Graves to Gardens Podcast

In the final installment of this Black August series I had the honor of sitting down with professor for the department of Ethnic and Race Studies at CUNY's BMCC, Harvard alumni and New York State Democratic District Leader for the 80th Assembly District, Remysell Salas.

I was introduced Remy through Instagram paged Letters to Keith, an account dedicated to former podcast guest Keith LaMar. What struck me were the words he choose to sign off his letter - With much Faith. Curious to know more about his connection to Keith and the inspiration behind those three words planted a seed for this conversation you'll listen to today; a fruitful conversation on collective liberation, the dismantling of division and the need for more grace. The best way to find out all that Remy is up to is by checking out his Linktree and you can connect with him on LinkedIn. I've also linked the Dominican Studies Book Club which he also shares on his Linktree as well as his Masters Thesis and some of his writings!

Finally, I want to leave you with my call to action which is to study and meditate on the below verses as you prepare to join in or even continue along in this fight for collective freedom and liberation. The aim is to struggle for a positive, equitable and more inclusive world for us all that centers the need of others and like Remy said extends more grace to our brothers and sisters as we navigate life. I can share a hundred Bible verses that can center your thinking on why this work is so important however, I'm going to leave you with just two. My hope is that by studying and meditating on these two verses you'll find just how the Lord is challenging you to show up in the world as a beacon of light.

Judges 6:14

"The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

Joshua 1:9

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

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We are back with the final installment of Justice Arts Coalition's Black August Gallery of the Month series. Today's episode features a conversation with artist Harry Ellis along with JAC's curators from last week's episode, Erin Bonner and Marilyne Njuraita.

I urge you to check out Harry's work which you can find Women in the Field Sowing and Unbreakable. You can support JAC through your giving by clicking the link. You can find out more about his letter writing campaign by emailing his team here. Be sure to also follow them on Instagram and check out their website for future online galleries.

Matthew 9:37-38

Then said He unto His disciples, "The harvest is indeed plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He send forth laborers into His harvest."

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"Say Their Names" is just one of the pieces that artist Robert Odom contributed to Justice Arts Coalition's Black August online gallery. In today's episode we discuss the work that went into creating the series, Robert's journey as an artist and a deeper look into this special community that JAC is cultivating with artist both on the inside and on the outside. This conversation features conversation with Robert along with two of the curators of the Black August Gallery of the Month series, Erin Bonner and Marilyne Njuraita.

Visit JAC's website to view the full gallery up now until the middle of this month. There, you'll also see Robert's second piece, a portrait of Emmett Till there as well! You can also directly support Robert's work by following him on Instagram and purchasing any of his pieces that are for sale! Also be sure to follow Justice Arts Coalition on Instagram as well and support the work them in their work.

Ephesians 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

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The new season kicks off with a special episode in this series dedicated to Black August. In it, I'm joined by the Talia, the Program Director for the Philly Liberation Center and one of the program's volunteers, Shane. In today's discussion we cover everything from a historical overview of Black August and its significance, each of their personal experiences with serving at the Liberation Center, as well as some of the needs that will help the Liberation Center continue to flourish.

Here at Graves to Gardens Podcast you know flourishing is a theme here and one of the ways that we can support the growth of Liberation Center today is through volunteer signups and donations. You can also stay connected with the Philly Liberation Center by following them on Instagram and also by checking out their website. There you'll find resources, future programming events and ways that you can get involved!

Esther 4:14

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

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What does it mean to celebrate freedom when all of us are not and may not ever experience this freedom that we speak of. The search for freedom is a physical, emotional, and spiritual endeavor that all too often is barricaded by a system that calls itself just. For the final episode of the season, I urge each one of you to listen, learn from and get involved with advocating for Keith LaMar’s exoneration. As we many of us gather in celebration over Juneteenth, there is a man, like many who came before him and many who will come after, that awaits execution by the State of Ohio for a crime he did not commit.

In today’s episode you’ll hear Keith call in from death row to share his truth and the dissonance between that reality and the one that the state would have you believe. In an effort for justice Keith reasoned with himself that he must tell his story to not only save himself but for those who will come after him. Along the way he has made many dear friends, one of which you'll meet today - Samora Pinderhughes. Samora is a brilliant musician whose talent was matched by the brilliance of Keith who too has an ear and a deep love for music. What blossomed from their meeting was intentional collaboration on Samora's 5-year long project, The Healing Project, in which Keith is now part of. This isn't an episode just focused on the atrocities surrounding Keith's case and current predicament; this is meant to showcase the wonderful harmony that is birthed when one companion on the outside and another on the inside step into each other's world and came together to create art. This episode is a celebration of artists, a recognition of the humanity of both artists in today's discussion and an appreciation for their contributions to the world of justice and music.

To learn more about Keith LaMar's story, you can purchase his book Condemned. Also, make sure to follow and join the campaign Justice for Keith LaMar here on Instagram. All of Samora's music can be downloaded right from Apple Music. You can also check out his live performance with music from his album Grief and bonus song Process on Tiny Desk Concert powered by NPR Music. And to view his full performance of Transformation Suite click here. Be sure to also follow Samora on Instagram to stay connected to him and his work. You of course won't want to miss checking out the project that the now brothers created together as part of the Healing Project.

Remember, the fight is not yet over - we do this until we're all free.

Hebrews 13:6

"So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? "

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Just two more episodes left in the season and today's a special one! I'm joined by Dr. Charon Hribar, the Director of Cultural Strategies for the Kairos Center for Religion, Rights, and Social Justice at Union Theological Seminary and Co-Director of Cultural Arts for the Poor People's Campaign. If the Poor People's Campaign sounds familiar to you, it may be because you might've remember hearing about the movement which was set in motion by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference back in 1967. Years later, it has become a national movement with chapters across the country fighting to end systemic poverty and the intersectional issues attached. In today's discussion we talk about the work of both the Kairos Center and the Poor People's Campaign with an emphasis on how the campaign today has recaptured the spirit of the one that began in the late 60's - not necessarily paying homage but rather picking up where the movement left off.

To join the Poor People's Campaign you can visit their website and get connected to a local chapter near you. There is also the opportunity to donate to the Poor People's Campaign which you can do here. To stay up-to-date on their work you can check out and follow them on Instagram. You can also follow Dr. Hribrar on Instagram as well as the Kairos center here.

Luke 4:18

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised."

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First thing's first - Happy 1 Year Anniversary my Graves to Gardens family! Can you believe we have been rocking with each other for an entire year! Today's episode I extend a lot of thank you's to you for being on this journey with me but that's of course not all. In today's episode I recap a special event I attended this weekend over at Blk Ivy Thrift for a pop-up and Grant Blvd for their grand opening of their flagship location. I thought this recap was deserving of its own episode because it is me making good and building a community with people who I have met through the podcast. I talk about upcoming events where we can come together and be in community with one another and I share a sweet announcement (you'll have to listen to get the tea).

To know when future events for Blk Ivy Thrift are scheduled, make sure you sign up for their newsletter by visiting their website and scrolling to the bottom where it say "sign up for our emails". You can always stop by their store in person at 3605 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104. And of course, you HAVE to stop by Grant Blvd's new flagship store which is now open at 140 S 34th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104. You can also find their newsletter by visiting their website. Grant Blvd can also be followed on IG here and Blk Ivy Thrift here.

Isaiah 58:11

“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

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In today's episode I'm joined by author, speaker and acclaimed educator Dr. Ruth Backstrom. A graduate from both Columbia University and the University of Iowa, Dr. Backstrom is an educator who has spent over ten years working as a community advocate. This journey of serving her community has taken her on an interesting journey where she's learned from so many others facilitating game-changing conversations that actually impact communities in meaningful ways. In today's episode she shares all of what she's learned which you can also find in her book, Igniting a Bold New Democracy - Empowering Citizens Through Game Changing Reform.

You can find Dr. Backstrom on LinkedIn or on her website. To purchase her book, Igniting a Bold New Democracy - Empowering Citizens Through Game Changing Reform, you can do so here. And for any of you interested in ⁠the dynamic facilitation trainings you can email her at [email protected].

Isaiah 58:11

“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”

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In today's episode I am joined by fashion historian and host of The Black Fashion History Podcast, Taniqua Russ. Informed by the research of Dr. Tanisha C. Ford, Taniqua and I spend time discussing the fashion of Black people during the Freedom Movement of the 1960’s-1970’s. In this discussion we unpack what stylistic choices share about one’s politics with respect to their involvement during the Freedom Movement and how that informs activist’s fashion of today.

You can find Taniqua on Instagram ⁠here⁠. As for her podcast you can find on Apple Podcasts or check out her website ⁠here⁠. Also don't forget to check out Blk Ivy Thrift located at 3605 Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia. You can also shop their website here. You can also shop their sister brand, Grant Blvd online here.

Job 29:14

“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban.”

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In today's episode I had the extreme pleasure of connecting with Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, an award-winning social entrepreneur and creative director/founder of two Philadelphia-based brands. The six-year-old Grant BLVD and Blk Ivy Thrift which just opened its doors in February have both been making their mark within the local community, garnering the interest of press like WWD, Philadelphia Magazine, and 6ABC action News. However, its most noteworthy accomplishments are the ways that both brands engage in social efforts especially with respect to addressing mass incarceration.

In today’s discussion, Dr. Kimberly guides us through how her service work with Books Through Bars propelled her down this path of reimagining the way that a fashion brand can prioritize the ethical design and sustainability while also advocating for those in our society that have been placed in a position of powerlessness. In fact, she makes clear that the two are intersectional. To learn more about Dr. Kimberly’s background and how her childhood influences which made her to be the woman that she is today you, check out this clip from her YouTube channel, Build it Boldly.

You can find Dr. Kimberly on social media here. As for her brands you can follow Grant BLVD here and Blk Ivy Thrift here. The website for Grant BLVD can be found here and the website to shop Blk Ivy Thrift is here. And finally, be sure to subscribe to the podcast School for Disrupters here. You can also follow them on Instagram and be sure to check out their website.

Revelation 19:18

“It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”

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