", as well. 

Yonas Fikak, the other half of "Anti-Black Bias in the Habesha Community", is an amazing young man who has given back to his community on many levels. You can check out his videos on youtube. 

Yikealo Kesete, one part of a Dynamic Duo who have a youtube show: "Anti-Blackness in the Habesha Community".  In these videos, YK and his partner, Yonas Fikak, talk about the conversations and honest dialogues that they carry out with other Habeshas about Blackness, identity, and cross-cultural misconceptions and biases. You can find their work on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w860O1SWWA.

Part II: In this bonus interview, Layne Tadesse (LT) talks about his music and the creative process behind the theme song. Again, you can go to his site: www.laynemusiconline.com to find more music and information on LT. 

Part I: Alexandra Almaz's Travel Adventures. I talk about my experience traveling to Prague, Czech Republic. It involves hair, language barriers and human curiosity.   

Kissa Starr, an Entrepreneur extraordinaire, lives by her rules and her personal philosophy. In this interview, we talk about identity, hair, and what it means to live by one's own rules and not by how others define you. 

In this episode, I interview Assane Konte, who taught and guided several generations of dancers in the Washington D.C. area. We discuss dance, music, and stories and the why you can not have one without the other two elements. Kankouran, the dance company can be found at:  www.kankouran.org.

I interview Pamela Anchang, the founder of the Immigrant Magazine and so much more! She is an incredible human who gives the Immigrants a face to their voices. So, go to the site: https://www.immigrantmagazine.com and hear the many voices coming from across the US.

To MP3 Converter Free (amvidia.com) In my interview with Zelalem Lemineh, we talk about identity, spirituality, and how they are interconnected in creating the former with an abundance of the latter.

In the first podcast, I interview Layne Tadesse, a reggae singer from southern California. We talk about music, art, and the importance of one's identity in relation to one's art and philosophy of life. 

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