The Folding Chair

Aliah Rowe is the Digital Media Director at For AR People. During legislative session, she hosted their weekly YouTube videos explaining nuanced legislation and created content for their various platforms.

On this powerful episode, me and Selyna have an honest conversation about what therapy and healing look like through an equity lens. We open up about the importance of culturally competent care, breaking generational cycles, and why mental health support in Black and Brown communities must be rooted in justice and lived experience. Check out my new single "2 Much", a soulful and vulnerable anthem released for Mental Health Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention on Spotify. Here's the link https://open.spotify.com/track/4D5rRsuSXYfbCedHIyMYK2?si=fc19f00c4a2a4b97

Finally the 2025 Arkansas Legislative Session has come to an end! The 95th General Assembly has adjourned, on the episode of The Folding Chair podcast we have special guest Latoya Morgan. We discuss a recap of some bills we followed during the legislative session, as well as vital information on how we should be supporting our public schools. Latoya Morgan is a passionate advocate, mentor, librarian, and change agent. She believes in empowering her community by engaging them with policies that affect their daily lives. A firm believer in the transformative power of literacy, Latoya uses it as a tool to enlighten and inspire her students, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around them.We end the show with community news and updates, check out this episode and give us feedback!

On this episode of The Folding Chair podcast we have another BAD BILL ALERT, Dawn Jeffrey joins us as we discuss SB307 the “Generating Arkansas Jobs Act”. This bill is a giveaway to power companies on the backs of poor and working Arkansans who already struggle to pay their energy bills. The legislation in SB307 proposes allowing utility providers to fund their projects by collecting interest from the customers on construction of these projects prior to the project being complete by raising rates on their monthly bills. We also discuss the work of the Little Rock Freedom Fund and the various ways the organization uses community engagement and participatory action research to serve Arkansas.

The Folding Chair podcast is reporting live from the Arkansas State Legislature 95th General Assembly Regular Session in 2025. On this episode of The Folding Chair we interviewed Thomas Nichols about the importance eliminating juvenile fines and fees, data collection and, building statewide engagement around the issue to introduce legislation that identifies funding to backfill courts without placing the financial burden on parents and children.Thomas Nichols is the Director of Legal and Advocacy Services at Disability Rights Arkansas, Inc.  Disability Rights is the state's protection and advocacy system for individuals with disabilities.  They are funded by federal grants and provide advocacy and representation to individuals with disabilities regarding abuse and neglect, vocational rehabilitation, education, Medicaid, and more.  Thomas has been with Disability Rights since 2015, and has been a practicing attorney since 2009.  In his role with Disability Rights, he has represented individuals and their families regarding all areas of the organization's work.Senate Bill 340, sponsored by Senator Clark, would shift the focus of youth courts away from burdensome costs and toward supportive measures such as family and youth programs and services. Paired with SB340 is SB341, which covers the necessary reappropriations of funds. #arleg #youthadvocacy

The Arkansas Public Policy Panel sees eliminating youth fees and fines as both an economic justice and civil rights issue and has adopted this issue as a multi-year legislative priority through the Citizens First Congress. The remaining coalition members are Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition , Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families , Arkansas NAACP State Conference, Berkeley Law Policy Advocacy Clinic and Disability Rights Arkansas. On this episode of The Folding Chair we interview Julie Gomez, about the importance of eliminating juvenile fines and fees and the upcoming bill that will be filed this legislative session. The Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition works to end mass incarceration while giving the power back to those who have been impacted. We know that limiting contact with the juvenile criminal system is detrimental to our mission statement. By replacing youth fines & fees with valuable experiences like meaningful community and family based initiatives, we will be redirecting them one step closer into becoming a well-rounded adult and a better Arkansas.

On #MLKDay January 20, 2025 there is a FREE educational program! College 101 is hosted by the Buchanan Foundation, REAL Scholars, The Village Place and UAMS to empower our scholars for their post-secondary educational opportunities.  On this episode of The Folding Chair we talked to Andrea Neal about the College 101 event. College 101 is a college preparation event that will take place on January 20, 2025 from 9:30AM-4:00PM at the I. Dodd Wilson Education Building at University of Arkansas of Medical Sciences. College 101 is a three panel workshop designed to inform students on how to prepare and navigate college, scholarship opportunities, how to differentiate their college and scholarship applications from other applicants, campus life, and tips on how to select a college and major.  This event is FREE and open to students, parents, support members, teachers, counselors, high school and middle schoolers. Breakfast and lunch will be provided free of charge. Limited childcare available. Park in Visitor Lot 2 and bring your ticket in to be validated. Register on the link below https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScshpMGRYESP3fOwLVvrM7qK32dZ3jy7iB8tOFtV0JDAOzfow/viewform

Sundiata Salaam is a people-centered educator with over a decade of experience who is dedicated to nurturing lifelong leaders who seek to transform the classroom and the world. Sundiata began his career teaching Eighth-grade English in Capitol Heights, MD. His interest in building supportive and holistic learning communities led him to Memphis, TN, serving as Freedom Prep's founding Dean of Students in 2009. With an understanding that the curriculum is the entire environment of learning — from the teachers' attitudes to the school's values to the socio-emotional supports — Sundiata was a dean focused on high expectations for the entire school community. In 2014, he was promoted to Chief Schools Officer, and then moved into a Chief People Officer role two years later. Sundiata received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master of Arts degree in Pan-African Studies from Syracuse University. In 2023 Salaam founded Ubuntu Leadership Institute, with a goal to create the atmosphere where future leaders are always asking themselves: “What impact am I having on the whole?” Our hope is that our future leaders have/develop a compassionate heart and a critical mind as the foundation for school leadership. For more information please visit the website at https://www.ubuntulead.org.

The new prison is the centerpiece of Sanders' tough on crime criminal justice policy in the Protect Arkansas Act , which eliminated parole for the most serious crimes and made early release harder for other defendants.

Just ahead of winter, natural gas provider Summit Utilities is asking the Arkansas Public Service Commission to approve another rate increase that will impact more than 400,000 Arkansas residents. Summit Utilities has been gouging Arkansas residents and taxpayers since their purchase of CenterPoint Energy in 2022, constantly increasing their rates with no regard for the financial burden this places on hard-working families. On this episode of The Folding Chair we talk with Sylvia Brown about how Arkansans can make their voices heard on this proposed rate increase and what are our next steps. Curious. Resourceful. Social Impact Advocate. Public Policy Strategist. Sylvia C. Brown is a multi-faceted professional with 20+ years of experience implementing and supporting local, state, and federal government electoral and issue campaigns and grassroots community engagement. Sylvia launched Visibility Outreach Touch Engage South AR (VOTE SoAR), to till the soil for citizen-led activism and engaging neighbors on the issues and solutions important to them through relevant communication channels and methods and trusted messengers. Brown is Director of Strategic Operations for Ruralorganizing.org Education Fund. The role is a mix of human resources, organization management, development and strategic thinking on civic infrastructure building and public policy opportunities for rural advocates and practitioners.

Regina Marsha' formerly known as Eye Moon is a Motivational Speaker, Sobriety Advocate, Holistic Practitioner, & Nutrition Counselor residing in DFW. Regina uses music to tell her story so that others may be empowered & inspired to hone in on their power by practicing mindfulness & getting active in their bodies. Her motto is “We are not somebody. We are spirit. We HAVE a body and it's imperative to understand how important it is to know how to take care of ourselves totally Mind, Body, & Soul. Regina spent most of the pandemic studying, doing facilitation solo retreats & created an event called Sober Sundays for her tribe to practice mindfulness in Mexico. It was more so for herself as she's been healing traumas as she prepares to leave for Africa for another spiritual retreat & longevity assignment. In her single WDDDA with a catchy hook “Where Dey Do Dat At” she shares her sentiments about her past experiences with addictions and voices speaking low vibrational slurs to deter her off her path. The book, The music, The documentary, etc is a force to reckon with. Keep an eye on this individual who can't be boxed as an artist solely. She likes to see herself as a multifaceted multitalented vessel. Follow her @ItsReginaMarsha as she rebrands and pivots into the portals that reflect her highest destiny.  My website is: www.BackToSobriety.com Online Holistic Store: www.AncestralTerrestrial.com Main site/Linktree: www.ReginaMarsha.com

Regina Marsha' formerly known as Eye Moon is a Motivational Speaker, Sobriety Advocate, Holistic Practitioner, & Nutrition Counselor residing in DFW. Regina uses music to tell her story so that others may be empowered & inspired to hone in on their power by practicing mindfulness & getting active in their bodies. Her motto is “We are not somebody. We are spirit. We HAVE a body and it's imperative to understand how important it is to know how to take care of ourselves totally Mind, Body, & Soul. Regina spent most of the pandemic studying, doing facilitation solo retreats & created an event called Sober Sundays for her tribe to practice mindfulness in Mexico. It was more so for herself as she's been healing traumas as she prepares to leave for Africa for another spiritual retreat & longevity assignment. In her single WDDDA with a catchy hook “Where Dey Do Dat At” she shares her sentiments about her past experiences with addictions and voices speaking low vibrational slurs to deter her off her path. The book, The music, The documentary, etc is a force to reckon with. Keep an eye on this individual who can't be boxed as an artist solely. She likes to see herself as a multifaceted multitalented vessel. Follow her @ItsReginaMarsha as she rebrands and pivots into the portals that reflect her highest destiny.  My website is: www.BackToSobriety.com Online Holistic Store: www.AncestralTerrestrial.com Main site/Linktree: www.ReginaMarsha.com

My friend Boowee and Coffy Davis make a surprise visit to The Folding Chair and we have a great discussion on several topics. Boowee is the host of the As A Matter of BLACK podcast and Coffy Davis is the host of The Culture on KABF 88.3 FM Wednesdays 3pm-5pm CST. We discuss price gouging by Summit Utilities, Hurricane Milton making landfall, the truth about FEMA, a new potential entertainment district in West Little Rock and UAPB's Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South making an appearance on WWE. This podcast episode goes a few directions but we map out our thoughts so no one is lost.

On this episode of The Folding Chair podcast we talk to Meyonsha Riddles Stewart about her journey as an artist, her debut as a published author and how she overcame self sabotaging behaviors successfully. Meyonsha Riddles Stewart, known by her stage name soul.flwer, is a dynamic poet, writer, and educator hailing from Detroit, Michigan, and currently residing in Little Rock, Arkansas. With a deep connection to intuition and spirituality, Meyonsha's work is a blend of raw emotion, self-reflection, and empowerment, shaped by her experiences growing up in a vibrant Black American community. Her debut book, Worthy of Wonders: Letters from My Soul, is a heartfelt collection of poems, love letters, and reflections that capture the journey of self-discovery, love, and healing. Through her words, she invites readers to explore the depth of their own experiences and celebrate their worth. In addition to her writing, Meyonsha is a dedicated 7th-grade English Language Arts teacher, fostering creativity and resilience in her students. Her passion for education is matched by her love for performing and creating art that uplifts and connects with others. When she's not writing or teaching, you'll find her spending time with her family, hosting empowerment events, and continuing to inspire through her platform @soul.flwer. Link to purchase Worthy of Wonders: Letters from My Soul https://a.co/d/ev1BHl2 Link to my website: https://soulflwer.my.canva.site/meyonsha-riddles-stewart  Check out my websiteLink to my Amazon Author's profile: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DJ3GMG85  Link to The Bacon Magazine Article: https://www.thebaconmagazine.com/news/meyonsha-riddles-stewart-soulflwer-inspires-through-art-education-and-empowerment 

On this episode Osyrus Bolly and Brother Knowledge talk about Black August, LRCH Desegregation in 1957, The North Little Rock 6, Jerry Jones, The Cookout invites and more! If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a FOLDING CHAIR!!!

Tony Hill, Jr. is the 17-year-old owner of TJ's Mogul Enterprises, LLC and a rising senior at Sylvan Hills High School in Sherwood, Arkansas. He began his entrepreneurial journey with his first vending machine in 2021 after being inspired to create an income stream of his own involving something he loves-snacks. Tony is a graduate of the 2024 Little Rock BUILD Academy, which empowers entrepreneurs to scale their business and reach their highest potential. After graduating from BUILD Academy, Tony participated in the program's 30 second pitch competition and won 3rd place. 2019-2022, Tony was a participant in the 100 Black Men of Greater Little Rock's SMART program and in 2021, he was selected for the “peer mentor” of the year award.   In May, Tony attended Arkansas Boys State, in June he attended the Steve Harvey Mentoring Camp for young men in Georgia and in July he will attend the 3-day Frederick Douglass seminar at Hillsdale College in Michigan.  After graduating high school next year, Tony aspires to pursue a trade and continue expanding his business.  Tony Hill, Jr. Owner of TJ's Mogul Enterprises 501.313.3761

Arkansas politics, ballot measures, #BronnyJames, King of R&B, prayers for Senator Joyce Elliott and more on the The Folding Chair radio show with Brother Knowledge and Osyrus Bolly.

Osyrus Bolly and Brother Knowledge talk about the renter rights ordinance in Little Rock, the upcoming Downtown LR redevelopment proposal, new shelter for teens and adults in Central AR, Act Your Age on Netflix and more.

Kaye Chambers is a multi-million dollar top producing agent specializing in first time home buyers and military personnel and families. Proud mom and die hard Eagles fan. Go Birds.  Increasing homeownership among Black people requires a multifaceted approach that addresses historical and systemic barriers to accessing homeownership. By implementing equitable policy solutions in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, policymakers can help address the longstanding disparities in homeownership rates and promote greater equity and opportunity for Black people in the housing market. Kaye Chambers is dedicated to helping her clients find their perfect home, she's very passionate about her profession. Ms. Chambers is an exceptional real estate agent who can serve clients effectively and ethically, through transparency, problem solving, empathy and her strong communication skills she ensures that all of her clients receive top-notch service and guidance throughout their real estate journey. Follow on IG: @closedwithkaye Email: kaye@closedwithkaye.com

Why Black History Matters  Celebrating Black history and sharing cultural resources is crucial for promoting accuracy in historical context, combating stereotypes, celebrating achievements, empowering communities, fostering understanding and inspiring action towards a more just and equitable society. Also highlighting Black art is essential for preserving cultural heritage, promoting recognition and appreciation, increasing representation and visibility, infusion in education, building community, and empowering individuals and communities to express themselves creatively and authentically. We celebrate Black History Month with all educators, artists, and allies exploring the works of Black artists/educators, who have used their talents to express the triumphs, struggles and experiences of the Black community. Enjoy exploring this list - Osyrus Bolly Films  The Barber from Little Rock  We Have Just Begun a film about the 1919 Elaine Massacre & dispossession Rustin on Netflix  Shirley starring Regina King releases on Netflix March 22, 2024.  Origin official trailer  Bob Marley: One Love  How Quawntay "Bosco" Adams Helped Produce the Peacock Biopic from Behind Bars WE GROWN NOW drops April 19, 2024.  The Astronaut Who Lost His Helmet trailer and film coming soon  Sweetwater on Hulu  Literature  Everyday Is A Sunday by Obafemi Kinsiedilele  The Vegan Soul Food Guide to the Galaxy by Afya Ibomu End of The Line: History of Little Rock's West Ninth St. by Berna J. Love Ananse Journal by Patrick Oliver  A Revolutionary for Our Time: The Walter Rodney Story by Leo Zeilig  Demonic Grounds: Black Women and the Cartographies of Struggle by Katherine McKittrick  Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray  ARSNICK: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Arkansas  Blood in Their Eyes: The Elaine Massacre of 1919 by Grif Stockley, Brian K. Mitchell and Guy Lancaster  The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson  Ella the Banker by Liam Sprinkle and Shamim Okolloh  Music/Podcasts  MICHAEL by Killer Mike 3X GRAMMY winning album by Killer Mike Jon Batiste "World Music Radio"  Linger Awhile by Samara Joy  The Folding Chair podcast  [REDACTED] History podcast  Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox podcast  Therapy for Black Girls podcast  One Mic: Black History podcast  Questlove Supreme podcast  Candice Ivory - When The Levee Breaks (The Music Of Memphis Minnie) Bilal + HighBreedMusic present: VOYAGE-19 The Music of Yuni Wa

The Folding Chair podcast examines the case of Marshall Ray Price, who died after what officials say was a consensual boxing match with another inmate at Greene County Jail in Paragould, Arkansas in December 2022. We recently spoke with Price's daughter Julian about her fight for justice and decriminalization efforts. Marshall Ray Price died at a local hospital while in custody of the Greene County Sheriffs Department on December 8, 2022.  Price's injuries were said to be the result of a consensual boxing match in jail. The other “boxer” was said to have toilet paper and socks wrapped on his hands and hit Price twice. This is not consistent with witness testimony. Price died a very violent and painful death. The Sheriffs narrative and outcome is linked here give it a read yourselves. https://neareport.com/2023/03/14/no-charges-in-marshall-price-jail-death/ According to the coroner Price died of a ruptured spleen, multiple broken ribs, a brain stem injury and other injuries that are not consistent with a two punch boxing match. Price was only 2 weeks in on a 10 year sentence for possessing kratom, a supplement that's legal ten minutes from his home another state over. Witnesses in the jail said they heard Price calling for help for 5 hours before help arrived and the manner in which Price was treated by medical staff was cruel and inhumane. Price died before his family was even notified.   We believe possession of kratom should not result in prison time for anyone, kratom can be used for pain relief, management of opioid withdrawal, depression relief, mood enhancement, energy etc. Price was in possession of kratom to sober up after a 20 year addiction when he was arrested in Greene County, kratom is legal minutes away in Missouri. Mitragyna speciosa (commonly known as kratom, a herbal leaf from a tree of the Rubiaceae family is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. It is indigenous to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea, where it has been used in herbal medicine since at least the 19th century. It has opioid properties and some stimulant effects. #KeepKratomSafe

Dr. Airic Hughes is an entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and faculty member in the Department of History at the University of Arkansas. His research examines Black geographies in America through the lens of federal interstate development in his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Hughes is the founder and CEO of Visionairi Enterprises.  Final quote by Katherine McKittrick Check out these links to learn more about Black geography and the importance of storytelling. https://www.truvisionairi.com https://www.micheauxfilmlabs.org https://katherinemckittrick.com/ https://www.amreese.com/

Kirsten Keels is a proud NWA native turned Ivy League and international scholar. A first generation, low income student, Kirsten is a recent graduate of Princeton University and Fulbright Fellowship Recipient whose work revolves around global Blackness and popular music. Primarily, Korean Popular Music (K-pop). She seeks to reveal the ways that Black music acts as a foundation or undercurrent in much musical activity, even while that foundation is seldom explicitly acknowledged. Or better yet, how Black music has combined with local cultures to create new genres, movements, culture, etc. Black music IS popular music. As a vocalist, she also works to combine her love of music making and community (when she can). Kirsten currently works as the Program Manager for Equity, Inclusion, and Community and the Bard Queer Leadership Project at Bard College at Simon's Rock. She can be reached further at: kkeelsbusiness@gmail or give her a follow. Ig: k_keeels, tiktok: k.keels 

Celestine Wesley, recipient of the 2023 EJ Miller Lifetime Achievement Award. A Tribute to Mrs. Celestine Wesley featuring Dr. Raquell Barton, Lynnise Wesley, Velva Jones, Freeda Williams, Madison Wesley, Pastor Ricky Hicks, Denise McCoy, Bobbie Banks, Sherry Cobb, Lasonya Smith, Kent Moore, Cassie Bey, Bill Kopky and Kymara Seals.

Tyson Jackson is the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Black With No Chaser, playing a key role in managing the company, developing its leaders, and guiding its growth. He balances his demanding career with his roles as a husband and father, and is deeply involved in community and political organizing, especially within the Black community in the US South. As an advocate, he works hard to combat systemic racism and supports human rights, extending his efforts to fight for technological equality and against digital bias. Additionally, Tyson is passionate about art, merging his creative talents in digital media, music, and video with his activism for social justice. Visit the website https://blackwithnochaser.com/

Tiffeni Fontno​Creator, Educator, Librarian, Literacy & Curriculum Activist and Student  Tiffeni has worked as a classroom teacher, school librarian and technology teacher. She currently works in in higher education, in academic leadership. ​She taught children's literature in HIgher Education and is an active member in the American Library Association. Fontno earned her doctorate in the Leadership of Organizations program at the University of Dayton's School of Education and Health Sciences.Tiffeni is from Cleveland, Ohio and loves her hometown. Please support our librarians and protect our libraries, for more info visit uniteagainstbookbans.org

Do we really have to explain why Black History matters? This year the state government and the Arkansas Department of Education has declared war on African American History/Black Studies. On this special episode of The Folding Chair podcast, Osyrus Bolly gives listeners the latest news about the AP African American History course being taught in a few high schools in our state, why the it's under attack in the state of Arkansas and our next steps as education advocates.

Representative Vivian Flowers (D)Rep. Vivian Flowers is serving her fifth term in the Arkansas House. She represents District 65 which includes a portion of Jefferson County and Arkansas County.For the 94th General Assembly, Rep. Flowers serves on the House Education Committee and the House Insurance and Commerce Committee. Rep. Flowers also serves on the Joint Budget Committee.Rep. Flowers earned a degree in Political Science and Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She went on to earn a Master's Degree from the Clinton School of Public Service.She currently resides in Pine Bluff

Katina Booth White is a proud native of Little Rock, AR. Her love and enthusiasm for STEM and youth inspired her to obtain a degree in Middle Childhood Education, with an emphasis in math and science. Katina began her career in education as an Integrated Science, Project Lead the Way, and Robotics Instructor. In this role she successfully led multiple teams to regional and nationals awards in both VEX and BEST robotics. Katina was awarded 2018 Sherwood Teacher of the Year and 2020 Forest Heights STEM Academy Teacher of the Year. Additionally, she was invited to be a keynote speaker for the 2018 March for Science. She was selected as one of twenty five educators across the nation as a 2021 Ford Unsung Hero Award Recipient. Currently, Katina serves as Vice President for the National Technical Association- Arkansas Chapter and Media Director of National Association for Geoscience Teacher Education Division and on the DEI Committee for the National Association for Geoscience Teachers. In 2021, Katina merged her passion for equity/inclusion and STEM by accepting an offer from UAMS Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. UAMS is largest academic health center in the state of Arkansas. She is the inaugural Curriculum Coordinator for the UAMS Pathways Academy. In this role, Katina spearheads curriculum design crafted to pique the interest of youth in an effort to one day shift the status quo of today's health care workforce. She's created several award-winning, nationally recognized, culturally-relevant STEM programs and opportunities for grades K-undergraduate. Using multiple pedagogies, she co-creates intentional curricula tailored to impact and enrich historically excluded youth (minority, rural, low socio-economic, etc.) in underserved areas. In 2022, she co-authored and published 2 books: STEM Looks Like Me and Dear Sis, I love you.. Anthology of Black Sisterhood. Katina is the mother of a beautiful, bright, and creative young girl named Jai. She considers motherhood her favorite way to serve. She continually aims to provide an environment that affords her daughter the gift of positive self-efficacy, self-esteem and passion to learn. It's this grounding that fuels Katina's passion to impact her community and students for the better. She truly believes that everyone possesses a gift and a light that must be shared with the world for us all to reach our greatest heights as a society. Her goal is to make sure that all children be given the tools and provided the opportunity to let their light shine and become unapologetic about who they were created to be “A Manifestation of Greatness!”

Adaja Cooper is a national award-winning, published artist from Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in Magnolia, Arkansas, Cooper has always expressed a passion for art at a young age. Cooper's art has also been published in the Mahyue Magazine, the Little Rock Soirée Magazine, and Hendrix College's Aonian Literary Magazine. She created multiple paintings for the Central Arkansas Library System, one which is featured on a billboard in Little Rock, Arkansas. Cooper has been in multiple galleries including the Hearne Fine Art Gallery, Mosaic Templars Cultural Museum, and The Baum Gallery. She was named a finalist for the 2022 Arkansas Times "Best of Arkansas" in the Visual Art category and was featured on the cover of the July issue of the magazine. Cooper is a recent graduate of   Hendrix College and a recipient of the 2023 Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. During her fellowship, she will travel for a year creating public art that empowers different cultures around the world. Follow her on all social media platforms @adajacooper Support Adaja Cooper by visiting her website adajacooperstudio.com

ABOUT PHILLIP MOUTON Trap Jazz is a hybrid of two generations of Black music. A new genre of sound birthed out of the original art forms of contemporary and Jazz standards with a baseline and core of traditional Hip-Hop. Phillip “Philli Moo” Mouton is one of the giants of this genre. Philli Moo is molding his legacy as a premiere saxophonist, in addition to his skills as a singer, producer, and drummer. He is the former student of legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry Ron Carter,  the great saxophonist and music aficionado Gerald Johnson, and  his  father, pianist Carl Mouton. An alumni of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), Mouton completed a B.S. in Music. While in school, he was a member of the M4 Marching Band and he is a current member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Hosea Long was born in Cross County, Wynne, Arkansas.  From early life, he's entertained dreams that were at odds with others. He became a Star Trek fan from the first airing of the TV show in 1966 and has remained a staunch fan.  He attended the AM&N College in 1969 and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1973, one year after AM&N became a part of the University of Arkansas. He later received a master's degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  He enjoyed a forty-one-year career in Arkansas government, working in several state agencies, including the governor's office. Human resources management consumed most of his time in public service, 37 years. He enjoyed the last 23 years of his career serving in the human resources department at the university of Arkansas for Medical Science. The last 15 years there were spent as the associate vice chancellor/chief human resources officer. Retirement came joyfully in January 2013. Hosea is married to Christene Long. They have three adult children. God has blessed this family with eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Hosea Long has been a member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church since 1985, serving on the finance committee, budget committee and in several other volunteer capacities. His true calling is Sunday school teacher. He's led the mixed class (married and single), “Connecting with Christ” for the last 30-plus years. He enjoys the company of his wife, studying God's word, blogging, and is an observer of all things spiritual. He now serves as the group leader for the Saint John Chronic Illness Support Group. He leads this group as a sufferer from a chronic illness himself. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a form of blood cancer in 2000. He relapsed in 2018 and is currently living with a low level of cancer cells in his body, enjoying a high quality of life.  Retirement is the best job he's ever had, and God is truly his BFF.

Billy Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., is the former and first Medical Director of the 12th Street Health and Wellness Center. He is a Professor of Neonatology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and former Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion in the Center for Diversity Affairs (CDA). Dr. Thomas earned his Medical Degree at UAMS in 1980. He completed his internship and residency training in Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/Arkansas Children's Hospital. He subsequently completed a fellowship in Neonatal/Perinatal medicine at Case Western Reserve/Metropolitan General Hospital and later received a Master's in Public Health from the Tulane School of Public Health. Dr. Thomas combines an active clinical practice with his duties as the Co-PI (Principle Investigator) on two NIH funded program grants. His clinical service is primarily inpatient and focuses on the care of critically ill neonates. In addition to his clinical responsibilities he teaches and mentors not only students and residents but also junior faculty. He also serves on multiple committees with a primary goal of increasing institutional diversity through the recruitment and retention of minority and underserved students and faculty. Dr. Thomas is the first Black Neonatalogist in the state of Arkansas.

Kaleem Nazeem was released from prison on August 10, 2018, after serving 28 years and 11 months. Today, his is a proud member of the Incarcerated Children's Advocacy Network(ICAN). Since his release, he has received his associate degree in Energy Control from ASU-Newport and advocated for fair sentences for juveniles, prison reform, and social justice for impoverished communities. Kaleem works as a Movement Builder with DecARcerate. Additionally, he volunteers with the Arkansas Poor People's Campaign, works with incarcerated youth at the Jonesboro Juvenile Detention Center, and serves as a board member for Compassion Works For All. This was a long overdue conversation, we encourage everyone to support the criminal justice legislation Kaleem mentions in this podcast.

Wesley Peters is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas and he is the Creative Officer of Revolt Renaissance Publishing. For the "Arkansas Black History" Coloring Book - Volume 1 visit https://adaja-cooper-studio.myshopify.com/ Learn more about Revolt Renaissance Publishing at https://revoltrenaissancepublishing.com/

The Why Black History Matters event will stress the importance of teaching Black history throughout the year and not just in February. Joining on The Folding Chair podcast us for the #BHM conversation are special guests Stacey McAdoo and Kwami Abdul-Bey. This discussion is meant to empower others through discussing strategies and activities to promote Black history education that will affirm, inspire and educate the public. Year-round discussion and study of Black history also provides important context for how we got to where we are today and a deeper understanding of the issues we still face in this country. We must also prepare ourselves for the legislative attacks on Black history under the guise of critical race theory ban in Arkansas and nationally. Stacey James McAdoo Stacey, our “forever” 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, is the founder of the spoken word collective called Writeous Poets from Little Rock. She is also a 21-year educator, the founding Executive Director for Teach Plus Arkansas and the creator and host of the education podcast “A Mile in My Shoes: The Walk and Talk Podcast.” Visit her blog at www.stillstacey.com to learn more. Kwami Abdul-Bey Kwami is the Elections Coordinator/Organizer at the Arkansas Public Policy Panel. He is also a public historian and legislative drafter who serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Historical Association and the Board of Directors of the National Lawyers Guild--Arkansas Chapter. In a past life, Kwami taught 7th grade social studies at Henderson Junior High School.

This is live discussion about Senate Bill 71, Against SB71: An Attempt to End Affirmative Action with advocates Rosa Velázquez and Ryan D. Davis. Ryan D. Davis, Little Rock Freedom Fund Co-Founder: Ryan is dedicated to his family, his work, his church and the community. He's a native of Little Rock where he serves on the boards of various justice and community based organizations, including Arkansas Public Policy Panel, Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Decarcerate Arkansas, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (chair), Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families(vice-chair). He's a Co-Founder of Little Rock Freedom Fund. Ryan's writings has appeared in Crisis Magazine, Black Books Bulletin, Arkansas Times, Sphinx, Stand News, The Chicago Defender and Black Issues Book Review. He is the co-author of Conversations in Color. Davis is an advocate for children, who represent the only future we have. He subscribes to the Kikuyu proverb “Work with the clay while it is still wet.” Ryan D. Davis is an ordained elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Associate Pastor at Bullock Temple C.M.E. Church. Rosa Velázquez, Advocate and Community Organizer Rosa is an advocate and community organizer. she leads impact work in Arkansas and around the country with more than 12 years of community organizing, power building, public policy and philanthropic skillset. Rosa immigrated from México when she was four years old, and has made Arkansas her home. She is a locally and nationally recognized advocate for immigrant's rights and played a critical role in developing the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. Locally, Rosa led the work for in-state tuition equity, DACA Nurses, DACA Teachers and professional licenses, now laws in Arkansas. She is passionate about social justice, education and racial equity. She has a history of uplifting and cultivating undocumented youth, Latinx organizers, and mentoring powerful women of color. Rosa's current project includes directing The Movement Institute, a Black and Brown led community organizing accelerator aimed at building and shifting power in Arkansas and the deep South. Rosa and her rescue Siberian Husky, Whiskey, have made Little Rock their home. ***************************************************************** More about SB71 If passed, this bill would ban the use of affirmative action in Arkansas. It will prohibit state governmental institutions from considering race, sex, sexual orientation or ethnicity, specifically in the areas of public employment, public contracting, and public education. It would gut state and local protections against discrimination. This will have a major impact on enrollment in medical schools and graduate programs for underrepresented groups as well. Arkansas would become the 9th state to ban affirmative action if this bill is passed into law. SB71 is an attack on equal opportunity that could end minority scholarships, support for women owned businesses, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Read the bill here: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/FTPDocument?path=%2FBills%2F2023R%2FPublic%2FSB71.pdf

Just Joy Hair is an innovative hair company that specializes in natural hair care products and services. With an urban and carribean feel, Just Joy promises vivrant hair experiences. Our Ceo LaRonda Joy Davis started the company with her clients in mind. As a natural stylist, she promotes healthy hair and protective styles. 90% of her clients were natural and were uneducated on how to manage their own hair. They trusted the products she used and inspired her to create her own. She started with Just Joy Hair Oil for her loc and braid customers. Just Joy Hair Oil promotes growth, improves the moisture retention, and aids as a protectant against the sun, bug bites, and skin abrasions. Her network loved the oil and inspired her to create shampoo and conditioners. With them in mind, Just Joy has 11 amazing products for them to enjoy. Our Products are carefully formulated with ingredients you can find in your kitchen or if you're on an island, right in de yard. We are proud to share sensational paraben and suffocate products to our customers. Visit her website https://justjoyhair.com/ for more information.

Drekkia Writes- the poet, the artist, the creator and energy curator. CEO of Seven of Arts, an educational consulting firm. She is the founder of the womens empowerment organization hey, sis! & The Melanin Land and a published author with the books 17 Mirrors and The Art of Securing the Bag. Writes is an award winning spoken word artist. She served as the Arts in Education Program Manager for the state of Arkansas and currently serves as the youngest elected official on the Little Rock School District School Board and serves as a commissioner on the Arts + Culture Commission. Her background is in teaching poetry and creative writing as a way to help modify behavior, address social emotional learning and to help increase literacy and communication skills. She is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas where she studied Business Administration, Insurance and Risk Management. She is also a radio personality on 96.5FM providing inspiration every Tuesday. Writes main focus in life is to entertain, educate and empower the community through the arts. Follow on social media: https://www.instagram.com/drekkia/ https://www.facebook.com/drekkia www.Drekkia.com

Brad Betts is an activist/influencer against racism, social injustice, and poverty from Camden, AR. He created the group Camden's Fight Against Hate in response to a white supremacist group showing up at Camden's annual Daffodil Festival in 2018. In this episode of The Folding Chair we talk about activism, racism, politics, emotional labor, mental health breaks and more in a raw and unfiltered conversation about South Arkansas and the nation as we enter midterm elections. Follow Brad Betts on Twitter & Instagram @870South

Issue 2 is an unnecessary, permanent change to our constitution that would eliminate the democratic principle of one person, one vote — allowing just 41% of voters to block important issues. This November, protect majority rule: Vote AGAINST Issue 2. We interviewed Kwami Abdul-Bey who is the Elections Coordinator and Organizer for the Arkansas Public Policy Panel. Learn more, donate, or volunteer: www.protectARrights.org All Arkansans want the freedom to make decisions that affect our lives, and ballot initiatives allow us to exercise that freedom. But now, politicians and wealthy special interests are trying to fool us into giving away our freedom to make decisions so they can get what they want, instead of what the people want. Issue #2 would permanently change our constitution to make it harder to exercise our freedom to decide on important issues that affect our state. • Politicians don't have to win elections by 60% • #arleg doesn't have to pass laws by 60% • Why should the people be held to a different standard? Vote AGAINST Issue 2. #arpx #arleg #issue2

Tim Campbell is an activist and a native of Little Rock, Arkansas. Last spring, Campbell was the recipient of the Shannon Butler Bridge Builder Award for the Class of 2021, recognized as the school's top honor. The award is presented to a student in each graduating class who has displayed collaborative leadership skills and exemplifies the spirit of bringing people together. Campbell was appointed to the City of Little Rock's Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission in the summer of 2021. He was sworn in to the Pulaski County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee in March 2021 and served as a member of Governor Asa Hutchinson's Task Force to Advance the State of Law Enforcement in Arkansas, which presented its findings to the Governor in December 2020. In the summer of 2020, he led peaceful protests in Little Rock following the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. He was presented with the 2022 L.E.A.D. Service Award by the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission in recognition of his accomplishments and initiatives. In addition to earning his Master of Public Service, Campbell graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a degree in health and wellness. He is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served as a Community Health Facilitator in The Gambia from 2016-2018. Following his tenure with the Peace Corps, Campbell spent a six-month practicum with the Office of International Programs and Studies at UAPB, serving as a Senior Adviser to UAPB's Peace Corps Prep Program. Campbell is the Founder of the non-profit The Arkansas Movement for Change.

State Senator Joyce Elliott represents Senate District 31, comprising parts of Little Rock and Pulaski County. She was elected to the Senate in 2008, after having served three terms in the House of Representatives, from 2001 through 2006. In 2013 Senator Elliott received the Arkansas Municipal League Distinguished Legislator Award. In 2003 the Central Arkansas Labor Council honored her with the Marty Schuller Community Service Award. The same year WiLL (Women's Legislative Lobby) recognized her with its Pacesetter Award for leadership and commitment to the vision of a just, peaceful and inclusive world. Also, she was named by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette as one of the Ten Best Legislators of the 2003 General Assembly and the 2005 General Assembly. In 2004, Elliott also was recognized by Women and Children First: The Center Against Family Violence for her advocacy. In 2004, Elliott was one of only 15 women state legislators nationwide to participate in the Foreign Policy Institute for State Legislators sponsored by the Center for Women's Policy Studies. She was also selected by the center as one of 16 women — six from the U.S. and 10 members of parliaments from 10 other countries — to participate in the GlobalPOWER Class of 2006, which focused on the status of women around the world. Senator Elliott was honored by LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) with the 2005 President's Award, was named by Power Play magazine as the 2005 Power Player of the Year, was honored by The Omni Center for Peace and Justice and Ecology with an Arkansas Heroes Award for Peace and Justice. In 2005, she was honored by her alma mater, Southern Arkansas University, with a Distinguished Alumni Award; by the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame with the Founder's Award; and by the Arkansas Public Service Association with an Advocacy Award. The same year, she was honored by the National Conference for Community and Justice with its 2006 Humanitarian Award, and the Democratic Party of Arkansas honored her with its Gressie Carnes Democratic Woman of the Year Award. In 2006, ACLU-Arkansas named Elliott the Civil Libertarian of the Year. In 2007, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families presented her its 2006 Legislative Friend of Children Award. Later that year, the Arkansas chapter of 100 Black Men recognized her with its Pillar Award for Education. Senator Elliott was born in Willisville, where she graduated from high school. She earned an undergraduate degree in English and speech from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia in 1973 and a graduate degree in English from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia in 1981. For 30 years Elliott taught high school juniors and seniors Advanced Placement and standard courses. She has taught in Florida, Minnesota and Texas. In 2004 Senator Elliott left the classroom and began working for the College Board, focusing on expanding access to AP classes for students currently underrepresented: African-American, Latino, rural and low-income students. Senator Elliott has been active with the Democratic Party at the local, state and national level, having served as first vice chairman of the Democratic Party of Arkansas, a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and its Resolution Committee. She is a member of Mosaic Church and enjoys reading, whitewater rafting, canoeing, traveling, walking/hiking, working out at the gym, listening to various types of music, dancing and seeking an overall balanced life. Senator Elliott has one son, Elliott Barnes of Little Rock. The next chapter for Senator Elliott is the start of her non-profit Get Loud Arkansas. Get Loud Arkansas is a non-profit organization working to register new voters, engage low propensity voters and mobilize all eligible voters to utilize the power of their vote to shape the future of Arkansas.

The Pulaski County Voters' Guide https://www.vipvoter.org/voterguide was released in a collaborative effort from LRCA Indivisible, Arkansas Public Policy Panel, Little Rock Freedom Fund, NAACP Little Rock & North Little Rock branches, W. Harold Flowers Law Society, DecARcerate, League of Women Voters of Pulaski County and Arkansas Community Organizations. Physical copies of the Pulaski County Voters' Guide are available at any branch of the Central Arkansas Library System. Voter education is providing unbiased, non-partisan information, voters are able to connect directly with the facts so they can: Register to vote Learn about the candidates and issues on their ballot Learn about their voting options, such as when and how to receive their ballot Learn about important dates and deadlines, so they don't miss their opportunity to vote We educate voters across the state by providing the information they need to participate. Loriee Evans is the lead organizer for Indivisible Little Rock and Central Arkansas, as well as the campaigns director for Arkansas Community Organizations. Indivisible LRCA is a grassroots voter education and mobilization organization. Arkansas Community Organizations organizes low-income and working families to work toward affordable healthcare, secure housing, and livable incomes. Promoting civic engagement is one of the ways they accomplish that work.

“End the Uyghur Genocide” is a youth-led activism project started in 2021 by students in Arkansas . Mission statement: Our mission is to spread awareness and bring attention to the genocide of Uyghur people. We plan on supporting several bills within Congress and urging them to prioritize this issue. We are passionate about giving voices to those who cannot speak out and will continue until the Uyghur people are given the security, freedom, and peace everyone is entitled to. Hadia Choudhary is currently a junior in high school. She is the founder of "End the Uyghur Genocide." Besides working on this project, she attends Quranic classes with an institute in Pakistan and with an institute in Canada. She is an official poet, a tutor, and a social justice activist. She loves to serve her community and spend time with her family and friends. She is also highly involved in her school activities, some of which include theatre, student Congress, future business leaders of America, the youth advisory council, French honorary, and student council. Abby McMullin is a junior in high school. When not working on the End the Uyghur Genocide project, she can be found working on her school's yearbook, teaching and playing the piano, taking pictures, reading, or listening to music. She is passionate about learning history, engaging in politics, and advocating for what's right. Abby joined the Uyghur project in the summer of 2021. For more information follow End the Uyghur Genocide on Instagram: @uyghur_project TikTok: uyghur.project YouTube: uyghur.project

Shandrea Murphy-Washington is an Arkansas native born in Pine Bluff and raised in Little Rock. She is a graduate of the Mills University Studies High School, UA Little Rock, and the Clinton School of Public Services. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, a Certification in Nonprofit Management, and a Master of Public Service. She is the owner and lead consultant at Murphy Washington Consulting, an agency that focuses on improving the quality-of-life African American youth and families through holistic and culturally responsive programs and services. She also works as a Program Assistant for the African American Policy Forum, a New York based social justice think tank that connects academics, activists and policymakers to promote efforts to dismantle structural inequality. She is the author of Talking to Myself, a poetry collection that focuses on family and mental wellness. Links: Talking To Myself: https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Myself-S-M-Washington/dp/B08FNMPFRG/ref=sr_1_11?crid=2KHDMI7WL4U6S&keywords=talking+to+myself+poetry&qid=1644858963&sprefix=talking+to+myself+poetry%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-11 Murphy-Washington Consulting: https://www.murphywashingtonconsulting.com/ Email: smurphywashington@gmail.com African American Policy Forum: https://www.aapf.org

The Red Summer of 1919 was a period where white supremacy terrorism took place in more than 3 dozen cities in the United States including Phillips County, Arkansas. The Elaine Massacre was by far the deadliest race massacre in Arkanscas history and possibly in the history of the United States. While its deepest roots lay in the state's commitment to white supremacy, the events in Elaine (Phillips County) stemmed from tense race relations and growing concerns about labor unions. A shooting incident that occurred at a meeting of the Progressive Farmers and Household Union escalated into mob violence on the part of the white people in Elaine and surrounding areas. Although the exact number is unknown, estimates of the number of African Americans killed by whites range into the hundreds(estimated more than 800 African-American people were murdered. The conflict began on the night of September 30, 1919, when approximately 100 African Americans, mostly sharecroppers on the plantations of white landowners, attended a meeting of the Progressive Farmers and Household Union of America at a church in Hoop Spur (Phillips County), three miles north of Elaine. The purpose of the meeting, one of several by black sharecroppers in the Elaine area during the previous months, was to obtain better payments for their cotton crops from the white plantation owners who dominated the area during the Jim Crow era. Lisa Hicks-Gilbert is the Founder of the Descendants of the Elaine Massacre of 1919, the group is dedicated to amplifying the voices of the descendants of Elaine Massacre victims, reclaiming our narrative, honoring our ancestors, honoring our ancestors, organizing and collaborating to support the historic and economic empowerment efforts of Elaine, Arkansas and the surrounding communities . Hicks-Gilbert learned that she is related to Frank and Ed Hicks, two of the dozen Black men who were convicted and sentenced to death after the massacre in sham trials. They are known collectively as the Elaine 12. If you want to contribute assistance to the Descendants of The Elaine Massacre organization, contact Lisa Hicks-Gilbert via Facebook: @Descendants of The Elaine Massacre of 1919. The organization is currently accepting donations via Cash App: $DOEM1919 or its GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign. To find it, go to www.GoFundMe.com and search for: “Help the Descendants of the Elaine Massacre!”

Sidney Moncrief Served as founder of over six successful companies from retail automotive to people development and consulting A life-long entrepreneur with over 34 years of company start-up experience Served on the Board of Directors of multiple organizations from a Fortune 500 company to community non-profits. Coach Moncrief has been recently elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He is a five-time NBA All-Star, five-time member of the NBA All-Defensive team, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and an NBA All-Pro. He is a former head coach and assistant coach. As a coach, Sidney Moncrief has served on the coaching staff of the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors and the Milwaukee Bucks. He has been an international team as the head consultant in Beijing Sidney is also author of seven books: “My Journey to the NBA” ” Your Passport to Reinventing You” ” Your Passport to Becoming a Valuable Team Player” ” Your Passport to Back2Basics Leadership” ” Your Passport to Manhood” “Inspiring Tips for All-Star Entrepreneurs Reinventing You – No Risk, No Reward He is currently managing partner of Moncrief One Team. Moncrief One Team is a people development company specializing in Team Enhancement, Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, and Career Readiness.

Dr. Caree Banton is the Director of African and African American Studies and an Associate Professor of African Diaspora History at the University of Arkansas. She received a MA in Development Studies from the University of Ghana in July 2012 and completed her doctoral work at Vanderbilt University in June, 2013. Her research focuses on movements around abolition, emancipation, colonization as well as ideas of citizenship, blackness, and nationhood in the 19th century. Her research has been supported by a number of fellowships, including the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship that allowed her to do research in West Africa, the Andrew M. Mellon Foundation Fellowship at the Robert Penn Warren Center where she joined a group of scholars across a wide range of academic disciplines in the Sawyer Seminar--“The Age of Emancipation: Black Freedom in the Atlantic World"-- to study abolition, anti-slavery, and emancipation for the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Lapidus Center Fellowship at the Schomburg Center and the Nancy Weiss Malkiel Fellowship for exceptional scholarship and participation in service activities. At the University of Arkansas, Dr. Banton teaches classes in Afro-Caribbean History, African Diaspora History, and race. Her book manuscript, "More Auspicious Shores”: Barbadian Migration to Liberia, Blackness, and the Making of the African Republic, 1865 – 1912, a study that explores continuities and mutabilities in black experiences of freedom, citizenship, and nationhood across the Atlantic world was published by Cambridge University Press in May 2019. Purchase Dr. Banton's book "More Auspicious Shores: Barbadian Migration to Liberia, Blackness, and the Making of an African Republic" at https://www.amazon.com/More-Auspicious-Shores-Barbadian-Migration/dp/1108429637

Stacey McAdoo is Teach Plus' Arkansas State Director and the 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Prior to joining Teach Plus, she spent 19 years in the Little Rock School District (the largest urban district in the state) as an accomplished classroom practitioner, college and career readiness coordinator, and the lead secondary novice mentor teacher for the entire district. As a professional development facilitator of over two decades, she designs and leads sessions that focus on best practices, instructional strategies, empowering student and teacher voice, and promoting equity and the success of diverse learners. Stacey is the founder of The Writeous Poets (a spoken word & youth advocacy collective), an appointed board member of the Central Arkansas Library System, and a member of the National Arts in Education Advisory Council. Additionally, she has also served on the Arkansas State Board of Education, Teach Plus' Arkansas Teacher Policy Advisory Board, and the design thinking Phoenix Project. Stacey holds a BA in Professional & Technical Writing, a MA in Teaching and is finishing up an advanced graduate degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessments. She lives in Little Rock with her husband, Leron, where they are the proud parents of Norel and Jamee. Visit her blog at www.stillstacey.com to learn more about her.

In America redistricting is the process of drawing electoral district boundaries. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 protected voters against racial gerrymandering by requiring states to prove that their changes to voting systems, including redistricting, do not have any discriminatory effect. The Single-Member District Mandate, a congressional act enacted in 1967, requires that representatives be elected from single member districts. Redistricting in Arkansas happens every 10 years following the release of the Census data. How and where districts are drawn determines where residents can vote, who they can vote for, and even how responsive elected officials are to their constituents' requests. All communities deserve equal access to political representation. In Arkansas, maps are drawn by an Apportionment Board consisting of the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State. Arkansas' state constitution requires that state legislative districts be contiguous, meaning connected, and to keep counties themselves whole. All state and local districts must also adhere to the 10% rule – meaning that there cannot be more than a 10% population size different between districts. The Apportionment Board also considers compactness, maintaining the core of existing districts, continuity of representation, as well as respecting communities of interest. “Communities” may refer to social or cultural connections, racial or ethnic communities, religious identities, or even political attitudes. Communities of interest can also include things like public school district boundaries and military bases. Many local elected officials breeze past young voters under the assumption that they are fleeting and aren't going to stay long, so they continue to cater to the older, wealthier, settled down community. But I ask – which came first, the chicken or the egg? Young voters would be more likely to participate in the voting process and engage in policy if their opinions were taken more seriously and discussed. Redistricting is a way to ensure that young people attending the Downtown Art Walks, Music Downtown at Sundown, Fall Fest, and going to places like Fat Daddy's, Old Bank, and Cagle's Mill to hang out will be collectively listened to. And not just listened to – heard. Go to https://arkansasredistricting.org and use your mouse to click “make a public comment. Next, scroll down to type in your name, city, county, state, phone number and ZIP code. Next, leave a comment of 700 characters or less about your motivation for submitting a comment. Communities should get involved in redistricting if they feel their issues have not been adequately addressed by their elected representative. We should use this as an opportunity to address community issues in personal impact stories. Stories help demonstrate the importance of having elected officials who understand and respond to community needs. Sharing your community of interest testimony at is a powerful way of shaping your community's district maps for the next decade to come Leaving your comment on redistricting will only take a few minutes and it's an opportunity to let your voice be heard to influence how our government can work for us. By submitting your comment you've made sure your voice is heard in this pivotal redistricting process. Thanks for being an active citizen in the redistricting process in Arkansas,