Listen Up!

Our host, LUL President & CEO Lyndon Pryor, is joined by the Community Foundation of Louisville President & CEO Ron Gallo. Gallo has over 25 years of experience in community philanthropy as the head of several organizations across the U.S.

The duo talk about the history of philanthropy, the role of racial equity, the changing landscape through technology, and the importance of advocacy.

Gallo is a native of the Bronx, New York, and holds a BA in History and Asian Studies from Connecticut College, an MS in Social Work from Columbia University, and an Ed.D. in Social Policy from Harvard University.

Our host, LUL President & CEO Lyndon Pryor, is joined by St John Center Executive Director Ra'Shann Martin. Martin was named as a 2023 Nonprofit Visionary Leader by Louisville Business First.

The duo talk about political violence like HB5 which criminalized homelessness, the lack of affordable housing and its effect on the city's ecosystem, and how to serve with dignity.

Martin is a native of the Newburg neighborhood and a UK graduate. She serves on several local boards including Actors Theatre of Louisville and Coalition for the Homeless.

Our host, LUL President & CEO Lyndon Pryor, is joined by Cynthia Brown, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, and Walter Baynard, Senior Business Advisor. Together, they dive into the dynamics of entrepreneurship, the challenges faced by new business owners, and the resources available to support emerging businesses.

Cynthia Brown brings a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in fostering entrepreneurial growth and innovation. With his deep expertise in business advisory, Walter Baynard provides valuable insights into strategic planning and business development.

Make sure to attend the Louisville Urban League Black Expo on August 3rd—it's free and a fantastic opportunity to see all of Louisville's black businesses.

Our host, LUL President & CEO Lyndon Pryor, is again joined by Councilman, Professor, and artist Jecorey Arthur. Arthur shares insight as to why he chose not to run for re-election as District 4 Councilperson, the history behind Louisville Freedom Summer, and community issues.

Read Frederick Douglass's keynote, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” and hear it spoken by his descendants. Link

Our host, LUL President & CEO Lyndon Pryor, is joined by Louisville Sports Commission President Greg Fante. The Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) is tasked with attracting, hosting, and creating sporting events and activities in the community to promote the economy while also fostering healthy and active lifestyles through sport.

The duo discusses Louisville's evolution, the role that sports have played in this city's development, how sport evokes change, and the possibility of a pro sports team.

Fante is a Louisville native and UofL graduate. He has been with the LSC for 16 years and previously worked in hospitality and tourism.

Our host LUL President & CEO, Lyndon Pryor, is joined by

The trio talks about the power of networking, the dirty work of organizing, the changes to the community, and the 'why' that keeps them going in this work.

Jennie Jean Davidson is Executive Director at Neighborhood House Louisville, a modern community hub for Louisville's West End. Dana Jackson is CEO of Dana Jackson Consulting, a firm that specializes in results-based leadership, urban engagement strategies, and comprehensive community change work. 

Our host LUL President & CEO, Lyndon Pryor, is joined by the creators behind Black Future Fest: Shauntrice Martin and SteVon Edwards. Black Future Fest aims to celebrate Black excellence, achievement, and possibility in Louisville with a long term goal of building a Black arts district in the West End.

The trio talks about the fearlessness of Gen Z, how Louisville has changed over the last 30+ years, the arts community, and their hopes for the community.

Check out the upcoming Black Future Fest, Saturday 8/3, 1-6 PM at the California Community Center, 1600 St Catherine Street. This free event includes an outdoor art museum, a children's art show, a community mural by Jaylin Stewart, a mini film fest, and more.

Our host LUL President & CEO, Lyndon Pryor, is joined by Jerald Henry Smith aka the S.T.E.A.M. Chemist. He combines science, technology, engineering, and the culinary arts to create an unforgettable learning experience for students.

The pair talk about Jerald's early influences that guided him into science, working as a Chemist at Beam Suntory, and his foray into entrepreneurship.

Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Jerald Henry Smith always knew that he would become a scientist. He found a passion for Chemistry as a youth from a science kit he purchased at a thrift store. In 2005, he was admitted on a full scholarship to the University of Louisville’s J.B. Speed School of Engineering as a Chemical Engineering student. As a recipient of the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship (UNCF) and Woodford R. Porter Scholarship, he remained committed to academic excellence and community service. During his college career, he served as an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Vice President of Collegiate 100 and the C.O.N.E.C.T. Peer Mentoring Program.

Our host LUL President & CEO, Lyndon Pryor, is joined by the ⁠Ronyale Smith, Owner Blak Koffee. Blak Koffee is a Black-owned cafe in the Russell neighborhood of West Louisville, 1219 West Jefferson Street at the Molo Village.

The pair talk about Ronyale's entrepreneurship journey from nail tech to small business owner, the new store opening in the Goodwill West Louisville Opportunity Center, and the importance of creating space in West Louisville for the community to network.

Our host LUL President & CEO, Lyndon Pryor, is joined by the LISC Executive Director Scott Love⁠. LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides financial capital to help improve historically disinvested neighborhoods. LISC provides both business investment and affordable housing strategies to west Louisville.

The pair talk about the current housing shortage, how businesses can connect to improve their community, the role CDFI's play in community lending, and the impact they have already made like the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Complex.

Love has worked in the banking industry for many years, as well as for city government. A native of Milwaukee, he has called Louisville home for over 20 years. Love is a graduate of Florida A&M University.