Revelations-Reflections " A Social Media Conversation"

This conversation is about getting involved in the change your community desperately needs.  These women one of whom has been involved as a change agent for more than 30 years, talks about what motivates and drives them! One even ran for local magistrate in 2019, another advocated for drug and alcohol misuse, and then we have the baby of the bunch who is Gen Z activist ! Check this out ! 

The entire point of government is " rule by the people" that's us, we get to decide what we need the government to provide. Because we are all as different as snowflakes, we must choose people and positions to speak for us, that's a daunting task to be sure, but we must do it! It's not as simple as it may seem, and there are more than two political machines to be sure. The original premise was Republic and Democrat, where one says pull yourself up by your bootstraps, and the other says we're here to help.  Who's right who's wrong? It's for us to decide at the polls. There you have it now GO VOTE !!!!!

Ms. Brown details the help available to veterans that need help, ranging from a place to live, food to eat, clothing and life skills. Are there rules and regulations that need to be adhered to? Of course there are, but don't let that stop you veteran ! Turn your life around, try something different, you deserve better than shelters and outdoor grates and homeless camps!   We believe in you and thank you for your service. 

Robin and I are back after being off for the summer. We tried our hardest to detach and enjoy warm weather, good food, friends, family, outdoor events, and for the most part we did.  However, we could not ignore the rhetoric around this election cycle. Our lives are on the line, whether we want to acknowledge it or not. We must show up to the poll and definitely pick a position ! Commit to do so today ! Make a plan to vote, be ready !

The Professor is on deck! he changed definitions of commonly used words and phrases by us to make them make sense to our culture.  You have got to hear this. What do you "think" is the definition of courage? Hear how the Professor defines it! I've been schooled and I loved every minute of it. You will too!

Dr. Griffin expounds on the purpose of League of Women voters, she says it is to Defend Democracy and Empower voters.  They do this through their department of Advocacy and Litigation. The league is comprised of 850 leagues across the country numbering 70,000 members, and having 33 leagues in Pennsylvania. The league is currently strategizing how to increase voter turnout, and needs your voices to help understand voter apathy, and poor voter turnout and how to increase participation.  Listen to her today.

Rev. Moore is part of the Pittsburgh-Mon Valley Black Women Roundtable that will host a series of workshops that allow black women to be heard.  One of the solutions is putting us at the table where decisions are made.  Have those voices heard so they are integrated into policy. Some of the disparities include income, employment, health and education.  They were highlighted in a 2019 study done by the City of Pittsburgh's Gender and Equity Commission that arguably showed Pittsburgh is the most unlivable city for Black women.

Over in the 24th district Martell Covington won the special election to fulfill the remaining term vacated by St. Rep Ed Gainey, who is now the 1st Black Mayor of the city of Pittsburgh. Unfortunately the juxtaposition of two elections held within 42 days of each other, he did not win the vote of the people in the primary election.  He spoke with us about the work he's doing in Harrisburg as a result of winning the special election April 5, 2022. It was a pleasure speaking with St. Rep Covington, the information on cash bail and clean slate is invaluable.  Change against the racist policies of old are on the way out slowly but surely! #bethechange

We had a spirited conversation with Ms. BJ Samson, Ms Brenda Tate discussing events of the special election, her role as committee person, the importance of voting, the responsibility of the community to be informed of the voting process, the need for black persons, black women and the disadvantaged to register AND Vote in all elections.  Understanding the potency of holding officials accountable after the election. Why we need to be more concerned with what's happening politically and take responsibility for ourselves and our children. It was truly a passionately charged conversation don't miss this one!

Founder and Executive Director of the Jason Project, Mark Thompson sat with us to discuss this project and what they are doing to help folks who are incarcerated who need help understanding and navigating the criminal justice system. The project targets low impact cases that the public defender's office attorneys want to plead out. If you have 30 - 180 days to the court date they can meet with the client, evaluate the charges, and help client become familiar with their charges. They'll explain the court process, which helps lessen the fear and anxiety going into the courtroom. After meeting and counseling client, they will submit a letter to the judge saying something about the client, and how things have been explained to them, and any help that they may have received from social workers, therapists, drug/alcohol treatment etc.  

Charlise is a longtime friend with whom I'd lost touch over the years. I thank God for social media, if used prudently you can reconnect with friends from long ago. That happened for us, when I saw her posting of the recent death of her son, I reached out to her and learned so much more about what had been happening in her life.  She is a phenomenal woman, she sat down with us to discuss her life, the tragic beginning, rising professionally, parenting, marriage, failure, grief and loss and NOW the comeback.  She credits Jesus Christ, the support of loving women and therapy for helping her to come back from a long and dark journey she didn't even realize she was on. Charlise thank you for the jewels you shared with us!

Things are heating up in Pittsburgh, PA even if the weather isn't, not yet anyway. Aerion Abney is a Social Worker that has recently filled the State Representative Seat for the remaining 8 months of the term vacated by Jake Wheatle., This is not Aerion's first time running for State Representative, but he is a fighter and is on the ballot again for his own term to begin in January 2023. We sat down with Aerion a native of Philadelphia but says Pittsburgh made a man of him. Listen to his story and his heart for social justice , he is a Champion !

Charles Franklin shares his journey to providing vehicles for building wealth with Robin and I on our final episode of Wealthy Wednesdays in March as a way of helping black people utilize their income tax refunds. Our hope is that we've provided information that will help change our money mindset in the black community. As one of our previous wealth builders said "we are building wealthy and healthy community's when we invest in our own money mindset"

Our Wealth Builder Toni Corinealdi takes us through the process of saving money for your children's education.  Tip #1 you only need to deposit at least $1 per month to be eligible to win $50 or $1000 Tip #2 This allows you to have the discussion about the future, money, education and more.  Tip #3 Wealth Building Tips of Toni, join an investment group to leverage your capacity to invest money

Tammy's Top Three Tips for Getting your Credit Right and Begin to build wealth. 1. 2. 3.  

Her Top Three Take aways for us black folks about our credit.  1.  Take care of your credit and your credit will take care of you 2. 3 components of your credit file 3. What to do to get revolving credit to help build your history and score.

Kim and Robin, wrap up black history month talking about the last 3 myths of the 6 myths 3-part podcast. It is not true that black people didn't try to defend themselves and fight back during Jim Crow, nor is it true that crack in the ghetto was the largest drug crisis of 1980, hear what was, and nor was it true the blacks were enslaved until emancipation. This and tons of other falsehoods is why we need to support the 1619 Project. 

Listen to our conversation with Laurie Johnson Wade of Lost Dreams Awakening in New Kensington, PA.  She shares with us during this Black History Month on a South African concept called Ubuntu. Philosophy of principles surrounding practicing humanism.  Seeing everyone as important. The word itself forms an important acronym.  Check this out !  

Black people are suspicious of the health care field for good reason. The story however is untrue that Black men were injected with syphilis, the truth is they were promised freedom in some cases, a grave plot in other cases, to participate in experiments.  However, it still left Black people not participating in vaccines that have been designed by years of research to protect everyone ! 

Robin and Kim have a conversation with PHD Candidate Amy Raslevich about Health disparities that still exist in the Black community with data to back it up. You may want to think we're not being treated discriminately but the research REVEALS we are STILL NOT receiving the basic human rights the constitution promised all humans! The main reason We MUST Register and VOTE !!!!  

6 Historians weigh in on the biggest misconceptions about Black History including the Tuskegee experiment. Robin and I read through these 6 myths and debunk them for you, giving you the truth in the missing history that is the premise of the 1619 project that seeks to add historical content of the black experience and achievements during the slave period in America. 

What we found to be true: Enslaved people actively participated in the informal and formal market economy.  So much so that Elizabeth Keckley a skilled seamstress whose dresses for Abraham Lincoln's wife are displayed in Smithsonian museums, supported her enslaver's entire family and still earned enough to pay for her freedom.

Daved Richardson, the Senior Managing Coordinator for the Center for Family Excellence sits down with one of his collaborators Mario Browne to speak with us about an upcoming event to recognize the contribution of Barbers and Stylists to the black community. His organization- Male Coalition Men Who Rescue is separate from the Center for Family Excellence his employer and focuses on saving our young men by trying to come up with remedies, solutions and antidotes to the traumatic issues they face and respond to within the family and community. 

George and Sharon Jones wrapped up our 3-part Mental Health and Wellness series. They shared with us the effects of the pandemic on our socialization as well as barriers to treatment and the stigma around seeking treatment. They have a non-traditional approach to therapy and their model is - meeting the client where they are in their process. They have no desks in their office, they say Bring everything to the table! 

Welcome Dr. Vonzell Wade to Season 2 Episode 3. Listen as he speaks with us about addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, he ties it together with the physiological symptoms and gives us indicators to watch for to help ourselves and others to consider seeking treatment. 

Robin and I are excited about Season Two, we're going to GO with the FLOW, everything won't be regimented and scripted, we're going to have some fun, while we learn !  Oh we're still comitted to the fight, but we're going to enjoy the ride on this freedom train bound for Glory !  There's a shift in the atmosphere - can you feel it !  Stay Tuned, like, share, subscribe, download and follow us! #Bethechange #4blacknbrown2

Robin and I sat down with Mental Health Professional Erica Lynn Givner in our Season Two Opener discussing the myths, maladies and remedies for mental health conditions.  We attempted to answer the question of why #4blacknbrown2 do not seek treatment as readily as other ethnic groups.  What is our perception of being mentally ill? 

Robin and I chop it up about Season 1, who we spoke to, what we learned through our guests and our experience with podcasting. We want to thank everyone who listened, although in 9 months we didn't get any subscribers, the metrics were quite telling. We're not ready to throw in the towel, we're back to the drawing board for Season 2, and maybe you'll subscribe to our new format! Stay tuned, Season 2 begins with Mental Health Professionals starting January 13, 2022!  Be Well - Stay Safe   

We had this conversation prior to the General Election on November 2, 2021. Judge Dumas graciously spent 30 minutes of her schedule with us, talking about her work on and off the bench.  She actively engages and educates stakeholders on human trafficking, trauma and the Court's role. We thorough appreciate the time we spent with her, and we're super thrilled that she won her bid for a seat on the Commonwealth Court in Philadelphia, the city of Brotherly Love has been blessed with an angel on the bench. 

At the time of this conversation, we did not know Summer Lee had aspirations of running for Congress. However, you will hear exactly why she is do so.  She is young, intelligent, a staunch advocate for her hometown, stays on the front line, and fights from within.  In this conversation she tells us who she is and why she is politically grounded and what she hopes to get accomplished for the Mon Valley. 

We had the opportunity to sit down with Lorraine Cross and talk about and organization that started in 1986. Bpep as it is lovingly referred to by people of color in the local area it serves. She explains to us growing up between the rural south and the white north and how she had to hold her tongue, until she didn't! Listen today, tell us what you think.   

We sat down today and had an earnest and eye opening conversation on a topic that is rarely openly discussed- Human Trafficking. Sharlene is the founder and Executive Director of Garden Home Ministries. It takes it's name from her personal experiences with human trafficking, drug addiction, Christianity/her faith, restoration, and care of the body, mind and spirit. Disciplines  which are needed to tend a garden. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation as we were able to be light hearted and encouraged while dealing with such a traumatic topic.  

Lisa Middleman has been in the "middle" of the criminal justice system for more than 30 years, she is currently in the homicide division of the Public Defenders office awaiting her opportunity to serve on the bench of the Court of Common Pleas in Allegheny county. She sat with us to talk about who she is as a person, so we can get a glimpse into who she is, and why she pursues the opportunities that she does.  Listen to Lisa Middleman.

Fred Smith joined us today to talk about his journey as a business man.  First product was drugs on the corner, the second product is Real Estate, and that's in between the Father's Initiative that's his caseload with Children Youth and Families.  Don't miss this dynamic individual's testimony.  If he can, You Can ! 

We sat down with The son of our city, born and raised in the struggle for equity around trauma deaths due to gang related violence and police brutality.  What was his response? He has gone inside the SYSTEM and is learning what needs to be done to change it from the inside out !  Hear the revelations and reflections of a Legislative Aide. You won't be disappointed. 

Shehara Wooten is a Published Author, her book was released in September 2021, titled "In the meantime" and it's a lesson on what we (black and brown) need to do right now to build wealth.   Four sections of the book:  Build -Live-Save and Give in that order. This is a must read book for every black or brown household.  Get your copy today. Listen, like, comment and share this podcast.   

Charles Timbers a more than 30 year veteran of the nursing field is till working well into retirement as a nurse practitioner because of his love of people. Listen as he tells us of his advocacy work inside and now outside of the county jail. 

Many of us think the VA provides substandard healthcare.  We spoke with Dr. Des Marie Decur, nurse practitioner who seperates the facts from the myths.  We see so many negative articles and news reports of VA receiving sub standard care.  Dr. Decuir cuts through those narratives and brings us valuable life changing information.  Stay tuned, like, comment and share this podcast, it may save your life or someone you love 

Monique Flowers has been in a number of spaces dealing with the uplifting of the community, Whether that community is Education , Health and Wellness, or Political she is wholly invested in informing Pittsburgh.  We spoke with her today and we fully intend to join forces with her in uplifting and informing our city ! Great Work Monique.

Janice Meinert is a paralegal, social worker and tireless advocate for health and wellness.  She is currently a paralegal at a FREE Lawfirm that helps folk secure healthcare benefits. Listen to her explain what needs to be done if you are uninsured, if your healthcare does not cover a service or if you need help navigating the systems and paperwork. Listen, Like, Comment and Share this Podcast. Our health depends on it. 

We talk to Ms Hill about the impact of having 4 African Americans run for the Office of Mayor in a city with dismally low voter turnout amongst all districts and races. She candidly expressed her thoughts and gave specifics about what we should be done with the American Rescue Plan money.  She has an extensive Political background and gives insight into what the future would look like with it's first Black / African American Mayor in a predominantly White City ! Listen, Like, comment and Share. 

We sat down to talk with Ms. Brenda Tate, who is Chairperson for Allegheny County Black Caucus a retired Police Department Detective and facilitates an 8-week Political Leadership Workshop. Listen to what she told us about the ability for incarcerated folks, folks in drug/alcohol treatment to register and to vote.     

Today we spoke with Mario Browne about the new Renaissance for Black and Browne people now known as DE & I. Another brilliant stab at equalizing the playing field in employment.  Listen in as he speaks with us about how it all shapes up and what to look for in your employee handbook, work environment and culture. 

Carlos Thomas is a young African American Male, vying for a position on the Pittsburgh Public School Board.  His platform/contribution will be to add healthy food meals to the districts lunch menu.  He believes our ability to focus and concentrate is directly tied to the foods we ingest for fuel and energy.  Listen in to our Social Media Conversation with Carlos.

4 women, 2 African Americans and 2 Caucasians chop it up about voting mores, and what each has come to learn and understand about the political process. 

Tune in as County Council woman Liv Bennett explains her role in County Council, the committees that she chairs, the legislation that she penned, and what's next for her in her role. 

Dr. Carletta Williams shares information that black and brown people need to know.  She dispels the myth that there is a tracker in the vaccine, that the vaccine is unsafe and changes your hormones, among other things that scare black and brown people away from the vaccine. 

We sat down with Turahn Jenkins to find out what's been happening with him since 2018 when he ran against the long seated Stephen Zappala the county's district attorney.  Tune in to hear him talk about what it was like to run for political office, and what he learned as a result of running, and how it positioned him for what he's doing now.  This is a must hear conversation, inspiring and fun. It was a pleasure to talk with him......listen in .

We spoke today with Maria Searcy who is a child and parent engagement advocate.  The information she shared with us is life changing for you and your children.  I wished I'd have had this information when I was in school 50 years ago, and when my children were in school 35 years ago ! Nevertheless, it is here now and I hope everyone gets a chance to listen to it.  If you're listening to it, please share it with your family members, we must get the information out !  We are the change we want to see ! #4blacknbrown2 

I am Kimberly Harriel and after reading/experiencing the 2018 Gender Equity Commission Report, I instinctively knew I needed to participate in our change ! This is my contribution to fighting the inequities that beset us these hundreds of years later !  America we MUST do better. 

Hear first hand what the State Representatives role entails.  He tells us about what we can expect from his office, and what his office expects from the voters.