Conversations on The Block

Todays conversation focused on civic participation, voting, emerging technology, and immigration policy. The program featured Arva Rice, President and CEO of the New York Urban League, and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. The conversations provided listeners with timely information on issues affecting New Yorkers and encouraged greater awareness and engagement in decisions impacting their communities.

The Refig, a hair-care brand focused on products designed for curly and textured hair. Perkins discussed her experience developing the brand and creating hair-care products intended to make everyday routines easier, particularly for people with active lifestyles. Part 2 of the Show : Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley expanding to Times Square in New York City. The restaurant concept, founded by Kevin Kelley, is known for its Southern-inspired food and cocktail offerings. The upcoming Times Square location was discussed as a major expansion for the brand and as an opportunity to introduce the restaurant’s menu and dining experience to New York audiences.

Udai Tambar, President and CEO of New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL), discussed the organization’s work using tennis and education to create opportunities for young people across New York City.

Lovaeta K. Amoako, Founder and CEO of Culture Unloc'd LLC and creator of LOCnificent, discussed her work building a cultural platform centered on locs, natural hair, identity, and community.

47-year-old Queens audio engineer and father who made medical history at North Shore University Hospital. On May 13, 2026, he underwent a 10-hour simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplant, becoming the recipient of Long Island’s first pancreas transplant. He had lived with Type 1 diabetes for decades, developed severe kidney failure with organ function below 5%, and required dialysis. Following the transplant, he was reported to be off dialysis, no longer taking insulin, and maintaining normal blood-sugar levels

Dr Christine Mangino shared under her leadership, the college has established initiatives including a Men’s Resource Center, an LGBTQIA+ Resource Center, a Truth, Transformation and Racial Healing Center, and an equity dashboard designed to help the college identify and address gaps affecting students, faculty and staff. Dayvon Riley "Ox" spoke openly about a journey that included incarceration and the choices, lessons and determination that ultimately brought him to entrepreneurship.

Sharde Simpson is an entertainment attorney whose work helps creatives understand and protect the business behind their talent. She works at the intersection of entertainment, law, and entrepreneurship, helping artists and other creative professionals navigate contracts, intellectual property, negotiations, business agreements, and the many legal considerations that can come with building a career in the entertainment industry. Part 2 of the show was with Dr. Troy Boyle, Chief Operating Officer of the Institute for Community Living (ICL), an important conversation about mental health, recovery, stability, and what it really takes to help New Yorkers move forward. The discussion went beyond simply talking about mental health services, it focused on meeting people where they are and making sure individuals have the continued support they need to build healthy, independent lives.

Karen Vanderburg - Owner of Eternal Beauty Salon of NY- highlighted her decades-long career as a licensed cosmetologist, hairstylist, salon owner, and educator, as well as her work as co-founder of the HairMadness Foundation. Born of Antiguan, West Indian descent and raised in New York City, Vanderburg shared insights from her extensive experience in the beauty and fashion industries, including her early work with celebrity clients in Manhattan and her commitment to creativity, education, and community service.

National Black MBA Metro NY Women’s Conference – “Power of You”

On today’s edition of Conversations on the Block, I featured four accomplished women whose personal and professional journeys allowed us to explore leadership, entrepreneurship, health advocacy, resilience and the importance of using our experiences to create opportunities for others. While each guest came from a very different professional background, the conversations shared a common theme: how women navigate challenges, claim their voices and use their positions to make an impact in their workplaces and communities.

Today's conversation featured educator, mentor, and youth advocate Kevin Livingston in a thoughtful discussion about empowering young people through education, mentorship, and community support. Kevin Livingston shared insights from his decades of work helping students overcome barriers and pursue higher education, emphasizing that opportunity, guidance, and perseverance can change lives. He also showcased his live arts & cultures showcases.