Urban Islanders

Urban Islanders intern Gail Bautista walks us through Zakiyyah's travels in the Philadelphia arts scene, featuring:Alfeia DeVaughn-Goodwin - Living Statue ArtistSocial Media: #iamalivingstatue (IG) and @Alfeia (Twitter)Alfeia pursues social and racial justice through her performance art as a living statue.Denise Valentine - Master Storyteller, Story Activist, and ConsultantDenise Valentine is a Master Storyteller, historical performer, consultant and the founder of the Philadelphia Middle Passage Ceremony & Port Marker Project. Denise is a storyteller of lost and found histories of the African Diaspora. Her signature Historytelling integrates archival research, folk heritage and oral history for performance and exhibition demonstrating the role of expressive cultural arts in sustaining community. Denise has presented worldwide for audiences of all ages at schools, libraries and museums. Currently, she works as an educator for the Museum of the American Revolution. She also serves as advisor to the curatorial team of the new Early American Art Galleries of the Philadelphia Museum of Art opening in 2020.Special thanks to Serafina Harris, Jacob Harris, Jordan Dale, and Lisa DeSantiago from Temple for their lively discussion!Music: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Man Ray Suite – Music: http://www.philajazzproject.org/data/uploads/01%20Man%20Ray%20Suite%20Mixtape.mp3Interested in being interviewed for a podcast or submitting your comments? Contact urbanislanders2019@gmail.com!Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Zakiyyah and Cooper hear from Reverend James Lawson at Church of the Advocate, hosted by the Saturday Free School.Reverend James Lawson - Scholar and ActivistA third-generation Methodist minister, the Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr., who was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, earned his local pastor’s license in 1949. Soon after being graduated from high school, he was drafted into the U.S. military, refused to enlist, and as a conscientious objector received a three-year prison sentence, of which he served 13 months. Following his prison term, Lawson served as a missionary in India for three years, where he studied nonviolent resistance and embraced the practices of Mohandas K. Gandhi, whom he had first begun to study in 1947. In his long and storied history, Lawson orchestrated the lunch counter sit-in campaign in Nashville, Tennessee, the largest and most influential of the southern student sit-in campaigns; developed strategy for the Freedom Riders; and taught the theory and practice of nonviolent direct action to students, activists, future civil rights leaders, and politicians, including U.S. Representative John R. Lewis. The Reverend Lawson has been active in many campaigns and in the instruction of emergent leaders. Often referred to as “the mind of the movement,” the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., called him "the leading theorist and strategist of nonviolence in the world." He remains a staunch defender of human rights.Dr. Anthony Monteiro – Scholar and ActivistWebsite: http://www.saturdayfreeschool.orgAnthony (Tony) Monteiro is the founder of the Saturday Free School, and is a scholar and activist. He writes in areas having to do with W.E.B. DuBois Studies, Marxism and race. He lives in Philadelphia where he is active in social, economic and politcal struggles.Music: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Man Ray Suite – Music: http://www.philajazzproject.org/data/uploads/01%20Man%20Ray%20Suite%20Mixtape.mp3Interested in being interviewed for a podcast or submitting your comments? Contact urbanislanders2019@gmail.com!Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Zakiyyah and Cooper visit the Black Urban Growers (BUGS) Conference and chat with a few notable guests:Zelmi Zoka - Farmer and Land StewardZelmi Zoka hails from Detroit, MI, and spends his time growing and healing.David Bolinda - Immigrant Activist and EntrepreneurDavid Bolinda is a Kenyan native who now lives in the states. He works on reconnecting African immigrants with their culture through urban farming.Rashid Nuri - Founder of Truly Living Well CenterWebsite: https://www.trulylivingwell.com/Rashid Nuri is a prolific urban agriculturist, scholar, farmer, and community developer of over 40 years. He is the founder of Truly Living Well Center in Atlanta, and the author of Growing Out Loud - an autobiography about his decades of experience farmer, community organizer, and international travels as a member of the US Department of Agriculture. It is tutorial through reflection offering Nuri’s life lessons as insight for future agricultural activists.Music: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Man Ray Suite – Music: http://www.philajazzproject.org/data/uploads/01%20Man%20Ray%20Suite%20Mixtape.mp3Interested in being interviewed for a podcast or submitting your comments? Contact urbanislanders2019@gmail.com!Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Zakiyyah visits last year's Netroot's Nation conference, featuring the following guests:Sangeeth Peruri - Founder and CEO of Outreach CircleWebsite: https://client.outreachcircle.com/Sangeeth Peruri is the CEO and founder of OutreachCircle, a digital organizing platform that harnesses the power of personal relationships to inspire action and drive change. OutreachCircle makes it easy for volunteers, activists and donors to support their favorite cause, campaign or organization.Other panelists include Sarah Black (Outreach Circle), Dylan Cate (Dylan Cate Strategic), Erika Grohoski Peralta, and Brandon A. Jessup (State Voices)Thaís Marques - Activist and OrganizerWebsite: https://twitter.com/thais_tweets?lang=enMusic: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/ Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Urban Islanders visits the Penn Museum's brand new Africa wing!Tukufu Zuberi - Professor of Sociology; The Lasry Family Professor of Race RelationsWebsite: https://sociology.sas.upenn.edu/people/tukufu-zuberi Dr. Zuberi’s research focuses on Race, African and African Diaspora populations. He has been a visiting professor at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He currently serves as the Chair of the Department of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania. He has also served as the Chair of the Graduate Group in Demography, the Director of the African Studies Program, and the Director of the Afro-American Studies Program. In 2002, he became the founding Director of the Center for Africana Studies, and he has also served as the Faculty Associate Director of the Center for Africana Studies.Glenn Bryan - Assistant Vice President of Community Relations in the Office of Government and Community AffairsMr. Bryan is the Assistant Vice President of Community Relations at the University of Pennsylvania where he directs the University’s comprehensive community relations program, representing the University in local engagement initiatives, especially those related to public education, healthcare, and economic development. Serving Penn’s Office of Government and Community Affairs for nearly 20 years, Bryan has cultivated meaningful relationships with Penn's neighboring civic networks and community-based organizations.Damon Cunningham - Tour Guide from Africa Wing of Penn MuseumJannie Blackwell - Former City Councilmember of PhiladelphiaWebsite: http://phlcouncil.com/jannieblackwell/Councilmember Blackwell has made a life-long commitment to move her community forward, and will always work to foster an end to homelessness, neighborhood blight and poor public education through using the tools of public policy, legislation and public involvement. Her overall vision is to improve her constituents’ quality of life – regardless of race, class, gender, or socio-economic status. She continues to believe that there is a solution to every problem, and that when we work together, everybody wins.Robert and Wanda Dickerson - Universal African Dance and Drum EnsembleWebsite: http://www.unitycommunity.com/Mission: To educate people about African Culture and history through music, art and the performing arts, especially African Dance and Drum.Julian Siggers - Director of the Penn MuseumBefore moving to Philadelphia in 2012, Siggers was vice president for programs, education and content communication at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada’s largest research museum. He has also served as director of the Institute for Contemporary Culture at the Royal Ontario Museum and as head of narrative and broadcast development at the United Kingdom’s National Museum of Science and Industry in London. Siggers taught prehistoric archaeology for eight years at the University of Toronto, where he earned his Ph.D., with a specialization in Near Eastern prehistoric archaeology.Special thanks to the members of the First Ashanti Nation. Music: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Equinox Concert Part 2 – Music: http://www.philajazzproject.org/index.php?post=the-equinox-concert-mixtapes#.XhTmuRdKhp9Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Sydnie Schwarz, an Urban Islanders guest interviewee and Swarthmore College student interviews Nashid Ali and Zakiyyah Ali on Kofi Jamoriah, a revered Philadelphia drummer.Jamal Dickerson and Steve Jackson - Drummers from Unity Community CenterWebsite: www.unitycommunity.com Organization mission: Unity Community Center of S.J. Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes, preserves and represents the performing arts, literary arts, visual and creative arts, history and culture. We offer a variety of arts and arts related training programs to youth, young adults and the community. We also specialize in developmental, discipline and music programs particularly for young people at risk, in order to instill in them an appreciation for the arts, respect for life and the love of humanity. These programs will build character, artistic skills and improve their academic and life skills. This will also allow the students to experience the performing arts through developmental, discipline, educational and recreational programs.Nashid Ali - Drummer and StorytellerNashid is storyteller, jeweler, musician and teaching artist working with families and communities through community arts and culture institutions such as Art Sanctuary/ Village of the Arts/Al~Bustan Seeds of Culture/Odunde Foundation and others. He is a Philadelphia Clef Club volunteer, serves on Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation, is a life member of Keepers of The Culture (KOTC) and Philadelphia’s Afro Centric Storytelling Group, and has worked as an children’s advocate through a now defunct oldest Black Foster Care Agency in the nation called Children’s Service, Incorporated, where he helped establish the H.O.P.E. Family Center. Nashid is also involved in the Peacemakers of Mill Creek, West Philadelphia, and makes metal jewelry wearable art upon request.Additionally, Nashid is an advocate for community peace and co-founder of D.R.O.P. S.Q.U.A.D. 99 Art Ensemble for Peace and communicates (in conjunction with Brother Shomari) in group discussions directly with State Correctional Institution Inmates on the social and psychological dynamic and impacts of reentry. Finally, Nashid chaired West Philadelphia Empowerment Zone (WPEZ) Health and Human Development Committee.Music: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Drumming recordings taken from various eventsSupport the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Urban Islanders Season 2 Episode 2 continues our coverage of DACO by way of their second annual Cannabis Opportunities conference, hosted at Temple University.State Rep. Joanna McClintonWebsite: https://www.pahouse.com/McClinton/Joanna McClinton, Esquire, took the oath of office to serve the people of the 191st Legislative District on Aug. 25, 2015 after winning a special election two weeks prior. In Nov. 2018, she became the first African-American and woman to be elected as the House Democratic Caucus chair for the 2019-20 legislative session.Rep. McClinton has been acknowledged for her commitment to public service and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Philadelphia and Delaware Counties by receiving several awards. They include: City and State PA's 40 Under 40; the Barristers' Association of Philadelphia's Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year award; Successful Women Achieving Goals' Women of the Year award; Fun Time Magazine's Women of Influence Award; the PRE-K for PA Champion award; the Spirit of a Dove Community Servant award; the Lucien E. Blackwell Guiding Light Community award; and the Black Gala Women of Excellence award. Naomi Wilson-BlountWebsite: http://www.naomiwilson-blount.com/Naomi Wilson-Blount is an activist against life prison sentences in Philadelphia. She is herself a victim of the injustices of the mass incarceration system via an unjust life sentence.Brandon J. Flood - Secretary of the Board of PardonsWebsite: https://www.bop.pa.gov/Board-Information/Pages/Board-Secretary.aspxPrior to his appointment as Secretary of the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons, Brandon J. Flood spent nearly a decade working for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he served in a multitude of professional capacities, that of which include the positions of Legislative Assistant, Senior Research Analyst for the House Democratic Caucus' Legislative Policy & Research Office (LPRO) and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus. In the aforementioned roles, Brandon's area of expertise included research and analysis, bill drafting, public relations and mass communications, organizational administration and legislative advocacy and stakeholder engagement. Ora and Arthur Witherspoon – Founders of Hemp HandsWebsite: https://hemphands.wakanna.com/Home/Ora and Arthur Witherspoon are two retired disabled veterans, and are the founders of Hemp Hands LLC, a CBD infused product company. Ora Witherspoon has an extensive background in the healthcare field and with chronic pain management. Arthur has over twenty years of health care management. We are also proud founders of Oracle Healing a nonprofit organization to enhance community services and wellness.Alonzo GreerMusic: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Equinox Concert Part 2 – Music: http://www.philajazzproject.org/index.php?post=the-equinox-concert-mixtapes#.XhTmuRdKhp9Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Urban Islanders Season 2 Episode 1 initiates our coverage of DACO by way of their second annual Cannabis Opportunities conference, hosted at Temple University.Judy Wicks – Entrepreneur and Founder of All Together Now PennsylvaniaWebsite: https://alltogethernowpa.org/Author, activist and entrepreneur, Judy Wicks is best know for founding Philadelphia's iconic White Dog Cafe in 1983, a pioneer in the local food movement. In 2000, Judy founded Fair Food Philly to connect farmers with the urban marketplace. In 2001 she founded the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia and the nation-wide Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE). Judy's memoir Good Morning, Beautiful Business won a national gold medal for business leadership and has been translated into Chinese and Korean. Judy currently runs to projects - the Circle of Aunts & uncles, a micro loan fund for local entrepreneurs, which she founded in 2015, and All Together Now PA, to build regional economies, founded in 2019. Zorodzai Marovake – Founder and CEO of the Zimbabwe Industrial Hemp TrustDr Z. Maroveke (Dental Surgeon) is a Zimbabwean National who is very passionate about building her country. She is the Founder & C.E.O of the Zimbabwe Industrial Hemp Trust and the interim Vice President of the Cannabis Industries Association of Zimbabwe. Through the Trust she has successfully pioneered lobbying Government since 2015 to separate Industrial Hemp from Medicinal Cannabis through S.I 208 on 20 September 2019. She is heavily involved in guiding the emerging Industry through policy development and Research and Development. She participated in the DACO Conference 2019 courtesy of State Senator Shariff Street’s invitation and the Co-founder of DACO Madam Cherron Thomas.James Hillyard Jr. - MusicianContent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKumEbSyBUk&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzEfXnQ4eP-URvABJOPmCfg James is an artist of multiple mediums native to Philadelphia.Victor Lewis - Community Activist Victor Lewis El is a community activist, who teaches people to live a life based on love of self and neighbor, to be empowered through knowledge, and to regularly participate in community outreach activities to uplift those in need.As a local businessman for more than 20 years in the acquisition and sale of antiques, collectibles, precious stones and metals, Victor formed Easy Transitions 101 in 2015 to be able to assist families and businesses transition from one situation to another. These transitions were often during difficult times and Victor set out to educate them on the best ways to make their transitions a little easier and even profitable for them.Desiree Ivey - Co-Founder of DACOWebsite: https://www.wearedaco.com/DACO Misson: Our purpose is to help elevate awareness of wellness and economic opportunities in cannabis. We host annual Cannabis Opportunity Conferences in Philadelphia to demystify the profession and culture of the cannabis industry in minority communities of the US and globally in the African diaspora, while recreating a narrative of opportunities and restorative justice for the growth of the community in light of the massive shifts and associated stigma of the cannabis industry.Music: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Season 2 of Urban Islanders is premiering now! Our first episode was released last Tuesday - listen to this little teaser to hear what else is coming up:DACO Conferences!! Saturday Free School!! Nashid Ali!! Arts in Philly!! African Exhibit at Penn Museum!! BUGS Conference!! Netroots Nation Conference!! All the above and more in our next season. Episode 2 out next Tuesday February 11th @ 12pm, with new episodes to follow every other week!Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Urban Islanders Season 2 Episode 1 features a couple of very special guests from the Diasporic Alliance for Cannabis Opportunities’ (DACO) Summer Conference, Hempin’ Philly:Cherron Perry-Thomas – DACO Co-Founder Website: https://www.wearedaco.com/DACO: Our purpose is to help elevate awareness of wellness and economic opportunities in cannabis. On 19-20 October we will be hosting the 2018 Cannabis Opportunity Conference in Philadelphia to demystify the profession and culture of the cannabis industry in minority communities of the US and globally in the African diaspora, while recreating a narrative of opportunities and restorative justice for the growth of the community in light of the massive shifts and associated stigma of the cannabis industry.ONeal Latimore - Consultant for Eastern HempWebsite: http://www.thevaultedgroup.com/As a seasoned farmer, Oneal focuses his efforts in Eastern Hemp on helping farmers and business owners improve operations, connect with processors and manufacturers, and design solutions rooted in your mission. A natural visionary, he can help you recognizing growth opportunities and develop new products offerings.Music: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Equinox Concert Part 2 – Music: http://www.philajazzproject.org/index.php?post=the-equinox-concert-mixtapes#.XhTmuRdKhp9Interested in being interviewed for a podcast or submitting your comments? Contact urbanislanders2019@gmail.com!Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Urban Islanders Episode 11 features a couple of very special guests whom Zakiyyah had the pleasure of interviewing: Mira Awad, singer, songwriter, and artivist, who recently played a concert in West Philadelphia, and Daniel Noah Moses, Director of Educator Programs at Seeds of Peace.Mira Awad – Artivist, Musician, and Former Seeds of Peace FellowWebsite: https://www.miraawad.co Mira Awad is a 2016-2017 Seeds Of Peace GATHER fellow. The GATHER Fellowship is a program for social entrepreneurs that accelerates sustainably-designed and impact-oriented social ventures transforming conflict in their respective communities. Mira is also one of the advisors for Seeds Of Peace's Creative Retreat for Artists, that brings together artists from various mediums and walks of life to get acquainted with the different narratives in the region and explore collaborations.Mira Awad works closely with “Combatants for Peace” movement which was established jointly by Palestinians and Israelis, who have taken an active part in the cycle of violence; Israelis as soldiers in the Israeli army (IDF) and Palestinians as part of the violent struggle for Palestinian freedom. After brandishing weapons for so many years, and having seen one another only through weapon sights, they decided to put down their guns, and to fight for peace.Seeds of Peace: The mission of Seeds of Peace is to "inspire and cultivate new generations of global leaders in communities divided by conflict." The organization has active programs in the Middle East, South Asia and the United States. For more information, see: https://www.seedsofpeace.org/about/Daniel Noah Moses - Director of Educator Programs at Seeds of PeaceAs the Director of Educator Programs, Daniel's work focuses on the educators, community leaders and artists who are part of Seeds of Peace. Music: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Mira Awad “Acrobat” – Music: https://www.miraawad.co/musicSupport the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Zakiyyah and Henry cover Maine Environmental Education Association’s Conference in mid-March. Featured panelists includeOlivia Griset – Executive Director of MEEAMEEA Website: https://www.meeassociation.org My name is Olivia Griset and I am the Executive Director of the Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) and the co-founder of the Maine Environmental Changemakers Network, a statewide program of MEEA. I am a 37 year old white women and also the mother of two young daughters. I am passionate about building a more inclusive and equitable environment and conservation sector and challenging white supremacy culture. In our Changemakers network we work across generations and difference to build the power of young people in Maine to lead forward environmental change in their community and we are committed to helping build the skills of young people so they can have the voice and power to lead differently. There is so many things about us all in the network that are different but the thing that brings us together in this work is our connection to the environment and our passion for building more just and sustainable communities.Tyler Kidder – Program OfficerOnion Foundation Website: https://www.onionfoundation.org Tyler is the Program Officer at the Onion Foundation and the Lead Trainer for Maine Climate Table’s Communication training workshops. She previously held positions at GrowSmart Maine, Efficiency Maine and the University of Southern Maine. Tyler holds a degree in Environmental Studies from Bucknell University, is a Senior Fellow of the Environmental Leadership Program, and a graduate of the Sustainable Food Systems Leadership Institute of Maine. She lives on a lake in Winthrop with her partner and gaggle of pets. She spends her spare time hibernating in the winter and boating in the summer.Asli Sezen-Barrie – Assistant Professor of Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction at the University of MaineWebpage: https://umaine.edu/edhd/facultystaff/asli-sezen-barrie/ Dr. Sezen-Barrie is an Assistant Professor of Science and Engineering Education at the University of Maine. Currently, her research interests have an overarching goal of improving science teacher education towards ambitious equitable classroom practices. The research program she developed during her early career years has two lines. The first line involves using the discourse analysis method to look at sociocultural dynamics of learning and teaching practice. Drawn from the fields of sociolinguistics, epistemology and climate change education research, Dr. Sezen-Barrie examines students’ and teachers’ construction of and learning from evidence-based explanations on climate change topics. The second line of research lies at the intersection of anthropology and learning progression studies. She uses the concept of “professional vision” while developing a sustainable support system to improve preservice and novice teachers’ teaching of climate science and effectively assess students’ learning in a meaningful progression. Previously, Dr. Sezen-Barrie was involved in projects to develop a framework for analyzing preservice teachers’ learning to teach science and an extensive international review of learning progression studies. Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Zakiyyah finishes up covering Ras Ben’s book release of Great Mystery Philadelphia, and attends Dr. Anthony Monteiro’s conference entitled “W.E.B. Du Bois, Whither Now and Why, the Struggle for Peace and Freedom”. Ras Ben Website: http://rasben.comSelf described as a Humble Servant of Humanity, Student of History, Mystery and Prophecy, Source of Healing Treasures, Scribe of Rocks of Ages, Ra Sekhi Energy Healer, Reflexologist, Astrologer, Mediator/Peace KeeperDr. Anthony Monteiro – DuBois ScholarWebsite: http://www.saturdayfreeschool.org Link to Conference: https://www.yearofdubois.org Anthony (Tony) Monteiro at the Saturday Free School. He is a scholar/activist. He writes in areas having to do with W.E.B. DuBois Studies, Marxism and race. He lives in Philadelphia where he is active in social, economic and politcal struggles.Music: Philadelphia Jazz Project “Price | Diehl | Sunkett” - http://www.philajazzproject.org/index.php?id=pjp-mixtapes Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Crystal Healer Ras Ben presents his new book Great Mystery Philadelphia at CultureWorks, and Zakiyyah interviews him.Ras Ben Website: http://rasben.comSelf described as a Humble Servant of Humanity, Student of History, Mystery and Prophecy, Source of Healing Treasures, Scribe of Rocks of Ages, Ra Sekhi Energy Healer, Reflexologist, Astrologer, Mediator/Peace KeeperMusic: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/ Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Zakiyyah attends “Ghandi, the Struggle Against White Domination”, a conference held by Dr. Tony Monteiro of the Saturday Free School at Church of the Advocate. This episode features:Dr. Anthony Monteiro – DuBois ScholarWebsite: http://www.saturdayfreeschool.org Link to Conference: https://www.yearofdubois.org Anthony (Tony) Monteiro at the Saturday Free School. He is a scholar/activist. He writes in areas having to do with W.E.B. DuBois Studies, Marxism and race. He lives in Philadelphia where he is active in social, economic and politcal struggles.P.K. Somarajan - Community Leader at Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam Panel Presentations by Archishman Raju, Meghna Chandra, and Divya Nair, followed by open discussionMusic: Philadelphia Jazz Project “Price | Diehl | Sunkett” - http://www.philajazzproject.org/index.php?id=pjp-mixtapesSupport the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Featured Guests:Owen Taylor – Founder of TrueLove SeedsWebsite: https://trueloveseeds.com Owen Taylor recently launched Truelove Seeds, a seed company offering rare, open pollinated, and culturally important vegetable, herb, and flower seeds grown by urban and rural farmers committed to community food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. He also grows open-pollinated seeds, herbs, and flowers at Mill Hollow Farm in Edgemont, Pennsylvania. Alkebu-lan Marcus – Farm Director of Mill Creek Urban FarmsWebsite: https://www.millcreekurbanfarm.org I’m 25 years old, and I got into urban agriculture to empower my community to find solutions and to provide an alternative to the current structure. Personally I truly believe our connection to the soil is our main asset towards black liberation. Jess Renninger – Head Farmer at Novick Urban FarmWebsite: https://novickbrothers.com/urban-farm.html Novick Urban Farm was founded in 2012 by co-owner Gary Novick. Seeds of what Gary planted -- both literal and figurative -- grew into an organization that each year feeds thousands of people in need while teaching just as many area children about the value of nutrition.Nate Kleinmann – Experimental Farm NetworkWebsite: https://www.experimentalfarmnetwork.org Nate Kleinman is one of the co-founders of the Experimental Farm Network. He is an activist, organizer, plant breeder, and farmer, based in Elmer, New Jersey. His background as an organizer includes work with Occupy Sandy, Service Employees International Union, the Sudan Freedom Walk Campaign, and various political campaigns.Jeannie – Hops Farmer in East Mount Airy Kenton Cobb Website: https://phytoamorous.com Kenton is a clinical herbalist, educator and activist. They work one-on-one with people looking to modify their state of health by using herbal medicine, food and lifestyle changes. They also teaches classes and workshops about the same, and with these skills strives to support local and national movements and revolutionary work by providing medicine, direct care and first aid.Keith Monahan – Co-Founder of South Jersey Seed LibraryWebsite: https://www.facebook.com/SJSeedCircleLibrary/ Keith Monahan has served many roles in the South Jersey region, contributing momentously to sustainability efforts across several municipalities. He serves as an Education and Outreach Manager for GMO Free NJ and Seed Librarian for South Jersey Seed Circle Library.Eric Devine – Friend of the Seed SwapEammon Tweedy – Math Professor and Friend of the Seed SwapChris – Local FarmerNyksiha Madison – Farm Manager at Urbantree ConnectionWebsite: http://urbantreeconnection.org The Urban Tree Connection (UTC) is a 501(c)(3) community-based organization, and our mission is to work with residents in Philadelphia’s historically marginalized urban communities to transform abandoned open spaces into safe and functional places that inspire and promote positive human interaction.Annie Preston – Farmer at Horticultural CenterNick Tornambe – Mushroom GrowerMusic: Philadelphia Jazz Project “Price | Diehl | Sunkett” - http://www.philajazzproject.org/index.php?id=pjp-mixtapes LessSupport the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Long-lived dance group KuluMele is featured at Taller Puertoriqueño, a community center in North Philly. Here are our featured guests:Debora Kodish – Founder and Director of Philadelphia Folklore ProjectEstablished in 1987, the Philadelphia Folklore Project is an independent public folklife agency that documents, supports, and presents Philadelphia-area folk arts and culture - including the arts of people who have been here generations and those who have just arrived. We work to preserve and strengthen the folk cultural life of our communities because we believe that the quality of urban life is directly related to the persistence, diversity and vitality of our vernacular folk cultures.Ira Bond – Drummer for KuluMeleDorothy Wilkie – KuluMele Artistic DirectorDorothy Wilkie began to study African dance as a child in 1955, first as an art form and later as an aspect of her spiritual practice as an orisha devotee and initiate. She joined Kulu Mele as a dancer in 1974 and later became the company’s dance captain. She has served as artistic director for more than 25 years. She has studied dance with Les Ballets Africains in Guinea, the National Dance Company of Senegal, and in Cuba and the United States. John Wilkie – KuluMele Musi DirectorJohn Wilkie began to study African and African Cuban dance traditions in the 1950s, first under the renowned percussionists William Powell and Charles Brown and later with Robert Crowder, Garvin Masseaux and Darryl Burgee. His drum studies have taken him to Guinea, Senegal and Cuba. He joined Kulu Mele in the 1970s. He has performed for the Jaasu Ballet and was an artist in residence at the Philadelphia Folklore Project. Currently he is a member of the Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra. In 2015, he and his wife, Dorothy Wilkie, received lifetime achievement awards from the Philadelphia Folklore Project for their contributions to arts and culture. KuluMele Webiste: www.kulumele.org Mission: Inspired by the voices of its ancestors, Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble preserves, presents and perpetuates the traditional dance and music of West Africa and the African Diaspora.Tom Lowery – Master DrummerPercussionist Thomas Lowery has performed and recorded with a wide variety of groups. Some of his credits include R&B bands Imperial Knights and the Realistics, jazz groups Peridime and DeNova, and world percussion groups Spoken Hand and Zakir Hussain and Friends. Lowery also serves as a percussionist/drummer at the Newark Samba School and FreshVisions Children’s Theater. Wendy Elder – Legal Professional and Wife of Master Drummer Skip BurtonWendy and Zakiyyah have been close for years through dance, music, and interactions through the Philadelphia Folklore Project.Music:Many Thanks to KuluMele for snippets of their performanceLessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – http://altermusiSupport the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Zakiyyah visits NextFab Makerspace in North Philly to check out the Leeway Foundation, featuring the following interview guests:Tahnee Jackson – Communications and Community Engagement Assistant at Leeway Foundation Tahnee is an organizer, educator, published writer, and performance artist who exists at the intersections of multiple identities. A first generation Jamaican American and native Philadelphian, they use their lens as a fat, queer, pagan, neurodivergent, chronically ill, non-binary femme of immigrant descent and woman experience as context for their art and expression, and is most known for their work in alternative sexuality education and activism, as well as transgender specific interfaith action.Denise Brown – Executive Director of Leeway FoundationArtist, cultural organizer and strategist, and facilitator, Denise M Brown is passionate about using her skills and energies on creating, supporting and illuminating work at the intersections of art, culture and social justice. Prior to serving as Executive Director of Leeway Foundation, she was Associate Director of Bread and Roses Community Fund, a film programmer for the Neighborhood Film/Video Project and Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema (PFWC), and a consultant with Leeway and other organizations in the Philadelphia area. For over 25 years, Denise has consulted with cultural and social justice organizations, individual donors and foundations on program development and grantmaking strategies regionally and nationally. Li Sumpter – Artist in Residence at Leeway FoundationLi Sumpter, Ph.D. is an eco-activist and multidisciplinary artist based in Philly. She employs strategies of worldbuilding, D.I.Y media and gameplay to cultivate eco-awareness and community action around the “art of survival”. Li’s social practice and collaborative design initiatives address existential issues of diverse ecologies through speculative tools and sustainability projects that illuminate patterns and power of change. In 2017, Li was the inaugural Artist-in-Residence for the Urban Ecology Arts Exchange at Haverford College and recently completed the Leeway x NextFab Art and Technology artist residency in March 2019.Muthi Reed – Artist and PhotographerMuthi Reed is an ethnographic media maker living and working in Philadelphia, PA and New Orleans, LA. Their work consists of embodied and digital sketches in various forms, which perform race, time space, embodiment, sound, odyssey and style. Reed’s digital media archive krewe coumbite traces Indigenous ceremony, public appearance, private ritual, trans local navigations, ancestry, and oral history. Their document and remix creative process is interested in the intimacies of blackness and the art of everyday life practices.Leeway Foundation Website: leeway.org Music:Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/ Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Zakiyyah finishes up covering the Root Skills Conference with an emphasis on Maine’s Hurricane Island Foundation. Here are our interviewees:Dee Azubuike Johnson Dee Wells – Co-Founder of Future Focus Media CooperativeWebsite: https://futurefocusmedia.org In 2011, Dee co-founded Future Focus Media Co-op & Youth Training Institute, a photography and film production company that works with clients such as UMASS, Main South CDC, and the Environmental Justice League of Rhode Island, to name a few, while teaching youth video production skills.Camelle Scott Mujahid – Training Director at CTCORE-OrganizeNowWebsite: http://www.ctcore-organizenow.org/staffCamelle Scott-Mujahid, has been organizing in New Haven for the past ten years. She moved to New Haven from El Paso, Texas in 2003 to attend Yale University. During her time at Yale, Camelle found community and a political home in New Haven’s activist and organizing community engaging in direct action, grassroots organizing, and coalition building. Camelle has organized around a range of issues, including Immigrants Rights, Police Accountability, and Education Equity.Robin Chernow – Science Education Manager at Hurricane IslandWebsite: http://www.hurricaneisland.net/Robin is originally from Chester, NJ. Before coming to Maine, she worked at Philadelphia’s FirstHand Lab, facilitating hands-on science labs for middle school students at the University City Science Center. Robin earned a B.S. in Geology from Haverford College, where she was a student leader of Haverford’s Public Observing Astronomy program and a teaching assistant. Teaching marine science outdoors is "the coolest job she can imagine," and after working as a seasonal employee in 2016, she is thrilled to join Hurricane's year-round staff.Phoebe JekielekWebsite: http://www.hurricaneisland.net/ Phoebe originally hails from Punxsutawney, PA, Home of the Groundhog! She received a BA in Biology from Boston University in 2003. She lived her love for the ocean and education for 5 years as a marine science instructor, aquarist and Assistant Program Director for the Catalina Island Marine Institute in southern California. She then returned to Maine to pursue her love of science and complete her Dual Masters in Marine Science and Marine Policy at the University of Maine in 2012. Anna SomoMusic:Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/ Imperial Tiger Orchestra "Ethic Event #1" – http://imperialtigerorchestra.blogspot.com Jesse Spillane “Art of Presentation – https://jessespillane.bandcamp.com Kevin MacLeod "Quasi Motion"Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Urban Islanders Episode 3 features a very special guest whom Zakiyyah had the pleasure of interviewing: Daniel Noah Moses, Director of Educator Programs at Seeds of Peace, an amazing resource for young changemakers all around the world.Seeds of Peace: The mission of Seeds of Peace is to "inspire and cultivate new generations of global leaders in communities divided by conflict." The organization has active programs in the Middle East, South Asia and the United States. For more information, see: https://www.seedsofpeace.org/about/Daniel Noah Moses - Director of Educator Programs at Seeds of PeaceAs the Director of Educator Programs, Daniel's work focuses on the educators, community leaders and artists who are part of Seeds of Peace. Many Thanks to Dan and Hannah from the USDA for their Asian Longhorn Beetle Information!Music: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

Interviewees:Nyaruot Nguany – Program Manager at Maine Environmental Changemakers Nyaruot has been involved in the Changemakers program from its first year, serving as one of the original youth organizers. Nyaruot then served as a Changemaker Fellow and has been deeply involved in the design process as the network has grown and evolved. Nyaruot is now furthering her involvement with the network stepping into the networks first management role to coordinate and oversee day to day network activities, trainings, outreach, and managing the robust fellowship program and the annual Changemakers Gathering planning team. Deborah Bicknell – Independent ConsultantDeb Bicknell is a Portland-based consultant to nonprofits and individuals. She has worked as a facilitator, trainer, and curriculum and program designer for a variety of local and international organizations over the last 20 years, including Seeds of Peace since 2006, and loves supporting the greatness and possibility in people and communities.Paige Nygaard – Program Fellow at Maine Environmental ChangemakersPaige Nygaard is an undergraduate student at College of the Atlantic. She is majoring in Human Ecology, with a focus in renewable energy, sustainable business, international climate politics and designOlivia Griset – Executive Director at Maine Environmental Education AssociationWebsite: https://www.meeassociation.org My name is Olivia Griset and I am the Executive Director of the Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) and the co-founder of the Maine Environmental Changemakers Network, a statewide program of MEEA. In our Changemakers network we work across generations and difference to build the power of young people in Maine to lead forward environmental change in their community and we are committed to helping build the skills of young people so they can have the voice and power to lead differently. Ali Mediate - Founder of Maine FoodscapesWebsite: http://www.mainefoodscapes.com Formerly a freelance Research and Administrative Consultant with the Cumberland County Food Security Council, Ali has been working to raise awareness of the many benefits of strong local food systems infrastructure and the potential for building greater food security in Maine for three years now. Don Hall - Co-Director of Transition USWebsite: http://transitionus.orgDon Hall has had the good fortune to participate in the international Transition Towns Movement in a variety of capacities over the past decade. Initially serving for two years as the Education and Outreach Coordinator for Transition Colorado, he went on to found and direct Transition Sarasota from 2010 to 2016. Guy West - A native of the Pacific Northwest, Guy has been involved with Clean Water Fund's (CWF) Connecticut Energy Program since 2013, where he currently serves as the Connecticut Energy Program Liaison. Hakim Hopkins – Owner of Black and NobelWebsite: https://www.blackandnobel.com Tom Greene - Founder of SoFair Farms Eco-VillageWebsite: https://www.sofairvillage.com Music: Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/ Jesse Spillane “Art of Presentation – https://jessespillane.bandcamp.com Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)

The Urban Islanders Pilot Episode takes place at Worcester, MA's Root Skills Conference, during which our roving reporter Zakiyyah Ali interviewed the following people: Bart Westdijk - Director of Operations at New England Grassroots Environment FundWebsite: https://grassrootsfund.org Bart comes to the Grassroots Fund from the Netherlands. His interest in local solutions and grassroots initiatives comes from his world travels and thesis study focus on multinational corporations' potential to help alleviate poverty. The first 20 years of his life Bart spent in Zwijndrecht, a town just south of multi-cultural Rotterdam. As Director of Operations, Bart focuses on a variety of tasks ranging from strategic program development to fundraising, and from Grow grant program review to Local Food-related research and network participation. His main focus has been on the participatory process, ensuring protocols and practices throughout the organization center equity & justice. Laura Flagg - Program Manager at New England Grassroots Environment FundWebsite: https://grassrootsfund.org Laura joined the New England Grassroots Environment Fund as the Grow Grant and Grassroots Trends Program Manager in late 2018. In this role, Laura manages the Grow Grant Program and annual Trend Reports, which capture and share stories, strategies and gaps from the grassroots environmental sector. She also collaborates with planning committees to convene several regional Catalyst Conversations, which are interactive events that bring community members together. Prior to joining NEGEF Laura was the Food Economy Coordinator for the City of Revere, where she worked to expand economic and workforce development opportunities within the city's food economy. Isa Mujahid - Founder and Organizing Director of CTCORE-Oraganize Now! Website: http://www.ctcore-organizenow.org Isa Mujahid, Founder and Organizing Director of CTCORE-Organize Now!, is a native of Bridgeport, CT. The child and grandchild of Civil Rights Era activists, Isa was aware from an early age the role that racial politics had played in the history of the United States in the oppression of marginalized groups, in particular African Americans. An opportunity to attend private schools in neighboring Fairfield opened his eyes to the large disparities that exist in the small state of Connecticut. After graduating high school, Isa joined the U.S. Army and spent the time thinking how he could best serve his community and country. Upon returning home, he sought opportunities to be engaged in civic and political activities. He began community organizing with ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) in Bridgeport. LaTierra Pipus - Co-Organizer, Coordination and OutreachWebsite: https://www.womanistworkingcollective.org/ LaTierra is a Professional Womanist and Community Organizer specializing in affinity groups for Black Queer & Trans folks and Black Women/Womyn/Womxn & Femmes. A Midwest native, LaTierra graduated from the University of Wisconsin with her B.A. in Communication, minor in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies & acquired certificates in Community Based-Learning and Media Literacy. In addition to living her passion and purpose through The Womanist Working Collective, she is acquiring her Masters of Social Work in Community Organizing practice.Music:Lessazo “Soleil D’Hiver” – Music: http://altermusique.org/Lessazo/ Dawn Drake and ZapOte “Piedra Dura” – Support the show (http://urbanislanders.org)