Nurah Speaks

Sonja Prince is Kwesi Prince’s mother and was his primary caregiver. Kwesi was only seven years old in 2010 when he was diagnosed with a rare malignant brain tumor. In that year Kwesi had two brain surgeries, radiation and high dose chemotherapy. After 15 months of remission, he relapsed in 2012. He had another surgery, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. In 2013 Kwesi relapsed a second time and in 2014 he passed away but left his spirit in those who knew and love him.

Sonja remains a fierce childhood cancer advocate and is dedicated to fight for all pediatric cancer families until a cure is found. She's served as a member on the Family Advisory Committee at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and has spent many years mentoring young girls and volunteering at her local Ronald McDonald Family Room.

Sonja is the Executive Director of the Kwesi Prince Foundation which is a pediatric cancer organization dedicated to providing support to families suffering the devastating effects of Childhood Cancer with a focus on brain tumors.

She has over 19 years experience working in the banking industry and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration.

In this episode of Nurah Speaks Sonja shares with listeners that pediatric cancer is vastly different than adult cancer and that pediatric cancer receives only 4% of government funding. (And a small percentage of that addresses brain cancers.) Sonja shares how friends and family can support caregivers of sick children or what she has learned about herself in her journey with Kwesi. She encourages listeners to fight for increased research funding for cures and prevention of childhood cancers. She also suggests volunteering or donating to your local childhood cancer nonprofit organization.

The Kwesi Prince Foundation is dedicated to:

1. Providing education for holistic lifestyles

2. Providing assistance for bereaved families

3. Funding innovative research for less toxic treatments for children

4. Supporting parents and caregivers through the ‘tranquility tote’ program

5. Spread awareness of childhood cancer and effects on the entire family

Learn more online by visiting www.KwesiPrinceFoundation.com and on Facebook www.facebook.com/KwesiPrinceFoundation/. In our conversation, Sonja also mentioned Caring Bridge which is a social media platform in which parents of sick children can share real time information and updates to family members and friends. Learn more about Caring Bridge by visiting CaringBridge.org.

If you would like to engage with the show, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog.

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

“A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16

If you’re doubting your dreams;

if you’re re-thinking your goals as too lofty,

if your New Year’s resolutions are already faded memories

if you’re feeling impatient that your “It” hasn’t happened yet…

this episode is for you!

This episode is YOUR cheer section! Brief but impactful, this episode reminds you to outlast doubts, fears, hurdles and reminds anyone who has a goal to stay the course. As it is written, “Your gift will make room for you!” But as with anything worth having-effort, investment and perseverance are essential to bring the goal from an idea to a reality.

Stay encouraged. Stay patient. Use your gifts in the service of good and the Universe will amplify you!

Nurah Speaks is a weekly podcast that tugs at the soul and consciousness of the black community.  Nurah Speaks listeners will gain unique perspectives on topics such as education, youth empowerment, women's impact, community engagement, youth violence prevention and more. Host Nurah Muhammad welcomes guests who have demonstrated capacity in these areas and so much more.

If you would like to engage with the show, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website: http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To hire Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

“The thought of the inferiority of the Negro is drilled into him in almost every class he enters and in almost every book he studies.” Carter G Woodson

This episode is my first of Black History Month! Black History Month is the expansion of Negro History Week established by historian Carter G Woodson in 1926 with the goal to acquaint 20th century Black youth with the history and accomplishments of their ancestors.

In this episode I encourage listeners to examine if we are fulfilling the visions of the great figures that we commemorate during this month. I also discuss how the exclusion of Black history from general American and World history negatively impacts all students, white, black or otherwise.

Carter G Woodson’s concern with the education of Black youth stemmed from his understanding that when you control a man’s thinking, you’ve established control of his actions. I encourage us all in our celebration of Black History Month to continue educating our youth of the genius of their ancestors but also helping them tap into their own unique genius.

If you would like to engage with the show, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Bettye L. Blaize is this week’s guest on Nurah Speaks. She is co-author of the timely and touching book, “Doing Time With My Son”. Essentially, this book is a memoir of a mother and son’s enduring love through incarceration and is a realistic look at a struggle which is now a national crises. In this interview you will learn how Bettye advises loved ones to support those who are incarcerated and why staying hopeful is always the best course.

Bettye is a mother of one son, grandmother of two, and great-grandmother of three who resides in Baltimore, Maryland. She was educated in Baltimore City Schools and continued her education at Strayer Business College, where she studied accounting. She started her career at Holiday Inn as a desk clerk and proudly worked her way up to the position of manager. She retired from the Holiday Inn after 29 proud years of service.

Throughout her life, Bettye has had a passion for working with and encouraging young people, and it was this passion that led her to re-enter the workforce after retirement as an administrative assistant with the Urban Leadership Institute in Baltimore. In this role, Bettye managed many daily operations of the company and assisted co-founders David Miller and Dr. LaMarr D. Shields in their work in schools and non-profits throughout the country.

She currently serves as the chief administration assistant for the Cambio Group, where she travels nationwide and contributes to the Cambio Group’s mission of affecting change at both the individual and systemic level in schools, non-profits, and government agencies. Bettye also works with the SPARK Center for Professional and Personal Renewal, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping teachers, social workers, and other change agents reignite their passions for their professions. When she’s not working or traveling, Bettye loves nothing more than spending time with her incredible family in Baltimore. You can get more information on her website www.DoingTimeWithMySon.com, you can email her directly at [email protected] and you can follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bettye.Blaize.

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Welcome to episode 10! What a mini milestone in the history of Nurah Speaks (I celebrate ALL victories and strongly encourage you to do the same!) Thanks to the listeners for your continued support!

In this solo episode I question what it means to be a natural---well, for me at least. I’ve been told (more times than I can count)that I am a ‘natural’ public speaker. But if you knew me years ago (or were in my 8th grade English class), this might seem the furthest from the truth.

Listen in as I describe the hard work it takes to be a ‘natural’ in any field you are pursuing. This episode covers:

My 8th grade public speaking disaster

Why I dislike the phrase ‘fake it til you make it’

The necessity of practice

How taking risks can bring us face to face with our gifts

Ways to improve our public speaking

How having un-empowered language and thinking create an un- empowered reality

The importance of reviewing our past work

Be sure to tell me your thoughts on this topic and don’t forget to leave a review and rating on iTunes and share with friends.

If you would like to engage with the show, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

This Nurah Speaks episode was recorded on the 2018 MLK Day of Service. This day calls for Americans from all walks to work collectively in creating solutions to the most urgent of national problems.

In this episode, I reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of social activism and servant leadership. I discuss how modern day activists can emulate his example to increase the effectiveness their leadership in their local communities. Dr. King is one who embodied ‘Being the Movement’ in his quest for freedom and justice in America and it was an honor to be of service to my community in his memory.

Nurah Speaks is a weekly podcast that tugs at the soul and consciousness of the black community.  Nurah Speaks listeners gain unique perspectives on topics such as education, youth empowerment, women's impact, community engagement, youth violence prevention and more.  

If you would like to engage with the show, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

I am excited to present this episode with guest Lynita Mitchell-Blackwell, Esq., CPA, CCLC. Lynita is a Top 100 National Attorney, CPA, and Certified Christian Life Coach. She is the CEO of the Leading Through Living Community and Bold Favor Media Group which produces highly acclaimed TV and radio shows. She is also the Executive Director of the Emerging Leaders Institute.

Lynita’s complete bio is extensive and you can learn more about her on her website www.LynitaMitchellBlackwell.com.

Lynita is a LeadHership Champion! As CEO of the Leading Through Living Community, LLC, Lynita manages a multi-faceted organization that includes publishing bestselling inspirational and motivational books, as well as several magazines including the 2016 “ATL’s Hottest Magazine” under LTLC’s subsidiary BOLD Favor Media Group; produces the #1 leadership awards show “The BOLD Awards”, highly acclaimed TV and radio shows, and the PLUS-tacular full-figured calendar; serves as Executive Director of the leadership training and professional development non-profit The Jewell Jackson McCabe Emerging Leaders Institute; and loves coaching women business owners and entrepre-DO-ers!

Lynita is a Top 100 National Attorney, CPA, and Certified Christian Life Coach who lives by the motto: “When you wake up early in the morning, don’t roll over, roll OUT. Your mind is ready, get your body set, and let’s GO!”

Learn more by visiting:

www.LynitaMitchellBlackwell.com

EmergingLeadersNow.org

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Nurah Speaks welcomes Aneesah Parker, a high school senior, youth leader, student mentor, filmmaker and photographer. In this episode, Aneesah talks about how she transitioned from a shy student to a youth leader, how becoming a peer mentor has affected her and how a class assignment at the University of Islam 20 changed the direction of her life.

Aneesah's goals are to become a professional filmmaker and make an impact on other's lives while doing so. This is a refreshing conversation and Aneesah is a beautiful example of what it looks like when we truly empower our youth and nudge them beyond their comfort zones.

You can visit her website neesahfilms.wixsite.com/neesahfilms and follower her on Instagram @neesahs.pics. Also, view her short films on her Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQzm5McLDptMWz410hykPvw.

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

Every group has the responsibility to advance their interests. But are we advancing ours? This conversation is necessary because:

-our neighborhoods are a reflection of what we think of ourselves.

-our communities should not be a place from where our children (and we) want to make it out.

-education is for function, not status.

-working cooperatively works.

-we must help self, first, before helping others.

-we must end dependency.

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected]. Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting: http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog. Follow Nurah on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!

As a speaker, author and empowerment coach, DaVita Garfield credits the many life experiences and obstacles that she has overcome as the driving force behind her God-given assignment to support other women by encouraging them to become amazing-On Purpose. She founded her company, empoWermentNOW, LLC to provide empowerment and coaching support for women to help them identify and reach their life goals, despite their circumstances.

DaVita’s number one role is being a mother to her 13-year old daughter and her most recent accomplishment includes the release of her self-published book, ‘Tell the Whole Story: Embrace Your Journey to be Amazing on Purpose. Learn more about her work at

www.DaVitaGarfield.com; www.getempowered4success.com; Facebook: EmpowermentNOWDaVitaGarfield; Instagram: @davita_empowermentNOW 

Twitter: @DaVitaGarfield

If you would like to engage with the Nurah Speaks podcast, submit your listener questions to [email protected].  Listeners can also learn more about Nurah by visiting her website:  http://NurahZaheerah.com and reading her blog: http://www.nurahzaheerah.com/blog

Nurah can be followed on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/NurahZaheerahMuhammad and on Instagram @NurahZ20.

To book Nurah as a speaker at your next event, email [email protected].

Remember, don’t just Join the Movement, Be the Movement!