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Hosted by april sims
Hosted by april sims
2 episodes with april sims
2 episodes with april sims
3 episodes with april sims
2 episodes with april sims
Today, Thursday, June 6 on Urban Forum Northwest:*Tacoma Washington Mayor Victoria Woodards comments on what she is doing to make her city a better and inclusive place to live and work. She is the immediate past president of the National League of Cities (NLC), the organization collectively represents 200 million people across the Country.*Bob Armstead, president, Washington State Chapter-National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) invites business owners, contractors, and minority business advocates to their monthly meeting today at 5:00 pm (PDT) (www.namcwa.com).*Ramon Bryant Braxton, Artistic Director and Conductor, Songs of Black Folks 2024 that will be on stage at Seattle's Paramount Theater on Fathers Day at 7:00 pm, June 16 and will feature national recording artist and local talent. He will be joined by Chandler Williams a Seattle recording artist.*Larry Gossett will be involved in several Juneteenth Celebrations including the Saturday, June 15, 1:00-2:30 pm event in front of the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC). April Sims, President, WSLC, AFL-CIO and Cherika Carter, Secretary Treasurer, WSLC, AFL-CIO will speak. There will be food and music at the event.Ricardo Ortega, Executive Director, LELO|Legacy of Equality Leadership & Organizing invites you to the organization's Annual Awards Dinner Saturday, June 15 at 5:00 pm at South College. The event is in memory of labor activist Silme Domingo, Gene Viernes, and Tyree Scott.Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information.Like us on facebook. Twitter X@Eddie_Rye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Today, Thursday, June 6 on Urban Forum Northwest: *Tacoma Washington Mayor Victoria Woodards comments on what she is doing to make her city a better and inclusive place to live and work. She is the immediate past president of the National League of Cities (NLC), the organization collectively represents 200 million people across the Country. *Bob Armstead, president, Washington State Chapter-National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) invites business owners, contractors, and minority business advocates to their monthly meeting today at 5:00 pm (PDT) (www.namcwa.com). *Ramon Bryant Braxton, Artistic Director and Conductor, Songs of Black Folks 2024 that will be on stage at Seattle's Paramount Theater on Fathers Day at 7:00 pm, June 16 and will feature national recording artist and local talent. He will be joined by Chandler Williams a Seattle recording artist. *Larry Gossett will be involved in several Juneteenth Celebrations including the Saturday, June 15, 1:00-2:30 pm event in front of the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC). April Sims, President, WSLC, AFL-CIO and Cherika Carter, Secretary Treasurer, WSLC, AFL-CIO will speak. There will be food and music at the event. Ricardo Ortega, Executive Director, LELO|Legacy of Equality Leadership & Organizing invites you to the organization's Annual Awards Dinner Saturday, June 15 at 5:00 pm at South College. The event is in memory of labor activist Silme Domingo, Gene Viernes, and Tyree Scott. Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook. Twitter X@Eddie_Rye.
Today, Thursday, June 6 on Urban Forum Northwest: *Tacoma Washington Mayor Victoria Woodards comments on what she is doing to make her city a better and inclusive place to live and work. She is the immediate past president of the National League of Cities (NLC), the organization collectively represents 200 million people across the Country. *Bob Armstead, president, Washington State Chapter-National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) invites business owners, contractors, and minority business advocates to their monthly meeting today at 5:00 pm (PDT) (www.namcwa.com). *Ramon Bryant Braxton, Artistic Director and Conductor, Songs of Black Folks 2024 that will be on stage at Seattle's Paramount Theater on Fathers Day at 7:00 pm, June 16 and will feature national recording artist and local talent. He will be joined by Chandler Williams a Seattle recording artist. *Larry Gossett will be involved in several Juneteenth Celebrations including the Saturday, June 15, 1:00-2:30 pm event in front of the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC). April Sims, President, WSLC, AFL-CIO and Cherika Carter, Secretary Treasurer, WSLC, AFL-CIO will speak. There will be food and music at the event. Ricardo Ortega, Executive Director, LELO|Legacy of Equality Leadership & Organizing invites you to the organization's Annual Awards Dinner Saturday, June 15 at 5:00 pm at South College. The event is in memory of labor activist Silme Domingo, Gene Viernes, and Tyree Scott. Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook. Twitter X@Eddie_Rye.
On the final day of Black History Month, the America's Work Force Union Podcast featured the duo that became the first black women to lead a state labor council in AFL-CIO history, Washington State Labor Council President April Sims and Secretary-Treasurer Cherika Carter. Carter discussed her journey to the labor movement, how Sims and herself came to work together and their work to improve diversity and inclusion in Washington unions. Bob Funk, Founder of LaborLab, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work his organization does to educate and inform unions on union-busting activities by corporations. Funk also discussed LaborLab's banner year in 2023 and some of the 2024 anti-union trends.
April Sims, President of the Washington State AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast, where she discussed her journey in the labor movement, her plan is to put good, union jobs at the forefront of the green energy future and how she plans to improve organizing in the state with the third highest union density. Executive Director of the United Labor Agency, Dave Megenhardt, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the ULA Counseling Center and its efforts to improve the mental health of workers in the Cleveland area. Megenhardt also discussed its educational program and assisting the Cleveland Building Trades affiliates with recruiting new apprentices.
Thursday, February 23 on Urban Forum Northwest :The program today is dedicated to the Seattle King County Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee's Awards Ceremony and Reception being held at Seattle's Holgate Street Church of Christ on Saturday, February 25 beginning at 3:30 PM (PST), the following individuals are participants.*Hayward Evans, Co Convener, Seattle King County Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC) comments on the February 25 Awards Celebration and Reception.*April Sims, the first Woman and African American to be President of the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) AFL-CIO, she will present an award to Kevin Allen who is a leader in the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist and a Vice President, WSLC.*Reverend Dr. Carey Anderson, Pastor, Seattle's First AME Church will be the speaker on the MLKCC Black History Month Awards Celebration and Reception on Saturday.*Dr. Maxine Mimms talks about the recipient of an award named in her honor. That person is Mary Lude Flowers a longtime advocate for people in need.*Larry Gossett will present an award named in his honor to the Chair of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, Lyle Quasim, who served as Secretary of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), the states Mental Health Director, and the President of Bates Technical College.*Josephine Howell, Chandler Williams, and Butch Harrison will provide entertainment for the MLKCC Black History Awards Ceremony and Reception on Saturday, February 25.Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.ii50kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook. Twitter@Eddie_Rye. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Thursday, February 23 on Urban Forum Northwest : The program today is dedicated to the Seattle King County Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee's Awards Ceremony and Reception being held at Seattle's Holgate Street Church of Christ on Saturday, February 25 beginning at 3:30 PM (PST), the following individuals are participants. *Hayward Evans, Co Convener, Seattle King County Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee (MLKCC) comments on the February 25 Awards Celebration and Reception. *April Sims, the first Woman and African American to be President of the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) AFL-CIO, she will present an award to Kevin Allen who is a leader in the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist and a Vice President, WSLC. *Reverend Dr. Carey Anderson, Pastor, Seattle's First AME Church will be the speaker on the MLKCC Black History Month Awards Celebration and Reception on Saturday. *Dr. Maxine Mimms talks about the recipient of an award named in her honor. That person is Mary Lude Flowers a longtime advocate for people in need. *Larry Gossett will present an award named in his honor to the Chair of the Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, Lyle Quasim, who served as Secretary of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), the states Mental Health Director, and the President of Bates Technical College. *Josephine Howell, Chandler Williams, and Butch Harrison will provide entertainment for the MLKCC Black History Awards Ceremony and Reception on Saturday, February 25. Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.ii50kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on facebook. Twitter@Eddie_Rye.
Join us from Kennewick Washington at the 2022 IAFF 7th District New Members Conference as we have the opportunity to sit down with April Sims, Washington State Labor Council Secretary Treasurer to talk about all things labor. New IAFF members from Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana have the opportunity to have a one on one conversations with April, and ask the questions that matter to the next generation of labor leaders. Follow the IAFF 7th District today on all major social media outlets. Find us onFacebook- @IAFF7thDVPTwitter- @7thdistrictIAFFInstagram- @iaffmag7Do you have issues you would like to bring to the podcast? Drop us a line on social media today.
This week, we feature two reports on the strike by Kellogg's workers, members of the BCTGM -- that's the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union – the first comes to us from the BCTGM Voices Project, the second is from The Checkout, which takes us right to the Kellogg's picket lines. Then, on the Union Talk podcast, a conversation with nurses on vaccine hesitancy within their patient communities and their own nursing community. This week on the Working to Live in Southwest Washington podcast, Shannon and Harold talk with April Sims about redistricting and how it will affect working people. Next up we have two reports from the classroom: on Educating From the Heart, a new rule by the State Board of Education restricts teachers' ability to teach critical thinking, and, from the Solidarity Breakfast podcast, safety in schools in Victoria. And on the Million Dollar Organizer podcast, travel perks and the difference between a union organizer and a union representative. How can actors avoid ending up on the cutting room floor? We'll find out on The SAG-AFTRA podcast. We wrap up with the voice of the legendary Mother Jones at the recent Blair Mountain Battle Centennial, from Empathy Media Lab. Bonus track: Labor history in 2:00. The year was 1979; that was the day that the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights took place in Washington D.C. Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people's issues and concerns. #LaborRadioPod @AFLCIO @BCTGM @checkoutradio @FloridaEA @empathymedialab @ILLaborHistory @sagaftra @3CRsolidarity @SWWACLC Edited by Patrick Dixon and Melanie Smith; produced by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips with Mel Smith.
#LaborRadioPod Something is happening right now in Washington state (and around the country) that is going to change the political landscape for the next decade. It's called "redistricting," and it might have a major impact on working people's lives - but they may not be aware it's happening, or even know what it is. Thankfully, Washington State Labor Council (https://www.wslc.org/) Secretary Treasurer April Sims, who also serves on our state's Redistricting Commission, is here to explain to Shannon and Harold what redistricting is, why it matters, and how working people can affect the process. Want find out more about redistricting and make your voice heard? Visit https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/ Remember working people in Southwest Washington, this is YOUR podcast! Email us at podcast@swwaclc.org and let us know what you think about the show, and what you'd like to hear in future episodes! We're a proud member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network - find more radio shows and podcasts that speak to working people about working people's issues at www.LaborRadioNetwork.org.
Thursday, October 7 on Urban Forum Northwest : *Washington State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos (D)-37 has been a close observer of the state's redistricting process. She will comment on the pros and cons and what impact the Commission's decision will have on her district. *April Sims, Secretary-Treasurer, Washington State Labor Council and a Member of the five person Washington State Redistricting Commission. She will comment on the work the Commission is doing and if any maps have been finalized. *Washington State Senator Joe Nguyen (D)-34 is challenging the incumbent for the County Executive of Martin Luther King Jr. County. He comments on his qualifications and his vision for MLK County. *LaNesha DeBardelaben, President & CEO, Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) and National President of the African American Museums Board of Directors. She and the NAAM staff have been the lead organizers of the 60th Commemoration of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s only visit to Seattle. *Will Hausa, Chair, Washington State Commission on African American Affairs comments on his role as member of the 60th Commemoration Committee organizing the MLK November 6,7,8 event. Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on Facebook. Twitter@Eddie_Rye. This program will also air on Saturday 7:00-8:00 am (PDT)
Thursday, October 7 on Urban Forum Northwest : *Washington State Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos (D)-37 has been a close observer of the state's redistricting process. She will comment on the pros and cons and what impact the Commission's decision will have on her district. *April Sims, Secretary-Treasurer, Washington State Labor Council and a Member of the five person Washington State Redistricting Commission. She will comment on the work the Commission is doing and if any maps have been finalized. *Washington State Senator Joe Nguyen (D)-34 is challenging the incumbent for the County Executive of Martin Luther King Jr. County. He comments on his qualifications and his vision for MLK County. *LaNesha DeBardelaben, President & CEO, Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) and National President of the African American Museums Board of Directors. She and the NAAM staff have been the lead organizers of the 60th Commemoration of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s only visit to Seattle. *Will Hausa, Chair, Washington State Commission on African American Affairs comments on his role as member of the 60th Commemoration Committee organizing the MLK November 6,7,8 event. Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on Facebook. Twitter@Eddie_Rye. This program will also air on Saturday 7:00-8:00 am (PDT)
This week on the show April Sims, Secretary Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) AFL-CIO and member of the Washington State Redistricting Commission, joins Crystal to get in to how redrawing district boundaries in our state happens, how it impacts communities where lines are redrawn, and how you can advocate on behalf of your community as the Redistricting Commission makes its decisions. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available below and at officialhacksandwonks.com. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Twitter at @finchfrii, and find Commissioner April Sims at @aprilr_sims. Resources Washington State Redistricting Commission website: https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/ Redistricting & Census Information from the Office of the Secretary of State: https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/redistricting/redistricting-information.aspx “Changes ahead for Washington state's political landscape: Redistricting may bring some drama” by Jim Brunner from The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/washington-unlikely-to-gain-congressional-seat-but-2021-redistricting-may-still-bring-drama/ “Washington State Hits 7.7 Million with 14.6% Growth in 2020 Census” by Doug Trumm from The Urbanist: https://www.theurbanist.org/2021/04/26/washington-state-hits-7-7-million-with-14-6-growth-in-2020-census/ “After Months Of Delay, The Census Data For New Voting Maps Is Coming Out Aug. 12” by Hansi Lo Wang from NPR: https://www.npr.org/2021/08/05/1024878625/2020-census-data-redistricting-voting-districts-when-release “Public asks Washington redistricting committee to keep them together” by Brennen Kauffman from The Daily News: https://tdn.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/public-asks-washington-redistricting-committee-to-keep-them-together/article_175d4174-4014-5f46-9fa6-51c36175fa0a.html Transcript [00:00:00] Crystal Fincher: Welcome to Hacks & Wonks. I'm your host, Crystal Fincher. On this show we talk to political hacks and policy wonks to gather insight into local politics and policy through the lens of those doing the work and provide behind-the-scenes perspectives on politics in our state. Full transcripts and resources referenced in the show are always available at officialhacksandwonks.com and in our episode notes. Today we are thrilled to welcome April Sims who is the Secretary Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO - the first woman of color and the first Black person to be elected as a WSLC executive officer. And who was appointed to the Washington State Redistricting Commission in January - also being the first woman of color, the first Black person to be appointed to the commission. So this is a big deal and we really want to cover the topic of redistricting because it is so important. So just first off, thank you for joining us - really appreciate you and having you on. [00:01:26] April Sims: Thank you so much for having me. I'm excited to join you again and really excited to talk about the work of the Redistricting Commission, so thank you again for having me. [00:01:36] Crystal Fincher: Absolutely. So I guess just starting from the beginning, what does the Redistricting Commission do and what made you want to be involved with it? [00:01:44] April Sims: Oh yeah, great question. So the Redistricting Commission redraws our Congressional and legislative boundaries every 10 years, based on population shifts and changes. And it's significant because those maps remain in effect for the next 10 years, in terms of what the boundary lines look like and whether or not folks have the opportunity to elect representatives from their own communities. So the redistricting process is incredibly important, but I think why it's important to me and why I wanted to serve on the commission - I think it's a number of things both personally and professionally. So you mentioned that I'm the Secretary Treasurer for the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and as the Secretary Treasurer my fiduciary responsibilities are constitutional compliance in the budget, which doesn't sound that exciting, except that our constitution includes language that charges us with fighting the forces that seek to enslave the human soul and to protect our democratic institutions of our nation. And the right to vote is fundamental to that and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to cast a vote that could lead to them electing someone who's going to represent them in their community. So professionally it's important to me, but also personally it's important to me. My grandparents migrated to Washington from the South, they were sharecroppers in rural Louisiana. And my grandfather found out that the landowner was shorting some of the families on the crop payout, so he got the rest of the farmers all riled up. I like to think of him as a union organizer because that's what we do - is organize workers against bad bosses. But that wasn't the kind of thing that you did in that time and in that area, so he put his life at risk doing that and they were planning to lynch him, and he had to flee the South. And migrating to Washington changed our family's story, it changed our history - well, maybe not our history, I guess, I should probably rephrase that - but it changed our family's story, right? It changed the future of my family. And they couldn't freely exercise their right to vote in the South, so voting when my grandparents migrated here was a huge deal. Every year they would get the community together, they'd dress up, Election Day was a big deal - then they'd go vote, they'd share a meal together, it was like a holiday for my family and the members of my community. So our redistricting process maintains our democracy and that's personally why this work is important to me. [00:04:35] Crystal Fincher: Absolutely critical. I did not know that about your grandfather and family. So you just come from a legacy of organizing and, wow - just representative of really the harrowing life-threatening attempt to just live. To just live and to experience just fairness, and survive, and help your family just make it. [00:05:00] April Sims: Yeah. [00:05:00] Crystal Fincher: So especially at this time where we see voting rights under attack, not just attacking via issue - but structurally, institutionally - looking at people interfering with the ability for people to cast vote, disenfranchising people, and gerrymandering happening all across the country. The way we do redistricting here is a little bit different than we see in a lot of those other areas - how does ours work? [00:05:34] April Sims: Yeah. That's a great question because it is really unique in Washington State. Lots of other states - their Legislature is responsible for redistricting and redrawing their maps. In Washington, there are four appointed commissioners - the House Republicans and Democrats each appoint one commissioner and the Senate Democrats and Republicans each appoint one commissioner. Those four commissioners select a fifth non-voting commissioner who serves as Chair and helps kind of navigate or facilitate the process. Those four commissioners are responsible for drawing the final maps - they have to be agreed on by three of the four commissioners. Those maps have to be finalized by November 15th so they can go to the Legislature for adoption. The Legislature can change our maps, but only by a vote of two thirds majority of the Legislature and then they can't change the maps by more than 2% in any one area. So it is a little unique - all of the commissioners are independent, appointed by caucus, but serve independently. [00:06:50] Crystal Fincher: Right. Okay. So two commissioners appointed by the Democratic caucus, two commissioners appointed by the Republican caucus, and then there's one - is there a Chair? [00:07:02] April Sims: There's a Chair, yeah. The Chair serves as a non-voting commissioner. [00:07:08] Crystal Fincher: Okay. And so I guess a cross between a bipartisan and nonpartisan - but really bringing in a lot more independence than we see in other states where active legislators are directly drawing those lines which sometimes comes up with more extreme outcomes. How do you think the process that we have here, I guess, manifests in the results that we've seen? Has that turned out to be better historically? Has it turned out to be worse? What has our process yielded up to this point? [00:07:46] April Sims: I think for the most part, the maps have been competitive, right? That it's led to competitive districts, which is ideally the point - that every voter should feel like their vote matters. And how your district is drawn impacts whether or not your vote matters. So I think historically it's been a process that hasn't had a lot of representation of young people, minorities, low-income folks - because it is a volunteer commission that pays a small stipend, but it's a lot of work. So you have to either work for an organization that supports your serving on the Redistricting Commission or have enough financial means to take this position unpaid. So I think that impacts who has historically served on the commission and what values they bring to the work. [00:08:46] Crystal Fincher: Yeah. And that's a very big deal. And as we talked about just upfront, this has been - historically been a domain of predominantly white men, and concerns of representation from community just hasn't been there. You are the first Black person serving on this Redistricting Commission, the first woman of color serving on this Redistricting Commission. As you're approaching this work, what difference do you think that makes? Or bringing your experience and your life and identity to this work, how does that help? How does that play out? Why do you think that's important? [00:09:30] April Sims: Well, I think it's what happens organically with representation. So as we're thinking about even community outreach, how we reach out to communities of color and underserved communities - what happens organically for me, because these things are top of mind for me, right? How do I make sure that my community has an opportunity to participate and feels like their voice in this process will make a difference. I bring the voice of my community into all the spaces where I work and operate. So just it's an organic thing that happens with representation - but because it happens organically with representation, it also means it doesn't happen if there isn't representation, right? That there aren't folks that just naturally are looking around the room and asking questions about who's missing and how do we bring folks who are missing into the space. But I will tell you candidly, Crystal, it's a lot of responsibility. I think there's high expectations - anytime you're the first, right? High expectations to serve my community well, do my job well, be fair and negotiate maps that are going to make a difference. [00:10:53] Crystal Fincher: Yeah. We could talk for quite some time about the challenges of being the first, and the expectations and the institution that you are walking into that has never been designed or even tasked with accommodating someone different. And here you are and having to push up against some of those just institutional attitudes, tradition that has excluded you, precedent that has excluded you, and trying to make that process more inclusive. I think as we look at these maps here in these states, there are a number of districts that are competitive - there are a lot of districts that could go either way. There are purple districts - there's been a lot of population shift in different areas and some demographics in different cities and areas are very different than they were before. So how do you approach, I guess, trying to maintain fairness as you're drawing the districts? And what does that look like collaboratively as you're working with the two people appointed by the Republicans? How does that process work? How is the sausage made? [00:12:08] April Sims: Well, I think it starts with clarity around your values, right? Being clear about what's most important and how you prioritize those values - like what is a value and what is a consideration? I think historically folks have always viewed, I certainly did before I was part of the process, viewed redistricting as an incumbency protection plan, right? I think that that is a consideration but not a value, right? So being clear about what's a value and what's a consideration and how you prioritize those things. I think in terms of population shifts and what we know about the growth in Washington State, we're still waiting on the data. So I think the first approach is to ask all the questions and capture as much anecdotal information as we can while we're waiting for the data to come in. So for your listeners - historically, we use the Census data to redraw the maps. And historically that data is available to the commission and to the general public sometime in the middle of April, but because of COVID and problems with the former administration, that Census data is not available to us until August 16th. Now remember, I said we have to finalize our maps by November 15th, so we're working behind in terms of when that data is available. So we know that the population in Washington has grown, we can make some assumptions. There are some population estimates about where the bulk of the growth has been, but we don't have that detailed demographic data to tell us who is living where and where the population shifts have not only been, but where we anticipate those population shifts to continue to grow over the next 10 years. Because remember these maps will be in effect for the next 10 years, so it's not just a snapshot of where we are right now. But also what data we can gather that will tell us where we might be in 5 or 10 years, so that we can be mindful of those things when we're drawing maps too. So right now the process is to just gather as much data as possible and not make any assumptions based on population estimates until we have the actual Census information. [00:14:35] Crystal Fincher: But there are- [00:14:36] April Sims: Oh, go ahead. You're going to ask me another question? [00:14:37] Crystal Fincher: Oh no, sorry. Go ahead. [00:14:40] April Sims: No. I'll just keep rambling. Your listeners are going to get tired of hearing my voice so you should jump in. [00:14:44] Crystal Fincher: It's good information. I think what I was wondering is - you talked about bringing values to this work. What are the values that you're bringing? How are you processing this? What kind of lens are you bringing to this process and how does that impact the feedback that you give? [00:15:03] April Sims: That's a great question. I think the first value that I'm bringing to this process is to be as open and transparent as I can be - keeping in mind that we still will be negotiating final maps. But to be as open and transparent as possible and to acknowledge that I don't have the answers, at best I have the questions. And I want to provide as much space as possible for folks who will be directly impacted by these final maps to provide me with the feedback and the information that I need so I can be as thoughtful as possible around what these final maps look like. [00:15:44] Crystal Fincher: Well, and I appreciate that you are reaching out more and more deeply into the community than has happened before. Certainly having to make accommodations just during the pandemic and how to get feedback - considering that. But particularly, I think, just looking from some feedback from some communities of color of different types and different areas, the conversation from last redistricting period to this one certainly talking about majority-minority districts, or districts where there's a majority BIPOC population, but also looking at - does that potentially in some ways also dilute some votes or take away some power, if then you're dissecting cities in a certain way and in several areas, and breaking up some of the natural ability to mobilize around some issues. And I'm thinking of Yakima, I'm thinking of South King County - where some districts are comprised of five cities or more. How do you, I guess, think through that and are you primarily seeking to keep communities together? What does community mean? Is that based off of municipality? How do you approach that? [00:17:11] April Sims: Yeah. Well, there is a criteria written into the law, right - for the Redistricting Commission - that includes that the districts should be equal population; that they should be compact, convenient, and contiguous, so as whole as possible, right? That we reduce dividing county and municipal boundaries, that we do not favor or discriminate against any incumbent candidate or political party which I think is something that the general public might not be aware of - that that is actually written into the law and part of our redistricting criteria - that we encourage electoral competition, and that we preserve communities of interest. So I think that gets to your question, Crystal, around majority-minority districts and keeping our tribal reservations and our tribal nations together. Those are all communities of interest, but there could potentially be other communities of interest. School districts are arguably a community of interest, so doing as much as we can to keep school districts together and cities - like right now, we're hearing testimony from folks in Eastern Washington and in the Bremerton area that their cities are divided among three different legislative districts and how challenging it is for them to consolidate their political power, so that they can elect folks that have their communities of interest in mind. So I think that - thinking about what is a community of interest and how we keep those communities of interest together - is definitely not just a legal criteria but a value, and that's where public comment really is helpful for me. And what I'm looking for when folks are offering comment to the commission is for information around those communities of interest. There's what we know based on data and then there's what we know based on what we hear from folks who live and work in these communities - and it's hearing from folks who live and work in the communities that's really helpful. I mean, we can analyze the data until the moon explodes and cut it 19 different ways, right? But having folks, having your listeners show up at an open meeting and providing us with the little nuances and the nuggets of information that the data won't tell us is really, really helpful. [00:19:34] Crystal Fincher: Yeah, absolutely. And I identify with the feedback that you were getting from folks in Eastern Washington. I live in Kent, and Kent has three legislative districts in there and some of those challenges of organizing and being able to elect people. So how do people offer public comment? When are the opportunities for them to get involved? How can they submit testimony or testify to you live? [00:20:05] April Sims: Well, the first thing that I would tell your listeners is go to washingtonredistrictingcommission.com - wait, is it .gov? I should know the email off the top of my head but now I'm going to Google it. So - [00:20:19] Crystal Fincher: And it's great, we'll also include that in our show notes. [00:20:23] April Sims: Yes. Oh, go to redistricting.wa.gov - that's our official website. You can provide feedback to the Redistricting Commission in a number of different ways. You can attend a public outreach meeting - we are wrapping up our first round of public outreach meetings and scheduling our next round. So go to the website and you definitely can find more information about the upcoming public meetings and how you can offer your testimony. But if you're not comfortable with technology, or you don't want to be on Zoom, or you're not sure that you want to give your public testimony orally - you can also email us, you can submit your comment online, you can submit a video. So if you miss the public comment meeting for your specific area, you can upload a video. We're trying to make it - you can call and leave a message for us. We're trying to make it as accessible as possible, right? Knowing that folks process in different ways and feel comfortable providing feedback in different ways. We also have a tool where you can actually draw a map of either your district, or your region, so you can provide that information to us if you want to nerd out on the numbers, like I know a lot of us do. Or you want to play around with what you want your legislative or your congressional district to look like - that's a tool that's available, and all of that information is shared with all of the members of the commission. So we try to provide as many ways as possible. And folks can submit their written testimony or their oral testimony, or their video testimony in whatever language they're comfortable with and we will translate it. So we wanted to remove as many of those barriers as possible through our public outreach this year. [00:22:27] Crystal Fincher: I love that. I love all the different ways that people can get there, I love that there is not a language barrier. Is there also non-English and alternate language outreach happening? [00:22:38] April Sims: Yeah. Sending out information in a number of different languages, working with stakeholders and community partners to find out - and I think this is important - not just language that's translated or documents that are translated, but communication that's culturally competent, right? So taking our lead from community stakeholders around what messaging resonates with the communities that we are seeking to engage. So we don't - we want to meet folks where they are and we want to be as inclusive as possible, so being culturally competent in our communication is important. We have ASL and Spanish translation automatically available for all of our meetings, but if someone wants to attend a meeting they can request an interpreter in another language and we will provide that. [00:23:29] Crystal Fincher: Okay. And so a lot of people - as I just encounter people all over the place and get in random conversations about submitting testimony and voting and all of that - offer comments such as, I just don't know what to say, I don't know what they want to know, I don't know what would make a difference, what do I have to say that they don't already know, what could be helpful that I have to say. What is it that is helpful to hear? And what is it that people can tell you? And what kinds of experiences are useful for you to know? [00:24:01] April Sims: Ooh, great question. I think the stories are most helpful and that's what moves folks the most. So when I hear stories from folks who say - my neighbor is in a different legislative district, but our kids go to the same school. Those are - I want to dig in deeper and look at why is that the case, why are we dividing this specific community of interest and is there an opportunity to make that community whole? I think also stories around how folks have been harmed by the redistricting process in the past - stories about 10 years ago, I was in this district and now I'm in this other district and I don't have the same voice or the same opportunity to participate in the democratic process because I've been drawn out of my neighborhood or I've been drawn out of my community - so I think hearing stories about harm. And then I also think what's helpful for me is for folks to tell us - how has your community changed? We've got the current maps and I think, I'm trying to find the right word for this, but I think the standard course, right? Is to look at the existing maps and redraw based on an existing map. And so if we look at the existing map and we redraw from where the current lines are just based on data, that might not necessarily tell us how that community has changed over the last 10 years. Some of the demographic data will get us there, because we can look at some of the micro data and we can drill down fairly deep. But I also find it really helpful for folks to let me know how their community has changed since the last time we drew the maps, so that when I'm looking at the new maps I can be mindful of that. [00:26:00] Crystal Fincher: That is really helpful information. And I think that's an excellent point - that it's not just the data, it's about the people - and fundamentally, the people, their neighborhoods, and communities, and how they can feel a part of their community, participate and be a part of their community, and giving feedback back on how they are or are not able to do that and how boundaries can impact how they can do that. So I appreciate that, that's excellent insight. I want to also ask just about - on the composition of the Redistricting Commission - as we talked about, two people appointed by the Democratic caucus, two people appointed by the Republican caucus - one of those people appointed is a former Senator, Joe Fain, who narrowly lost re-election after being credibly accused of rape in the - he was a Senator in the 47th Legislative District, which is southeast King County. And he was appointed to serve on this redistricting commission by the Republicans - certainly has raised a lot of eyebrows, caused a lot of concern - and many people feeling it's inappropriate. How does that impact your work? What's your view on serving with someone who has been credibly accused and so far there has not been a legitimate investigation into what happened? [00:27:39] April Sims: Yeah - and Crystal, we've heard a lot of testimony and a lot of public comments since our very first redistricting commission meetings about how members of the public feel like this has impacted their ability to participate. I think we have to make space for the hard work that folks who are daylighting sexual assault are doing, and we have to acknowledge that there has been harm done, right? It's a difficult position to be in because ultimately we negotiate our final maps with the other members of the commission. So at the end of the day we have a job to do, and I'm going to do the job that I was appointed to do to the best of my ability. I think it's unfortunate that this is who the Republicans chose to represent - the Republican Senators chose to represent their caucus in this process because based on the public comment that we've heard, it is impacting folks and their ability to participate in the process. We want to have an open, transparent process that's accessible to everyone and if we have folks who feel like they can't participate because of these allegations then that does real harm. And ultimately, the Republicans got to pick their person and this is who they picked. So I'll do the job that I was appointed to do and we'll negotiate the best possible maps for the folks in the State of Washington that I can, and it's unfortunate that we have this playing out in the background and that there isn't more accountability. [00:29:36] Crystal Fincher: Yeah. And that there isn't more accountability there - certainly I share that feeling. I'm also wondering just your opinion on, now, to serve on this commission there has to be a period of time after you finished serving from office - so it's not like someone can leave office today, serve on the commission tomorrow - there is a grace period in there. There is also a grace period after serving on the commission where you can't run for office. However, that grace period doesn't cover the length of time - these maps will be in place for 10 years later. And so someone could conceivably eventually run for a district that they helped to shape and create and could think of this as drawing their own boundaries. And in that example actually, former Senator Joe Fain, who some may feel is on an attempt to rehabilitate his reputation after the rape allegation could potentially be involved with drawing lines and then try and make an entrée into office. Certainly this could happen with anyone serving with there - you could choose to run, other people could choose to run. Do you feel it's appropriate for commissioners to be able to run if they've been involved in drawing those boundaries? [00:31:08] April Sims: Yeah. I think you raise a really good question. Right now, it's a two year embargo, so you have to have been removed from elected office for two years and you can't run for two years after the maps go into effect. Actually I should double check that - if it's after the maps are finalized or when they go into effect. And so I think the thinking there is you couldn't be a first-term candidate under the new maps but that certainly doesn't prohibit you from being a candidate two years later, right? So the maps will go into effect in 2022, you could arguably run for an elected office in 2024. And I'll have to double check - I don't know if it's state and federal office based on the maps that we draw or if it's any elected position - I think it might be any elected position but I should double check. I don't have plans to run for office so it wasn't a deal breaker for me. But I think you raise an interesting point - how long should that embargo be? Should it be two years? Should it be five years? The population will continue to shift over the course of the 10 year maps, so at some point in time the districts change. I don't know, I think that's a really good question. I say now that I have no plans on running, but 10 years from now who knows what my life would look like and whether or not I'd be interested. So - [00:32:46] Crystal Fincher: I mean, you could run and you would be a formidable candidate. I'm just throwing that out there. [00:32:50] April Sims: I appreciate that but I'm pretty happy where I am now - big work to do, but I appreciate that Crystal, I do. So no, I think it's a really interesting question and might be worth looking into - where is the ethical boundary? [00:33:11] Crystal Fincher: Yeah. Interesting questions involved in the process that certainly, I think, we will be discussing more in the future and I appreciate getting your take on them. I think overall as we are wrapping up here in the time - why do you think it's so important to be involved in this process? For people to get involved in this process? What are the stakes? [00:33:37] April Sims: Well, the stakes are whether or not we end up with maps that keep communities of interest whole, right? And it is important because these maps will shape the future of policy for Washington State - who we elect next year to represent us - those are the folks that are going to pass policy that will outlive our current maps. The policies that we pass over the next 10 years will be in effect long after the next round of redistricting is over, and so we've been able to do some really amazing things in Washington State - we lead the nation in minimum wage and our Paid Family Medical Leave Act, we just passed overtime protections for farm workers who have historically been left out of the National Labor Relations Act and- [00:34:32] Crystal Fincher: That was huge. [00:34:33] April Sims: Huge, huge. And Crystal you know that those exemptions are rooted in racism and are tied to Jim Crow and slavery, right? Leaving farm workers out of standard protections for workers, because most farm and agricultural workers, when those laws were passed, were Black folks, right? Sharecroppers like my grandparents. So those types of policies are passed by members of our Legislature, right? And having members of the Legislature that hold our values and the values of our community - it's how we impact change, right? I'm trying to say this in a really eloquent way, but we need folks who care about the things that we care about elected into office and the only way we get those folks elected into office is to have maps that keep our communities whole. And the only way we have maps that keep our communities whole is if we get engaged in this redistricting process. So the work that we do right now engaging in the redistricting process sets the direction for the policies that we have in Washington State for generations to come and whether or not our communities are going to be protected as part of that process. [00:35:50] Crystal Fincher: Absolutely. Well, I think you said it perfectly eloquently. I do not have anything to add to that - that is excellent. And I just sincerely appreciate you taking the time to help educate us about this redistricting process today. [00:36:04] April Sims: So much appreciation to you, Crystal, and to the team for having me today, for giving me some space to talk a little bit about this wonky thing we call redistricting in Washington State, so - it's always a pleasure to see you too, by the way, so - [00:36:19] Crystal Fincher: You too. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Yeah, excited and excellent work. Thank you for involving the community in this process and let's all make a point to make our voices heard. [00:36:29] April Sims: Let's do it, I'm with it. [00:36:32] Crystal Fincher: Thank you for listening to Hacks & Wonks. Our chief audio engineer at KVRU is Maurice Jones Jr. The producer of Hacks & Wonks is Lisl Stadler. You can find me on Twitter @finchfrii, spelled F-I-N-C-H-F-R-I-I, and now you can follow Hacks & Wonks on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts, just type in "Hacks and Wonks" into the search bar. Be sure to subscribe to get our Friday almost-live shows and our midweek show delivered to your podcast feed. You can also get a full text transcript of this episode and links to the resources referenced during the show at officialhacksandwonks.com and in the podcast episode notes. Thanks for tuning in, talk to you next time.
In the fifth episode of Black Work Talk, host Steven Pitts welcomes April Sims, Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council. April told us a bit about her background, in particular, how the experiences of her mother led April to understand the importance of unions to working people's lives. She also talked about the work of the State Labor Council in developing and rolling out an anti-racism training for unions and their members. (April mentioned a document that resulted from the initial work: “Race to Labor: Can Organized Labor Be an Agent of Social and Economic Justice?” It can be downloaded at https://www.thestand.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Race-and-Labor_booklet_lo-res.pdf (Race to Labor). Later she talked about the importance of developing networks among unionists of color by way of the example of the informal grouping she has organized.
(S3 E3) Happy New Year! As we say adios to shitty 2020... Today we hear from Dr. Fauci via WTEL (610 AM) — branded Philadelphia's BIN 610 — is a commercial all-news radio know as the Black Information Network. Next up is Mark Marcarian portraying a character Joe The Poetry Man a man from Georgia with my friend April Sims as Lead Host. Informative and funny enjoy the Podcast! ©Mark Marcarian ©April Sims ©Not Just Another Podcast & Anchor.fm ©WTEL Bin 610 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/markmarcarian/message
#LaborRadioPodIt's not news that between Covid-19 and the recent wildfires, 2020 has been full of challenges for working people. Thankfully, there are resources available to help in times of need like these. Washington State Labor Council (http://www.wslc.org) Secretary Treasurer April Sims tells Shannon and Harold about the Foundation For Working Families, and what the WSLC is doing to help working people throughout Washington State.Then, Matt Little (https://www.mattlittle4clarkcounty.org/) tells them how his family coped in rural Clark County during the recent wildfires, and about his run for Clark County Council District 4.Plus, Mike Williams with Sunrise Dental (https://sunrisedental.com/) stops by to tell working people in the Northwest about what makes Sunrise different than other dental offices - and about some steps they've taken to help during these unprecedented times.AND... the Southwest Washington Central Labor Council is running "fun banks" to support its endorsed candidates! Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/y43cvurt!Remember working people in Southwest Washington, this is YOUR podcast! Email us at podcast@swwaclc.org and let us know what you think about the show, and what you'd like to hear in future episodes!We're a proud member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network - find more radio shows and podcasts that speak to working people about working people's issues at http://www.LaborRadioNetwork.org.
In this episode, I was joined by five phenomenal and successful black women. Shaunie Wheeler-James, April Sims, Ashley Battle, Vivian Frieson, and Chamique Holdsclaw. We talked about what it's like working in a male dominant world in the workforce,... --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daniel-artest3/support
Rhythm & News interview with April Sims, Co-chair of the Washington Fairness Coalition, about why the passage of I-1000, an initiative on the upcoming General Election ballot that would restore affirmative action in Washington State, is important. Interview by Chris B. Bennett.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Panel (April Sims, Christopher L. Fields and Raven Ekundayo) discussion on "Homophobia" and its impact in the lives of Young People - Entertainment and Faith Expression.It's time to take a mature look at scripture - yourself - and the world around you.
Panel (April Sims, Christopher L. Fields and Raven Ekundayo) discussion on "Homophobia" and its impact in the lives of Young People - Entertainment and Faith Expression.It's time to take a mature look at scripture - yourself - and the world around you.
April Sims and Christopher L. Fields discussed bullying as well as headline news.
April Sims and Christopher L. Fields discussed bullying as well as headline news.
Join your hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields as they welcome DJ Marcus Thompson, from Rumor Radio and the Timex Social Club; to a camp fire discussion this evening.The panel will discuss today's headlines and their potential impact on tomorrow.From A to Z and everything in between; grown folks with grown opinions having a mature conversation
Join your hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields as they welcome DJ Marcus Thompson, from Rumor Radio and the Timex Social Club; to a camp fire discussion this evening.The panel will discuss today's headlines and their potential impact on tomorrow.From A to Z and everything in between; grown folks with grown opinions having a mature conversation
In this episode our panel (Christopher L. Fields, Darryl "DA" Williams, Marcus Thompson and April Sims) discussed child predators (e.g., accused Bishop Eddie Long, actor Jeffrey Jones and middle school official Charles Hurst).
In this episode our panel (Christopher L. Fields, Darryl "DA" Williams, Marcus Thompson and April Sims) discussed child predators (e.g., accused Bishop Eddie Long, actor Jeffrey Jones and middle school official Charles Hurst).
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Your show hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields open up the phone lines to the listening audience to sing a long, share their poetry or give a pitch for their business. Each caller gets 5 minutes on the open mic.
Join your hosts April Sims and Christopher L. Fields aka Poetry Man as they welcome Tshombe the Poet to the show. A little bit about Tshombe the Poet Born in New Orleans, La. His parents decided to raised him and his three siblings abroad in Israel where he received most of his education. After returning to the US in the early 90's, he enlisted in the US Navy where I currently serve. He is married to his wonderful wife Dedre (Dee-Drah) of 9 years, but whose counting, huh? Tshombe began writing life as he lived, saw and felt it onto page where he later started a blog called Truth Theory which which became his moniker. After a short while he developed a following in his poetry/spoken poems. He achieved the qualifications of becoming a spoken word artist after performing his poems "The Revolution", "Imagine That", and "Changing Faces" on stages from Chicago's Negro League Lounge to The Hawaiian Hut in Hawaii (the country's largest poetry venue). After a series of creative initiatives and created venues, some successes and failures, he founded what is now known as The STORM in June of '07 where he is the host of the famous Freedom Verse Cafe. Tshombe self produced, published and marketed his first album titled "IAMNOTAPO3T" as a "home grown" project that led to many other success in the way of production opportunities and brand marketing. He has just released his sophomore album entitled "Verbal Jazz Vol. 1" which has received countless praises for its quality and value. He has definitely gained the respect of being a poet amongst his peers and is known for his "reachback" attitude to help other aspiring writers. Shared by April Sims, Radio Programmer WAGTi Radio (http://www.WAGTiRadio.com) WAGTi (http://www.WEareGREATERthani.com)
In this episode April Sims will discuss in detail the 2nd Each One Teach One Music and Radio Seminar, she recently attended, with Christopher L. Fields and the listening audience of A & E Radio from 7:00PM – 8:00PM EST at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aprilsims. About 2nd Each One Teach One Music and Radio Seminar The 2nd Each One Teach One Music and Radio Seminar took place at University Center, Carnegie-Mellon University, located in Pittsburgh, PA on January 16, 2010 from 9:00AM – 5:00PM EST. The 2nd Each One Teach One Music and Radio Seminar was organized and hosted by Kevin Amos, who is the producer for “One to One”, a Sunday morning radio program aired on the Internet from 6AM – 12:00PM EST. “One to One” can also be heard in the Pittsburgh, PA area on WRCT 88.3FM, the student run radio station located on the campus of Carnegie-Mellon University. The 2nd Each One Teach One Music and Radio Seminar was moderated by Bob Davis, CEO and Co-Founder of Soul-Patrol.com. Kevin Amos assembled panels for the seminar surround music genres such as Jazz, Blues, R&B, Reggae/World Music, Hip Hop, Rock as well as panels regarding Radio Past, Present and Future; Promotion and Marketing; Independent Artists; Developing Community Voices and more. Some of the panelists for the seminar included, but were not limited, Emmai ALaquiva, Owner of Ya Momz House; Liz Rueger, President of Independent Artist Representatives; Christian Nowlin, Owner of Out of the Dark Records; Bob Davis, CEO and Co-Founder of Soul-Patrol.com; Jonnet Solomon-Nowlin, President of National Opera House; Mena and Vocalist; Stephan Broadus, Assistant to Publisher of Pittsburgh Courier.# # # About WAGTi: WAGTi stands for “WE are GREATER than i” and was created by indie artists and entrepreneurs to promote, educate, motivate and inspire indie artists and entrepreneurs. # # #
Join your hosts April Sims and Poetry Man as they welcome music legend, Jay King to April Sims A and E Radio.A little bit about Jay KingMusic industry legend and icon Jay King has blessed the airwaves and ear drums of the masses by recording his first solo epic, "Open Book". A ten song adventure through adult contemporary textures of love, life and feeling.Working with musical powers such as Larry Dunn of Earth, Wind and Fire, and guitar virtuso Tony Dewayne.Veteran industry staple John Barnes graced the project with expert production assistance and engineering at his state of the art complex, Innersound Studio-Los Angles, CA.Music compostion and production was added by Kevin Techmeier, Ched Tolliver and James L. Richard II, The Sekret Service.Jay has created a masterpiece in the realm of audio experience that is a destined to become a standard for all time. http://www.wearegreaterthani.com
Join your hosts April Sims and Poetry Man as they shine a positive light on Sue Urda. A little bit about Sue UrdaSue Urda is known as the Connections Expert. She is the Co-Founder & CEO of Powerful You! Women’s Network, a two-time honoree on INC Magazine’s list of the 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies, and co-creator of the inspirational movie, Stepping Stones. Sue’s book,Powerful Intentions ~ Everyday Gratitude is designed to help you understand the complex workings of your mind, tap the inner wisdom of your heart and live each day through deliberate creation and intent … All this, as you enjoy the moments of your life. Her book was selected as a Winner in the National “Best Books 2009” Awards in the category of Spirituality:Inspiration, a Finalist as the Best New Non-Fiction Books 2009 by USA Book News, and as a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Book Awards for 2009. Sue’s experience in the corporate world as well as 20 years as an entrepreneur, supply her with the knowledge, connections and motivation to assist individuals in their own pursuit of success, joyful-living and balance. She travels the country connecting women to each other, their vision and themselves through the Powerful You! Women’s Network, her Keynote presentations and her words. http://www.wearegreaterthani.com
Twin brothers Kelvis and Kendall Duffie formed Kloud 9 in the tradition of such artists as The Isley Brothers, The Whispers and Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, all of whom the group would go on to appear with on tour. Growing up in a single-parent home in Denver, CO where their mother was a church musician, Kendall and Kelvis started singing in church at an early age. By the age of fourteen they captured the attention of producer Jerry Weaver (former guitarist with Aretha Franklin and producer of Janet Jackson's debut album). With Weaver, Kendall and Kelvis laid the foundation for a music career and began learning the ins and outs of the music business. Weaver formed a gospel group called Meekness which included the Duffies but the group experienced only minor success. When Meekness disbanded, the Duffie twins headed for Nashville to try to further themselves in the music industry. Their experiences there propelled them into careers as record executives with major gospel labels. However their thirst to perform and record never left them and so they decided to form a vocal duo. The name Kloud 9 was derived out the concept of wanting people to experience a mood of ultimate pleasure when listening to their music. The spelling of Kloud with a "K" was a nod to the fact that both their names began with that letter. After shopping their music and being constantly told they should push their music in a more edgy and raunchy style, Kendall decided to look abroad for audiences who appreciated quality soul music. "I remember driving to work one day and pulling over at a grocery store parking lot and literally breaking down in tears," states Kendall. I felt so empty and unhappy and I knew I had to do music and do it at a level that would satisfy the desire in my soul. I called my job and resigned on the spot, bought a one-way ticket to London where I knew music had a different appreciation, knowing that being an American would open doors for me over there. I told my family that I would not return until I found an outlet to release my music. I realized I didn't have enough money to travel on public transportation every day so I bought a map of London, got numbers and addresses to all the indie and major labels in London and my game plan everyday for the first few months I was there was walking 4 - 5 hours each way for 20-30 minutes meetings. At one point I recall feeling rocks on my foot and looked under my shoe and saw I had literally walked a hole in my shoes!" During my time in London I met a producer named Ray Hayden who produced Maysa's first album. He allowed me to work in his studio to help him with production on various projects. I remember leaving his studio one morning around 3AM with not a penny in my pocket and knowing I had several hours to walk back to where I was staying but I was finally feeling happy again. I was creating music. It was through Ray that I eventually met Maysa and through Maysa that I met Incognito leader Bluey. Shortly thereafter we got a call from Expansion Records in the UK to do an album." Koud 9's debut CD ON KLOUD 9 was released in 2002 in the UK and was critically acclaimed. The album topped the UK Sweet Rhythms Soul Chart for three weeks and spent twelve weeks on Finland's Soul charts. Kloud 9's other UK releases include 2005's YEARNING TO LOVE YOU and KLOUD 9 PRESENTS THE VIBE ROOM, a compilation of Kendall's productions, both of which reached #1 on the UK soul music charts. ENJOY THE RIDE is truly Kloud 9's coming out event in America. The duo has been building a following in America as an opening act for The Isley Brothers, The Whispers, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and of course Maysa. They recently won a Soultracks award for "Best duo/group" and have been making an impression on their peers and mentors in the business. As R & B legend Walter Scott of the Whispers says, "These are some super talented brothers, no question about it. The world is gonna hear from them!" posted by April Sims / http://www.wearegreaterthani.com
Midnight Cafe on Quiet Storm Radio with your host April Sims The following artists were featured (in order played) during this segment. Rod Tate - Rain Erly Thornton - Lost Without You Mo Pleasure - Lover's Groove... Read More Rob Murat - Until Its Over Natalie Brown - How I Love 2 Luv U Taniq - Breakin' The Rules Bobby Ricketts - A Song For You Chaise Lounge - Like Young Afi Soul - Call Me Nuqleus - One In A Million Jana Mashonee - A Change Is Gone Jimmy Wayne - Sara Smile (ft Hall and Oates) Monet - Wanna Kiss You Elijah Bland - Sugar High (ft Wayna) Green Tea - Your Beautiful Janice B. - Watch Me Fly Dana Jackson - I Apologize Sheraton Cadwell Orchestra - My Funny Valentine April Sims / http://www.wearegreaterthani.com
Join April Sims and Vincent Versher (sitting in for Christopher 'Poetry Man' Fields) as they welcome MO Pleasure to April Sims A and E Radio Show. A little bit about MO Pleasure Known affectionately as Mo Pleasure, this renowned multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, began playing acoustic piano at the age of four and by his early teens already mastered several instruments including bass, trumpet, guitar, drums and violin.Upon receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from University of Connecticut, Mo began his professional music career playing bass with Ray Charles. He then began working as a session musician, backing some of the most accomplished talents in Jazz and R&B including George Duke, Natalie Cole, Dianne Reeves, Jonathan Butler, Rachelle Ferrell, Michael McDonald, Oleta Adams, Roberta Flack, Marcus Miller and Frankie Beverly and Maze, to name a few.From 1989 through 1992, Mo was both keyboardist and musical director with saxophonist Najee, pianist Alex Bugnon, and vocalists Philip Bailey, Patti Austin and Jon Lucien. In 1993, he became a member of the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire, and ascended to become the band’s musical director in 1994. Mo was featured playing keyboards, trumpet and guitar with Janet Jackson’s 2001 “All For You” tour and played keyboards and trumpet with Boney James’ 2004 “Pure” tour. As a principal member of the group Devoted Spirits, Mo was featured playing keyboards for Jimi Hendrix’s 60th Birthday Celebration and the 2004 “Power of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix” tour. Mo most recently toured with Roberta Flack and Rachelle Ferrell.In addition to performing at worldwide jazz festivals including Montreux, North Sea, St. Lucia, Cancun, and Montreal, Mo has been a featured concert pianist, performing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and for the Boston Ballet.There are many Television and Video performances to Mo’s credit, including Ray Charles BBC Special, Mad TV, BET on Jazz, VH1, The Tonight Show, Earth, Wind & Fire documentary Shining Stars and HBO Special – Janet Jackson in Hawaii. His movie soundtrack credits include Talkin’ featured in the Disney movie “Three Men and a Little Lady” and the EWF single “Cruisin,” featured in Spike Lee’s “Get On The Bus.”Two of Mo’s CDs were released independently in Spring 2005. Devoted Spirits’ “Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire” and Audio Caviar “Transoceanic.” Audio Caviar is a collaboration featuring Mo on piano, bass, trumpet and flugelhorn, Ralph Johnson on drums and Denmark guitarist Steen Kyed.Mo’s first offering as a solo artist, Elements of Pleasure, was released in 2006. The release earned him a devoted worldwide following and established him as a producer and multi-instrumentalist with singular talent. Scheduled for release in late 2008, Mo’s second solo effort, Mo’Elements of Pleasure, expands upon his first project. The lyrical movement of the piano, the soulful sounds of the trumpet and flugelhorn and the funky rhythm of the bass are the elements that touch the heart, mind and soul. The music is a combined collaboration of instrumental funk and soulful vocals, reminiscent of his many musical influences. Demonstrating the respect and cache he has garnered in his illustrious career, the album is chockfull of special guests including Tony Terry, Maysa, Ali Woodson, Philip Bailey, Maxayn and Bobby Ricketts. April Sims (http://www.wearegreaterthani.com)
VINCENT VERSHER of Pure Marketing Group discusses effective music industry marketing 101 with April Sims and Poetry Man. "PURE Marketing Group (http://www.pmgroupllc.com) specializes in brand development and artist management through the integrated use of advertising, public relations, graphic design, electronic communications, and merchandising. PMG boasts many long-term relationships in the corporate, technology, sports, food/beverage, and entertainment industries. PMG was launched to conceive or broker strategic promotions, events or other integral components to a marketing plan of distinctive entrainment properties, on a national, regional or local basis. Our objective is to leverage our strategically grounded consumer marketing orientation to create for the client, truly customized partnerships that address brand positioning, sales objectives, or artist development, while incorporating unique assets of the entertainment property. " APRIL SIMS http://www.wearegreaterthani.com http://www.twitter.com/aprilsims http://www.myspace.com/april_sims http://www.facebook.com/aprilsimsphotography
Sit back, relax and unwind as your host April Sims plays . . . 1. LTD - April Love 2. Rita Shelby - Cherish The Moment 3. Lenny Williams - 'Cause I Love You 4. Phoebe Snow - Teach Me Tonight 5. Bobby Ricketts - A Song For You 6. Jimmy Wayne - Sarah Smile 7. Deborah Flores - Do I Do 8. Victor Fields - When Somebody Loves You Back 9. ChaSha Music - Ribbon In The Sky 10. The Delfonics - Didn't I Blow Your Mind This Time 11. Erly Thornton - Lost Without You 12. The Chi-Lites - Toby 13. Eddie Benitez - A Child's Love (ft. Howard Hewett) 14. Monet - Wann Kiss You 15. Rob Murat - Until It's Over 16. Margeaux Lampley - I Thought About You 17. Elijah Bland - Sugar High (ft. Wayna) APRIL SIMS http://www.wearegreaterthani.com http://www.twitter.com/aprilsims http://www.myspace.com/april_sims http://www.facebook.com/aprilsimsphotography
BRIAN O'NEAL Jazz Pianist, Producer, Composer, Teacher and Community Activist http://www.brianoneal.com/DOFoundation Please join us as your host April Sims as she shines a positive spotlight on Brian O'Neal. Brian O'Neal is no stranger to April Sims A and E Radio. He has been a guest of the show several times in the past to discuss his musical career as a jazz pianist, producer and composer. This time Brian O'Neal visits April Sims A and E Radio to talk about The Do Foundation. The Do Foundation is a charitable organization set up to help the homeless. Recently, Brian O'Neal slept on the streets of Detroit for two weeks to experience what it like to be homeless through the eyes of a homeless person. His new video Dreams In Color depicts the two weeks that he slept on the streets of Detroit through imagery and song. http://www.wearegreaterthani.com
RITA SHELBY cd Sit back and relax as your host April Sims plays 'A Date With A Song' by jazz vocalist-songwriter, Rita Shelby. RITA SHELBY A DATE WITH A SONG 1. The 2 Jazzy Intro 2. Holding Down This Forty 3. Sour Citrus 4. Old Man's Girl 5. Drink U Some Act Right 6. Draw The Line 7. Cherish The Moment 8. Always You 9. Florence & Mary (Mothering Spirit) 10. The People I Love 11. A Date With A Song 12. Try Love On For Size http://www.wearegreaterthani.com/profile/RitaShelby S.B. Music 13547 Ventura Blvd. #678 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 2jazzy@sbcglobal.net Enjoy! http://www.wearegreaterthani.com
About the artist Rita Shelby Rita Shelby is a jazz vocalist & songwriter who's debut album is co-produced by Stafford Floyd, Michael Wells, Willie Daniels and Grammy Award winning producer Andre' Fischer. Rita's is praised for her classic & sultry style and slick lyrics and melodies! She's a new lady for a new day! It's been a jazzy ten year ride since Miss Rita Shelby proclaimed her love for jazz and pusued the genre professionally as a singer/songwriter. She teamed up with her high school buddy Willie Daniels and the result is A Date With A Song! Rita has been singing since she was six years old, when she burst out her first note while at the side of her mother Florence Hawkins, a gospel pianist. Rita is warm and witty in her performance and sultry in her style. She delivers a classic jazz vocal tinged in melodies that hint of jazzy tones from days gone by. Rita Shelby is a new lady for a new day in a most jazzy way. LaRita is also an actress who starred in the movies South Central, Outrighteous and Walk By Faith. Forthcoming is the movie Kings Of The Evening for which she and Willie wrote the song The Best Of Me. On the radio, LaRita has worked for Lee Bailey, Tom Joyner and Tavis Smiley. She was also an international radio personality on the Armed Forces Radio Network. Miss jazzy Rita is a devoted mom and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho. Here's to love, life, miracles and music! http://www.wearegreaterthani.com
GREEN TEA is a vocalist and songwriter. Sit back and relax as Green Tea joins April Sims and The Poetry Man. After the show you will be headed to cdbaby / itunes to get your does of Green Tea http://www.WEareGREATERthani.com
NATALIE BROWN http://www.natalie-brown.com "Ever wondered what a Pre-Rainbow Mariah Carey meets a chilled out Alicia Keys on the way to a ping-pong game with Diana Ross would sound like?" Get this answer and much more as Vocalist/Songwriter, Natalie Brown joins April Sims and The Poetry Man in this segment of April Sims A and E Radio. You can read more about Natalie here: http://www.wearegreaterthani.com/profile/NatalieBrown http://www.WEareGREATERthani.com
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