Dr. Corinda Rainey Moore is a community steward and leader here in Madison, WI. She is a passionate racial equity advocate who believes in leading by example.  In this episode of Black Oxygen, Dr. Rainey Moore and I discuss how UW-Madison brought here to Wisconsin, how love kept her here in Wisconsin, and her passion for all things community related.  She provides wonderful advice on how to engage in community leadership in honest and authentic ways and reminds us all that if we’re not happy with something we have the power to change it. 

#BlackOxygen #BlackOxygenPodcast #BlackInMadison #BlackInWisconsin #MadisonLeadership #NonProfitLeadership #BootsOnTheGround 

This week Dr. Michelle Robinson and I talk about being Black women with ADHD. We discuss growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, being diagnosed as adults, how ADHD presents differently in girls and women compared to the traditional understanding, and shared experiences in perfectionism and executive functioning. During our conversation, Michelle emphasized the importance of neurodiversity as natural variation instead of pathology.  We go on a number of ADHD related side-quests and also end up talking about the Tamia Hustle, science, and climate change. 

#BlackOxygen #BlackOxygenPodcast #ADHDinBlackWomen #ADHDinWisconsin #BlackInWisconsin #Neurodiversity #TamiaHustle #BlackInMadison 

When Keena Atkinson was in sixth grade she moved to Madison, Wisconsin in hiding.  Her mother, escaping domestic abuse, moved Keena and her sister here as a place of refuge and safety.   In this episode of Black Oxygen, Keena discusses her experience with domestic violence, the discerning power of Black women, how she’s learned to live into her purpose, the UW-Madison Odyssey Project and so much more. She offers so much wisdom and provides the following advice regarding life and learning, “whatever you learn, teach it.”  

#KeenaAtkinson #BlackOxygenPodcast #BlackInWisconsin #BlackInMadison #OdysseyProject 

This episode of Black Oxygen features Sabrina Madison. Sabrina is a multifaceted leader based in Madison, Wisconsin, known for her advocacy, entrepreneurship, and public service. She currently serves as the Alder for District 17 on Madison’s Common Council.  In addition to her role as an elected official, Sabrina is the founder and CEO of The Progress Center for Black Women, an organization dedicated to empowering Black women through entrepreneurship, professional development, and community wellness. In this Black Oxygen conversation, Sabrina talks about her journey to Madison, the importance of Black women’s voices in politics, and the impact of civic engagement and the need to understand local government. Towards the end of the conversation, Sabrina calls for more authentic support from the community for Black women leaders. #BlackOxygenPodcast #SabrinaMadison #BlackWomen  #MadisonWI  #CulturalSpaces  #CivicEngagement #ProgessCenter

In this conversation, Yolanda Shelton-Morris shares her journey from meeting her husband in a middle school program to becoming a recognized leader in her community. She discusses the challenges of being a Black woman in predominantly white spaces, the importance of legacy and recognition, and her commitment to education and social work. Yolanda emphasizes the need for empowerment over mere help, the interconnectedness of poverty and social services, and her vision for her organizing business. She also reflects on the power of music in her life and the importance of representation in education.  #Madison365 #BlackOxygenPodcast #TrustBlackWomen #MadisonWisconsin #BlackInMadison #BlackinWisconsin

• Being a Black woman in predominantly white spaces is challenging.
• Recognition is not just about individual achievement but collective legacy.
• Education is a journey that requires resilience and determination.
• Voting is about understanding the stakes for the community.
• Service in social work should focus on empowerment, not just help.
• Poverty is a systemic issue that requires comprehensive solutions.
• Music serves as a source of joy and connection.

In this episode of the Black Oxygen podcast, host Angela Russell reconnects with Dr. Sagashus Levingston to discuss the importance of amplifying Black women's voices, the historical context of their political engagement, and the complexities of Black womanhood. They explore personal journeys, the impact of the 2024 presidential election, and the parallels between historical events and current societal issues, emphasizing the need for reclamation and authenticity in the face of systemic challenges. In this conversation, the speakers explore the themes of softness, self-love, and the complexities of being a Black woman in today's society. They discuss the importance of creating emotional safety, the contrast between hard and soft lives, and the necessity of self-acceptance and body positivity. The conversation also touches on the power of storytelling and the impact of personal narratives on community and legacy.

Infamous Mothers

Pre-order the book A Pot to Piss In

Hello Black Oxygen subscribers! On March 7, The OuttaDeeBox Podcast will officially become part of the 365 Media Network, with new episodes every other Thursday. Watch Madison365.org/Podcasts for new episodes or search for OuttaDeeBox on your favorite podcast app. In the meantime, here’s a classic episode from the OuttaDeeBox archives! 

From the unforgiving streets of Humboldt Park, Chicago, to the relentless drive of entrepreneurship, our guest J-Ball has a tale that's nothing short of cinematic. His life, marred by the crack era's cruelty and the agony of familial betrayal, unfolds like a masterclass in resilience. Amidst the backdrop of gang violence and systemic oppression, J-Ball's story is a searing exploration of the human spirit's capacity to endure and evolve. As we unravel his journey, you'll be riveted by the raw honesty of a man who refused to be defined by his past.

Our conversation with J-Ball shifts gears as we track his ascent from a series of temp jobs to becoming a master of the wholesale game. The party rental business 'Circle of Fun' was just the beginning of his business ventures, demonstrating J-Ball's knack for identifying opportunities and adapting to market demands. His transformation into a successful wholesaler is peppered with essential business insights, from the significance of multiple income streams to the savvy art of pricing. If you're tangled in the grind or dreaming of financial liberation, J-Ball's entrepreneurial playbook is a treasure trove of strategies and real-world tips.

Wrapping up, J-Ball lays the groundwork for anyone inspired to set up their own business, especially those who've experienced the inside of a cell looking out. From the basics, like naming your enterprise and cutting through the red tape, to the strategic selection of commercial space and the intricacies of insurance, his advice is golddust for newcomers and seasoned business owners alike. J-Ball's relentless energy and shrewd business acumen come to life in this episode, serving as a beacon of hope and a practical guide for all who seek to leave a mark in commerce.