Our Voices Today

The upcoming T.J. Carrie Foundation Heart Warrior Run and Walk on Saturday, June 28th. Listeners are encouraged to join the 5K run, one-mile walk, or 100-yard kids’ run, hosted by NFL veteran T.J. Carrie. The event will feature music, referees, and cheerleaders, with proceeds supporting the foundation’s programs. Participants are urged to track and share their steps, with all forms of movement—walking, biking, or playing—counting toward the challenge. Visit tjcarriefoundation.org for details.

Uni and Pastor Ben "Rabbi" Gohlstin interview Jesse Ruffin about Carolyn's Law, an initiative for a Nursing Facility Patient's Bill of Rights in Ohio. Rabbi and Uni discuss the importance of political engagement and community involvement, leading into a conversation with Jesse Ruffin. Ruffin shares the emotional story of his late wife, Carolyn, and the traumatic experience she endured in a nursing home, inspiring his advocacy for better patient-to-staff ratios through Carolyn's Law Incorporation. He emphasizes the need to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves and encourages listeners to support Carolyn's Law (carolinslaw.org) to get it on the November ballot. Ruffin, a 71-year-old deacon and real estate broker, thanks supporters like State Representative Daniel P. Troy and Congresswoman Shontel Brown.

President Herman from the NSBE Association and Uni discuss their initiatives to engage kids early in STEM, acknowledging inspiring advisors and celebrating student achievements at national conventions. They emphasize exposing kids to diverse pathways and passions, while Herman shares his unconventional journey into engineering, highlighting the support he found within Nesby, even for learning disabilities. They touch upon the importance of adapting to technology, the upcoming gala, and the inclusivity of Nesby membership. The conversation also covers safety in manufacturing, ethical fashion choices, and Nesby's special interest groups and global reach, emphasizing the organization's commitment to showcasing Black excellence in STEM.

DJ Black Unicorn interviews Natasha Cressup from Team Neo , exploring the organization's role as the Jobs Ohio Network partner driving economic development across 14 Northeast Ohio counties. Natasha highlights Team Neo's focus on site selection, marketing, innovation, and talent development, emphasizing investment in the local workforce and collaborative efforts to bridge gaps between counties. They discuss initiatives like Cuyahoga Live to boost the local music industry, the importance of arts and culture, and encourage listeners to attend Neo-Rising 2025 on May 7th, while also inviting job seekers to connect with Team Neo for resources and opportunities.

On Our Voices Today, DJ Black Unicorn and Pastor Ben "Rabbi" Gohlstin discuss the need for the Black community to reclaim its identity and core values, reflecting on historical trauma and the lasting impact of the Dred Scott decision. Rabbi outlines the six stages of male development, emphasizing how many men struggle to progress beyond the early phases. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, unity, and guiding young men toward maturity and purpose.

On this episode of Our Voices Today, DJ Black Unicorn speaks with Ms. Smith and Mr. Bodon from the Cleveland Co-op about their work empowering communities through cooperative economics, local ownership, and workforce development. The discussion highlights how co-ops create sustainable opportunities and build wealth in underserved neighborhoods.

On this episode of Our Voices Today, DJ Black Unicorn chats with Ms. Deedee and Ms. Karen from Strengthening Our Students about their upcoming youth camps. They share details on programs designed to support student growth, learning, and empowerment during the summer, offering fun and meaningful opportunities for kids and teens.

On Our Voices Today, DJ Black Unicorn welcomes guests from the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cleveland and partner organizations to discuss free legal services, eviction prevention, housing rights, and reentry support. The episode highlights the Spring Into Workforce Career Summit at Tower City, featuring over 35 employers offering real career opportunities. The conversation also covers the importance of reentry planning before release, including resources like the “Rent Ready” program, aimed at helping individuals secure housing and rebuild their lives. For more information or legal assistance, visit www.lasclev.org.

In this episode of Our Voices Today, DJ Black Unicorn welcomes Dr. Carmen Stewart from the Aspire Program. Dr. Stewart shares insights into how Aspire supports adult learners through free education, GED prep, and workforce training. The conversation explores the program’s impact on empowering individuals, removing barriers to success, and building stronger communities through literacy and lifelong learning.

In Cleveland, a major air quality concern is the high pediatric asthma rate, reaching 26% in some neighborhoods compared to the 8% national average. The Clean NCLE project addresses this by deploying 30 air quality sensors in high-asthma areas based on community feedback regarding traffic, odors, and industrial proximity. Residents can report concerns via a 24-hour hotline. Upcoming community meetings on April 23rd and 24th will discuss the project and National Healthy Homes Month. While air quality has improved since the Clean Air Act, ozone remains a concern.