Podcast appearances and mentions of Alpha Kappa Alpha

What really happens to a body after a drug overdose? In this gripping episode of Leaders & Learners, Commissioner Tonya McKenzie sits down with the trailblazing Coroner Naida Rutherford—nurse practitioner, changemaker, and the first African-American, first woman, and first medical professional elected to the Coroner's office in Richland County, SC. And she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, so it's a D9 function. From once being a homeless teen to now giving a voice to the voiceless, Naida pulls back the curtain on the realities of death investigation, overdose fatalities, and the importance of telling each person's truth with compassion and justice. Discover how she's changing the narrative around death, introducing youth to STEM through her Coroner Cadet program, and tackling public health disparities head-on. This episode is a powerful blend of purpose, science, and service you won't want to miss.This conversation will move you, educate you, and open your eyes to the realities behind overdose deaths and the power of purpose-driven leadership. Don't keep it to yourself—share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Leaders & Learners for more powerful stories. Let's keep the conversation going—because every voice matters, and every story deserves to be told.#LeadersAndLearners#NaidaRutherford#VoiceForTheVoiceless#WomenInLeadership#Trailblazer#Coroner#PublicHealth#STEMinspiration#BlackWomenLead

The city of Knoxville's middle housing program is one year old, and in this week's episode Scott delves into a report from Knoxville-Knox County Planning on its progress. He also looks into a proposal to expand areas where festivals can serve beer in the city, a statewide business survey, and the importance of Black sororities and fraternities to politics and culture in the African-American community. Scott also previews meetings of the Knox County Commission and the city-county Sports Authority.

Rickey Smiley and the crew wish and celebrate a Happy Founder's Day for the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington D.C. The AKA International President Danette Anthony Reed joins the RSMS crew. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is Wednesday on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Podcast. In this episode Rickey Smiley and the crew wish and celebrate a Happy Founder's Day for the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Incorporated. Alpha Kappa Alpha was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington D.C. The AKA International President Danette Anthony Reed joins the RSMS crew. On The Hot Spot, Da Brat discussed Janet Jackson extending her Las Vegas residency at the Resorts World Theater. Jackson is adding another twelve shows which makes the residency extend until May of 2025. Also, Cardi B is upset with Offset again and wants to tell the world about it. Cardi B said that her estranged husband, rapper Offset did not get his children anything for Christmas. All of this and more on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Podcast. Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SEND US A MESSAGE! We'd Love to Chat With you and Hear your thoughts! We'll read them on the next episode. We are joined by Miss Tytus Jones; content creator and budding apologist YouTuber who walks with us as we introduce many to and enrage more with our conversation on black fraternities and sororities. Are these social groups that are meant to enliven your college experience? Is there something more to them? Is this a rite of passage for black Americans? Should Christians think differently about pledging their allegiance to anything? Let us know your thoughts in the show notes!Support the showPlease Rate & Comment!Hosts: Brandon and Daren SmithWebsite: www.blackandblurred.comPatreon: www.patreon.com/blackandblurredPaypal: https://paypal.me/blackandblurredYouTube: Black and Blurred PodcastIG: @BlackandBlurredPodcastX: @Blurred_Podcast

One aspect of the Vice-President's background that's relatively overlooked, and yet critical to understanding her, is her membership in the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. “In one of the bylaws,” the writer Jazmine Hughes tells David Remnick, “it says that the mission of the organization, among many, is to uplift the social status of the Negro.” Far from a Greek party club, A.K.A. "is an identity” to its members. When Donald Trump insinuated that Kamala Harris had “turned Black,” in his words, for political advantage, “a lot of people pointed to her time at Howard, and her membership in A.K.A., [as] a very specific Black American experience that they did not see from someone like Barack Obama.”  Jazmine Hughes's reporting on “The Tight-Knit World of Kamala Harris's Sorority” was published in the October 21, 2024, issue ofThe New Yorker. Plus, Kai Wright, who hosts WNYC's “Notes from America,” speaks with the choreographer Bill T. Jones. This week, the Brooklyn Academy of Music is re-mounting Jones's work “Still/Here,” which caused a stir when it débuted at BAM, thirty years ago: The New Yorker's own dance critic at the time, Arlene Croce, declared that she wasn't going to review it. Now “Still/Here” is considered a landmark in contemporary dance, and Jones a towering figure. 

In the latest episode of Club Shay Shay, Shannon Sharpe welcomes none other than Vice President Kamala Harris for an inspiring conversation filled with historic moments, personal reflections, and big dreams for the future. Vice President Harris opens up about her journey of groundbreaking "firsts," from becoming the first woman, Black, and Asian American U.S. Vice President to being the first female Attorney General of California. She shares memorable stories, including receiving the monumental call from President Biden that changed the trajectory of her career. The two dive into the realities of her day-to-day life, intense schedule, and dedication to staying connected with communities across the country. She also reminisces about her love of music, recounting a bucket list moment when Stevie Wonder sang her happy birthday. With only days left until Election Day, she reflects on the gravity of her role, her vision for the country, and the importance of mobilizing voters. This episode showcases Vice President Harris's resilience, humor, and commitment to making a lasting impact for future generations. Key issues and policy considerations affecting communities across the country are at the forefront of the conversation. They discuss essential topics, including workers' rights, corporate practices, and historical injustices that have disadvantaged Black communities. From Donald Trump's discriminatory landlord practices, his involvement in the Central Park Five case, and his racially charged birtherism against President Obama, they shift to contemporary issues facing marginalized communities. Vice President Harris speaks candidly about economic disparities, noting her focus on combating inflation, housing, and price gouging while supporting affordable housing and small business initiatives. She emphasizes the need for policies that protect Social Security, ensure accessible healthcare, and address health disparities affecting Black men, particularly in colon and prostate cancer screenings. With Election Day approaching, she stresses the significance of the upcoming choice, advocating for leaders dedicated to working and middle-class families over self-serving interests. Important topics like immigration reform come into focus as the conversation unfolds. Vice President Harris advocates for a secure yet humane immigration system, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that allows individuals to earn their citizenship while effectively addressing border security. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the often divisive rhetoric seen during Trump's presidency. As the episode progresses, VP Harris critiques current political figures and highlights the urgent need for a new generation of leaders committed to real change, calling out the failures of the past. Don't miss this insightful episode as Vice President Kamala Harris shares her vision for a more inclusive future for America on Club Shay Shay!#volume #Herd #nightcap  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Ramses J and cohost Q Ward are kicking off a special series this month that profiles the distinguished ladies of the National Council of Negro Women. Today's guest is Roslyn M. Brock, Civil Rights leader, Healthcare executive, and Health activist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Good Morning Gwinnett $5.99 A MonthThe Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is hosting a Community Conversation with Legislators, encouraging residents to engage with local lawmakers and learn about their priorities. The event emphasizes the importance of community involvement, particularly during an election year, as local decisions often influence national policy. By attending, residents can ensure their voices are heard and that their leaders prioritize issues relevant to the community.

Hostin sits down with executive producer Brian Teta to reflect on her Bronx-themed birthday show, the question Hostin asked Vice Pres. Harris on last week's show that has been making headlines, Hostin's epic clap back to Trump calling her a "dumb woman," and she sheds some light on her experience as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., one of the nine Black fraternities and sororities that's known as The Divine Nine. Have a question or want advice from Brian or a co-host? Call or text us at (917) 960-3037 or leave us a message here: https://woobox.com/kaoojs. Messages may be used on a future podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The historically Black sororities and fraternities known as the Divine 9 have a long legacy of political activism, though it's traditionally been nonpartisan. Now that Vice President Kamala Harris — a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the country's oldest Black sorority — is at the top of the Democratic ticket, the organizations are mobilizing in a whole new way. And nowhere is that more evident or more consequential than in Georgia. Audie Cornish travels to Atlanta to sit down with two other AKA members: Democratic Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Maisha Land, creator of the viral Stroll to the Polls campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Strikt svart kostym med mjuk vit knytblus och pärlor i öronen den kvinnliga powerkostymen har blivit Kamala Harris kännetecken. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radio Play. Det är långt ifrån bara politik som påverkar väljare vilken person de ska lägga sin röst på. Viktigt är också hur de beter sig, och klär sig. Inte minst, eller kanske framför allt, för kvinnor. I synnerhet om de aspirerar på posten som president i USA.Men till skillnad från många andra kvinnliga politiker har Kamala Harris val av kläder sällan kritiserats, eller ens diskuterats. Somliga menar att det kanske beror på att hon i sitt jobb som vicepresident har uppfattats som ganska osynlig.Som vicepresident hittade hon snabbt en stil som hon hållit fast vid – kostymen, eller ”powerkostymen”. Kavaj och byxor. En funktionell uniform som utstrålar pondus, men inte för mycket. Och den som hon bär ser nästan alltid likadan ut. För oavsett från vilket märke den kommer är kavajerna långa med accentuerade axlar. Byxorna är raka eller lätt utsvängda. Och kostymerna är alltid enfärgade, i en neutral – och ganska tråkig – färgskala i blått, grått och svart.Eller, de var det, tills hon i somras utsågs till demokraternas nya presidentkandidat. Sedan dess har färgerna på hennes kostymer blivit ljusare och starkare, och fler. Och kostymerna har, på ett mycket subtilt sätt, blivit elegantare. Snitten är snyggare och passformen bättre.I veckans program pratar vi med psykologen Per Naroskin om varför Kamala Harris skratt blivit så omdiskuterat, medan modejournalisten Susanna Strömquist förklarar varför modevärldens catwalks är så befriade från skratt och leenden. Tillsammans med PR-strategen Amanda Brohman reder ut varför Kamala Harris lyckats så bra på sociala medier. Journalisten och författaren Britt-Marie Mattsson, som bevakat alla presidentval sedan 1976, berättar varför mat är en så viktig symbol i ett presidentskap, och i en presidentvalskampanj. Och så tittar vi närmare på universitetsklubben Alpha Kappa Alpha, som Kamala Harris gick med i på 1980-talet. Klubbens kvinnor bär pärlor som en symbol för jämlikhet.

The Vice President came of age inside collegiate institutions that have shaped Black, middle-class culture for generations. She says they imprinted deeply upon her as well. Kamala Harris's story is remarkable in numerous ways. If elected president, she'll be the first coming from several life experiences, including one that many Black commentators have noticed: She'd be the first president who's a graduate of an HBCU, and a member of one of the “Divine Nine” Black sororities and fraternities. She called her time at Howard University, and her membership in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, an important part of her journey. So what can we learn about the would-be president by looking at those institutions?  In this episode, host Kai Wright discusses who the “Divine Nine” are and why they were created with Lawrence Ross, and then chats with historian Dr. Natalie Hopkinson. Political analyst Dr. Christina Greer gives us cultural context on how HBCUs like Howard shaped not only Harris, but a whole generation of Black university students. She talks about the influence of Black Greek life, and the nuanced politics of the 1980s. Every summer we crowdsource a Spotify playlist with our listeners built around a particular theme. This year, for the third edition of our seasonal soundtrack, we are asking you to contribute a song that represents your political identity or political priorities in 2024. See how the collection is shaping up so far, and add yours to the mix by leaving a message at 844-745-8255. Be sure to share your first name, where you're calling from and a little bit about what the song represents for you in the context of the 2024 election. Tell us what you think. We're @noteswithkai on Instagram and X (Twitter). Email us at notes@wnyc.org. Send us a voice message by recording yourself on your phone and emailing us, or record one here.Notes from America airs live on Sundays at 6 p.m. ET. The podcast episodes are lightly edited from our live broadcasts.

Piper Dellums, keynote speaker, author, filmmaker, poet, and activist returns to the podcast as the nation's political drama intensifies. Piper responded enthusiastically to Ken's Substack article, “Yeah, … She's a DEI hire” (a reflection on the Republican's vain attempt to diminish the Democratic nominee for President, Kamala Harris.) Piper brings profound insight into the state of our nation. As an undergraduate at the University of California at Berkeley, Piper was an Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. (AKA) Sorority member, the same as Kamala Harris when she attended Howard University. No stranger to politics, Piper is the daughter of the late Honorable Ron Dellums who served as Mayor of Oakland California after he served for 28 years as a member of the United States House of Representatives. In the 80s and 90s, Congressman Dellums played an active role in pressuring South Africa to dismantle and outlaw the historically racist apartheid system. He was a personal friend to F.W. de Klerk, Nelson Mandela, and Bishop Tutu. Ken and Piper talk about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), the extraordinary rise of Kamala Harris, her popular running mate Tim Walz, and their eclipse of Donald Trump - relegating him to the shadows. On a very personal level, Piper shares her experience in a church that pressured her to remain in an abusive marriage - and how she found the strength to escape with the help and care of some unexpected, unlikely advocates. SHOW NOTESLinks: Piper's Official Web Site | Piper's YouTube Channel | Earthstock SummitBecome a Patron | Ken's Substack PageSupport the Show.

Update on the 2024 Presidential Race

Hostin sits down with executive producer Brian Teta to discuss how she is rallying to get her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister Kamala Harris elected in 2024, why she takes issue with vice-presidential contender J.D. Vance's view on escaping poverty and weighs in on today's interview with former Pres. Trump's nephew, Fred Trump. Plus, she shares the highlights from attending the “Deadpool & Wolverine” premiere and spills the tea on the launch of her new rosé, "Ama's Blend"! Have a question or want advice from Brian or a co-host? Call or text us at (347) 391-5022 and or leave us a message here: https://woobox.com/ytnyjj. Messages may be used on a future podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Ms. Stampley was my inspiration…” Barbara Bennett Reading Interventionist, Pre K, K, 1st - 3rd "I had the best teachers."  This week we are joined by Ms. Barbara Bennett, a dedicated reading interventionist with a background in Pre-K - 3. Growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Bennett was highly inspired by her teacher, Ms. Stampley, and experienced the profound impact of having Black educators who understood the urgency of her community's needs. Reflecting on her son's contrasting educational journey, she notes the systemic challenges he's encountered, including low expectations and lack of resources, like a science lab and the ability to apply to certain high schools.  "Black educators make their students see that they have the capability to do more and be more."  Barbara shares multiple stories of the impact Black educators can have on their students. From reflecting on her high school science teacher to her own pursuit of teacher licensure, her village (which included a lot of Alpha Kappa Alpha women!) prepared her to advocate for all students, including her own son. Her passion for education is rooted in the heart and empathy she brings to the classroom, mirroring the love and care she received from her mentor.  Sending special gratitude and a huge #Shoutout to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Xi Nu Omega Chapter, where Barbara and Danielle are both active members. Danielle was invited to host a Black Educators Matter table at the March 2024 Chapter meeting, and Barbara signed up to share her story!

Creating Sacred Rest with Angela Hawkins Host: Nikki Klugh Welcome to Create Your Sacred Space Podcast with Nikki Klugh. the podcast that unveils the soul of architecture and design. Join us as we explore the passion, creativity, and purpose behind the most inspiring spaces and projects and dive deep with those who create them consistently. I'm your host, Nikki Klugh, and I'll be your guide as we journey through the hearts and minds of sacred space architects and designers who are driven by compassion and authenticity. _________________________________________________ Angela Hawkins' Bio: Angela Hawkins is an innovative entrepreneur with a diverse career spanning business, creativity, and design. As the Owner and Founder of Bamblu, she offers eco-friendly bamboo linen and self-care solutions aimed at helping customers achieve restful sleep so they can lead fulfilling lives. Angela boasts over 20 years of corporate experience, working in managerial accounting, finance, and marketing for The Coca-Cola Company. A University of Rhode Island accounting graduate, Angela expertly managed multi-million-dollar budgets and oversaw revenue-generating initiatives. Her passion for creative and interior design led her to earn a degree from The Art Institute of Atlanta. In 2007, she left her Senior Financial Manager role to open Le Creatif Design Gallery but faced the difficult decision to close the business in 2009 due to the US Recession. Undeterred, Angela returned to the corporate world for eight more years before taking another leap into entrepreneurship in 2017 with Bamblu. She used her business acumen to introduce a unique bedding product line that now sells nationally and internationally. The idea for entering the linen industry emerged after a search for sleep solutions for her husband, a troubled sleeper. The bamboo fiber sheets, featuring moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties, are designed to enhance sleep quality. In 2019, Bamblu evolved into a sleep company offering a wider range of products and information to promote healthy, eco-friendly sleep. Angela believes that Bamblu can make a difference in people's quality of life by improving their sleep. Angela also enjoys spending time with family, volunteering, and serving the community through her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc. __________________________________________ Thank you for being a part of our heart-centered community, and until next time, may your life be filled with sacred spaces that reflect the beauty of your soul. Remember, FIRST We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.

Hostin sits down with executive producer Brian Teta to continue discussing today's Hot Topic on the benefits of gossiping and who she thinks is the biggest gossip at the table, she weighs in on watching her friend Wendy Williams' docuseries and answers a listener question about the impact of being a part of The Divine Nine. Have a question or want advice from Brian or a co-host? Call or text us at (347) 391-5022 and leave us a message! Messages may be used on a future podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kat Sterling is an entrepreneur, writer, coach and motivational speaker from Shelby, North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC as well as a Master's Degree in Public Health from Emory University in Atlanta, GA. In addition, she has a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Incorporated. Kat is an accomplished healthcare professional who is passionate about empowering individuals to pursue their dreams. Her passion for writing began as a hobby where she would write short blogs on social media to encourage those struggling with motivation and self-doubt. From there, it became a passion which eventually led to her authoring and publishing her first book. Kat's mission is to help people across the globe. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two children. You can get a hold of her best-selling book "Why They Are Winning and Why You Are Not" on amazon and audible: Why They Are Winning, and You Are Not: The Steps to Finding Success in Life: Sterling, Kat: 9798395680549: Amazon.com: Books Also, visit Kat's website: Sterling Life – Homeownership has a silver lining (katsterling.net)

Fighting for the weekend.A Spring Break 14-part Novel.By FinalStand. Listen to the complete episode at Steamy Stories.*Giving can make you richer while keeping leaves you only with what you have*Before we departed Rio raced back to the room to make some last minute adjustments to her attire. When she came back out all the conversation stopped and every one of us stared. Where could I begin? Rio had three earrings in her left ear and two on her right, the bottom on both sides being ivory skulls with red ruby eyes. She had an obsidian gem glued to her forehead just above her eyebrows.Her right eyebrow had a simple silver ring, but the one in her left nostril was a tiny pentagram. Her lip ring was a on the left side; a double loop. She'd taken off her bra and her nipple piercings, linked together by a chain, were clearly visible underneath her shirt which she'd tied tightly right below the breast line; her bra was now AWOL.Her belly button ring has an onyx teardrop attached. As she walked up to the group she stuck her tongue at the others exposing her pewter tongue barbell. She skipped over, breasts bouncing, and hugged me before leaning back and pumping her fist up in the air.“Free at last!”“Ten, eleven, twelve,” counted off Chastity quietly.“I have fourteen,” Rio grinned lasciviously to Chastity. More than one girl began doing the physiological implications of that claim and I doubted they were thinking about her toes.“At least if we all end up being arrested one of us will be unrecognizable,” Christina commented.“Is, is that one of your classmates?” Jill muttered, clearly blanking out the old Rio from her mind.“For better or worse she's one of us,” I boasted. Barbie Lynn, sticking close to my other arm, gave me a desperate, quizzical expression.“She's one of my students,” Barbie told Jill. “She's one of ours still seeking redemption.”Before Rio could be more of a smart-ass I gave her hand a hard squeeze and while she grinned mischievously, she did hold her tongue.“Okay, ladies, let's go,” I announced. We all started migrating toward the door.“Where are you going?” Jill asked.“There is a party next door,” Christina provided.“The Wiccan lesbians?” Jill gasped.“I was wrong, Jill,” I evaded. “They are a sorority house, not Wiccan lesbians. They invited us over tonight for a little school mixer.”“Well, as long as it is just you girls,” Jill hoped. I nodded and headed out the door.“That wasn't very nice,” Christina scolded me once we had gathered outside and began moving toward the Kappa Sigma house.“If I told her it was a sorority house she would have worried but been unable to do anything. This way she didn't have to worry,” I explained.“You have the Devil's Tongue,” Christina chided, but she had that smile and gleam in her eye.“And how,” Barbie Lynn snickered. Something passed between Barbie Lynn and Christina but I missed it. My group spilled through the trees that separated the properties and headed for the front door.Storming the GatesTwo guys had parked their car and were coming up the walkway when they saw us. They did a double-take before looking at each other utterly confused. We lined up at the door first and after I knocked a bright-faced girl, most likely a newly-minted pledge, answered. She took a look at me, smiled, then that smile faded as she saw the passel of women behind me.“Hi, I'm Zane; we were invited,” I offered.“Oh!” he eyes lit up,”you are that Zane. I thought, well, we heard you were bringing a guest or two. I, can I check with someone?“ she babbled.“Sure. Can we wait inside?” I suggested. She nodded and we all started filing in.Our arrival sent ripples through the house. Apparently not many girls crash a sorority function and since most of the guys present were expecting unfavorable odds, the social dynamic had shifted.“Zane,” Tawny Flores greeted me. Being the Sorority President it was her burden to figure out what our fate would be. “When you said you could bring some friends, you weren't kidding.”There was a pregnant pause before I remembered my manners.“This is Christina Buchanan, Senior Class President of F F U,” I presented our ‘Queen'. She and Tawny shook hands, two alpha females testing each other. I started further introduction but was cut off by Tawny's question.“How do you know the Senior Class President of F F U, Zane?”“Zane didn't tell you?” Christina marveled. “I figured he would have bragged about it.” Seeing Tawny's uncertainty, Christina gave a clever smile and clarified,”Zane is a freshman at F F U.““But that's a, All, how did that happen?” Tawny inquired.“Zane's turning out to be a very clever boy,” Christina grinned knowingly to Tawny who nodded back as if I was a mere mortal amongst titans.“Please enter, ladies,” Tawny said. “Come meet the Alpha Kappa Alpha president, Christina,” she continued. “The rest of you, have fun.”It took all of five seconds before the first AKA hit on one of my companions. By the time I made my way to the pool in the back where the music was starting up, it was just me, Barbie Lynn, and Iona. When a tall athletic black student came up and asked Barbie to dance, she turned for my approval which I quickly gave.“Iona,” I whispered to my final F F U lady,”you are here to have fun so relax.“"Can't I stay with you?” she said softly.“You are with me every other day of the week,” I pointed out. No sooner had I said that when another guy came up and asked her to dance. She left me looking somewhat fearful.I went over to the ‘bar' and got a cup of beer but before I could turn around a pair of hands from behind covered my eyes.“Hey stranger,” the female voice addressed me,”I see you delivered on all the hotties.“"I'm glad you appreciate them, Leigh,” I replied as I reached up and took hold of her hands.I turned around, keeping her hands high so that when I faced her I could place them on my shoulders. I let go and snaked my arms around her waist. While Leigh was still taking in her circumstances, I leaned down and kissed her. I pulled back a quarter-step and her lips parted slightly in surprise which allowed me to kiss her again in greater depth, this time lasting several seconds.“Wow,” she panted when our kiss ended,”you don't waste much time.“"That was a ‘thank you' for the invite,” I informed her. “Somehow I didn't think a card would suffice.” Her eyes grew smoky like awakening volcanic pools of desire.“Show me how well you can dance,” Leigh asked playfully. She led me to the pool's edge and I did my best to not look foolish while she came off as devastatingly seductive.I was having a lot of fun with Leigh until a second girl, Carly by name, tried to break in. A little tug of war broke out and Leigh staggered back over the lip of the pool. I grabbed her at the last moment and kept her from falling in. Tipping there at the lip of the pool, I smiled and said,“That was close,” to which Leigh smirked and pushed me in.I reached out and snatched her arm as we both tumbled into the water. Leigh squealed as she plunged into the cool water while most of the other students laughed at us. I helped Leigh out and followed her up so that we were both standing, dripping wet, in the warm late summer air.“Come with me,” Leigh urged, as she took my hand and led me into the house. “I'll get you something dry to wear.”We squished up the back stairs past several amused couples until we dodged into Leigh's room. She immediately started to strip down so I did the same, soon leaving us naked. Leigh walked up to me, rubbing her hands along my hips and chest.“Why didn't you come by for a swim?” she inquired.“I had some home issues to work out,” I admitted. “Aunt Jill is a bit uptight, but she's getting better, and thank you for that too.” Of course, having her so naked and so close wasn't doing my attempts at sexual control any good.“Is that for me?” she said with a toothy grin, looking at my crotch.“Actually, I'm turned on by your roommate's 'Hello Kitty' comforter,” I joked. “I'm a freak that way.” She pouted and started to stroke my cock shaft with one hand while circling my head with two fingers from the other.“Are you sure about that?” she teased.Words clearly weren't working so I decided to use the hands-on approach. I started by kissing her, wrapping my hands around her ass and picking her up off the ground against me. When Leigh reached her hand up around my neck to steady herself I rested her cunt on the tip of my penis.“Oh,” she gasped but didn't protest, so I slowly lowered her down, easing my penetration to a comfortable rate.“Holy Crap, you're filling me up,” she murmured as her legs squeezed around my waist. “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” she chanted as she slid down my length until she was nestled tightly against me. For a minute we remained joined and unmoving as her vagina contracted and expanded against me as she sought equilibrium between my girth and her control.When Leigh was prepared she gave me a nod signaling her readiness. I squeezed her ass firmly and slowly brought her up to the top then slid her down again. I repeated this several times before something occurred to me and I broke the silence.“Leigh, I totally spaced on a condom,” I apologized, but still kept penetrating her.“Screw it,” Leigh breathed huskily. “I'm good and if you give me something, I know where you live.” I began picking up the pace, lifting her quickly and letting her bounce back down hard. “Zane,” she added,”I just want you to know I don't normally do this; ah, fuck!“"I, oh, well, I'm sort of a slut, Leigh. I do this a lot,” I responded.“You had better be good at sex, then,” she sighed.“I'd like to think so,” I answered.“That was, rhetorical Zane. I saw the way those girls looked at you, like we Kappa Sig girls were poaching on their territory,” she moaned playfully. “It is really sexy.”Slap, slap, slap; by now our rhythm included me rocking my hips up and her squeezing me on the downs stroke with her thighs. Leigh was gasping out every curse word I'd ever heard in every conceivable combination plus some words I didn't know existed as our sex intensified. Finally she slammed me into her closet door so that every time we ground together the door creaked.Somewhere along the line the burn in my thighs and arms began to register with my hormone-stoked mind but the fires of lust kept me standing and humping. I was beginning to think I'd crash to the floor when Leigh's face lit up with passion and fear.“Put me down, Zane, put me down,” she urged quietly.It took me a second to register the request and another to start maneuvering so that I could disconnect us, but that turned out to be a moment too long. Leigh hadn't been in pain; she had been on the verge of orgasm, and my jolts were the final straw. Leigh screamed loudly and in a way that could not be confused with anything but a woman coming to fruition.“Zane!” she howled in a wall-shaking sonic explosion. Damn, she had to use my name, didn't she? We spun around and collapsed on the bed, Leigh on top for the nonce. She was still going off so I figured 'what the hell' and rolled over on top of her and went back to pounding away. Leigh's head was thrashing from side to side violently while her body trembled with the aftershocks of her detonation.“Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck, harder,” she rasped out. As Leigh looked at me hungrily and began tearing kisses from me with bestial fury, I was beginning to think I'd short-circuited her higher brain functions. Her motor control skills were a function above par as her tongue, fingers, and vagina could attest.“Oh damn,” she gasped, ”oh fuck, oh damn, ah, ah, ah, ah , . Ah! Fuck!“ she groaned out before screaming her lungs off, shouting out my name again.She was driving her pelvis up against me, clawing at my shoulders and back, and kissing the hell out of me yet I still couldn't come. Leigh's eyes blinked then focused on me."Are you trying to kill me?” she panted. I shook my head. “Why haven't you come?” she tried next. I had no good answer to that but Leigh rolled me over and started a slow but accelerating bounce, Cowgirl style.“I'm going to make you cum, you Bastard,” she grinned ferociously. I admire a girl who likes a challenge but seriously, Leigh had seemed like such a sweet girl.“I'm going to own you, Zane Braxton,” she growled as she continued to rock my world. “You can fuck the rest but you are coming home with me,” she declared. Huh? Where did that come from? “Make me your bitch!” Ex-squeeze me?“Leigh?” called a worried female voice from outside the door, accompanied by a sharp knock.In a life approaching normalcy, this would be the point where we wrapped up in the sheets before the door opened; unfortunately, I was in Crazy Town. Leigh kept pounding me hard enough to make the bedsprings squeak.“Oh, God,” gawked a fellow sorority sister as she opened the door and looked inside.“I ,” had nothing that came to mind that would obfuscate the situation."He is so fucking good,” gloated Leigh as she kept riding me. Her 'sister' stepped into the room and shut the door.“Hey, can I get up now?” I inquired.“NO!” they both shouted at me.“You need to keep it down,” the newcomer insisted. “They can hear you over the music by the pool,” which meant they could hear Leigh, not me.With her message delivered I would have expected the second lady to leave but she didn't.Trying to change things up, I grabbed both of Leigh's wrists and pushed them behind her back. Leigh toppled forward allowing me to push her arms together and grip them in one of my hands. I used my now free hand to bring one of her breasts to my mouth and I took a nibble.“Make me scream,” she begged. Been there; done that; been warned from doing that again.“You,” I addressed the as-of-yet-unnamed sorority sister,”get me the sash from her bathrobe and her pillowcase.“ She looked at me with confusion. "Do it!”We kept going at it like wild animals until the girl came back with the sash and shook the pillow free from the pillowcase.“Here you are. What do you want me to do with this? And by the way, I'm Paris,” she got out.“Paris, bind her hands behind her back with the belt,” I instructed. Paris looked skeptical.“What about the pillowcase?” she questioned.“I'm going to gag her with it,” I explained. Leigh looked frightfully turned on by the prospect.“I'm not sure about this,” Paris worried.“Do it and then you can join us,” Leigh offered; Paris almost bound my hand to Leigh's wrists, she was moving so fast. Paris gave me the pillowcase and I held it up for Leigh to bite down on which she promptly did allowing me to tie it behind her head. If nothing else, this was a learning experience for having fun with Barbie Lynn later.“What do I do?” Paris asked eagerly.“Strip,” I commanded. As she was doing so I pulled Leigh off and positioned her at the head of the bed, face down and knees propped up on her pillow. Paris came to me; I pulled her into my lap and we started kissing.First Leigh growled in frustration, then she started groaning in arousal as Paris and I got into it. When I felt Paris was ready I bent her over and directed her toward Leigh's rear end.“What?” Paris wondered.“Taste her,” I told Paris. She leaned forward and gave Leigh's pussy a good solid kiss, followed by a lick as Leigh moaned in response.Paris put a hand on each of Leigh's buttocks as a prelude to diving into her sister's favors. They developed a back and forth vocalization as Paris pushed Leigh forward before rebounding back.That part of the threesome off to a rocking start, I took an identical place behind Paris. She shuddered and spread her legs a little wider as I took my first taste of her.“Um ,” she exhaled as I went from teasing her lips to dipping my tongue into her depths and twisting it among her folds, inserting a finger into her cunt just below. The clitoris came next, followed by slowly darting my tongue toward her anus."Ah, wow,” she moaned as I first touched it. When I went back down she actually twitched her butt and tried to lower herself down to catch my action.Ahead of me I could hear Leigh starting to go off again, muffled somewhat by her gag. Paris was preoccupied so I figured it was an opportune time to kneel behind her and insert my penis into her nicely snug pussy; for a moment I was afraid she was a virgin. I tried to moderate my progress into her but when I passed the halfway mark, Paris shoved her ass back against me.“Ugh, ah, that's,  fantastic,” Paris moaned as I flexed my member inside her vagina. Leigh mumbled something that I assumed was in the affirmative. A series of pushes and shoves were getting us into a good cadence to the point I finally felt my gut beginning to tense in preparation of my own climax; then the door opened.“Zane,” Tawny stated with steely resolve. Both Leigh and Paris separated and rolled to their sides, staring warily at their Sorority President. I was sort of left on my knees with my pecker at attention.“I told you,” Christina retorted smugly to Tawny, as if I was some prized pet.“Thirty-three minutes,” Tawny noted on her watch. “It took him thirty-three minutes to bed two of my girls. That has to be some kind of World record.” I had to think fast.“It's all my fault. I fell into the pool, pulling Leigh in with me, and when Paris showed up,” I fumbled through.”, She fell into bed with you while simultaneously losing all her clothing as well?“ Tawny taunted me."That explanation works for me,” I shyly agreed.“Zane, why is Leigh tied up and gagged?” Christina noted.“Rumor has it that Leigh is a screamer,” Tawny informed Christina.“Oh, I think we can chalk that rumor down as confirmed,” Christina smiled.“Can we get dressed and forget this ever happened?” I suggested.“The girls can get dressed, Zane, but what are you going to wear?” Tawny smirked as she kicked my pile of wet clothes.“Leigh, why don't you go over to Zane's place and ask his Aunt to give you a fresh set of clothes,” Christina asked.Paris was rapidly getting redressed but when I crawled around her to free Leigh's hands she turned on me, pressed me to the mattress and gave me a serious oral assault. Leigh removed her gag, Paris sat up to resume dressing, and then Leigh took her turn kissing me before I could rise.“Enough,” snapped Tawny to her two horny sorority sisters. Soon enough both ladies had left, but not before Leigh turned and mouthed 'catch you later' to me; I was left trying to decide if that was a promise or a threat.“Do I get something to wear now?” I pleaded.“No,” Tawny responded, taking a seat at Leigh's desk and looking me over. Christina came over and sat at the head of the bed (I was still down by the foot).“So, Zane,” Tawny mused,”does this happen to you often?“"No, well, actually, yes,” I muttered in embarrassment,”though this is my first three-way since coming back to the States.“"We could have another one right now,” Christina stated, her voice husky with desire as she reached for my hand.I'm not sure what look of surprise/horror must have come over my face because both Christina and Tawny burst out laughing.“At least you don't assume you are 'all that,'” Tawny chuckled.“Oh, he has his egotistical moments,” Christina informed her,”isn't that right, Zane?“I took that moment to cover my crotch with Leigh's pillow, which seemed only polite. Tawny waved her hand majestically."Huh?” I wondered, which only had her make the same dismissive wave with her hand. “You have got to be kidding me?” Tawny looked to Christina who nodded her assent. “I,” the protest began but I realized it was pointless so I removed the pillow exposing my still hard and as yet unrelieved cock.“To answer Christina's earlier question, I do have my moments but I think most of Christina's problems with me relate to the fact that I'm going to put her through a moral realignment,” I related.“Oh?” Tawny looked surprised. “Do tell.”“You saw that girl with more metal than sense that came in with us? Zane has gotten it into his head that he needs to defend her,” Christina explained.“She deserves a chance here just like everyone else,” I countered.“She's a thief, drug user, vandal, and generally violent to those around her; she's a felon,” Christina lectured me.“You used to wear diapers; do I call you a bed-wetter?” I lashed back, followed by a moment of silence.“I see what you mean, Christina; he's very defensive of her. She must be pretty good in bed,” Tawny observed.“As far as I know, they've never slept together; they are only friends,” Christina informed her.“That's charming,” Tawny remarked softly.“I found it quite grating at first but I confess his attitude has grown on me,” Christina admitted. “You would think that given his living circumstances, he'd be more self-centered,”"Or gay,” Tawny finished.“Don't you have boyfriends you should be meeting, or discovering?” I questioned.“I'm happy where I am,” Christina answered.“Me too,” Tawny added. I got up and headed for the door when Tawny stopped me. “Where do you think you are going?”“I need a wash cloth,” I answered. “I'm a bit of a mess,” I indicated my cock with a flicker of my eyes. Of course, my sneaking down the hall, naked, in the middle of a party would cause its own problems.“I'll take care of that,” Tawny grinned. I had this sudden vision of Tawny going down on her knees and cleaning my penis with her lips and tongue but in reality, she headed to the door, called over a sister, and sent her on the errand.I flopped back on the bed with a sigh then let my eyes wander around the room. They came to rest on Christina who was studying me. I leaned over, propped myself up on my tortured knees and leaned in to kiss her because it was something I wanted to do since I first met her.“No,” she responded. I kept leaning in until she raised a finger to my lips to stop my progress. “No,” she repeated, but a playful fire danced in her eyes.I stopped and rocked back onto my ass. Tawny had watched the exchange with interest and now came off the chair and stood before me. I was looking into the cleavage of her burgundy shirt and nice, if not Barbie-licous, tits. I rose up, put my hands on her elbows, and started to pull her toward me but she shook her head.Tawny took my hands, untangled them from my hold on her, and pressed them behind my back. This has the unwelcome effect of propelling her pubic area onto my over-eager cock. I had the strangest feeling Rio had scrawled 'Lil Bitch' on my forehead with red lipstick because I was being freaking abused by these two.She drew me into a kiss that rolled into another like waves crashing upon the beach. By the end we were both panting, our bodies pressed tightly together. Tawny rested her head against my chin (she's tall with heels) and looked upon Christina.“Aren't you worried about someone taking him away?” she teased her fellow Alpha female.“He'll be there when I want him,” Christina stated smugly.“I think we need to clarify our relationship,” I mutter to Christina through Tawny's hair. “I was leaning more toward making you my sex toy and keeping you in my basement.”“Truly, Zane, would you ever restrain me?” Christina asks seductively.“Physically or emotionally?” I ask.“Emotionally,” she answered.“No. I could never do that to you, Christina. It would kill you inside,” I respond truthfully.“See?” Christina told Tawny,” He loves me.“ Tawny's reaction is not what I expected. She turned back so that our eyes are only inches apart."If you ever need help getting over that heartache, you know where to come,” she breathed into me.“Ah, thank you?” I managed to get out. A girl knocked on the door, breaking our embrace as Tawny had to go to the door and get my wash cloth and towel. By the time I was done Leigh had come back breathless with a fresh set of clothes for me. While I got dressed Tawny and Christina left, dragging Leigh along with them. I hadn't been here an hour but I already felt like I'd been through three rounds of a prize fight.Reaching HeavenSliding through the halls I ended up near the game room when someone backed into me. It was Heaven being aggressively advanced on by a tall, slender guy in an AKA jacket, so I side-stepped Heaven and placed an arm around her waist. Heaven's head flashed toward me first in anger, then in surprise.“Hey, Heaven,” I greeted her, and since she was still looking at me, I kissed her lightly on the lips. Fortunately, Heaven actually managed to look grateful for the intervention but things weren't over yet.“Hey, buddy,” the guy smiled with not a hint of friendliness as he pushed my chest,” I'm working here.“"Hey, buddy,” I grinned right back,” she came here with me.“"Ha,” he snorted,” this is an AKA; Kappa Sig function. If you crash the party, you should expect to share,“ as if my ladies were a candy bar or a pack of gum. As he spoke, he reached for Heaven's arm to pull her away but I caught his wrist."We were invited too so you should back off and find someone else more appreciative of your charms,” I warned him. He shook his wrist free and gave us an evil grin as he backed off.“She's not worth it,” he sneered.“Loser,” Heaven shot right back, giving him a palpable slap to his ego.I caught sight of Chastity watching the whole exchange, giving me a quick nod before feigning attention for a blonde, buff AKA brother; Heaven had another guardian but I'd interfered before she'd come into play.“Zane, you can let go of me now,” Heaven muttered.“No. You have to kiss me first,” I whispered into her ear.“Not going to happen,” Heaven declared softly. I waited for her to shrug me off but she didn't.“Do you want to go out back?” I asked.“No,” was her monosyllabic response.“Listen, we can go outside and have a good time, or I can take you upstairs and fuck your ass until,” I whispered into her ear ”, you beg me to stop.“"I'm not afraid of you,” she defied me, at which point I steered her to the stairs heading up. We found the linen closet open and unoccupied so we slipped in, shut the door, and turned off the light so the only illumination came from the slats in the door.I pressed Heaven's back against the wall and dove into her tasty lips. Heaven responded hungrily, wrapping her arms around my neck and running her hands through my hair. I had to remind myself that this woman had been painfully cruel to me on multiple occasions.“Thank you, Zane,” Heaven whispered up to me, her dark eyes glimmering in the pale light seeping in from the door. I decided to not ask what she was thanking me for.“You aren't trying to get out of having sex with me, are you?” I taunted her back. My first instinct was to force her to turn around facing the wall and having my way with her; there was still a bit of lingering hate on my part going on but,“Turn around,” I requested. Seeing her hesitation,  "I really want you right now.“"Oh,” she exhaled, then she giggled and turned around, taking little steps and rubbing against me.“Let me know what you like,” I whispered into her ear. I let my hands coast along her throat until my fingertips touched, then I withdrew them back around and down her shoulders. I felt a slight flutter course through Heaven before I worked down her back to linger at her ass.I knelt behind Heaven and began massaging each cheek in turn, moving them together then pulling them apart. I kept the massage going for two minutes before Heaven began slipping her high heels farther apart and pushing back against me. I let my hands slide down to the bottom of her short red dress, then began hiking it up to the small of her back.She had on a thong which I imagined made strapping down her own cock a little difficult. I kissed her left cheek first; Heaven trembled so I kissed the other, inducing a tiny moan. I rested my hands on her hips and pulled her back into my kiss, swiveling her hips sensually around so that I could bring them to my lips.In the dim light I could see Heaven ball up her fists and claw the wall in sexual tension. I pulled her butt floss aside and began to dart my tongue from the top of her ass and working my way down. Heaven pushed up on her toes eagerly, trying to move my tongue to her anus.F F U sisters rescue Zane, as party turns into a brawl.“Do you want me to stop?” I asked Heaven.“Stop and I'll beat you back into high school,” she growled in a throaty voice. I'm not sure how hard you would have to stomp someone to beat them back a whole school year but I definitely decided to not find out. I began slowly probing her ass with my tongue, occasionally licking up to the cleft and down to the cloth covering her balls.“Ugh, ugh, ugh, ah, ah, ah, ah,” Heaven panted. “Oh, yes, fuck yeah, right there,” she went on and on. I sneaked a hand between her legs and brought it up subtly to her contained penis and began to rub it, causing her to jolt, clench her teeth, and stifle a yelp.“Am I better than Christina?” I asked. Heaven shimmied in agitation before responding.“No, but you are good,” she allowed. I answered that with a finger coming up and pressing into her ass. I alternated between tongue and finger until she was good and slick. I stood up, unzipped my pants, and pulled them down with my underwear.“I hope you are ready,” I informed her, with my need evident as my penis came free and rubbed up between her butt cheeks. Heaven started trying to reposition herself to capture me inside her.“Are you going to make me your lover?” I whispered into her ear.“Shut up,” she gasped back. I drew back even as she pushed up as far as she could go and tried to wiggle her asshole onto my cock.“I don't want this to be some random fuck, Heaven. I want to do this again. Make me your lover,” I repeated. Heaven groaned loudly.“No,” she choked back a sob. I pressed the tip of my cock against her opening and she responded by slowly pushing against me. “I, I'm, Zane, I'm,” she whimpered with self-doubt."You are beautiful,” I told her softly.“Ah,” she gasped as her resistance collapsed and my prodding head popped in. "Zane,” she purred, ”so good.“ I was sure it was painful but Heaven wouldn't show it."Make me your lover,” I said yet again as I slid a bit more of me into her rectum.“No,” she moaned, so I stopped myself and held us there. “Don't pull out,” she begged.“I'm not going to,” I promised her,” but say it anyway.“"You are my lover,” she whispered. “You are my lover,” she repeated a little louder.“Now tell me you're my bitch,” I taunted her.“You are my bitch,” she teased me right back between sobs of pleasure.“I'll take that,” I told her, before nibbling on her earlobe. I kept tantalizing he ear, neck, and shoulder as I let her gently adjust to my cock as it entered her.“Oh, God,” she exhaled softly,” is there more?“"Yes, but you are over half way,” I calmed her. “We'll take it easy.”“Oh, oh, oh, God, fill me up, you bastard,” she panted. “I can take it, oh, God, I can take it.” She was psyching up for the extreme sensations she was going through. She wasn't losing her anal virginity; she was losing it again but in her way, on her terms.I slowed my entrance when I heard her choked sobs. I pressed down on her until my head was beside hers. It was left unspoken that I was here if she needed to express herself.“Ah, ah, ah, ah,” then she noticed how I was positioned and she fell silent for a moment. "Zane, I'm, okay.”“Damn, Heaven, you are so sexy right now,” I groaned, ”so damn tight.“"Fuck me like you mean it,” she replied, ”like I'm your woman.“"I'm not all the way in yet,” I cautioned her.“Oh, well, get to it. I, I can take it,” she ground out somewhat fearfully.“Promises, promises,” I playfully scolded her, accentuated by short jabs deeper into her ass.“Oh, fuck you,” she gasped. “I can, I can do this, I can do this, oh, God.” On the last 'oh God,' I finally pressed as tightly to her butt as I could and settled there.We remained locked together until Heaven reached back and ran her fingers through my hair.“I'm ready,” she whispered to me.“Heaven, I'm going to do what I promised; I'm going to fuck you until you can no longer stand,” I reminded her.“You don't, have, what it takes, freshman. Give it, your, best shot,” she panted.I didn't rush to her challenge right away, taking it nice and slow at first. My cock withdrew until my cockhead was at the point it distended her anus.“Ah, perfect,” she whimpered and started to tremble uncontrollably. I started returning to her, letting her vibrations rise and crash as I made my way back down.On that last inch down Heaven suddenly pushed back against me and cried out,”Yes!“ This made me smile. Sex is good, but sex when your partner is totally into the sex is fantastic. It still baffled me that people would want to use sex as pain; to punish. It is like cooking a five-course meal and eating the ashes of your campfire instead.I moved my hands from her hips to her breasts, caressing them as I repeated the process of receding then plunging in deep. Heaven reacted by thrusting my cock home and grunting from her gut as she did so. Our pace and tempo increased until I was slamming her hard, the sweat on her ass and my thighs enhancing the 'slap, slap' as we went at it.Heaven shuddered, then she desperately reached out and fumbled among the towels. A hand towel came flying my way and I noticed she grabbed another one and began shoving it between her legs; she was about to orgasm."Don't let me scream,” she hissed.Since one hand was down below and the other was keeping me from pumping her through the wall, I figured she wanted to be muffled. I got there right on time as Heaven made seven sharp intakes of breath then cried out. I reveled in her anal ring spasms around me, the heat of her body burning my penis with her intensity.When Heaven began to slump as she coasted down from her high I released her breast and wrapped an arm around her waist and held her against me. Heaven's knees wobbled but she didn't fall so it was time to turn up the screws.“Round two, Heaven,” I warned her as I picked up my piston-like motion once again and released the towel on her shoulder.“Ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh, you bastard,” she gasped. Now I rested my hands on her hips once more to maintain our rhythm. I could feel Heaven struggling to keep up her breathing with her diaphragm constantly disrupted by her sexual aftershocks. My pounding into her weak flesh caused her tight, firm ass to ripple and brought forth more animalistic noises from Heaven.“What a great piece of ass,” I praised her. “I want you, Heaven, and I'm not going to stop loving your body until you can't take it anymore.”“Fuck you, oh, yes, God,  God yes, I'm,” and I muffled her once again as the second eruption came quickly after the first.I remained merciless in my assault, to the point I had pushed her fully against the wall, still on the tips of her toes. I wouldn't stop; I felt this was a challenge we should both meet."Ah, Zane, tell me, you, love me,” Heaven wheezed.“I love you, Heaven. You feel so right in my arms,” I gasped. She sighed lustfully and I kept thrusting.“I, I can't take anymore,” she begged with bated breath.“I want to hear you say that you surrender to me,” I growled as I let my cock reach its farthest penetration, then gave one might shove entering new territory. Heaven's mind and body collapsed at that moment.She hit her orgasm as she lost total emotional and physical control. She was flopping against me until she retreated from her third climax and she was pretty much at my mercy. I pulled her off me, slowly rolled her over on the wall and let her slide down. Heaven's crotch was covered with a towel. I stepped forward with my cock pressing toward her face.“Suck it,” I demanded of Heaven. She looked up at me defiantly, then to my cock with fatigued breaths. My cock had just come out of her ass and here it was within tongue's reach of her lips. Heaven looked over her options and right at the point I was sure she would refuse, two trembling hands rose up and took hold of my shaft and balls.Her tongue licked the tip of my cock; Heaven judged the taste and she went back down to take in more of my cock. One hand stroked the staff while the other began massaging my balls. After several efforts to swallow most of my chock she started talking.“You Bastard,” she gulped. “Next time cum in my ass, but right now I'm thirsty.”I took my hands to her head and began fucking her face at a steady pace. Heaven pressed her hands against my thighs to stop me then started bobbing her head instead. She wasn't the best yet but she was improving wonderfully, learning more patience as well as becoming a better judge of my reactions to what she was doing.Gobbling and slurping noises followed as her uncertainty faded and she began to bask in the power she had over me.“Ready to cum, Zane?” she said with a sloppy wet smile. I nodded vigorously. “I'm not done with you yet,” she laughed,”so you had better keep it together.“"Crap,” I gasped, as she took in more of me than previously done. She let my cockhead rub against the back of her mouth repeatedly before finally pushing it past her gag reflex. She couldn't do it for long but she kept at it until I couldn't take the throat contractions anymore.“Cumming,” I gasped. Heaven grabbed my ass cheeks and pulled me in as far as she dared.She didn't press her nose to my stomach but she came close. I grabbed her head and began shooting off into her throat. Heaven choked and sputtered, drinking me down in several gulps. She ran her tongue along my shaft as she languidly withdrew me to her lips. She sealed her blowjob with a final kiss and lick to my head, catching that last drop of semen.Heaven slumped against the wall panting heavily, licking her lips and letting her hands fall to her lap.“Is this what it is like?” she whispered more to herself than me. I lifted her up onto her shaky legs and pulled her tightly to my chest.“No,” she muttered, but then her tone changed and she wrapped her arms around my waist,”Fuck it,” she sighed, and put her head on my chest. “I can hear your heartbeat,” she commented.“Your breath against my chest feels pretty good too,” I whispered to her.“Let's get dressed,” she responded after a moment. “We should get back to the party.”“I hate you,” Heaven declared as we were cleaning up.“Why?” I wondered. Had I accomplished nothing?“You are fun,” she snapped, as if she was declaring me to be a Satanist.“That is a bad thing?” I questioned.“Yes, no, damn it, I want to spend time with you and that's not right,” she explained desperately. Seeing that her message wasn't getting through,”You are a man,“ she added."I have no idea what you have against my gender but can't you take a chance and believe that I'm not like other men who have been in your life?” I suggested.“See, that is why you are bad for me,” she sounded exasperated. “I want to believe you and I know you only want me for the sex.”“Yes, absolutely; I want to have sex with you. Heaven, you are a terribly attractive woman and what is wrong with wanting to make love to you?” I countered.That brought her up short as she looked deeply into my eyes.“Zane, I'm not a woman; I'm a guy,” Heaven whispered.“Did we just make love?” I reposed. I could see her struggle with that and then I knew; she'd been fucked and used like some; piece of meat but a man had never made love to her until now.“Yes, Zane, yes, we did,” she said softly. “We made love.”“Good, because I'd like to do it again. Can I expect to see you once a month?” I requested.“Once a month,” Heaven told me with a sweet smile on her face,”I'm far hungrier than that.“"We may have to work something out with Barbie Lynn,” I pointed out.“Barbie Lynn can kiss my ass,” Heaven declared, and to emphasize her point, she grabbed my cock through my pants, saying “Mine!” with a shark-like snarl.“Weren't you kicking my ribs in three days ago?” I reminded her.“Oh, don't be a wimp,” she snapped, but like lightning flashing across the horizon, she changed tack. “I promise I'll make it up to you,” she moaned as she rubbed her body against me.“I'd like for you to make it up to Rio too,” I hinted.“Hell, no!” Heaven growled. “There is no way I'm going to fuck Rio.”“Damn right; if Rio knew she was going to have sex with you, she'd go out and buy the biggest strap-on possible and you wouldn't walk straight for a week,” I nodded.“You would like to see that, wouldn't you?” she suspiciously accused me.“No. That would hurt like a bitch and I don't want to walk funny for a week,” I replied straight-faced. For a millisecond Heaven got angry, then she let it bleed away and laughed instead. Maybe Rio taking my ass with a dildo was something Heaven found amusing.“Fine, Joker. Let's get back to the party before Christina realizes I'm missing,” Heaven told me.“Turn around,” I asked her. Heaven glared at me then rolled her eyes in mock disgust, turned around, and thrust her ass back. I leaned down and bit each cheek once more. I was rewarded with another sharp intake of breath by Heaven which she attempted to hide.“Can't get enough?” she purred while looking at me over her shoulder and smiling.Heaven was clearly enjoying herself, which was kind of neat, but I didn't want her getting too cocky. I stood and spanked her hard on the ass causing her to jump.“Ow!” she got out before I took her jaw in hand and kissed her. Our tongues wrestled and entwined deeply before we separated and made for the door.We stepped out to mild applause from a gathering of eavesdroppers before making it to the stairs. Out of the blue, Heaven reached out and interlaced her fingers in mine as if it was the most normal thing in the world. As we walked into the kitchen Hope detached herself from some guy who was busier staring at the cleavage of her strapless white dress than actual conversation.“Where have you guys, oh, my God,” she giggled as she looked into Heaven's blushing face. “Shit, Zane, how many girls do you plan to nail tonight?”“It's not like I have some Grand Plan, Hope,” I shrugged helplessly.“When is my turn?” Hope joked as the guy she'd been talking to came up. Heaven gripped my arm tighter but I had the feeling that had more to do with Hope's comment.“October twenty-second at eight-thirty,” I tossed back to her. Hope smiled at us before pulling Heaven to her. “Let Zane go for a while,” she told Heaven softly. “We know where he lives, and where he sleeps.” Together, the two ladies turned to face the 'guy', allowing me to head out in search of Iona.Oh, So This is How I Got HereI found Iona corned by some dark-haired stocky man against the bar. Iona had 'victim' written all over her face and he was coming across as a pit bull with the scent of blood.“Zane!” Iona squeaked as she forced herself past him and into my arms.“Hey, Babe,” I responded with real affection, stroking her hair gently for emphasis.“I told you my boyfriend was coming for me,” Iona told the AKA man scowling at me. He skulked off for greener pastures and Iona wrapped her arms around my waist. “I prayed you'd come back for me. You left me and I couldn't find you,” she pleaded.“Iona, why didn't you simply text me using '911'?” I questioned her. “I'd have come running.” Iona, our tech-genius, blushed in embarrassment at my simple suggestion to her dilemma.“Oh, yeah, I could have done that,” she mumbled. We spent several minutes rocking slowly to the music, Iona pressing with her back to me and my arms around her. “I have to go to the bathroom,” she told me quietly. “Come with me?”“Girl's bathroom, here we come,” I smiled down at her.We made our way to the middle of the house to one of two lower bathrooms, this one devoted to girls for the night. As Iona gave me a quick, shy grin and disappeared behind the door, I realized some asshole was giving me the once over. It was the AKA who had been scoping out Heaven. I met his glare until he turned away and left.Cappadocia gave me a friendly bump as she slipped past me and went into the bathroom as well. “Oh, Zane,” giggled Cappy, mimicking Leigh's earlier outburst which led me to groan and slump against the wall. Iona came out and beamed with pleasure, maybe dreading that I would have abandoned her again.Something caught her eye that caused that smile to fade into concern. I looked her way and saw the pit bull, and he'd gained a buddy. Fortunately, the hall ran both ways so I took Iona by the arm and turned to go the other direction; where I saw Heaven's old beau and he'd grown two AKA clones. With pain so imminent on the horizon I had to wonder if I'd been such a total bastard."Get help,” I hissed to Iona before pushing her away from me. I moved so my back was to the bathroom door.“Zane-boy,” mocked the Heaven guy, ”let's go out back and talk.“"No, thanks,” I smiled, ”I may be a horny fucker but you are too much of a pussy for me.“As you might guess, that didn't go over well. I weighed my responses and decided my best option was to drag things out until a few F F U ladies could come to my rescue so I let them grab hold of me. What I had underestimated was their sense of entitlement. They didn't feel the need to hide my beat-down. They shoved me through the girl's bathroom door and poured in after me, ready for an immediate infliction of my punishment.The one silver lining was that they'd thrown the first punch so I was free to lash out. I kicked the first guy coming for me, knocking him back into the wall beside the door. I snaked a punch past the second man's guard but then they overwhelmed me and slammed me into the far wall. I blocked with my thighs and forearms until they pinned my arms, then the body blows began."Hold him up,” the Heaven butthole growled to his buddies,”I'm going to kick his ass.“"Since your fist is as tiny as your penis, that's hardly a threat,” I gasped. My dumb comment earned me a crunching blow to the ribs. Right then, the stall beside us opened up revealing Cappadocia as she stepped out.“Get out of here, bitch,” the guy closest to her snapped. Cappadocia had a moment to assess the situation.“I kick ass for the Lord,” she stated clearly.“Huh?” the guy had just enough time to say before Cappadocia's spin-kick caught him along his jaw line, slammed his face into the tiled wall, and re-arranged his dental work.At the same time, my main assailant hammered me again but Cappadocia rapidly became a primary diversion. It was a real pity; they should have been watching the door because Heaven came storming through and kidney punched the first (non-me) bastard she came across. A third guy managed to raise his arms fast enough to partially deflect Cappadocia's next punch.As they released me, I slumped half-way down the wall before Heaven's bastard launched another kick at me. I was able to block it with my arms. He hauled back again with a snarl on his face when Heaven blazed up behind him, grabbed the back of his head, and pummeled it into the wall. Heaven spun around as Cappadocia yanked me up.Against us, the last three AKA's were gathering themselves for our rush. Another frat-boy opened the door.“Guys, is everything,” he began before Rio smashed that nice looking vase I'd last seen in the entryway over the man's head.The guy staggered and fell to one knee so Rio kicked him in his butt and sent him sprawling on the floor. Before she could get off more than one war-whoop, yet another AKA yanked her into the hall. Heaven was fierce and I knew Cappadocia could fight but I was far less certain of how well Rio could defend herself; we charged.Now, please understand that F F U does not turn out super-commandos. It stresses physical fitness and discipline but that doesn't overcome the basic advantage of height, weight and reach of the average AKA brother. Add to that, we were outnumbered two to one and things were looking bad.One unforeseen advantage we possessed was that if you were F F U, every guy was the enemy (some were still a little conflicted by my existence). The same did not hold true for Alpha Kappa Alpha. Nearly half the girls were Kappa Sigma. All it really took was Iona being a smart little camper.Iona found Christina and Tawny and rapidly brought them up to speed with the crisis. Christina quickly moved to get her girls out while Tawny rallied her troops to break up the fight. It was inevitable that some confused AKA punched out a Kappa Sig, at which point chaos broke out. In the midst of this, Rio and I bolted for the back in order to gather all the girls in the back of the house.Heaven and Cappadocia did the same, heading up to the front. The plan was, we'd make for my house with as many as we could gather. With some effort I made it out the back gate with eight of my ladies and we ran for the wood line separating the properties. As we broke through into view of Aunt Jill's house, we ran into Christina and the rest of our expedition.A quick check showed that though we were bloody and torn, we were all accounted for. The look Christina gave me was scathing and I accepted it with shame because I'd promised my school mates a fun time, not a melee. I was figuring this was the end when Heaven came up and took my hand, smiling up at me."That was fun,” she laughed. Charity, Faith, and Hope nodded, along with more than half of the other girls.“What the fuck?” I muttered. Rio laughed and slapped me on the back.“Just like old times, minus the gunshots and sirens,” Rio declared ecstatically. On cue, the sirens began in the distance. As we raced to the house, Heaven couldn't stop grinning like a maniac“Damn it, Zane, you stapled a smile to her face,” Christina glowered at me once we got inside and, with the quartet, we separated from the rest. “You fucked her, didn't you?”“What makes you think that?” I evaded. It wasn't like she was either of our parents.“Assume for a moment I haven't known her like she's my own twin sister; no, wait, you can't because she is like my twin sister,” Christina pointed out. She reached out and took Heaven by the arm.“Tell me you didn't let him fuck you,” she pleaded with her friend.“I, uh, yes, I dragged him into a closet and let him fuck me up the ass until I could no longer stand, and I loved it, and he wants to do it to me again,” Heaven fought back,”and again.“"Zane, why did you do this to her?” Christina turned back to me.“Duh!” I grumbled, ”She's hot and she likes sex. I wasn't aware I needed any more motivation.“ Chastity lost it and began giggling, which brought down Hope's iron exterior as well. Christina shot them a glance but Chastity wouldn't stop."Christina, I think we have a bigger concern,” Chastity stated.“What is that?” Christina responded cautiously.“I'd worry about which one of us Zane nails next,” Chastity explained between snickers.“Wow,” I sighed, ”you make it sound like I'm some sort of sexual predator.“"Zane, you are a sexual predator,” Hope pointed out.“I prefer the term service provider,” I quipped. Heaven snuck up on me and took my hand. I immediately suspected a judo throw was in my future but instead, she snuggled around my arm like a mini Barbie Lynn. I was suddenly missing the Heaven who wanted to kick me because I knew that personality, where this new one was a mystery.“Heaven?” Christina questioned her, clearly as confused as me.“Hey, I've never had a boyfriend before,” Heaven shrugged. “I want to get some use out of him.” Christina had no comeback for that. I'm thinking 'boyfriend?'“You do realize you are going to have to share him?” Hope pointed out.“As long as those other girls know their place, I'm okay with that,” Heaven stated matter-of-factly.“On that note, I'm going to go look for some ladies that actually appreciate me,” I announced as I untangled myself from Heaven. As I broke free, Heaven made a grab for my elbow.“Can we, you know, get together tomorrow?” she asked. I stroked her cheek around her ear and into the hair at the back of her head, bringing her head to me so that we could kiss.“Sure. I'll pick you up around five. We can hit a restaurant then can catch a movie,” I outlined. Heaven blinked with uncertainty.“I, what?” she muttered.“Heaven, Zane is asking you out on a date,” Christina explained to her friend. Heaven looked over to me for confirmation so I nodded.“Say 'yes',” Chastity goaded Heaven, who had been rendered speechless.“Yes,” Heaven said to me.“I'll pick you up in the parking lot at five,” I told her before departing in search of Rio, Iona, and Barbie Lynn.(How much sex can one guy have in twenty-four hours and still get to church?)*The world is a dirty place; from its darkest hole to the most beautiful idea*Running Away From the Fight“Zane,” Barbie Lynn greeted me happily and swept into my arms. Rio couldn't stop grinning like a lunatic and even Iona looked pleased. I was getting ready to do some serious tonsil hockey with Barbie when,“Zane,” called out Aunt Jill sounding worried and confused. I took a deep breath and headed to the stairs were she was standing, still groggy from sleep, in her dressing gown.“Hey, Jill, the party is over and we'll be heading out soon. There is nothing to worry about,” I soothed her.“Is that sirens I hear?' she inquired."I'll go out and check,” I promised her and with her nod I whispered good-bye to my closest girls and headed for the front door.As I opened the door Christina moved to my side with a questioning glance.“I need to find out how much trouble I've caused the Kappa Sig's,” I explained.“I agree; we need to go find out how bad the trouble is and apologize to Tawny,” Christina corrected me.We walked once more across the lawn, this time in silence. As we crossed into Kappa Sigma property we noted that most of the cars had departed already but two Sheriff's Deputies had arrived. Tawny Flores (the Kappa Sigma Chapter President), Leigh (a sister) and some guy I didn't recognize were talking to them.“That is Richard O'Fallon, the President of the AKA Chapter,” Christina informed me in a hushed tone. They all flashed us looks as we stopped close by, the lead deputy looking our way.“That is Christina Buchanan from F F U; she's was a guest at our party, and the boy next to her is Zane Braxton, our next door neighbor,” Tawny introduced us.I waited for the other shoe to drop but it didn't. No one was pressing charges and after taking our statements the Deputies left, somewhat perturbed. Richard gave the briefest of nods before departing himself. From inside the Sorority house we could hear the noises of the sisters cleaning up.“Well?” Christina asked of Tawny.“I'm still thinking it over,” Tawny responded. “It isn't like a bunch of frat boys are going to admit some girls from a Christian school kicked their asses. Now I need to decide

Guess who is skipping Thanksgiving dinner this year? Lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart. Yep, she told Kelly Clarkson that she has canceled her plans to host a Turkey Day meal and will instead be visiting different friends' homes for the upcoming holiday. She said she gave up Thanksgiving after nine of her guests canceled because someone got sick. So she decided she was just not going to do it at all. Plus she did add the fact that she had already cooked 14 turkeys for her TV show and one more to cook for the Today Show. Martha, guess what? I'm giving you a day off. Zahara Marley Jolie-Pitt has gained a group of new sisters The daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt has joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at Spelman College. You know, the undergrad joined the Mu Pi chapter of the first historically Black sorority. AKAs have been around since 1908, with the Mu Pi chapter being established in 1979. It was just so cute, the photo that Zahara took with her sisters, and how she introduced herself to the group. According to an Instagram video posted by Essence, she says, "My name is Zahara Marlee Jolie, and I landed all the way from the Golden State in the city full of angels, Los Angeles, California." And from what I hear, both of her parents are very proud. And for all these stories and a whole lot more, don't forget to follow Tanya Hart on social media @tanyahollywood and @aurnonline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dean McDermott reveals his alcohol-fueled rages left his ex Tori Spelling and their kids “petrified.” Tristan Thompson and Kylie Jenner finally hash out the infamous Jordyn Woods cheating scandal. And Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's daughter Zahara joins the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at college Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Part 1 - Neville James engages with the National Weather Service for a current weather outlook and a discussion on weather.  He is then joined by former Senator Alicia Barnes of Alpha Kappa Alpha to promote the upcoming Fall Cotillion Debutante Ball.  He then reflects on Greek life and the significance of the debutante ball. 

A second grader in Nashville was reppin' AKA and a teacher is under scrutiny for her actions.  There is something to say on both sides. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's episode showcased April Watson, a serial entrepreneur who owns a diverse range of businesses, including The Weed Spot, a hemp-based dispensary, Exotic Bliss Beauty, Ability Solutions, Southern Home Ventures, and more. She's also a proud member of the timeless Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and holds multiple master's degrees along with a PhD. Needless to say, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the discussion. Thank you for tuning in! Visuals of this episode are available on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnkYBkLv5Svd4g4dbHjOcogApril WatsonIG | @queenofcannabizz

Michelle Hord's story is one of unimaginable grief but also one of resilience and hope. In this episode of The Life Shift, Michelle shares her journey of overcoming tragedy and finding a new purpose in life."I remember driving up on the scene, and I just knew that it was my child. There was no doubt in my mind. And I remember getting out of the car and running towards them, and they wouldn't let me get close. And I just remember hearing somebody say, 'Ma'am, you don't want to see this. Turn around and walk back to your car.' And I just remember thinking, 'I want to see my child. I want to see my child.'" - Michelle HordMichelle's life was turned upside down when her daughter was murdered by a family member. She shares the heart-wrenching moment when she arrived at the scene and knew immediately that it was her child. But instead of letting grief consume her, Michelle found the strength to keep going and honor her daughter's memory.Throughout the episode, Michelle talks about the importance of self-care and how she found healing through therapy and other forms of self-care. She also discusses the power of community and how the support of others helped her through the darkest moments.If you're struggling with grief or looking for inspiration to overcome a difficult time in your life, this episode is a must-listen. Michelle's story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.Michelle D. Hord is a media executive, author, and speaker. She founded Hope Warrior, Inc. to provide consulting services for talent recruitment, workforce leadership training, and broadcast writing and producing. Hope Warrior's clients include NBC News, CBS Studios, Univision, and LVMH of North America.Hord is an author and has been featured on national media such as O Magazine, The Tamron Hall Show, Good Morning America, and The Talk. She also founded Gabrielle's Wings, Inc., a nonprofit that provides education, recreation, and culture to children of color from vulnerable communities. The organization has allocated over $450,000 to projects with partners on three continents.Hord is a member of the Advisory Board for Howard University's School of Communications and the past Chair of the Hampton University Scripps School of Communications Advisory Board. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.Find out more at https://michelledhord.com/ and https://www.gabrielleswings.org/.If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend!Access ad-free, early-release episodes plus bonus episodes with past guests on Patreon. https://patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcastConnect with me:Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelifeshiftpodcastYouTube: https://bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtubeTwitter/X: www.twitter.com/thelifeshiftpodWebsite: www.thelifeshiftpodcast.com1. Surviving unimaginable loss2. Overcoming challenges3. Coping with grief4. Building resilience5. Trauma and loss6. Practical tools for healing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alma Powell left her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, when she was two years old. Her father worked for Studebaker by day, and with his family, ran Nesbitt's Club and Casino by night. Despite the name, it was a music and a social hall, holding local political rallies and community conversations as well as nationally known musicians.  There were, as Alma said, few career paths for an educated young Black woman. Teaching was one of them, and Alma's career as an educator and administrator is distinguished. She is the first African American woman to serve as principal of a South Bend school, and in 1980, she was chosen to lead the South Bend School Corporation's desegregation efforts. Additionally, she served in leadership roles in her beloved Olivet A.M.E. church, in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and during the formative years of the transformation of the Engman Natatorium into the IU South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center.    In 2012, Dr. Monica Tetzlaff sat down with Alma Powell. They talked about her growing up, her family's business on the west side—specifically, the Lake—as well as her years of leadership, especially as an education administrator.   This episode was produced by Nathalie Villalobos and George Garner from the Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center.    Full transcript of this episode available here.   Want to learn more about South Bend's history? View the photographs and documents that helped create it. Visit Michiana Memory at http://michianamemory.sjcpl.org/.    Title music, “History Explains Itself,” from Josh Spacek. Visit his page on the Free Music Archive, http://www.freemusicarchive.org/. 

Anton and BC discuss investing with artificial intelligence, the Netflix documentary, Descendant, and the African-American sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Jay-Z and his mother celebrated Shawn Carter Foundation's anniversary with a star-filled gala.  What's up with the Kardashian curse?  Alpha Kappa Alpha has established their own Credit Union making history.  Angela White bka Blac Chyna celebrates another milestone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hey Sis! Whether you have experienced 5 heartbreaks or 1, it's tough to recover. But let's be real, the more breakups you go through, the harder it is to believe you will ever find the right man for you. Meet today's guest who knows all about it, Arionne Lynch. Arionne had her heart broken numerous times, but she was able to heal her broken heart, rewrite her story, and find the love of her life. Join Arionne and me as she tells her story and drops major golden nuggets. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one! Get to know Arionne: Arionne is the author of two books, “The Women of the Bible and You: A Weekly Devotional” and “Love Like I've Never Been Hurt: How To Heal From Heartbreak.” Arionne created and taught a 5 week bible women's empowerment bible study called, “iSlay: Secrets of the Savvy Successful Women of the Bible.” She has also expanded iSlay Bible Study to include a conference experience for college women at the University of Indianapolis. She is a contributing writer for the Christian Recorder and has also written for Duke University's Faith and Leadership Magazine. She previously served on the Board for the Center for Interfaith Cooperation, Indianapolis, IN.  And she is a member of the Professional Advisory Group for the Inaugural Howard University School of Divinity Clinical Pastoral Education Program. Arionne has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Black Girls Rock Award presented by the Xi Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha (2016) and the University of Indianapolis Staff Achievement in Inclusive Excellence (2018). She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Connect with Arionne: IG & Twitter: @MsArionneYvette Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsArionneYvette Resources and Services 60-minute Heartbreak Coaching Session  Goodbye Heartbreak Hello Purpose: A 365 Day Devotional Free ebook:  100 Biblical Affirmations To Declare After A Breakup Free prayer:  A Prayer To Move On After A Broken Heart Facebook group:  The Healing Heartbreak Community Instagram: @goodbyeheartbreakhellopurpose Let me know what topics you want me to discuss or questions you want me to answer on the podcast. Send me a message here! ***Check out these episodes that are related to this one Ep. 65 Minisode:  Choose Wisely Ep. 101 How Can I Ever Love Again? 4 Tips To Prepare Your Heart For Love In The Future Ep. 112 Am I Ready To Date Again? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions First Sis, are you enjoying the content from the show and want to support? Here's 2 easy things you can do: 1. Make sure you are subscribed to the podcast wherever you listen and 2. Leave a 5-star written review on Apple Podcast (grab your friend's phone for a second if you're not an apple user lol). Know that I really appreciate you! 

Take an immersive journey into the many different sides of campus life. Hear fascinating soundscapes capturing the magical moments and life-changing experiences that make the university experience come alive. 

We are delighted to welcome Melissa C. Potter to the Blk on the Scene fam this week! Melissa is a New York native and an expert at the issues of Race, Identity, Culture, Equity, and Social Justice, which she masterfully manages moments of crisis with her unflappable and vibrant style. Just peep her Instagram to see the fabulous eyewear and fashions! Melissa is a thought leader with a proven track record of creating meaningful social change through her expertise in spearheading social impact strategies and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across non-profit organizations and global brands.  Currently, she serves as the Vice-President, Strategy and Impact at Paramount Global, where she supervises each brand's commitment to the long-term social impact of cultural shifts in society. We get to learn how she got her start as a teenager “interning” with a family friend who was a DJ, leveraging that hustle, curiosity and passion to being a college record label rep at Northeastern University in Boston at the height of the explosion of Hip-Hop and Rap to learning the business from OGs like Mona Scott and Chris Lighty. She witnessed first hand the impact that entertainers such as Method Man, 50 Cent and more had when they hosted their community focused events which served as early inspiration to the field of social impact. Melissa openly shares her trajectory from the music industry to the political and social impact space where her ingenuity led to her winning the prize for Human Rights at the Venice Film Festival plus receiving a 2018 NAACP Image Award nomination as Impact Producer for the film “The Rape of Recy Taylor”.  Potter received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northeastern University and Masters in Corporation Communication and Public Relations from New York University. She serves as the first woman and the first African American Chair of the Board for the National Job Corps Association and is Chair of the Board of Directors of Fostering Change for Children. She was awarded “Change Agent of the Year” in 2018 from the Digital Diversity Network, is a Webby Anthem Awards juror and a Diversity Committee Member for Transform Films. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Melissa's RECEIPTS and her story from a self described “little bossy girl” to being an all around BOSS is just the inspiration we all need to trust our vision and keep the faith! Thanks for listening to Blk on the Scene. We hope that you will tune in for more exciting guests and conversations from this season. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review and rating. Episode Mentions: Melissa C. Potter - https://melissacpotter.com/ Content for Change - https://contentforchange.paramount.com/ Mona Scott - Young - https://www.instagram.com/monascottyoung/?hl=en Violator Records - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violator_(company) Northeastern University - https://www.northeastern.edu/ Alpha Kappa Alpha - https://aka1908.com/ Style Eyes Optical - https://styleeyesoptical.com/

SPEAK TO ME FIRST PODCAST SHOW Coach Toye interviews her Sister-Friend Kim M. Johnson, MSW President/CEO Florida Impact and colon cancer survivor will share her journey from diagnosis to post surgery. Kim will share her story and key points on the importance of getting screened for #ColonCancer. Kim leaves no stone unturned and candidly expresses her thoughts on such an important topic that is often overlooked in communities. #Colonoscopy Colon Cancer AWARENESS Month ABOUT KIM: Kim has spent the last 30 years of her life working on the frontlines of underserved communities in central Florida, helping to improve the lives of children and families. Kim's professional experience includes management, program development, training, teaching, grant writing, and community engagement in social service, schools, university, and nonprofit settings. It was when she began managing the Callahan Neighborhood Center in 2007 where her love of anti-hunger work began. She served on the board of Florida Impact for two years and then worked as their Central Florida Program Coordinator from 2010 until 2017. During that time, she also served on the board of Central Florida Second Harvest Food Bank. Kim then moved on to work for Orange County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services as their grants, nutrition, education, and community programs manager until she re-joined Florida Impact as President/CEO in January 2021. Kim was born and raised in Great Neck, New York, and she received her Bachelor's of Social Work and Master's of Social Work from Adelphi University. Kim is married to Langston Johnson and the proud mother of three amazing daughters, Robyn, Renee, and Ryanna. She is a member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando and a proud member of her beloved sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. She loves to exercise, roller skate, and spend time with her family. Connect with Kim via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-corley-johnson-msw-20758aa0/ Connect with Kim via https://www.floridaimpact.org/ Connect with Toye (HOST) https://www.linkedin.com/in/toyejohnsonvincentspeaker/ THANKS in advance for SUBSCRIBING to SPEAK TO ME FIRST PODCAST SHOW!

hello, Hello, HELLO friends!  Your fav pharmacists won an award!  Thank you so much to Elela V. Cash of the National Women's Empowerment Ministry.  We love doing 3 friends TALK, and it's a humbling honor to be recognized for our work as the Women in Collaboration Award Winners.  Listen in to hear all the details of our trip to ATL! Here's what you'll learn in this episode: How we became Award Winning Podcasters Whose in the room What is the National Women's Empowerment Ministry Why we didn't have a speech ready Will we be back next year Links: www.3ftlinks.com https://www.reddressexp.com/2024nominations Watch the Video: ·       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHH9nnwmloQ About our Hosts: ·       Sitting down to listen to Dr. Leah, Dr. Courtney, and Dr. Sylvia of 3 friends TALK is like sitting down to have a conversation with your girlfriends. It feels familiar, those precious moments we all treasure with our best friends —over coffee or cocktails.  ·       Armed with their credentials and over 30 years of combined in-the-field experience, these three pharmacists, working in non-traditional roles, are your go-to for healthcare conversations, with a twist. The show is centered around science-based truths presented in a relatable way. No fancy medical jargon here but plain and clear language, making potentially life-saving information easily digestible for anyone and everyone.  ·       3 friends TALK is rooted in the culture. The show was created by three southern women forever bonded through their HBCU education at Xavier University. Additionally, 3 friends TALK is grounded in sisterhood; a bond made stronger through each doctor's commitment to her sorority; Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta, Inc.  ·       The goal of 3 friends TALK is to share the truth about physical and mental health with communities of color in a fun and engaging way, ensuring that listeners learn, know, apply, and share.   Are you enjoying the show? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and connect with 3 friends TALK: 3 friends TALK - YouTube 3friendsTALK.com instagram.com/3friendsTALK facebook.com/3friendsTALK  

Black Greek Letter Organizations have been around since the early 1900s; created out of the difficulty of the times to establish collegiate camaraderie, forward advancement and philanthropy in the black community.  For the first time in Now We Know history, Donna & Jonathan have a guest join the podcast to talk about their experience and how transformational being part of the first black fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha, was for their life. Resources: ttps://www.learningtogive.org/resources/african-american-sororities#:~:text=There%20are%20four%20major%20sororities,(Butler%20University%2C%201922)  https://www.naacpconnect.org/blog/entry/from-the-burning-sands-of-the-divine-nine https://www.watchtheyard.com/history/revisiting-midwest-black-fraternity-and-sorority-history/  https://youtu.be/nx0bpj99oDs  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoWmUTq1Fm0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnnmHb5QROE Instagram: @ThomasPolk.net @DonnaJaneen

hello, Hello, HELLO friends!  Happy New Year, friends!!! We're back and ready to dive into 2023.  Listen in as your fav pharmacists discuss all things 2023.  Are we setting Goals, Resolutions, doing a theme word or what for the new year?  Leave us a comment on insta and let us know your new year plans! Oh, and we give you all the tips on using your pharmacy benefits this year!  2023, let's GO (in our Big Glo voice)!!

hello, Hello, HELLO friends!  It's Thanksgiving Eve and the start of the holiday season; are you ready? What are you cooking? Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and happy holidays to all who celebrate!  Also, send us a DM to RSVP for 3fT Friendsgiving 2023!

Tanisha Fitzgerald Baker is the manager of DEI for Knoxville Utilities Board, where she works on creating a diverse and inclusive work environment with equitable opportunities for all. She supports areas that impact the employee and customer experience through the lens of DEI. Tanisha is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee and she's a graduate, valedictorian, and Ms. Austin East from the Austin East High School class of 1988. She continued her education, graduating from both Florida A&M and the University of Tennessee with degrees in Actuarial Science and Education. She spent more than 20 years working for equity, access and education as an educator and leader with Project Grad Knoxville.She retired from Project Grad in 2021 and started a new career with Knoxville Utilities. She completed her certificate in social enterprise effectiveness from the University of Tennessee's Haslam School of Business. She's a graduate of Leadership Knoxville class of 2020. She was one of 30 across the state of Tennessee chosen for the 2021 Complete Tennessee Leadership Institute which she completed, along with the Mosaic Change Fellowship 2021 cohort as one of 21 across the state of Tennessee.She's the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including the 2020 MLK Community Service Award. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she's a sought-after panelist, presenter and consultant. She's passionate about her calling to educate and elevate others.She founded Educational Enhancement Services Incorporated in 1998. She's also a founding member and current president of the Five Points Up Community Action Group. Founding member of East Knox Lions Club, founder of the unifying concept of the Village of Knoxville, and the host of a weekly radio show: Talking with T.She serves on several community boards as well as serving as the chair of the city of Knoxville's African-American Equity Task Force. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and continues to reside in the East Knoxville community. On this week's episode of MsInterPReted, Tanisha, and Kelly talk about what DEI looks like in various spaces and how to apply DEI to a multitude of aspects in the work place: DEI as it relates to hiring and human resources What diversity looks like in different spaces How to integrate DEI practices into every part of business DEI data conversions DEI in virtual workplaces Good DEI practices Follow Tanisha on:Website:  https://www.talkingwitht.comOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talkingwitht/On Twitter:  @talkingwitht  Follow Fletcher Marketing PR on:Website:  https://www.fletchermarketingpr.com/On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FletchermarketingprOn Twitter:  @fletcherprOn Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/fletcher.pr/Follow Kelly on Twitter: @KDFletcherFollow Mary Beth on Twitter: @marybethwest 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.   About Tamara Winfrey-Harris: Tamara Winfrey-Harris is a writer who specializes in the ever-evolving space where current events, politics and pop culture intersect with race and gender. She says, “I want to tell the stories of Black women and girls, and deliver the truth to all those folks who got us twisted—tangled up in racist and sexist lies. I want my writing to advocate for my sisters. We are better than alright. We are amazing.” Tamara is the author of two books: The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America (Berrett-Koehler Publishers 2015) and Dear Black Girl: Letters From Your Sisters On Stepping Into Your Power (Berrett-Koehler Publishers 2021). The award-winning Sisters, now in its second edition, has been optioned by Wise Entertainment and Gabrielle Union's production company I'll Have Another to be turned into a dramedy for television.  Tamara's work has been published in media outlets, including including The New York Times, The Atlantic, Cosmopolitan, New York Magazine and The Los Angeles Times. And her essays appear in The Lemonade Reader: Beyonce, Black Feminism and Spirituality (Routledge, 2019); The Burden: African Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery (Wayne State University Press, 2018); Black in the Middle: An Anthology of the Black Midwest (Black Belt Publishing, 2020); and other books. Tamara is co-founder of Centering Sisters, LLC, an organization that unapologetically addresses the needs and issues of Black women and girls; and the Black Women's Writing Society, a monthly virtual space for Black femme creatives. She is also a certified yoga teacher who focuses her work on the healing and well-bring of her sisters. Tamara is a native of Gary, IN, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. She graduated with a BA degree from the Greenlee School of Journalism at Iowa State University.   About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

On this week's episode, the fellas honor the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Founders' Day by bringing on their favorite AKA, the one and only Chetta. They get into this week. They talk about Ed Reed and his recent outburst against Bethune Cookman. They also talk about the have and the have nots in the HBCU world. Why are certain HBCUs just more popular. Then the fellas answer a listener letter. The Rip 28er has a problem with her man's hairy private parts. The fellas and Chetta give a little bit of advice to help her out. And on the 90s block, they try to figure out who is the best TV dad. Phillip Banks, Carl Winslow or Frank Mitchell? We also find out why Sly really, really, really hates Florida Evans. This fool goes completely off the rails when talking about Florida. Be sure to check it out. Available on all streaming sites and on YouTube too! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rip-28-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rip-28-podcast/support

The Unexpected Leader by Jacquline BakerEmotion by Design by Greg HoffmanExpect to Win by Carla HarrisLead to Win by Carla Harris

From abortion to police brutality and the death penalty, Black Americans suffer disproportionate amounts of state-sanctioned lethal violence. This roundtable discussion from our 2022 Rehumanize Conference brings together Black activists who hold a Consistent Life Ethic to discuss the critical importance of challenging racial injustice as we advocate for human rights for all human beings.   Watch the video version of this session on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j91o_IL63Kw   Transcript: Herb Geraghty: So this session is titled Black Lives Matter from Conception to Natural Death. I am so grateful to be joined by these three individuals. I'm going to just briefly introduce each of our participants and then hand the conversation over to them. First, Jack Champagne is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He currently works as an educator in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He formerly worked for the Capital Habeas Unit of the Federal Public Defender's Office, the Innocence Project, the Project, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. He is also a staff writer for Rehumanize International. Cherilyn Holloway is the founder of Pro Black Pro-Life. She specializes in initiating tough conversations surrounding racial equity, including in the womb. She travels the country, educating her community about the negative messaging they receive regarding motherhood and the sanctity of life. Finally, Gloria Purvis is an author, commentator, and the host and executive producer of the Gloria Pur podcast. Through her media presence, she has been a strong Catholic voice for life issues, religious liberty, and racial justice. She has appeared in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, the Washington Post, PBS News Hour, npr, Newsweek Live and she hosted Morning Glory, an international radio show. She recently debuted a video series entitled Racism, Human Dignity, and the Catholic Church through the Word on Fire. I. Again, I am so, so grateful for each of our participants. With that said, I am going to get out of here and give them the opportunity to discuss their work and tell us what Black Lives matter from conception to natural death means to you. Thank you all. Thank you.  Jack Champagne: Thank you, Herb.  Gloria Purvis: Jack, why don't you start us off.  Jack Champagne: Oh man, . I was, I'm, I'm a,  Cherilyn Holloway: I was gonna vote for Jack.  Yes. .  Jack Champagne: Ah, alright then. So yeah, I was, I was, I, I've spent most of my life kind of with the sort of mainstream understanding of, uh, of life issues, of kind of being, you know, kind of, not super, uh, decided on the issue. It was actually working at the capital habeas unit that I actually, developed a, I mean, you try working with condemned prisoners and not develop a healthy respect for human life. It's, you know, dealing with, you know, prisoners who do not have living victims and who are themselves usually scheduled to die at the hands of the state. Having to advocate for these people and, you know, if you don't have an opinion on the death penalty going in, you will definitely have one coming out. And, I mean, it, it's a, it's a powerful experience, you know, just looking at the conditions they live in, the legal issues, that, uh, that surround capital punishment, and, uh, you know, just working under, Marshall Diane, who I think is still working there, who was a, who was a very, you know, loud voice against the death penalty. Just kind of, just kind of, you know, uh, formed my thinking on that. And of course it's, you know, Uh, very short distance from there to, you know, you know, concern about the lives of the disabled and the unborn. And you know, that, that, that of course interacts with my, my perception of race, both as, uh, both as a black man and as somebody who was clientele was almost always black men as well. So, you know, that's, that's. Uh, you know, that's, that's, I I have a very tangible, you know, grasp on what that looks like for me. I don't know about the, I don't know about you, uh, you all, but that's kind of where I come from with it.  Gloria Purvis: Uh, you know, I, I think, I'm a child of south. I mean, I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. Which is where the Civil War started. Long history of bad race relations, . Still, we have people having a love affair with the lost cause mythology that the South had race relations, uh, correct by subjugating black people and that we were happier with the way that it was and that they had it right in terms of human relations between men and women. Uh, right in terms of the race question, but it wasn't. And, this — growing up in that environment, but at the same time, growing up in a very strong black community, in that environment, in a strong black community of people who, despite all the obstacles were achievers, were people who created things within the black community. And so while I grew up down there, I also had an environment where black excellence was normal, was normative. And, encountering people there that thought that, you know, I shouldn't think so highly and be so sure of myself. And that was their problem, not mine, but at the same time also seeing the uneven application of law enforcement, the uneven application of good healthcare. You know what I mean? Things like that, that you just as a black person moving through the world is paying attention. You see these things. And then, as a person of faith, also as a person that, believed in the science, you know, and I studied biology, uh, I understood that the human person. It, you know, is a human person, is a human life, a member of the human family from that moment of conception. And it just made sense to me, that we'd wanna protect and defend that life from the moment of conception all the way through natural death. And it was inconsistent to me to, in, on the one hand, say, we wanna defend lives in this instance, and yet in another instance, get rid of that life it in as a means of empowering others. So it just seemed illogical to me, some positions that I've seen in different justice movements. So it made me question, well, what is justice really? And as a, a person of faith and studying with the Catholic church understands justice, being justice means every human person — life being, uh, gets what they, you know, they merit something their life merits, protection, nurturing, flourishing. And that's what each of us is entitled to. Whether we're, whether we're the condemned on death row, whether we're in the womb, whether we're on our deathbed as a sick person, our lives of worthy of protection. And, and, and now even I think people are struggling with the notion that the death penalty should be no more. You know, we, we have this idea that really is really vengeance if you ask me. It's not justice. This idea that, you know, people need to get what's coming to 'em in a negative way without ever looking, also, at the way racism influences how the death penalty, who gets the death penalty. How, someone's wealth or lack thereof, influences who gets the death penalty, influences who even gets arrested and prosecuted. So, uh, there's so much uneven in our legal system. I've learned to call it the legal system instead of the justice system. There's so much uneven in our legal system that, it, it, it really, in terms of fairness, makes no sense to have the death penalty. Not to mention that each and every person, no matter what they've done, has made the image and likeness of God and is worthy of dignity and respect. And we as believers, I'm speaking as myself, are called to respond differently to persons who have harmed the community. We want restorative justice, not, not vengeance. And I think that's a difficult thing for people, but we can get into that and, and all, uh, later, but just as a high level, that has influenced, you know, my views and understanding of the human person and, and the dignity and why their lives need to be respected and protected. Cherilyn Holloway: Yeah, that's, both of those are like, spot on. So I, got into this. I was a community outreach director for a pregnancy center. I had made two previous abortion choices and I came outta those really feeling duped. Like I wasn't given all my options. And had I been given all my options, I would've made different choices. And I didn't want another woman to have to go through that. I had no idea that there was like a pro-life, pro choice. I had no clue. I was completely ignorant. And even when I joined the first pregnancy center, it wasn't something that they talked about. Nobody ever talked about Roe versus Wade. Nobody ever talked about the March for Life. It was just kind of like hand to the plow. We're just helping women. And it wasn't until I moved back to Ohio. I'm originally from Oberlin, Ohio, where the college is, and I grew up just with this, bubble. And in the bubble we were all like working towards justice. And so , you know, racial justice, food equity, everything you could think of, you know, Oberlin College was a first college to openly accept gay and lesbian couples. It was before like, I don't know, there's a session earlier where someone was saying that like being trans really was, wasn't a big deal in the 2000s and now it's a big deal. Like that is, that was my world and. So I grew up in a very different community that was surrounded by all white rural communities that were extremely racist. And so it wasn't that we were going out somewhere far to do work. We were, had work to do right where we were in our county. And so I moved back to Oberlin. and, uh, became the executive director of my local pregnancy center. And that's where I learned about this pro-life, pro-choice, uh, overturning Roe versus Wade. But the biggest thing I learned about was the disparities of abortion in the black community. And I couldn't wrap — I'm very li I'm not very sensational. Like I'm not, nobody would describe me as sensitive. Nobody would describe me as overly emotional. I'm very logical, data driven, straight to the point. And to me it just, I couldn't figure out why the, why everyone didn't know this. Like why isn't this obvious to everyone else? Like, I know I'm not like crazy, but this is obvious. And so when I began to go to conferences and look around and see, you know, five to 10 people that look like me and wonder, and everyone's stopping me saying, Why isn't the black community enraged about the abortion numbers? And I'm like, Have you, I don't know. Like I'm trying to figure it out myself and like, Well, what can we do? And so then I started pushing back and asking, Well, what do you do for their other circumstances? Like what do you do to help them with the children that they already have? Like, what are you doing to help them find, you know, equitable jobs? Like how are you helping them in other ways? Like, what else are you doing aside from, you know, telling them that we're having too many abortions? and I've — I kept being met with the same response, which was, Oh, well we wanna keep to the main thing. The main thing. It doesn't really matter if the baby doesn't make it out the womb, but it does matter because unless you are pregnant, you're not really thinking about abortion. So it absolutely does matter. If we're not actually doing something in the community to help the lives that are earth side, then it does matter. And so there just became, Pretty obvious tension between me and, uh, some of my, uh, pro-life comrades , because I wasn't going to be the person who, who just stood and talked about, you know, racism and the abortion issue without tying everything else together. And that's how I began to reach my community, inadvertently just without knowing, just randomly talking to people at the barbershop in the grocery store and , uh, wherever I could, because I talked to people everywhere. Um right. And that led me to start Pro-Black Pro-life just to be able to have a place. Where people who thought like me, because I just like, I can't be the only one gonna keep me to have this place. And then I built it. People came . That was kind of my, uh, way into really thinking about how Black lives matter from womb to tomb and how to be able to communicate that to the greater black community.  Gloria Purvis: You, you know, Cherilyn. That question that you know, well, why aren't black people more outraged about abortion? I would hear a, a flavor of that just about everywhere I went. But it was asked in a way, like in some cases like, is your community stupid? You know? Right. It's so condescending. And so when I felt like it, 'cause a lot of times I was like, remain in your ignorance because I don't have the wherewithal right now emotionally to deal with this. But in, in cases where I felt that it was worth having the conversation, I help people understand that there's a difference between abortion and the kinds of racialized, other racialized violence that we experience. I said, So for example, abortion. An abortion is something somebody has to go out and get. I said, me walking through the street and getting cold jacked by the police, I have to do nothing except be me and move through the space. So in terms of, uh, actual threats, nobody's jumping out and putting an abortion on you per se, you know what I mean? Right. So in terms of actual threats, what I'm thinking about as I'm leaving out of the safety of my home are those things that I cannot control. So I cannot control being followed in the department store and having security called on me. I cannot control when the doctor is ignoring me. When I say I'm, I'm hurting, you know, I need help with this pain. I cannot control when, I come in for a job interview and although I'm qualified and my name hints my ethnicity, that I'm not given the job. But I can control whether or not, at least in some sense, of going to choose abortion. So the threats are perceived differently. You know, the existential threats are perceived differently. Even though our community is heavily targeted, uh, for abortion and heavily marketed to, for abortion and all that kind of stuff, it's just perceived as a different kind of threat. So while it's not that we're not outraged, it's just that we got a lot of other things we got like going on. We got a lot already going on. So it's not that we don't care, it's not that it's, it's frankly that the people asking question are so far removed and so uninvested in the black experience that they can't fathom that we move through the world differently than they do. Jack Champagne: Mm-hmm. . Yeah, I think, I think, I think Cherilyn gets at something. When she talks about how isolating it is to sort of be in the black community, but also be pro-life because you're kind of, you know, the, there's sort of some kind of, there's kind of a regulatory capture in black communities in which the most politically active of us also feel the need to go in, all in on being pro-abortion, because that's where the political allies are. And then on the flip side, you have, you know, pro-life movement, which is not, uh, not always responsive to black voices. And black voices are not always present, you know, and I had occasion to think about this, you know, when, uh, Kamala Harris, you know, had brought, brought those leaders together to talk about, you know, reproductive justice and how effectively they were able to, to, do the messaging on that as sort of a civil rights. Uh, sort of or group, you know, you had buy in from Al Sharpton, from Mark Morial of the Urban League, from the NAACP, from all of these groups, these big names, and it was, it was, and you know, it's stunning how easy it was and how effectively they had kind of, you know, seized on this black organizing tradition and had kind of made it into — you know, this is the natural continuity of, you know, this black organizing tradition and kind of how uncritically, you know, is kind of accepted in these communities. So, you know, that isolation, it does have real political results and, you know, we're seeing it become, you know, increasingly stark and, you know, sort of a post Dobbs reality where, you know, these sharp political lines are being drawn. Cherilyn Holloway: Yeah. And I think that, I mean, I, I feel like. We'd be remiss if we didn't address the fact that the idea of a black woman, woman, having the right to have an abortion really becomes a rights issue. It's a control issue of a right that she did not used to have. Mm-hmm. . And so we can't ignore that. Right? We can't ignore that. There was a time when black women were not in control of their bodies and were not in control of what, you know, when they had babies and how many they had, and their children were sold, you know, into, in being enslaved. We cannot ignore that. And so this, this idea, you know, overturning Roe and the Dobbs decision takes us back to to, you know, black women not being able to control their bodies is, is a very real fear for some black women. But, but on the flip side of that, on the flip side of that, there's a huge difference between women's rights and reproductive justice, right? And so what ends up happening is that the Women's Rights Movement does what the Women's Rights Movement does, right? It isolates black women. Because what women's rights are fighting for are very different than what black women are fighting for with reproductive justice, right? Black women are fighting for this idea, not just to have an abortion. The abortions like the caveat, like it's stuck on the end and doesn't actually make sense because all the other rights have to do with, maternal mortality, infant mortality, being able to take care of their children. Having healthy relationships, having healthy schools, healthy childcare, like all of those things are in the reproductive justice, like being able to have a good birth experience — and then abortion is like tacked on that, and it almost doesn't make any sense. Where, in the women's rights movement, it's solely about abortion. That's it. and what black women are saying, like our issues are more complex. And I feel like even on the pro-life side, that's what we're saying, right? We're saying, yes, we get it. We're pro-life, but our issues are more complex. If we cannot figure out why women are jumping in and go upstream and stop that, we're just gonna be steady pulling 'em off the river. And there is no, there is no relief when we're consistently pulling them out the river. We're not actually solving the problem. And for 50 years we have not actively solved this problem . And so now everyone's like, Oh, well, you know, what does post, you know, Dobbs look like? Well, it looks like what it should have looked like in 1973. Like, we should have been working to solve some of these systemic issues that Gloria just named in order to help women. If 70% of women, black women, are having abortions for financial reasons, and we're talking that they only need $20,000 more to, to make a choice, to say, to keep their baby. And I say only because I know that there are people who are donating $20,000 to pregnancy centers. Which they need to do. Don't stop doing that. But it's — there is no lack of funds in the pro-life movement.  Gloria Purvis: Okay. So couple things. I do think it's a temptation — and I think it's not, I think it's on purpose that, around abortion, it's always marketed to black women as if you're losing something. Oh, these rich white women can do it, and if you can't do it, therefore it's not equal. And I think that's the biggest bunch of hokey. Because frankly, the thing that we want that, that that white women take for granted, isn't abortion. We want safe and affordable housing, clean water, jobs for our spouses, a good education for our children. And I think it is an absolute insult that the thing that they're like, well, you can have this thing though. You can have abortion, and you should really be rallying for abortion because that makes you equal to these wealthy white women. I'm like, no it doesn't. All it does is remove our children from these substandard conditions, while we still remain in those substandard conditions. Let's remove the substandard conditions from our community. That is what we need to be focusing on. If you want equality for black women, for black men, for black families, for black children. And so it has just been. Just, I, I, it has just been shocking to me how much, how much energy and effort is put into abortion. I mean, I just saw a member of the Divine Nine say something positive about abortion. Kamala Harrison, I are both members of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. I'm hoping the sorority doesn't say anything along those lines, but they probably will, if they haven't already. So it is absolutely, like you say, Jack, going to all these large black organizations and getting their buy-in and getting them to send a message out to their membership. And I think we need to start speaking, you know, among our friends, among our families. So whoever wants to listen in our churches, our parishes, our sororities, fraternities, our fraternal groups, whatever, to challenge, you know, this notion that abortion is a good thing for the black community. I think we also need to understand the idea of rights. Rights cannot go contrary to the nature of a thing. And so for people to, at at least in my opinion, call abortion a right. I'm like, but that goes exactly against the nature of what it is to be female, to be able to conceive and bring life forward. So to me, to say that it's a right to terminate that pregnancy — as if our biology is some inherent injustice against being female. To me, it's very anti-woman. And it never allows us to have these broader conversations about what the economy, what our culture, what society needs to look like, to be more inclusive of women as we are. I mean, if, if the answer for every difficulty that we experience is, you know, get that abortion, that's gonna liberate you, that's gonna free you, you can go and achieve, you can make more money. Then we never really talk about the structures or the systems that hold us back from achieving and making money. And then one last thing I wanna say: when they do studies on who wants an abortion, it's typically those women or families making a combined income of more than a hundred thousand dollars a year. Those making less — like, let's say 40,000 or less — by and large want to keep their children. So abortion is even being marketed to the very communities, poor black women, as liberating with those poor black women do not want abortion. And then one lesson, I will say this: bell hooks, who died recently, talked about in the feminist movement, how black women's aims were very different from white women. They weren't pushing for abortion. But because white women carried the day, abortion became central to being feminist, to being liberated, but that is not at all what black women wanted. So yeah, I think we need to recapture what it means to, as black women, what, what, uh, equality and liberty really means. And I don't think, having the ability to end the lives of our children in the womb is the answer. Jack Champagne: We popped over to the Q and A real quick. There are two kind of related questions. I wanted to see what y'all thought about — uh, first one's anonymous. Uh, it says, As advocates for racial justice and people who have interacted with the pro-life movement, which is often tied to conservative circles, what are some strategies you might suggest for how we can push back against the racism that has grown so loud in the G O P and Trump movements. And then second one, uh, this is, uh, Miles Bedlan, I think. How can we make the pro-life movement appeal more to black Americans? I've noticed that the pro-life movement is overwhelmingly white.  Cherilyn Holloway: I'll do, I'll do the second question. Yeah.  Gloria Purvis: You know, sometimes I'm, sometimes I'm like, I really think some that's gonna be something that, white pro-lifers need to take up. I really am not interested in, to tell you the truth, I'm really not interested with the limited energy I have and having to fight the obvious racism. Right? And quite frankly, the people who are prone to those kinds of behaviors or coded, coded language, probably can't hear me when I talk to them about why something is racist or inappropriate. But they probably could hear, uh, their fellow white pro-lifers explaining or calling out why something is racist or dehumanizing to black people. And so I'm gonna really invite all my white pro-lifers to, to take up that, to take on that calling something out directly and helping people recognize that something's racist. Because I'm finding that unless the slur, a racial slur is used, people cannot recognize that something is racist. And I'm like, you know, there's a lot of coded language. There's a lot of — people know not to just come out with racial slurs, but they still can be very racist in their language and the way in which they address certain things. So, white pro-lifers, call 'em out, and also make room for black pro-lifers to come and just speak and be a part of the movement. Invite us to come and talk at your conventions, your meetings and things like that. If you want us to be more included and at the same time, call out, you know, these racist talking points that you see sometimes in the movement. Cherilyn Holloway: Oh, well I'm gonna tell you right now, like, don't invite me unless you're ready to burn it down. Like, if you're not ready, don't invite me, because I'm, I'm just, I'm gonna say what I wanna say and it may upset some people, and that's just the way it is. So, if you're not ready to restart, uh, or if you haven't recently restarted, you know, and I 100% agree with, like, I don't have the bandwidth. Like I, I don't, like, I spent a couple years very early on answering these questions and my final answer was — a very sweet southern white woman stopped me at a conference and said, how do we reach the black community? And I said, Let us do it. Like each state, like state, like if you're not there, like, that doesn't mean like there shouldn't be services or things like that, but we don't trust you. Yeah, like we do not trust, you know, the G O P, the Trumpist movements, we don't trust, you know — we don't trust it. And so, you know, I picked the name Pro Black, Pro-Life for a reason. Because I was done, but I felt like I wanted to still own the pro-life where like — you're not, I'm pro-life. You're not going to convince me to call myself something else. Like it is what it is, but I'm womb to tomb. I'm gonna tell you what it means to me and like it'll love it. Like it doesn't matter. It's not gonna change the way I feel. And so the pro-life movement itself is not going, we're not going to be able to make a mass appeal. What we, what we're gonna need to do is be more present, and seen, so that people who are sitting in the closet with their pro-life views, that they feel like they're, they're consistent, but everything around them is inconsistent, right? So like here, we all have a consistent life ethic. This — we know this exists, but people don't know this exists. And so when I talk to people, you know about being pro-life or about the womb, or about. They all say the same thing. I just went to a doctor and she goes, and she goes, Well, what do you do? And I told her what I did and she goes — It's just her and I there. And she's like, I'm pro-life too. I'm like, Why are we whispering? Because, right. It's just me and you. Right. But the idea was, she was like, But I don't wanna tell somebody else what not to do. And I told her, it's not about telling somebody else what to do, but people need to know. So when people know better, they do better. And most of the people in the black community, not the people that we see, you know, at these large national conventions, not, these are the people that I'm talking to. Most people in my church and in my community don't know the truth about abortion. They don't. They think that it's legal, so it must be okay. And so we just need to continue to speak the truth. You know, if you're gonna platform someone, you know, a black, you know, a black speaker, don't ask 'em what they're gonna say. Like, listen to a couple of their stuff. Ask 'em to come and let them have at it. Like, don't always tell people like, If you're gonna raise some money, don't ask me. Because I can't promise you people are gonna give. Gloria Purvis: Cherilyn let me ask you something because I think the name Pro-Black is in the name Pro-Black Pro-Life — putting Pro-Black right there. I think it sends a message because there are. Prominent black voices in the conservative pro-life movement who are def — definitely anti-black. I mean, I'm thinking of one woman in particular who I will not name because I feel like I'd conjur the devil if I ever mentioned the name. But, so anti-black in the things that she says and I'm like, how do people, in the pro-life movement, listen to this person and not hear the odious anti-gospel message in what she says. And I've come to recognize because they have not unlearned the racist conditioning that they've been exposed to just by mere fact of being born and going through the educational system or even entertainment, uh, system in the United States that has definite, uh, programming around blackness that seems to reinforce a criminality. A promiscuousness, an ignorance, a laziness, an untrustworthiness, just everything negative that you could think of, is out there. And so there hasn't been this unlearning and with people like this particular person and, and there are many of them, smaller level, you know, I, I can think of a number of people trying to, go for her crown, but they cater to that, those kind of, talking points about this inherent brokenness in black culture and which, you know, tries to imply there is something inherently criminal and broken in us, which is just nonsense. And so I will say, yeah, have the black person come speak, but please do check to make sure they're not reiterating a bunch of anti-black talking points, because we don't need more of that. No, you know, it, it doesn't, it, it does nothing to help the movement and it certainly says to other black people, other healthy, normal black people out there that they are not welcome.  Cherilyn Holloway: Yeah. And, and, and people, like the person you speak of, they're not talking to the black community. That is something that I often have to talk about in trainings and what I'm speaking is that they're, they're, they, they're saying that that's who they're talking to, but we're not listening to them. Right. So they're not. They're talking to you, like, they're talking to a white, conservative audience saying what the white, conservative audience wishes they could say to black people. But at the end of the day, ain't nobody saying that to black people. Cause black people ain't listening. Right. So Jack, do you have anything to say? I was gonna go to more questions cause I think we have 10 minutes.  Jack Champagne: So, so I'm very much in the Cherilyn Holloway school of Prepare To Get Your Feelings Hurt. , I'm gonna, I'm gonna answer it like this because it also tangentially answers Ben Conroy's question, which is that, you know, I was born Jackson, Mississippi, Heart of the Beast. Did a lot of work in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, you know. Things that black people care about, voting rights, uh, rights for convicted felons, rights for housing. I see never one pro-life person involved with any of that. There are more black people in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana than there are anywhere else in the country. And I didn't see one black person involved with any, you know, any pro-life, anything. And I didn't see any outreach from pro-life people to any of these groups. All of my volunteers were, you know, working for democrat, governors, governor candidates, pro — pro-choice people, you know, those are the people who were asking me to speak at events. Those are the people who are asking me, how can I help? Those who are people — you know, fundamentally it's a problem that conservative, uh, a lot of pro-life people, they fundamentally don't respect black voices and they don't care about black issues. And that is, that is probably the most fundamental problem. There's no, you know, magic tool. There's no, there's no way to speak about these issues. Sometimes it's just caring. Sometimes it's just caring about, uh, helping people that can't help you. You know, we shouldn't, we shouldn't really be having a conversation about how we convince, can convince pro-life people to care more about racial justice — that should just be an inherent part of their calculus. But it's not because they're not pro-life. They're anti-abortion. And some of them are self-conscious about that. Some of them were like, I don't wanna be pro-life, I just want to be anti-abortion. And you know, because it requires them to do it, requires them to do things that don't directly benefit themselves and instead benefit a community that they don't care about and can't get anything from. And, you know, you can't tell me. You cannot tell me you are working in some of the only counties in the country that have a majority black population and you can't find any black people that agree with you? Give me a break. Like that is not, That is, That is a, Wow. That is, That is, That requires such an instrumental view of black people. That, you know, it, it kind of makes you tell on yourself like, Oh yeah, they might agree with me on abortion, but they might be too militant. They might be, they might care too much about racism. You know, they might not talk about it in a way that, you might, you. You, you might, you might offend my audience and things like that, right? So, you know, you need to, you need to, you need to step, basically what you need is you need to step outside of this, this paradigm in which, "I will only care about black people if they can help me. I go, I can only care about black people if they're not too extreme." You know that, this is why, you know, we get anti-black, black people that are so highly valued in the movement because that's all the only voices that the movement values. And will tolerate.  Gloria Purvis: Exactly. And will tolerate. So. Well, you know, Jack, you made me actually think of a time that I went to Community Action Arkansas and there was a bunch of black people that I was down there with, and we were talking about the upcoming election. And this was before Trump. And the issue of abortion came up, and every single one of those persons that I spoke to was pro-life, but they also told me their experience of going down to — I don't know how they did the primaries or something, you had to vote by party or whatnot — so they had to go down where all the Republicans were, and the open hostility that they experienced from these white Republicans when they went over there to vote pro-life made them say, "They don't want us here." And so, they have no interest in our thriving as a community. And so their actual experience of the so-called pro-life movement in their state when it came time to exercise their right to vote, was that it was very much anti-black. And they didn't see, so, they don't vote Republican because of their particular experience of that party in their local experience, and what their party locally has done or not done, you know, for or against the black community. And so while they are pro-life, they cannot vote locally with the Republicans who are so called the party of life because of their overt racism. Mm-hmm. , so you know. I, I, So at the same time, and I get it, I was like, Hey, I'm not telling you to go vote with people who'd, you know, just as soon slit your throat or hang you up from a tree. You know, in reality, while they may say they're pro-life, they're not really talking about your lives in the womb. When they're saying that they're pro-life, That's not their vision of being pro-life. So maybe that's the reality for quite a number of folks. So.  Jack Champagne: Yeah, I mean, we, we, what we, what we want is, It's relatively simple. It's if you can be a pro-life candidate and have a stance against racism that is not limited or qualified, you're golden. You — there's no one — there's no one else like you in the country. Yeah. And it's so easy and people stumble on it so much, and I simply don't understand it.  Gloria Purvis: Can we, I see one question. Cheryl, did you wanna say something else?  Cherilyn Holloway: Yeah, I was gonna read a question. Yeah, go ahead. Go ahead. So Lisa Stiller said, How do you answer people that say reversal of Roe negatively impacts BIPOC communities the most? So my first response is always, Why? Why does it negatively impact — and they're gonna always say the thing. Same thing, right? Poverty. So we don't have an abortion issue. We have a poverty issue. Mm-hmm. . And so if you want to not negatively impact the black community, help them get outta poverty. Mm-hmm.  Gloria Purvis: and Lisa, please remind them. Killing the poor does not solve poverty. Never. Okay. And that's what what they're saying, you know, is the solution to poverty for these BIPOC communities is to eliminate their children. Again, eliminating children from a substandard condition instead of eliminating the sub standard conditions from the community. Cherilyn Holloway: ,  yeah, this is another good one. That I may have an answer to. I don't know. What are some things you've seen well-intentioned activists do in an attempt to be pro-black that have been unhelpful? Oh, so a big one for me. This is a huge pet peeve for me and I hate to say that like I was inadvertently a part of it. Like I didn't know I was beginning my years, you guys. So this is like a pass. This is my pass. I don't like it when people take sayings and, change them to fit what they want. I forget what the word is. There's like a word for this,  Gloria Purvis: Appropriation? Is that it?  Cherilyn Holloway: Like Black Lives Matter, right? Right. So when black activists take that and they put like pre-born in front of it or all, or like when someone does that, and I feel like that is well intentioned. I get it. I get the intention, but the saying Black Lives Matter is true. There's nothing wrong with that saying, right? And I feel like if you're saying Black Lives Matter as someone who's pro-life, you should mean from womb to tomb. So it, it, it, uh, irritates me or agitates me or aggravates me. Like it won't send me like off the rock or when people do that, like when there are activists that take things like that and that's just an example, but I've taken other things with other, like it picking up other issues and tried to like formulate them into. Gloria Purvis: Oh, conflating them? Cherilyn Holloway: Yes, Conflate. Thank you . Gloria Purvis: You're welcome. Yeah. I don't know if I've ever seen anybody be attempt to really be pro black. I mean, I just remember there was a big brouhaha about a, pro-life organization on their — was it their Instagram? Around the time of the George Floyd murder, for some reason they put up this unhelpful thing that more black children die in the womb than they do in police custody. Cherilyn Holloway: They're more safe. They're more safe in police custody.  Gloria Purvis: Oh, they're safer. I mean, what, how — Just yeah, as if they were trying to, redirect the conversation — again, we can walk and chew gum. And also why, why the need to have to downplay our real suffering? And the real threats to our lives by, uh, from, unjust policing, you know, and to try to say, Oh, no, no, no. You don't have time to be, You're safe actually. You're safer in police hands than you are as a black child of woman. Please shut up. That it was not only unhelpful, it was, it was, it, it was so insensitive. Was very insensitive. It was so insensitive. And I think there was another, one last instance that I'm sure you all aware of is there was a well known pro-life activist on Twitter that. Jumped into Bishop Talbot Swan's Twitter feed to tell him that he was a problem with the black community and, and that he was, you know, all this stuff on abortion, which clearly the person had no idea that Bishop Talbot Swan is a member of Church of God in Christ, which is like one of the largest black Christian denominations that is pro-life. Yep. And, and, and that Bishop Swan had actually written an open letter to Hillary Clinton, challenging her on her abortion support and its negative impact on the black community. But this very well known pro-life white activist just, I guess, felt that she needed to help him understand that the real racism. Because that's the words she used, that the real racism was an abortion or something like that. I can't remember what it was, but the, the idea that she was gonna tell this man, this civil rights activist, this pro-life, uh, bishop from the Church of God in Christ, that she knew better what the real racism was than he did as a black man moving through this earth. For the number of years that he did. It was clearly, I guess supposed to be pro-black because she's gonna educate about real racism. But it was just very, ignorant and, tone deaf and condescending.  Jack Champagne: Yeah, I mean, I can virtually guarantee you that just living as a black person in America makes you more of an expert on racism than just about anybody on the planet. You know, it, it's one of those things where if you feel the need to redirect discussion about issues that directly affect black communities to abortion. What you're saying is that you don't actually care about black lives. You care about this issue and you want to use that in order to draw attention to the issue you do care about. And you have to be very, you know, you need to be cognizant of the fact that that's what you're doing — intentionally or not, that's what you're doing. And you know, that is very off putting that, that's something,  Gloria Purvis: Well, it, it shows a sense of entitlement that you feel entitled to — that we don't have the agency to decide what we wanna discuss, uh, at a particular time and place. I had a girlfriend that was at, talking about racism and, uh, someone jumped up in the q and a and said, Well, why aren't you talking about abortion? Da da, da, da, as if we were not entitled to discuss racism at that time. You know, somehow we should not be concerned about racism, as it demonstrates itself through, uh, abuses in the legal system, through abuses and policing and whatnot — that over and above all else, we had to only always and everywhere discuss abortion. And it is so, uh, to me, indicative of that person's, like you said, Jack, lack of respect for us and also doesn't — don't respect that we have our own minds and we can decide what it is that we wanna talk about at any time. Uh, and we can decide what we wanna focus our conversation on a particular moment. It doesn't mean, uh, we will never address abortion. It means right now this is what we wanna talk about. And if you can't handle that, or you can't participate or listen quietly, please go. Leave. We, we don't need you to be a part of it. We certainly don't need you trying to deflect, you know, from it. Mm-hmm. .  Jack Champagne: Yeah. Oh, we just got the five minute warning.  Cherilyn Holloway: Okay. It's two minutes. It was two minutes. Two minute. Okay. There aren't, I think Aimee asked about books. One is Killing the Black Body. It used to be up there. It's up here and I can't remember who it's by. Killing the Black Body is a good one about reproductive justice and the history of black women and their bodies.  Gloria Purvis: Was that Harriet Washington? Oh, I'm thinking Medical Apartheid. Go ahead. Apartheid — oh, Dorothy Roberts. Killing the Black Body by Dorothy Roberts. Yeah.  Cherilyn Holloway: And the other one I would highly recommend is, So You Wanna Talk About Race, which is by, uh, Ijeoma Oluo. And that one is just really, really good. It's an easy read, like easy by, not a lot of tension, but a lot of like, true fact. I ha— I have eight kids. Like it just.  Gloria Purvis: That's gonna happen.  Cherilyn Holloway: Wouldn't be a live from me without a child showing up.  Gloria Purvis: When I mention Medical Apartheid, I will tell you how Washington is very much pro-choice for abortion. But just in terms of, getting some history of the abuses of the black body in the United States, Medical Apartheid by Harriet Washington was a, was a good read. But with warning, she is very much pro-abortion, pro-choice. And that kind of comes across. Maybe right before we go, if I, I wanna ask each of you maybe, what is the one thing I think that still gives you hope, in discussing racial justice?  Cherilyn Holloway: Go ahead, Jack. Jack Champagne: Well, when I, when I, was, uh, when I was, uh, when I was watching, John Lewis's, uh, funeral, uh, a couple years ago, I was, uh, I was with my grandfather. And He, he, he leaned over and told me and, uh, asked me: do you know anything he did while he was in Congress? And that was very funny to me. But I always thought that, you know, I always, you know, I always think to myself, it's kind of nice that my grandfather who was born in like 1927 is able to take something like that for granted. and, you know, it is, it is, which is to say that, you know, there's a lot of work to do, but we still have accomplished a lot in a relatively short amount of time. In about less than the eighth of the time that we've been here in this country. We've accomplished a lot and, uh, you know, being able to, uh, share that moment with my grandfather. Is a, is a, is a very nice experience. So, uh, I look forward to being able to, you know, uh, look at an all black Supreme Court with my grandsons. So.  Gloria Purvis: Hey. Hmm.  Cherilyn Holloway: Uh, I think the thing that gives me hope is, is people. I, you know, like I said, what I, what I know most is that people who live their everyday lives who don't think about the abortion issue, or even like the racism issue all the time like I do, are always open to these conversations and always seem like they just learned something. Like, there's always like a light bulb moment, like, Oh, I never thought about that. And so it's, you know, my hope is in the, that I'm like planting ideas in people's heads and concepts and things for them to continuously think about as they see the news stream, you know, going across. Is, is why I feel like I, I'm always hopeful it, you know, not what I see on the news, not where I see the media focusing attention, not where I see any of these, but the everyday people I talk to, that literally, have these light bulb moments. That's what continues to give me hope.  Gloria Purvis: I would say what gives me hope is the prevalence of these kinds of conversations that are happening now. The fact that I've, you know, I'm able to have this conversation with both of you, to me, is — it gives me hope because it signals two things or three things, maybe. A, we exist. B, we can be in community. And three, we can use the microphone that's not controlled by major media to still get our messaging out. To be able to use the current technology now to give another narrative about pro-life and pro black from the womb to the tomb. And so I hope that the, the three of us together can at some point do this again on a larger stage for more people. So that gives me hope.  Cherilyn Holloway: Thank you everybody.  Gloria Purvis: Thank you.  Herb Geraghty: Thank you. Thank you three. So, so, so, so, so much for this, uh, for this round table discussion. We are so grateful. I know that the chat has been very active and very grateful for your perspective. This was wonderful. Thank you so much. We are now going into our break. We will reconvene in the sessions at 7:15 Eastern. Thank you all.

Up first, Angelea Preston talks with Otillie Woodruff, President of the Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter in Buffalo. She'll be joined by Vice PresidentDenise V. Cobbs and Social Justice Chair Pamela Stephens-Jackson to talk about sisterhood and activism. Then, Thomas O'Neil-White chats with Kendra Brim, the DEI director at Tesla, and an activist that has been pushing for a broad community benefits agreements on the new Buffalo Bills stadium.

Misty Anderson visits The Business of Creativity Podcast to talk about her role as VP of Operations for My Block Inc. and how her MS in Management and Leadership from Graziadio has helped her succeed in her role. She talks about her decision to pursue the MSML instead of an MBA. She also covers how her focus on communication is at the base of much of what she does. The conversation wraps on her involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and insight on how she defines success.

The women who join Alpha Kappa Alpha make a commitment to a lifetime of service. How that service is delivered and what the areas of focus are might differ from generation to generation and from city to city, but the end goal is the same: empowerment and expanded possibility for underserved people. Chrystal Fray and Jhaniqua Palmer are members of AKA's Wilmington chapter.

Today I talked to Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant about her book To Live More Abundantly: Black Collegiate Women, Howard University, and the Audacity of Dean Lucy Diggs Slowe (University of Georgia Press, 2022). How have Black women fostered belonging in higher education institutions that have persisted in marginalizing them? Focusing on the career of Lucy Diggs Slowe, the first trained African American student affairs professional in the United States, this book examines how her philosophy of "living more abundantly" envisioned educational access and institutionalized campus thriving for Black college women. Born in 1883, Slowe was orphaned at a young age, raised by a paternal aunt, and earned a scholarship to attend Howard University in 1904. As an undergraduate, she helped found Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African American sorority in the United States, and served as its first president. After graduating valedictorian of her 1908 class, she excelled as a secondary school teacher and administrator and became a national tennis champion. In 1922, she returned to her alma mater as its first full-time dean of women. Over her fifteen-year tenure at Howard University, Slowe empowered early twentieth-century Black college women to invest in their individual growth, engage in community building, and pursue leadership opportunities. To foster Black women's higher education success, Slowe organized both the National Association of College Women and the National Association of Women's Deans and Advisers of Colored Schools. As she established long-standing traditions and affirming practices to encourage Black women's involvement in the extracurricular life of their campuses, Slowe's deaning philosophy of "living more abundantly" represents an important Black feminist approach to inclusion in higher education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

Today I talked to Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant about her book To Live More Abundantly: Black Collegiate Women, Howard University, and the Audacity of Dean Lucy Diggs Slowe (University of Georgia Press, 2022). How have Black women fostered belonging in higher education institutions that have persisted in marginalizing them? Focusing on the career of Lucy Diggs Slowe, the first trained African American student affairs professional in the United States, this book examines how her philosophy of "living more abundantly" envisioned educational access and institutionalized campus thriving for Black college women. Born in 1883, Slowe was orphaned at a young age, raised by a paternal aunt, and earned a scholarship to attend Howard University in 1904. As an undergraduate, she helped found Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African American sorority in the United States, and served as its first president. After graduating valedictorian of her 1908 class, she excelled as a secondary school teacher and administrator and became a national tennis champion. In 1922, she returned to her alma mater as its first full-time dean of women. Over her fifteen-year tenure at Howard University, Slowe empowered early twentieth-century Black college women to invest in their individual growth, engage in community building, and pursue leadership opportunities. To foster Black women's higher education success, Slowe organized both the National Association of College Women and the National Association of Women's Deans and Advisers of Colored Schools. As she established long-standing traditions and affirming practices to encourage Black women's involvement in the extracurricular life of their campuses, Slowe's deaning philosophy of "living more abundantly" represents an important Black feminist approach to inclusion in higher education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Today I talked to Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant about her book To Live More Abundantly: Black Collegiate Women, Howard University, and the Audacity of Dean Lucy Diggs Slowe (University of Georgia Press, 2022). How have Black women fostered belonging in higher education institutions that have persisted in marginalizing them? Focusing on the career of Lucy Diggs Slowe, the first trained African American student affairs professional in the United States, this book examines how her philosophy of "living more abundantly" envisioned educational access and institutionalized campus thriving for Black college women. Born in 1883, Slowe was orphaned at a young age, raised by a paternal aunt, and earned a scholarship to attend Howard University in 1904. As an undergraduate, she helped found Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first African American sorority in the United States, and served as its first president. After graduating valedictorian of her 1908 class, she excelled as a secondary school teacher and administrator and became a national tennis champion. In 1922, she returned to her alma mater as its first full-time dean of women. Over her fifteen-year tenure at Howard University, Slowe empowered early twentieth-century Black college women to invest in their individual growth, engage in community building, and pursue leadership opportunities. To foster Black women's higher education success, Slowe organized both the National Association of College Women and the National Association of Women's Deans and Advisers of Colored Schools. As she established long-standing traditions and affirming practices to encourage Black women's involvement in the extracurricular life of their campuses, Slowe's deaning philosophy of "living more abundantly" represents an important Black feminist approach to inclusion in higher education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

The world of cosmetics can be a place that seems very vain. Surgery, filler, botox, threads! However, what do we get when we combine philanthropy with cosmetic procedures? We get the organization Fresh Start Caring For Kids non profit organization. Today we are so happy have a conversation with Dr. Utica J. Gray the National Director of this noble organization. 100% of donated funds goes to children in need of life altering cosmetic surgery. In this episode Dr. Gray tells us how she got her start in the non-profit world and how it led her to lead this organization which partners hospitals with plastic surgeons and nurses to do pro-bono surgery for these underprivileged children. If you are looking for a place to align with your love of aesthetics, we think that this is a great organization to look into when thinking about your charitable contributions. Website: http://www.freshstartkids.org/ About Our Guest Utica J. Gray, PhD, MSHSA, BA – National Director Dr. Utica J. Gray serves as National Director for Fresh Start Caring For Kids. In this role, Dr. Gray is responsible for the expansion of the Surgery Weekend model to the Chicago area; the San Antonio, Texas area; and a third site to be determined in the future. Dr. Gray manages the implementation of the strategic goals and objectives of Fresh Start Caring For Kids Foundation; provides direction and leadership for the organization; and serves as its community spokesperson. Dr. Gray has 20 years of nonprofit development experience in the areas of developmental disabilities, adoption, homelessness, education, senior services, and healthcare and is well-versed in securing funding from individual, foundation, and government sources. She is experienced in nonprofit mergers, strategic planning, leadership, and management. Dr. Gray is a graduate of Northwestern University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master of Science in Human Services Administration from Spertus College, and a PhD in Business Administration with a Public Administration concentration from Northcentral University. The focus of her dissertation was the role of government funding, organizational age, and benefits to organizations as they pertain to nonprofit mergers during recessionary times. Dr. Gray lives with her husband, 15-year-old daughter, and 13-year-old son in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook, where she is a Girl Scout Troop leader focusing her group on projects ranging from cyberbullying to the dangers of sex trafficking. She is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., the same sorority to which Vice President Kamala Harris belongs. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/diamondhands/message