Brilliantly Black

The word of the day is theatre...Definition Theatre that is! Tyrone Phillips and Neel McNeil wear their passion for theatre on their sleeves.

The mission of Definition Theatre is to celebrate stories created with, inspired by, and intended for people and communities of color. Through the act of making, Definition expands perspectives, stewards resources, and bridges the possibility found at the intersection of art, innovation, and education.

Listen as Tyrone and Neel tell Jasmine all about their experience, their vision, and their future. Learn more on how to get involved, donate or catch a show here!

Lauren Grinage, owner of Bucketz Game Zone, talks in-depth with Jasmine about the one-of a-kind kids' party space located on Chicago's south side.

Bucketz is the private party spot you're looking for! In addition to the NERF battle zone, Bucketz has video gaming systems with the newest games, and an interactive virtual playground that everybody can enjoy no matter the age, from adults to kids. The virtual playground promotes social engagement that helps with participation, self-awareness, positive interaction, and helps with being a team player, all while being safe and germ-free.

Find more information and book your child's next event here!

Brianna "Bri" Hairlson is the owner of Bri's Dance Place in Merrillville, IN. Her love of dance called her to open her own studio, to classes of all ages.

The mission of Bri's Dance Place is to positively impact the lives of individuals through dance by providing discipline, character development, confidence, and integrity through age appropriate choreography, music, & costuming from the best instructors in the industry and exposure to international arts related and performance opportunities.

Whether you're a pro, or at the beginning of your dance journey, or trying to find your rhythm again...find out more about the weekly classes they have to offer here!

Two brothers from Chicago, Joe and Ted, created PlayPen Vodka after a family celebration on one 4th of July.

Shortly after, they got to work and made their idea, their dream--become a reality! Inspired by Chicago's brief, yet beautiful summers, PlayPen Vodka captures the spirit of fun times enjoyed within the iconic Playpen of Lake Michigan, along Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

PlayPen is a premium vodka (gluten-free, sugar-free) distilled from corn, vacuum distilled and is also carbon filtered six times, creating exceptional smoothness and taste. Head to your local Binny's to grab a bottle for yourself, and learn more at https://www.playpenvodka.com/the-collection!

One of the most influential journalists in Chicago, Veronica (Vee) Harrison, stops by to discuss her inspirational book "Hood Healing" with Jasmine.

Vee is a Chicago change agent, setting the stage for new voices in Black media. "Hood Healing" sounds the alarm on what it means to be “woke” by boldly challenging young people to disrupt and dismantle their own trauma and encouraging its readers to embark upon a journey of self-healing. With passion, transparency and courage, Harrison shares her own experiences of growing up on the West Side of Chicago and how making peace with her own trauma has forever transformed her life.

Listen as Vee and Jasmine talk about their personal experiences, and check out the book for yourself by ordering on Amazon here!

Dr. McGee of Premier Urgent Care is all about spreading awareness in the Black community of better and more affordable health care on Chicago's southside. Their Premier Health Network center offers exceptional urgent care, primary care, and occupational medicine.

They strive to make urgent care services quick and convenient for all patients, and they even have an open door policy, where no appointment is needed and you can walk-in anytime. For more information visit https://premierucchicago.com/!

Welcome to episode 50! Jasmine talks with Next Man Up Spa owner Marva Cooksey about the importance of self-care, especially with our African-American men in the community.

Located in the historic district of Bronzeville in Chicago, IL, Next Man Up, LLC (NMU) a Black owned spa, is the ultimate spa experience and destination for men. The grooming experience consist of haircuts, massages, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing, rain shower and a steam-room. A true next level experience!

For bookings, click here!

Chicago natives Rich, Zach and Greg dared to be different and start their very own brewing company. Black-owned beer companies are rare, and these guys were determined to make themselves known--and represent our culture in the best way possible (down to the art on the actual cans!)

Listen as the owners take you on their personal journey to success, and you can find Funkytown Brewery in several bars in the city, or even during a game at the United Center, Guaranteed Rate or Wrigley Field!

Co-creators Mallory Babatunde & Christina Wilborn are all about women empowerment. One of the many ways they uplift others is through their mutual love of dance. They dreamed of building a movement, now known as WomxnVIBE, that would help encourage, empower, and give women a space to network.

VIBE dance class was created to remind women that taking up space is necessary to develop the stronghold in our individual powers. Learn more and how to get involved here!

Lisa Marsh, CEO of Ms. P's Gluten Free, shares the inspiring story of how she took her personal health journey and baking gluten-free products in her kitchen...to the shelves at Whole Foods (and Mariano's very soon)!

Ms. P’s Gluten Free is an ode to her mother, Mrs. Youlos Patterson-Brown. Since the launch of Ms. P’s Gluten Free in 2015, it has become a family business with everyone pitching in to contribute their unique talents. Listen to Lisa share the origin story and the steps she took to take her business to the next level, and order your gluten-free snacks here!