Featured in 'The Loud Edition' of AwareNow Magazine (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.awarenowmagazine.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠).

Written & Narrated by: Paul Rogers

Music by: Jack McGuire

Produced by: AwareNow Media

Clarence Seedorf is a titan in the world of football and a driving force for positive change. With a career spanning multiple continents and accolades that include Champions League victories and humanitarian endeavors, Seedorf embodies the essence of excellence on and off the field. At the 2024 Global Black Impact Summit, I got to speak with Clarence about the Black Impact Foundation.

Eric Rice is the visionary behind Drive Staffing Solutions, a program dedicated to empowering individuals facing homelessness with opportunities for employment and a fresh start in life. Eric's unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers and providing support beyond just job placement has transformed the lives of countless individuals. Through his compassion, determination, and collaborative spirit, Eric is not only changing lives but also challenging societal perceptions, proving that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.

A story of healing hinged on hope, ‘Lourdes’ is a film that takes you where you weren’t prepared to go but are glad you went, guided by the talented writer and director Jessica Hausner. A brilliant testament to the depth of the human condition as it relates to understanding our struggles with ourselves and with society, ‘Lourdes’ is a Martin Scorsese favorite… and a favorite of mine as well.

Her Excellency Manizha Bakhtari, an Afghan author and diplomat, currently holds the position of Afghan ambassador to Austria. Previously, she served as the Afghan ambassador to the Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland). Additionally, she has held roles as the Chief of Staff at the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as a part-time lecturer at Kabul University. She earned a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in Persian Language and Literature from Kabul University. Manizha is the daughter of the renowned Afghan poet Wasef Bakhtari. Before her diplomatic career, she contributed to the Cooperation Center for Afghanistan (CCA), a non-governmental organization.

Indigenous activist, Shirley Djukurnã Krenak, is a native woman from Brazil. Since she was 13 years old, she has responded to Mother Earth's call to be a representative of indigenous rights and, above all, to fight for the preservation of the environment and ancestral spirituality. Today, at the age of 40, Shirley dedicates herself in body and soul to the struggle of indigenous women, something inherited from her traditional name, Djukurnã: a woman always willing, because she is the bearer of the spirit that never grows old.

Dr. Ehsan Natour is an internationally recognized heart surgeon who is also the co-founder of a foundation that supports patients and their relatives through numerous activities and art projects – with the aim of initiating sustainable change in our “sick health system”. Author of ‘When Life Comes To A Standstill’, he is a surgeon who touches the hearts and lives of his patients.

Ashley Connelly is the visionary behind Lionbear Ventures. In this conversation, we explore the profound moments that shaped her journey from grant writing to rural economic development, as she reflects on pivotal instances where her passion for community building led to tangible transformations, overcoming hurdles in male-dominated industries. With sincerity and wisdom, she shares invaluable lessons learned, offering heartfelt advice to young women navigating their own paths, echoing the resilience and determination that define her entrepreneurial spirit.

AJ Andrews is a powerhouse both on and off the field, renowned for her fearless presence and unparalleled talent. Dubbed the 'Beyoncé of Softball' and the first female recipient of the Rawlings Gold Glove, AJ Andrews commands attention whether she's making magic happen in centerfield or captivating audiences as an MLB network personality. From her advocacy for change to her candid conversations over a glass of wine, AJ's voice is one that resonates with authenticity, resilience, and a fierce commitment to making a difference.

Mike Singletary, an iconic figure in the realm of American football, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport. With a storied career that saw him excel as a legendary linebacker in the NFL, Mike's insights into the evolving landscape of college sports, particularly concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), carry immense weight. His unwavering commitment to the game and its athletes has now led him to become a pivotal voice in shaping the future of collegiate athletics. Today, we have the privilege of delving into Mike's perspectives on NIL, its challenges, and the transformative solutions it demands.