Rounding out our Women's History Month Series, we are excited to welcome Delegate Bonita Anthony. Tune in on March 25, 2025, at 9:00 PM EST for an inspiring conversation with Delegate Anthony, a trailblazer in public service, community advocacy, and empowering women in leadership.

Delegate Bonita Anthony has been a force in her community, breaking barriers and creating opportunities for those whose voices often go unheard. In this special episode, we'll discuss her journey in politics, the importance of representation, and the challenges she has overcome as a woman in leadership. Her story is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the power of women shaping the future.

Don’t miss this empowering conversation on how women are making history today and leaving a legacy for tomorrow. Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the strength and contributions of women in our world.

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Continuing our Women’s History Month Series, Life After the Impact is thrilled to join in conversation with Professor and Attorney Angi Porter.

Part of our discussion will include Professor Porter’s scholarly work in Africana Legal Studies, the extension of Africana Studies methodology to legal study. In this groundbreaking research, she explores continental and diasporic African ways of knowing governance and examines how those ways of knowing persisted despite the imposition of Western law on African people achieved through enslavement, colonialism, imperialism, and other forms of oppression.

Professor Porter joined the American University Washington College of Law in 2022. She was previously a Research Fellow at Georgetown University Law Center and Adjunct Professor of Law at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. She teaches Torts, Higher Education Law, and Africana Legal Studies.

Join us so you can learn about additional tools for working within the legal system as it is currently as well envisioning future possibilities.

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In honor of Women's History Month, we’re excited to bring back Dr. Zoe Spencer, an educator, author, and advocate for racial justice and equity. Dr. Spencer’s work spans over two decades in higher education, where she has become a powerful voice for change, focusing on issues like racial inequality, systemic oppression, and empowering women of color.

This episode explores Dr. Spencer’s personal and professional journey, highlighting how she has navigated challenges and used her platform to advocate for change. Dr. Spencer shares the lessons she’s learned along the way, including how women, especially women of color, continue to make transformative impacts in their communities and industries.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, this conversation reflects on the power of resilience, leadership, and the importance of visibility for women breaking barriers. Dr. Spencer’s story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to lead with purpose, authenticity, and a deep commitment to social justice.

Tune in to hear how Dr. Spencer continues to shape the future of education and activism, and why women are at the forefront of the movements driving meaningful change in our world.

Roxane's Suggested Book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/charles-e-cobb/this-nonviolent-stuffll-get-you-killed/9780465080953/?lens=basic-books

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As we kick off Women’s History Month, Life After the Impact is proud to launch with a conversation that honors resilience, leadership, and legacy.

Our first guest is Attorney Verbena Askew, a trailblazer who made history as the first Black female judge in Virginia. Now continuing her impact as a practicing attorney, representing cases such as Xzavier Hill, she remains a force for justice and advocacy. From the courtroom to the community, Attorney Askew’s journey is one of perseverance, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations.

In this episode, we discuss: Her groundbreaking journey to the bench and beyond, why representation in law and leadership matters, and her ongoing work as an attorney and advocate for change.

Life After the Impact is a podcast dedicated to telling the stories of those who create lasting change. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize the pioneers who continue to inspire progress and open doors for others.

Tune in and be inspired!

#LifeAfterTheImpact #WomensHistoryMonth #BreakingBarriers #AttorneyVerbenaAskew #Trailblazer

Listen in to learn how YOU can support the fight for justice for Brandon Keys. This episode features his mother Lisa and brother Anthony.

During this episode, we learned about the tragic events that transpired the night Brandon was killed by St. Paul Police in Minnesota on December 7, 2023.

Investigate the videos for yourself on the BCA's website:

https://mnbca.sharefile.com/share/view/s1b91b885f69f4f8e9854d01468ff0d4f/fo161f68-78d2-45ff-b50a-52b5867a4506

To find the exact videos, click on the folder path: Video, BCA, BWC, and then click on officers - Tschida, Porter, or Ibrahim.

Brandon's life mattered. Learn how YOU can get involved and support his family in the fight for justice.

#BrandonKeys

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Life After the Impact on February 18, 2025 featured Roberto Umana, focusing on his powerful journey following the tragic death of his brother, Brian Umana, at the hands of National City police. This episode will explore Roberto’s relentless fight for justice, a fight that saw him going up against the system and refusing to give up, no matter how tough the road got.

Brian’s death, which occurred on October 8, 2021, sparked a series of heartbreaking events for his family. Brian, who struggled with bipolar disorder and signs of schizophrenia, was fatally shot after an encounter with police, which left Roberto questioning why more wasn’t done to de-escalate the situation. Despite his grief, Roberto didn't back down. He took matters into his own hands by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the National City Police Department without an attorney, starting an online petition, and creating an Instagram channel to honor his brother’s memory and demand accountability. Roberto's resolve grew even stronger as he advocated for systemic changes, especially around the treatment of individuals with mental health challenges.

After more than two years of legal battles and tireless advocacy, Roberto and his family reached a settlement in January 2025, with the city agreeing to pay $1 million to Brian’s 8-year-old daughter. The settlement is a bittersweet victory, but Roberto’s journey continues. He has shown that even in the face of overwhelming grief and frustration, it’s possible to find the strength to push for change and demand answers.

This episode will not only reflect on Brian’s life and the pain of losing him but also showcase the resilience of Roberto and his family. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter how hard the fight gets, it’s crucial to never give up—because even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of justice can lead to meaningful change.

Join us as Roberto opens up about the deep emotional impact of losing his brother and shares his journey of fighting for truth, justice, and healing. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justiceforbrianumana/

See Roberto Speak before National City Council: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFtLOYIzMQQ/

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In this episode, Life After the Impact hears from Kimberlee Vaughn, the wife of Mohammad Isaifan, who was tragically killed by the police in 2019. Since Mohammad’s death, Kimberlee has been fighting not only for justice for his killing but also for accountability and a sense of closure. As of now, the case is still open, in federal civil court in Cleveland under federal judge Ruiz. They have been waiting years 18 months to hear his decision on sending Mohammads case to trial or dismissing it completely.

In this episode, Kimberly walks us through the ongoing legal battles, the frustrations of fighting for justice in the face of systemic challenges, and the hope that one day, there will be accountability for the officers involved in Mohammad’s death. This episode also delves into the emotional weight of losing a loved one to police violence and the relentless pursuit of justice in a system that often seems stacked against families like hers.

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Join us tonight on Life After the Impact as LaToya and Roxane discuss the current political chaos and turmoil, and how we can and must continue to organize for change.

To take daily action, sign up at 5calls.org.

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On January 28th, 2025, Life After the Impact dove into a case that has left the Rockford community reeling for nearly a decade.

On April 16, 2016, 34-year-old Valentia Jovan Fresco was tragically killed during an altercation with two security guards from Metro Enforcement, a private security company in Rockford. The incident escalated when one of the guards, Ryan Bruce Mattingly, allegedly struck Fresco, choked him, and eventually opened fire, ending his life on a public street outside an apartment complex.

Now, almost nine years later, the accused guards—Mattingly and Alijon Khalil—are facing first-degree murder charges, but the Fresco family’s quest for justice has been hindered by eight years of legal delays. With the case still stuck in the courts, the family is asking: why has it taken so long for this case to go to trial?

In this episode, we hear directly from Rosie Blake, the mother of Valentia Fresco, as she shares her heart-wrenching experience of waiting for justice. We also explore the impact of these delays, the emotional toll on the family, and the larger questions about how the legal system handles cases involving private security and excessive use of force. As the case finally approaches its next critical court date on January 31, 2025, Rosie Blake is calling on the Rockford community to show up in court and stand in solidarity with the Fresco family. She urges local residents to demand accountability and ensure that justice is not only served but served swiftly. Join us for this moving conversation and hear how you can support the Fresco family in their fight for justice. Please mark your calendars for January 31, 2025, and show up in the courthouse to demand a timely trial for Valentia Jovan Fresco.

Don’t miss this important discussion on a case that has captured the heart of Rockford and has the potential to impact the broader conversation on justice and accountability.

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In this episode of Life After the Impact, Roxane and LaToya discuss the ongoing fight for justice for Leonard Shand with his sister Tracy Shand. On September 26, 2019, Leonard’s life was forever altered by the actions of police officers Lieutenant Zachary Nemser and Private First Class Scott Hall. Now, as the trial for these officers approaches, the Shand family is calling on the community to show their support.

The trial will take place from January 28 to 31, 2025, at the Prince George’s County Circuit Court in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. This is a crucial moment in the fight for accountability, and the Shand family needs you. Your presence at the trial can help ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that justice is served.

Listen as we discuss the significance of the trial, the impact it has had on Leonard’s life, and how you can stand with the Shand family in their pursuit of justice.

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