Across The Mic with Julio Taku

This episode, I'm joined by Amaru Jones, a community, activist, Cortland University alumnus and one of the founders of Leaders of the New School; a community organization aimed at providing empowerment & programs to enhance underserved youth. We discuss the importance and accessibility of local politics and how to enhance your community.

Amaru's Instagram: https://instagram.com/theleadersofthenewschool_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

The Leaders of the New School: https://instagram.com/theleadersofthenewschool_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Milette’s Capstone: Capstone | Portfolio

Milette’s Website: Newsgathering | Milette Millington's Journalism Portfolio

Milette’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/MiletteMillington 

You ever seen a swan gliding across a lake? Beautiful. Elegant. Noble even.

They're paddling their little webbed feet for their lives to stay afloat. Churning up more water than Michael Phelps in the 200m freestyle.

That was my life for a while. Grace above the surface and utter chaos underneath to maintain it.

In the time since my last episode (over a year ago), I've been through three jobs, survived Covid, worked on a music video shoot, purchased my first car, found love, therapy, my beard connects better now, got a family dog, academic setbacks and had more growth as a man than I've ever before. In between moments of grief and joy I've had plenty of time to look introspectively. I learned that I can be stoic to a fault. It's one thing to be faced with adversity and have the gumption and resilience to face it head on and make it; it’s another to do so at your own expense and disregard your support system. Few if any of us are “self-made” in a world that relies on collaboration. Accept assistance when offered and let it be known when you need it. You’re no less because of it. I promise you.

Life has come and gone so fast that it spins my head to imagine what we've all been through individually and as a global population.

I know it's been a while since you last heard from me. I hope you haven't forgotten the sound of my voice.

This episode, I'm joined by Perla Ruby Bernardez, owner of The Narrative and PBA&L. We discuss the intersectionality, the major roles Black women play in the civil rights movement and the erasure they undergo.  

The Narrative Instagram: https://instagram.com/_selten_?igshid=3nad9zb8xm60 

The Narrative Website: http://www.thenarrative.online/

*This was recorded during the week of the 2020 presidential election.*

This episode, I'm joined by Tracey Edwards, Regional Director of the NAACP, mother of three/grandmother of three, breast cancer survivor and activist. We discuss the importance of engaging in local politics, her transition from parent to administrator and her time in public service.

*This was recorded during the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election.*

This episode I'm joined by Miya Jones, founder and executive-in-chief of Shades of Long Island. On this episode we discuss the importance of being able to author stories about your community and telling the untold stories. We also speak about supporting local publications, businesses, individuals and the importance of family. Her impact through Shades of Long Island transcends the articles and will do much more for the Black and brown community on Long Island. Support and participate in local media to see yourself reflected in it.

Shades of Long Island Website: https://shadesoflongisland.com/

This episode I'm joined by Iman Olden, production/executive assistant for film and tv. We discuss the landscape of Hollywood during a racial reckoning and it's effects in front and behind the camera. Iman tells of how she has demystified celebrities and not getting star struck. We also speak about career paths and engaging in them while in college. 

Iman’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/ibehatai?igshid=1kxt6jtxo382p 

Iman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iman-olden-47426695

Danielle's Instagram: https://instagram.com/danidestinyyy?igshid=1ou51zhzyrra4

Scotch Bonnets by Dani Instagram: https://instagram.com/scotchbonnetsbydani?igshid=14oseyfjpo4aa

Scotch Bonnets by Dani website: https://www.scotchbonnetsbydani.com/

This episode I’m joined by Qadirah Abdur-Rahman, financial advisor, CEO of Brilliant Girl Finance, Minte Essentials, executive producer of Viral Debates and all-around tour de force. On this episode we discussed how she stays afloat while managing so many different businesses and being practical with your ambition. She gives advice on financial literacy and how she manages to maintain multiple sources of income. This is information people pay for!

Qadirah’s Instagram @bellaagunz: https://instagram.com/bellaagunz?igshid=1rsbeesu66u2b 

Brilliant Girl Finance @brilliantgirlfinance: https://www.brilliantgirlfinance.com/post/6-moves-to-make-right-now-with-1-000-in-the-bank 

Viral Debates Instagram @viral.debates: https://instagram.com/viral.debates?igshid=5f45lkjx1agi 

Website: https://linktr.ee/viraltv.series 

Minte Essentials @minte.essentials: https://www.minteessentials.org/

*I currently have construction going on at my home so please forgive some of the background noise. I tried my best to edit it all out.*

This episode I’m joined by Milnalis Diese, designer, storyteller, content strategist and CEO of Created 2 Create LLC. On this episode we discussed the impact of the many hats she wears and how she establishes boundaries and routines for herself. We also speak about the role she played in the set design of “Crazy Rich Asians” and the impact it had on her life. She also shares a personal story about how she began Created 2 Create and her spiritual reawakening she experienced. Lastly, she even provides some tips on how to step up your social media game and build an aesthetic for your page.

Milnalis’ Instagram: https://instagram.com/bythemil?igshid=1318sx05g40j5 

Created 2 Create: https://instagram.com/c2c.nyc?igshid=1xtm3vnx3e7qr 

Milnalis’ Email: [email protected]

*I currently have construction going on at my home so please forgive some of the background noise. I tried my best to edit it all out.*