Active Allyship...it's more than a #hashtag!"

On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss the alleged death bed confession of retired NYPD officer - Raymond A. Wood.  He allegedly penned a letter describing his involvement in the set-up and assassination of Malcolm X.  In what seemed like almost 24 hours after the Tamara Payne interview - this was breaking news!  According to washingtonpost.com  headlines: An NYPD cop allegedly confessed to aiding in Malcom X’s assassination.  His daughter says his letter is fake. You’ve gotta listen to this! 

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa converse with Tamara Payne, primary researcher for The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X. Ms. Payne started out as a researcher on this project with her beloved father, Les Payne, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist.  Mr. Payne transitioned before the book was finished, even so, his daughter Tamara Payne was determined to see it to the finish line!

And of course, Ms. Payne shares what she was marinated in…yup, you’re going to have to listen!

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Yes, you noticed the brevity in the description…great! 

On the Did you know Segment…  Black Inventors…according to history.com  The Electret Microphone, was Co-Invented by James E. West in 1964. Even for those who aren’t quick to pick up the mic during karaoke, microphones are used every day to communicate over distances far and wide. And more than 90 percent of the microphones used today, including the microphones used in phones and cameras, use a microphone co-invented by a Black man. Dr. James E. West was tasked with creating a more sensitive and compact microphone while working at Bell Labs in 1960. Only four years later, the new microphone was in wide production and was being used in hearing aids, tape recorders, most telephones and baby monitors.

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa converse with Ms. Leslie Short, CEO of The Cavu Group and author of Expand Beyond Your Current Culture: Diversity and Inclusion for CEOs and Leadership.  Most definitely a woman of influence - Leslie’s parents taught her that she could be whatever she wanted to be!  She was introduced to amazing opportunities through her classical ballet journey, not even realizing at such a tender age how this would be pivotal in preparing her for the world adventures ahead.

Early in the conversation, Ms. Short, expanded upon her thoughts around the two words 1) Diversity and 2) Inclusion.  You’ll already know that you’ll have to listen to get the deets on this distinction!  BTW, Ms. Short is working on a workshop to show you how to have a valid voice - understanding that when you speak, the audience has no option, but to listen.

Inequities, what the hey?!  Ms. Short shares with us when she realized she had a voice and what she did with it!  What an amazing story she shared about her journey to dance!  Geez! This story is amazing!  Whew!  People can be so unkind!  But Ms. Short is without a doubt a badass in her own right!  Hint: Be prepared to walk away!

Always the one to stick up for others, Ms. Short used her voice, advocating for the betterment of everyone!  Oh yea, the FUBU story, she shares the inside scoop with that…hint: Gap commercial with LL Cool J!  Who remembers?!  Listen, Ms. Short has been in some rooms and places with some folk and events that will blow your mind!  Yup! Be prepared to have your mind blown! Perception, yea, folks with the complexion for the connection tried to talk her out of moving forward with her desires, THEN… those same folk came back asking for favors!  Question: What’s in your bag?  Who are you?  What is your added value? Rhetorical of course!

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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Sorry we didn't post a show last week!   The good news is we have some incredible guests coming up!  Listen to this 1 min 32 second preview to find out (one of the upcoming guests is Charles M. Blow!!!!!!!!) 

On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa are recognizing and celebrating Black|African American History Month by sharing stories of inventors of everyday items!  On this episode it’s the light bulb! Yup!  According to history.com  - The light bulb itself was invented by Thomas Edison, but the innovation used to create longer-lasting light bulbs with a carbon filament came from African American inventor Lewis Latimer. Latimer, the son of formerly enslaved people, began work in a patent law firm after serving in the military for the Union during the Civil War.

Mr. Latimer’s successes would garner him further attention from the the U.S. Electric Lighting Company, putting him at a company in direct competition with Edison, in 1880. While there, Latimer patented a new filament for the light bulb, using carbon instead of more incendiary materials, like bamboo, that were commonly used for filaments. The addition of the carbon filament increased the life span and practicality of light bulbs, which had previously died after just a few days. In 1884, he went on to work with Edison at the Edison Electric Light Company. Who knew?! 

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa discover the ABC’s of Black History with author Rio Cortez.  Ms. Rio is multi-talented artist, she’s a writer, poet and is Pushcart Prize - nominated.  She has appeared in Mother magazine, The Miami Rail, The Los Angeles Review, and many other publications.

Sunni asks Ms. Rio what she was marinated in… she the uniqueness of her experience growing up in Salt Lake City Utah.  Her family was the first founding black family in the state of Utah after the reconstruction - a very unique experience indeed.

You have got to get this book for your kids (honestly, it’s for adults too)!  What an amazing tribute to the history and contributions of African Americans!  This book illuminates the global Black experience. Sunni could hardly contain herself, reading aloud, secretly wishing she had a room full of young kids to read to!  Lisa’s daughter was mesmerized by the book, opting for it over television!  O wait, the illustrations, the spectrum of Blackness… phenomenal!  You’ve got to see it!  And the story of how Ms. Rio met the illustrator Ms. Lauren Semmer… uncanny!  People and topics are covered from A-Z, seriously.  You’ve gotta listen…no more clues! 

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
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On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa are recognizing and celebrating Black|African American History Month by sharing stories of inventors of everyday items!  On this episode it’s the ironing board!   According to history.com   Improved Ironing Board, Invented by Sarah Boone in 1892  ~ The ironing board is a product that’s used possibly just as much as it’s overlooked. In the late 19th century, it was improved upon by Sarah Boone, an African American woman who was born enslaved. One of the first Black women in U.S. history to receive a patent, she expanded upon the original ironing board, which was essentially a horizontal wooden block originally patented in 1858. With Boone’s 1892 additions, the board featured a narrower and curved design, making it easier to iron garments, particularly women’s clothing. Boone’s design would morph into the modern ironing board that we use today.

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa converse with Denise Woods, author of The Power of Voice. Ms. Woods is one of the nation’s most sought after vocal coaches (keep reading, we’re going to make it, make sense), she has worked with tons of celebrities, i.e. Will Smith, Mahershala Ali, Idris Elba and many others.  Ms. Woods is more than a vocal coach, she is light, she vibrates at such a high frequency.  Sunni asks Ms. Woods what she was marinated in, how she became the person she is today?  What a fascinating story she shares of her upbringing, hint she uses the term “gumbo”.

There’s so much to unpack, even with two episodes, it felt like the ladies wanted more!  Ms. Woods shares anecdotes for trauma and how using your voice helps with the healing process.  She also shares her experience with trauma and how she took command by breathing, allowing herself to breathe deeply. What does culture have to do with your voice?  You’d be surprised!  You already know you have to listen to get this tea!  Funny thing, Sunni had a revelation and will never look at the ocean the same… it’s uncanny just how connected we are… the earth, nature in its purest form.  

How to encapsulate this episode (thinking), trauma, healing, rap music aka hip hop, culture and voice, oceans, prejudice, call centers, vibrations… you have to listen!  Trust!  The Ladies make it, make sense.

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
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Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
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On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss some great news!  According to USAToday.com, more than 170 entertainers have launched a group to combat racism and anti-semitism, The group is called the Black-Jewish Entertainment Alliance (BJEA).  Some of the celebrities include Tiffany Haddish, Billy Porter and Mayim Bialik. The BJEA launched on February 1, 2021, the first day of Black|African American History Month.  

In addition, and in celebration of Black|African American History Month, Sunni shares stories of inventors of everyday items that we all use, i.e. the traffic light, the green, yellow and red one! We are highlighting Garrett Morgan on this episode! 

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa converse with Denise Woods, author of The Power of Voice. Ms. Woods is one of the nation’s most sought after vocal coaches (keep reading, we’re going to make it, make sense), she has worked with tons of celebrities, i.e. Will Smith, Mahershala Ali, Idris Elba and many others.  Ms. Woods is more than a vocal coach, she is light, she vibrates at such a high frequency.  Sunni asks Ms. Woods what she was marinated in, how she became the person she is today?  What a fascinating story she shares of her upbringing, hint she uses the term “gumbo”.

Ms. Woods discusses the expectations of her mother and growing up, she and Sunni can relate to that Black Momma energy!  Lisa want signing lessons and shares her experience as a Senior in High School, now she’s thinking about the second chance she has by reading Ms. Woods book.  Juilliard, who’s familiar?  Yes, Ms. Woods shares her time at Juilliard and the racial and class overtones that the students of color were expected to conform to -  either their way or the highway.  Wait until you hear about the discussion around Juilliard having a jazz component at the school…Geezus!

What a fascinating story of how Ms. Woods helps Lonnie Rashid Lynn (Common) unlock and access the magic of his voice, his gift.  Understanding the placement of your voice is mind-blowing!  Ms. Woods, breaks it all the way down! Who knew?! Time was not on our side during this interview, so there will be a Pt. II, it has to be!  

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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Sunni and Lisa delve right into The Inauguration of our 46th President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Vice President Kamala Devi Harris.  This inauguration was definitely different on so many levels.  This time and for the first time since anyone can remember, there weren’t thousands of spectators on the grounds of the mall and surrounding areas.  Due in part to the continued spread of COVID and the extra precautions related to the January 6, 2020 storming of the Capitol by extremists, white supremacists and domestic terrorists… I think you get the point!  According to the Washington Post, “Inaugural field of flags on the Mall could be seem form space…” yea, no spectators this time.  

The ladies discussed various aspects of the event, according to CNN, An Inauguration Like No Other: Notable Moments of a Momentous Day.  There were a number of stand out moments, first and foremost, President Biden’s inaugural speech was everything, EVERYTHING!  It was so needed, just what the country needs right now, unity.  Let’s talk about Ms. Amanda Gorman, Poet and Activist for a moment, what an amazing story she has, amazing!  Her delivery of such a moving and timely poem was phenomenal.  Of course Sunni and Lisa discuss Amanda’s performance during a Grand Slam contest, very moving…you can find it on YouTube, it’s called “Roar”.  

Looking ahead to the future, it feels as bright as a thousand suns!  It is understood that President Biden is not the great white hope.  He instead is the President for these United States of America.  The hope is that unity will win over the darkness that has cloaked us and gripped the U.S. like that of a one thousand pound Burmese python over the past four years! The ladies are hopeful and hope that you are too!  There’s much work to be done!  Now is not the time to rest.  Yes, catch your breath and indulge in self-care, but do not stop!  Our voices must be heard, we’ve seen it, we know that our voices make a difference.  

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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Sunni and Lisa observe Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday in song…then proceed to discuss his energy and efforts under the umbrella of Social Justice.  If peace means a willingness to be exploited economically, dominated politically, humiliated and segregated, I don’t want peace. If peace mean being complacently adjusted to a deadening state quo, I don’t want peace. If peace mean keeping my mouth shut in the midst of injustice and evil, I don’t want peace. Peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the existence of justice for all people. ~ Dr. Martin Luther King

On this episode of  Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa interview Mike Africa, Jr. member of The Move Organization and the Black Philly Radical Collective.  He is the son of two political prisoners, who were each sentenced to 100 years in prison.  Mike was secretly born in a Philadelphia prison following a raid on his family’s home.  40 Years a Prisoner is currently on HBO and streaming on HBO Max.  This documentary will render you speechless and ready for action at the same time!  Maddening!  Unbelievable!  Geez!   Listen, trigger warning… be sure to put your seatbelt on!

We hear Mike’s views regarding the criminal justice system, social injustice, police brutality, Defund the Police, the office of the President, the systemic racism, black men as the face of… , voting, disparities in sentencing, the healthcare system and so much more!  Mike’s Never Give Up attitude is infectious.  

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
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Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/qXptaqHIH5g

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the hosts.

On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss The U.S. Capitol Coup Attempt… what on earth?!  On January 6, 2021, the sitting president incited a riot and civil unrest with his base.  He encouraged them to march down to the U.S. Capitol to remind congress that the election was stolen.  He even told them he would be with  them… yea, no!  More importantly, the U.S. Capitol was breached, those inside were in fear  - for their safety and lives, several supporters and two Capitol Police Officers paid the ultimate price. Not to mention, those who have now tested positive with COVID-19, a direct result of sheltering in place with folks who refused to wear a mask.  We don’t even know what the fallout will be as it relates to the spread of COVID nationally.  What we do know is, many have been identified, arrested, terminated and unable to fly those friendly skies, now labeled “Domestic Terrorists”.  Almost forgot to mention, the crowd of Domestic Terrorists was comprised of those who swore to protect and serve (law enforcement), military, elected officials, a gold medal olympian and celebrities!  Whew!  The fallout continues…

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa try to unpack the gravity of the attempted coup on the U.S. Capitol with Marcia L. Dyson (yes, wife of Michael Eric Dyson).  Marcia has an upcoming memoir titled, Irreverent Memoir of A Grown Ass Woman, she’s also an Ordained Minister, Civic Social Activist and Founder of Women’s Global Institute.  Marcia shares what she’s currently marinating in…quieting her Spirit, Spirituality and mediation. 

The ladies have so much to discuss, they can hardly wait to jump right into the conversation.  Which by the way, covers a lot of ground!  There’s so much to process and digest in these times, these very uncertain and concerning times.   Talk about analogies and parallels, this episode is full of them!

Aside from the breach, the absolute fear that gripped those inside the Capitol and the willingness of uniformed police officers to be ever so gentle with the rioters, what might you ask was missing?  How about mace, clubs, rubber bullets and an army of law enforcement personnel at the ready!  We all witnessed the atrocities associated with the Black Lives Matter Peaceful Protests, we all know what happened, repeatedly.  

This riot had all of the necessary ingredients: sinister participants, bomb makers, murderers, demonizers of anything non-white, anti-Semitic language and racism. The white nationalist posturing was UNfcukingbelieveable! Let’s be clear, they had help from the inside! Not open for debate either!

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
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On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss another Karen incident! This time against another young black kid in a Soho Hotel in the Big Apple!  The long and short of it is… another person with UNearned racial privilege accuses a young black kid of stealing her phone.  Listen, this story is so fcuking warped *sigh*. Karen accused this kid of stealing her phone, with NO evidence, none!  Keyon Harrold, Jr. was victimized by this thug, who by the way has a criminal past.  Keyon’s father, by the same name, is a famous jazz musician, he was with his son at the Arlo Hotel when the incident occurred.  They both sustained injuries, Dad’s more physical and his son, well, he’s now in therapy dealing with the trauma of this assault. *Cursing Alert*. Sunni is hotter than a thousand suns about this incident and doesn’t hesitate to share her thoughts, curse words and all!

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa discuss the matter of raising African American boys with Christopher “Chris” Braman, who’s white, gay and married with a bi-racial family.  Now, you may be wondering why such a description is necessary, that’s fair.  You know the show has layers and textures and nuances, so you’ll have to listen to the show to find out.  

You already know the drill, the ladies asked Chris what he was marinated in, whew!  It’s fair to say the whiteness of a small white town in Wisconsin.  You’ll have to listen to get the deets, but you already know that too.

Chris shares his journey as a dad to his adopted sons, Alex and Isaiah.  He’s experienced gawks and stares and folks have even had the nerve to question his interaction with the kids!  But wait, his story of the incident with Alex in a New York department store is reminiscent of the incident with Keyon Harrold, Jr.  However, no physical altercation or harm took place, but the sense of entitlement, white privilege, degradation and disrespect took place.  Chris shares the deets of the story and his response.  He also shares stories about his parents, their parents, his children and husband, in essence, how he came to be who he is today.

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

Cali by Wataboi https://soundcloud.com/wataboi
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Free Download / Stream:  https://bit.ly/wataboi-cali
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