To learn more about Andy and his work, visit
http://abetterhumanstory.org

Andy is a prize-winning author, speaker, radio talk-show host, and former Democratic nominee for Congress in Virginia.

Since the late 1960s, Andy Schmookler has investigated the ways that forces – constructive and, especially, destructive – operate in civilized societies.

• Among his books are several bearing on the problem of war and peace, including the prize-winning book The Parable of the Tribes: The Problem of Power in Social Evolution (hardback from the University of California Press, 1984; paperback from Houghton Mifflin, 1986; second edition from SUNY Press, 1995), Out of Weakness: Healing the Wounds that Drive Us to War (Bantam Books, 1988), and Sowings and Reapings: The Cycling of Good and Evil in the Human System (Knowledge Systems, 1989).
• He has written two books on the problematic relationship between economic forces and human needs, The Illusion of Choice: How the Market Economy Shapes Our Destiny (SUNY Press, 1993, with translations published subsequently in Japan and Korea), and Fool’s Gold: The Fate of Values in a World of Goods (Harper Collins, 1993). ).
• And Debating the Good Society: A Quest to Bridge America’s Moral Divide (M.I.T. Press, 1999), which explores some of the basic issues that underlie this country’s political and cultural polarization.

Since 2004, Dr. Schmookler has focused his attention on the current crisis in America, which he sees as perhaps the most profound to face this nation in its history.

Though it manifests itself in the political sphere, he sees it as going much deeper than politics—involving a deterioration of the moral and spiritual dimensions in which the balance of power between constructive and destructive forces is determined.

Beginning in 2005, Schmookler was the host and main author of the website www.NoneSoBlind.org, where he interpreted the deeper realities about this crisis that can be seen beneath the myriad specific events of our times.

In 2011-12, Andy Schmookler was the Democratic nominee for Congress in Virginia’s very conservative 6th District. His campaign motto was “Truth. For a change.”

To learn more about Aunj and her work, visit
https://www.artbyaunj.com
https://www.instagram.com/artxaunj

About Aunj
I tend to explore my own personal narrative and how I can relate to other people—you are who you are because of where you've been and I exaggerate my own perspective purely because I can. Using a highly saturated color palette, my work fabricates surreal depictions with no anchor in space or time, developed by my visual influences from sci-fi/fantasy themes. Encouraging self-acceptance and building tolerance for unique appearances are consistent themes within my portfolio, and It is my hope that women of color, who have felt as isolated as I have, can see themselves within the visuals of my work. I often depict hair as a defining characteristic of my subjects and Afrofuturistic can describe some of my pieces, which concentrates on placing Black people in a futuristic, surreal or fantasy aesthetic. This genre can be found in books, music, productions, and various art forms, all with the hopes of uplifting the Black community to see a future in which they are represented and thriving. 

Jeff sits down with Suzanne Thomas, Randall Barnes, and Bryon Perdue from Inclusion in Art to hear about how the organization got started years ago, about how it has evolved, and about the very powerful work that they are doing in the community through collaborating with individuals and other organizations to help bring together artists from diverse backgrounds with various exhibits and events.

The conversation continues as they also speak about the transformative power of mentoring that they are doing with emerging artists and also through facilitating the "hard conversations" in the community centered around bring about more diversity in the arts in Oklahoma.

To learn more about Jezz and her work, visit
https://jezzpots.com

To learn about The Artery, visit
https://www.theartery201.com

About Jezz
Molding Earth Into Art, One Piece At A Time!
Ever since I was a child, I’ve had a passion for pottery. Since 2015, I’ve been throwing full-time at my studio in Sand Springs. Each one of my handcrafted vases, cups, bowls, and ornaments is whimsical and unique, yet still functional. This makes them the perfect gift or addition to your home. Also taking commissions for custom work, I can bring your vision to life -- no matter what it is. So when you’re ready to find your next favorite piece, stop by one of my monthly shows or visit one of my vendors in the Tulsa area.