Black Land Podcast

Dr. Vanessa Tyler shares a conversation with convicted drug kingpin - turned writer and mentor Akbar Pray. In 1990, Akbar was sentenced to life in prison for non-violent drug offenses, only to receive a compassionate release in 2024 partially due to his conflict resolution and counseling work with inmates while incarcerated. Akbar Pray, along with his non-profit The Akbar Pray Foundation for Change offers initiatives for re-entry programs for the formerly incarcerated, social justice reform and mentorship to at-risk urban youth. The story of Akbar Pray is one of redemption, perseverance and advocacy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Vanessa Tyler shares a conversation with convicted drug kingpin - turned writer and mentor Akbar Pray. In 1990, Akbar was sentenced to life in prison for non-violent drug offenses, only to receive a compassionate release in 2024 partially due to his conflict resolution and counseling work with inmates while incarcerated. Akbar Pray, along with his non-profit The Akbar Pray Foundation for Change offers initiatives for re-entry programs for the formerly incarcerated, social justice reform and mentorship to at-risk urban youth. The story of Akbar Pray is one of redemption, perseverance and advocacy. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Vanessa Tyler shares a conversation with convicted drug kingpin - turned writer and mentor Akbar Pray. In 1990, Akbar was sentenced to life in prison for non-violent drug offenses, only to receive a compassionate release in 2024 partially due to his conflict resolution and counseling work with inmates while incarcerated. Akbar Pray, along with his non-profit The Akbar Pray Foundation for Change offers initiatives for re-entry programs for the formerly incarcerated, social justice reform and mentorship to at-risk urban youth. The story of Akbar Pray is one of redemption, perseverance and advocacy. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Vanessa Tyler shares a conversation with convicted drug kingpin - turned writer and mentor Akbar Pray. In 1990, Akbar was sentenced to life in prison for non-violent drug offenses, only to receive a compassionate release in 2024 partially due to his conflict resolution and counseling work with inmates while incarcerated. Akbar Pray, along with his non-profit The Akbar Pray Foundation for Change offers initiatives for re-entry programs for the formerly incarcerated, social justice reform and mentorship to at-risk urban youth. The story of Akbar Pray is one of redemption, perseverance and advocacy. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Vanessa Tyler discusses the effects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and how Black women statistically are at a higher risk of getting this chronic autoimmune disorder. The discussion includes Black women living with M.S. and those who are caretakers of M.S. survivors. Guests are Multiple Sclerosis Advocate Marti Hines and Sophia Williams, producers of the documentary "All In My Head".

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Host Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a conversation with Sharon Content, Executive Director of Children Of Promise, NYC, an organization designed to work with families impacted by incarceration. Their unique programs infuse a mental health & wellness element alongside a traditional sports and science curriculum for kids, and their Clinical Training Institute provides Continuing Education Units for licensed social workers focused on the treatment of parental incarceration as a primary childhood trauma. 

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Host Dr. Vanessa Tyler has an in-depth discussion with Dr. Timothy E. Lewis, Associate Professor and Director of Black Studies at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). Dr. Lewis is the first Black professor to receive tenure in the Department of Political Science at SIUE. Their discussion includes a conversation about the 're-education of white Americans' when it comes to race relations in this country,  The "Black proximity defense" when accused of bias or racism, and the upcoming event "Black - A Celebration of Black Research".

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Host Vanessa Tyler talks with Atiya Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Janas Cosmetology Academy. JCA is the first Black-owned elite cosmetology school in the state of New Jersey. Atiya discusses her inspiration behind starting a cosmetology school, her Beyonce encounter, and we hear from some of her past students who have achieved their own successes within the industry.

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Host Vanessa Tyler has a revealing conversation with entrepreneur and financial advisor Eszylfie Taylor. Eszylfie is the president and founder of Taylor Insurance and Financial Services located in the financial district of Pasadena, California. Vanessa and Eszylfie talk about his middle class upbringing, becoming top a financial advisor, and he offers his perspective on building individual wealth through money management and wellness.

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Host Vanessa Tyler discusses "The Mothers Of The Movement" - a group of women connected by tragedy; each member has family who died as a result of police action or by gun violence. These civil rights activists hosted an emotional panel at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference earlier this year in Washington D.C.

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