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Author/Poet Samuel Rain Benjamin aka Complicated Passions, creator of the Passions Private Collection and Dark Man Blues the series, has written over 40 books including “Love and the Conversation, The Clone in Me & The Foreplay Series” he has also performed across the country from Los Angeles to New York, notable places The World Stage, Sugar Hill, The Nuyorican Poets Café, Busboys & Poets, SWAAM, and da Poetry Lounge. He was also the host of The Griot Café in Long Beach and former host of a long running on air open mic on Blogtalk Radio One Positive Way Radio, Samuel has also produced Dark Man Blues a show that featured poets from around the world on The Book Slam. Samuel has also performed with the likes of Obbie West, Taalam Acey, 13ofNazareth, Lorenzo Word, shyybutflyy, Jaha Zainabu wah wah Washington and reaux fareal. He is also the co-founder of Innate Divinity Books a consulting and publishing company as well as GMG Staafly Productions LLC based in The Inland Empire of Southern California. His latest work is from the Dark Man Blues collection “John Bold released in March 2021 later this year he is set to release The Foreplay look inside” and in 2023 Dark Man Blues returns with “An Interview with Love” More titles will be released 2022 such as “A Prelude to Passion”, “Mischievous” and “My Future Seduction” part 1. Samuel is now on tour with the Gray Beards 22/23. https://www.darkmanblues.com/
Martin Graff is an artist, author, musician, and extreme-chin-beard enthusiast in Arlington, VA who crafts poetic vignettes with matching art on every topic from the stigma of liking scrapple to the meaning of life in a series called The Face Zone: Surreal Daydreams to Trip Your Imagination... Marty's live spoken-word show adds original piano compositions from his album Trips for Piano to heighten the experience. His affecting commentary, original humor, whimsical artwork, and absorbing piano offer a uniquely engaging respite that cuts through the noise of our information-age lives with concise, essential truths certain to entertain as they set mind in motion. For a decade, Marty's act has been featured at venues across the region, including Capital Fringe Festival, Spit Dat DC's residency at The Woolly Mammoth Theatre, and multiple Busboys & Poets locations. He has been reviewed and interviewed in over thirty print and online publications, and has made radio and TV appearances in support of his three books and piano album, for which he was nominated Best Classical Artist in the 2022 DC Wammie Awards. When not performing, Marty teaches English as a Second Language, which he started in China and has continued doing throughout the Mid-Atlantic U.S., earning a 2015 Teacher of the Year nomination in Frederick, Maryland.
Earlier this month Working People hit a new milestone: We recorded our first live episode in front of an audience! Organized by the Action Builder / Action Network team and hosted by Busboys & Poets in Washington, DC, we got to speak with Michelle Valentin Nieves of the Amazon Labor Union and Harry Marino of the Major League Baseball Players Association about the incredible worker organizing victories for Amazon workers and minor league baseball players, and about lessons we have learned from an intense year of grassroots struggle that we will be carrying into 2023. Michelle Valentin Nieves is the Executive Secretary and a founding member of the Amazon Labor Union. Harry Marino is an assistant general counsel at the Major League Baseball Players Association. He is formerly the Executive Director of Advocates for Minor Leaguers, the nonprofit organization that joined with the MLBPA to unionize Minor League players. Harry pitched in the Minor League systems of the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks. Since launching in 2012, Action Network tools have helped the Women's March mobilize huge rallies across the globe, helped the DNC raise millions for candidates and organizations, and more. The Action Builder toolset, launched in 2019, helps dozens of unions and progressive organizations empower leaders and build strong organizing campaigns. Additional links/info below... Michelle's Twitter page Harry's Twitter page Amazon Labor Union website, Facebook page, and Twitter page Major League Baseball Players Association website, Facebook page, and Twitter page Action Network website, Facebook page, and Twitter page Action Builder website Advocates for Minor Leaguers website Working People, "Amazon Labor Union" Eric Blanc, Jacobin, "The Workers Behind Amazon's Historic First Union Explain How They Did It (An Interview with Christian Smalls, Angelika Maldonado, & Michelle Valentin Nieves)" Evan Drellich, The Athletic, "‘Hit the Go Button': The Six Years that Made Baseball's Minor League Union" Tipping Pitches, "The Gang Forms a Union (feat. Trevor Hildenberger)" Permanent links below... Working People Patreon page Leave us a voicemail and we might play it on the show! Labor Radio / Podcast Network website, Facebook page, and Twitter page In These Times website, Facebook page, and Twitter page The Real News Network website, YouTube channel, podcast feeds, Facebook page, and Twitter page Featured Music (all songs sourced from the Free Music Archive: freemusicarchive.org) Jules Taylor, "Working People Theme Song
In Elevate Maryland's return to live shows at its new location, Busboys & Poets, Candace and Tom sit down with Howard County Council-member Opel Jones to discuss his first three years in office and his recently announced campaign for re-election. He addressed the difficulty in diversifying the Council, challenges he's faced as the only person of color in a five-member body, and his legislative process for proposing new laws. Dr. Jones promised a spicy interview and he delivered in this can't miss show. Thank you to Busboys & Poets for being such great hosts!
Ramadan #HistoricMuslimah #10: "Amal Alkhani" | Today, we are delighted to hear from Sister Dania Ayah Alkhouli, poet and daughter of Khateebah Dr. Maria Khani, as she speaks about her grandmother Amal Alkhani's profound contribution to Syrian society in recent history. D O N A T E The Women's Mosque of America is a volunteer-run, 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Make a tax-deductible donation today: womensmosque.com/donate B I O Dania Ayah Alkhouli is a Syrian writer, blogger, poet, editor, and author, born and raised in Southern California. Alkhouli earned her B.A. in Sociology and her M.A. in Public Policy & Administration from Cal State Long Beach. She published her debut book at 19, titled 91 at 19. In 2017, Dania released her second poetry book, Oceans & Flames, a collection of poetry shedding light on her experience with, and survival of, domestic violence. Alkhouli's work centers on feminism, mental health, sexuality, identity, culture, religion, her war-torn homeland, Syria, and on grief, loss, and death. She has been featured on Buzzfeed and Jubilee Media, and has performed across national venues such as Da Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles, House Slam in Boston, and Busboys & Poets in D.C. In 2012, Alkhouli and her mother (past khateebah Dr. Maria Khani) co-founded the nonprofit organization, A Country Called Syria, a traveling exhibition and set of events showcasing the history and culture of their country. Early 2020, Alkhouli released her third poetry book, Contortionist Tongue, under Moon Tide Press, a collection weaving the experience of being a Muslim Syrian woman in today's socio-political climate. You can follow her on social media at @lady_narrator and @acountrycalledsyria. S T A Y C O N N E C T E D Do you want to find out about The Women's Mosque of America's upcoming women-led & co-ed events? Sign up for our newsletter here: https://us9.campaign-archive.com/home... A B O U T The Women's Mosque of America is the nation's first women-led Muslim house of worship and a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. The Women's Mosque of America strives to uplift the entire Muslim community by empowering Muslim women and girls through more direct access to Islamic scholarship and leadership. The Women's Mosque of America provides a safe space for women to feel welcome, respected, and actively engaged within the Muslim Ummah. It complements existing mosques, offering opportunities for women to grow, learn, and gain inspiration to spread throughout their respective communities. The Women's Mosque of America provides women-led Friday jumma'a services for women and children (including boys 12 and under) once a month in Southern California. In addition, The Women's Mosque of America provides programming, events, and classes open to both men and women that aim to increase community access to female Muslim scholars and female perspectives on Islamic knowledge and spirituality. F O L L O W U S Instagram: @womensmosque Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomensMosque Twitter: @womensmosque YouTube: click on the red SUBSCRIBE button above!
What conversation should we be having on domestic violence? That is the question that begins this week’s episode. This week’s episode brings you a panel discussion on domestic violence, stories of Healing & Survival. My panelists are Sumiyah Mshaka, Dania Alkhouli, and Neda. Each guest brings their unique insights, story, and experience to this important conversation. Together, we discussed the misconceptions, myths and misinformation that surround domestic violence. We also explored ways to support and be there for someone who is currently experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor. I am grateful to Sumiyah, Dania, and Neda for sharing their stories and journeys with us on this week’s episode. A theme that arose during the panel discussion was that, even though it may be difficult, is important we have this conversation. About My Guests: Sumiyah Mshaka is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and group fitness instructor who comes from a family with a legacy of social justice work. After graduating from the UCLA MSW program in 2004, Sumiyah began her extensive career in social work specializing in mental health treatment and advocacy for youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sumiyah taught kickboxing and strength training classes at 24 Hour Fitness for 7 years. She recently started her own online fitness business featuring live virtual fitness classes, 722 Sweat Mvmt. You can follow Sumiyah on IG - https://www.instagram.com/turbosumiyah Neda is a nurse practitioner in Los Angeles. She does primarily reproductive and prenatal care, and is covid testing all day every day. When she isn’t in the clinic, she’s on the pole doing strong woman things. You can follow Neda on IG - https://www.instagram.com/hijabiluscious/ Dania Ayah Alkhouli is a Syrian writer, blogger, poet, editor, and author. Dania’s work centers on feminism, mental health, sexuality, identity, culture, religion, her war-torn homeland, Syria, and on grief, loss, and death. She has been featured on Buzzfeed and Jubilee Media, and has performed across national venues such as Da Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles, House Slam in Boston, and Busboys & Poets in D.C. You can follow her on IG at @lady_narrator and @acountrycalledsyria. If you are looking for resources or support on Domestic Violence you can visit https://www.thehotline.org/. The disclaimer on the website shares: “Internet usage can be monitored and is impossible to erase completely. If you’re concerned your internet usage might be monitored, call us at 800.799.SAFE (7233). Learn more about digital security and remember to clear your browser history after visiting https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/internet-safety/.”
D.C. has historically been part of the American South. But as D.C.'s population has grown and diversified, its obvious ties to the South are starting to fade. Patrick and Ruth dine at the Florida Avenue Grill and Succotash, and take a detour through local football history, to learn what D.C.'s Southern and Soul Food restaurants tell us about our regional roots. Meet us at Busboys & Poets in Anacostia, October 22, from 6-8 p.m. to discuss this episode and more! Details: dishcity.org/sidedish Twitter & Instagram: @dishcity Email: dishcity@wamu.org Theme music by Daniel Peterschmidt.
Eman El-Husseini is a stand-up comedian and writer. She’s known for her appearances on CBC and CTV’s Just for Laughs, and for her Comedy Network stand-up special. She’s opened for Patton Oswalt, and her comedy album, “Unveiled”, was released in 2016. Her writing has been featured in Rover, The Beaverton, The Montreal Gazette, and The Dean’s Report, among other publications. Check out her cartoon on instagram based on her married life with her wife who is also a comedian: @theelsalomons Joi-Marie McKenzie Joi-Marie McKenzie is an entertainment, style and relationships editor for Good Morning America Digital. She is also the author of the critically-acclaimed memoir, The Engagement Game, out now. Previously, she has worked for ABC News, ABC Radio, NBC New York, and NBC Washington, along with her family's Afro American Newspaper, the longest running African-American family-owned newspaper in the country.McKenzie is an in-demand panelist and workshop facilitator. She has spoken about owning your narrative, writing a memoir, entrepreneurship, blogging, and growing an audience online at Columbia University, University of Maryland College Park, Howard University, and LIM College.She’s also spoken at the prestigious 92Y in New York City along with Busboys & Poets in Washington, D.C. Calise Hawkins is a stand-up comedian and writer. She has appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Gotham Live, Stand Up in Stilettos, Nickmom Nite Out, among others. She has written for MTV series Totally Clueless and Girl Code, Comedy Central’s @midnight, and Charlemagne’s Uncommon Sense. She wrote on Hood Adjacent with James Davis, and was a cast member of Oxygen’s Funny Girls.Wrote on Comedy Central Hood Adjacent! She has also just become a consultant on Aisha Tyler’s “Unapologetic” Always hosted by Marina Franklin- Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf.
They Met Online | Life and Love | Whether You're Waiting, Dating or Mating
The Team is joined by Jay Ryan co-founder of BreakupGems.com. Why not treat yourself to a $20,000 divorce ring with that alimony check? Nova Browning Rutherford of ...but I love me more, shares her worst Valentine's Day story AND talks self love and relationships along with Girltalk Unplugged founder, Elder Vikki Johnson and guest co-host, Director of Poetry Events at Busboys & Poets, Bomani Armah. Robert Pruitt also stops by to ask if you're ready to do the work.
Timid and soft spoken off stage, Mary Bowman is known to be fearless as she shares her story with audiences around the Washington Metropolitan area. She is the published author of National Underground Spoken Word Poetry Awards 2011 Book Of The Year Lotus. She is also nominated for National Poetry Awards "Poetry Author of The Year" 2011. Mary has been writing poetry for about 8 years. She has been featured at Busboys & Poets (all locations), The Legendary 'Spit Dat' open mic (DC), Jus Words (Philadelphia, PA), Slam Charlotte (NC) and a host of other community events and venues on the East Coast. In the March 2011 'AIDS Issue' Street Sense, a local newspaper published a 3 page article about Mary. "Be The Change You Wish To See In The World" is a quote that she lives by, organizing community events to raise money for HIV/AIDS awareness, facilitating support groups for HIV positive youth, and sharing her personal experiences being born HIV Positive through the art of spoken word. Through poetry she will continue serving selflessly, starting a Non-Profit Organization centered around support for individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. Purpose Over Entertainment (P.O.E.T.) is dedicated to using social media, visual and performing arts to foster holistic conversations regarding those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the Greater Washington, DC area in an effort to eliminate the stigmas surrounding HIV/AIDS and individuals living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. P.O.E.T. is filimg a documentary entitled "I Know What HIV Looks Like"!!! Essentially the film will be comprised of interviews of random individuals, people living with and those affected by HIV/AIDS, and my story.
From the flu to HIV, RNA viruses challenge our immune systems like no other infectious agent on the planet. RNA viruses provide unique insights into the patterns and processes of evolutionary change in real time. The study of viral evolution is especially topical given the growing awareness that emerging and re-emerging diseases (most of which are caused by RNA viruses) represent a major threat to public health. How do RNA viruses adapt and change, and how do our bodies respond? Why are diseases like HIV so difficult to predict and contain? In episode 35 of MicrobeWorld Video, Eddie Holmes, professor in Biology at Pennsylvania State University leads a discussion before a live audience at Busboys & Poets in Washington, D.C. on the genetics and evolution of RNA viruses and how we can combat them. The Dish was created by the Marian Koshland Science Museum and is made possible by a Science Education Partnership (SEPA) grant from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health. This program was held in collaboration with the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
From the flu to HIV, RNA viruses challenge our immune systems like no other infectious agent on the planet. RNA viruses provide unique insights into the patterns and processes of evolutionary change in real time. The study of viral evolution is especially topical given the growing awareness that emerging and re-emerging diseases (most of which are caused by RNA viruses) represent a major threat to public health. How do RNA viruses adapt and change, and how do our bodies respond? Why are diseases like HIV so difficult to predict and contain? In episode 35 of MicrobeWorld Video, Eddie Holmes, professor in Biology at Pennsylvania State University leads a discussion before a live audience at Busboys & Poets in Washington, D.C. on the genetics and evolution of RNA viruses and how we can combat them. The Dish was created by the Marian Koshland Science Museum and is made possible by a Science Education Partnership (SEPA) grant from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health. This program was held in collaboration with the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
From the flu to HIV, RNA viruses challenge our immune systems like no other infectious agent on the planet. RNA viruses provide unique insights into the patterns and processes of evolutionary change in real time. The study of viral evolution is especially topical given the growing awareness that emerging and re-emerging diseases (most of which are caused by RNA viruses) represent a major threat to public health. How do RNA viruses adapt and change, and how do our bodies respond? Why are diseases like HIV so difficult to predict and contain? In episode 35 of MicrobeWorld Video, Eddie Holmes, professor in Biology at Pennsylvania State University leads a discussion before a live audience at Busboys & Poets in Washington, D.C. on the genetics and evolution of RNA viruses and how we can combat them. The Dish was created by the Marian Koshland Science Museum and is made possible by a Science Education Partnership (SEPA) grant from the National Center for Research Resources, a component of the National Institutes of Health. This program was held in collaboration with the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.