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Imagine having your child taken away while you're fighting to reclaim your life. That's the reality Sinceray McCullough, also known as Ray, faced when her son was wrongfully placed in foster care during her incarceration. In this powerful episode, Ray recounts her tumultuous upbringing in Chicago, filled with neglect, abuse, and the challenges of the foster care system. Her story is one of incredible resilience, as she finds the strength in her siblings and extended family to turn her pain into a purpose-driven movement called "I Want War."

Ray's journey to reunify with her son is fraught with obstacles, including the stringent requirements of anger management courses, parenting certificates, and psychological evaluations. She exposes the often adversarial relationship with social workers and the crushing timelines dictated by the 1522 law, which prioritizes departmental agendas over family unity. Ray offers an unfiltered look at the emotional and bureaucratic struggles many parents endure, highlighting the systemic flaws that make reunification grueling.

We also shine a light on Ray's relentless fight within the family court system, marred by a traumatic car accident Her transformation from a  felon to a peer support specialist serves as a beacon of hope. Ray shares invaluable advice for individuals with criminal backgrounds seeking rehabilitation to enhance employment prospects. Her story underscores the power of legal representation, the necessity of a stable environment, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit in overcoming life's toughest challenges. Tune in for a poignant exploration of resilience, advocacy, and the fight for family.

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What if you could be part of a community that values impactful achievements and celebrates its heroes? Join us for an illuminating conversation with some incredible guests who have recently received a prestigious presidential award from AmeriCorps, thanks to an unexpected nomination by DeMarco Plays. We'll also explore the vibrant local theater scene, featuring Raphael Raglands' successful stage play, "Motown in the Living Room." Our discussion extends to significant community milestones, like the advocacy and fundraising efforts that led to the commissioning of a historic statue of Vail Phillips, marking a new era in representation at the state capitol.

Ever wondered what it takes to organize a major community event that could potentially create jobs and attract nationwide attention? We dive deep into the intricate challenges and meticulous planning behind the upcoming white party, celebrating 25 years of the Boys and Girls Clubs. Get invaluable insights from key individuals such as Latonya Jackson and Jamal Boyd, along with support from Governor Evers. We'll discuss the motivations behind supporting the Boys and Girls Club, viewing it as a life ministry rather than just a job, and how individuals and businesses can contribute through sponsorships, volunteering, and donations.

Let's tackle some hard-hitting issues, like the disparity between investment in education and incarceration in Wisconsin, and explore innovative solutions such as a public workforce high school with unionized teachers. Our guest also shares their upcoming sabbatical plans, emphasizing the necessity of personal growth and family time after years of transformative work in youth development. We wrap up with words of wisdom for the youth, stressing the importance of perseverance, learning from failures, and surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals. Discover how diverse connections and self-reliance are key to achieving success, all while offering a heartfelt wish for continued progress and inspiration.

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Discover the transformative role doulas play in supporting single mothers through the prenatal and birthing process. Our latest episode promises invaluable insights into how doulas cultivate a nurturing and informative environment for single mothers, often collaborating with other doulas or the mother's existing support network. We emphasize the importance of personalized care plans and share essential advice for aspiring doulas, from understanding their motivations to managing their workload to prevent burnout. By tuning in, you'll gain practical strategies for enhancing the birthing experience and fostering a supportive community for new mothers.

We also reimagine the healthcare landscape by exploring ancient midwifery practices and the vital contribution of doulas in modern care. Through compelling personal stories, we highlight how continuous, personalized care from doulas can significantly impact families. Our discussion extends to the challenges faced by black birthing people in Madison-Dane County and the urgent need for system-wide transformation. The episode concludes with an inspiring conversation with a dedicated doula from "A Doula Just for You," who shares her approach to providing accessible and community-focused support. Join us for an episode filled with heartfelt discussions and actionable insights to improve maternal care.

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What does it mean to bring joy back to childbirth? Join us for an illuminating conversation with Uchenna Jones, recognized as one of Wisconsin's 51 most influential leaders of 2023. Uchenna's journey from aspiring doctor to accomplished doula and upcoming midwife is inspiring. With roots deeply embedded in her Nigerian heritage and bolstered by her extensive experience in healthcare, Uchenna discusses the vital role of doulas in labor support, particularly in combating the historical mistreatment of Black women in obstetrics. She passionately advocates for birth as a joyous and sacred rite of passage.

Delve into the harrowing realities faced by birthing individuals, including those shackled in prisons, and the emotional and physical trauma they endure. We discuss the importance of freedom of movement during labor and the detrimental impact of restrictive practices. Through powerful stories, including the births of Tupac and Minister Eugene Smalls, Uchena highlights the profound effect on both mother and child. She emphasizes empowering birthing people to trust their instincts and the transformative role of doulas and nurses in creating positive birth experiences. Personal anecdotes reveal the deep emotional transformations that birth can bring, not just for mothers but for fathers, too.

Uchenna shares her spiritual journey through 22 years of doula work, from the emotional strength of mothers during labor to her transition into nursing, driven by a desire to blend holistic care with medical expertise. As a Black woman in the doula profession, she navigates unique challenges and leverages her Nigerian heritage to enrich her practice. The episode wraps up with a focus on personalized prenatal care and the essential involvement of birth partners, ensuring every birthing experience is supported and joyous. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of birth and the crucial role of compassionate care.

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Navigating the challenges of fatherhood, especially within the African-American community, is a journey paved with obstacles and victories. On today's episode, we shed light on the Urban League of Greater Madison Fatherhood Group's commitment to supporting black fathers in overcoming systemic hurdles. I open up about my struggles with mental health and legal systems, adding a deeply personal perspective to the conversation. We also honor the transformative work of Sheriff Barrett in improving mental health services in correctional facilities, further exploring how policy and funding play a crucial role in father reentry programs.

The walls of a jail cell often contain untold stories, and our discussion doesn't shy away from the realities of incarceration. We peel back the layers to reveal the mental anguish suffered by many who are legally innocent, the societal pressures leading to high conviction rates, and the systemic undercurrents that hark back to darker chapters in our history. But it's not all grim; there's a glimmer of hope as we discuss strides toward reform, recognizing that change is necessary and possible.

Family is the cornerstone of society, and we devote a heartfelt segment to the significance of fatherhood and debunking myths about African-American paternal engagement. It's not just about being present; it's about understanding and navigating the complex web of family court systems and child support. We share resources, educate on parental rights, and stress the importance of co-parenting for children's mental and emotional development. This episode goes beyond talk; it's a resource for anyone looking to make sense of the family court maze and to reinforce the value of fatherhood.

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Strap on your helmet for an insightful journey with Eugene Crisler. We swap tales from the road, where the rubber meets more than asphalt—it meets life's unpredictable challenges. Eugene's harrowing recount of his motorcycle accident is a stark reminder of how safety gear and training can be the fine line between life and death. But the conversation doesn't end with the thrill of the ride; Eugene opens up about his world beyond the bike, where he empowers fathers through his work with the Urban League of Greater Madison and Focus Interruption, fostering paths to employment and training.

As the miles roll by, we tackle the less-discussed role of African-American fathers in nurturing their children's mental health within sports and education. I share anecdotes highlighting the need for culturally informed mental health support and the lessons of resilience and identity. This heartfelt dialogue underscores the transformative effects of empathy and understanding in educational settings, ensuring African-American students have a solid support system to thrive against the odds.

The personal becomes universal as we navigate the complexities of cultural communication within our families, contemplating the contrast between our childhoods and those of our children. We underline the importance of embracing our kids' burgeoning interests and fostering an environment where they can explore their identities freely. In a world craving connection, the episode culminates with reflections on service, faith, and offering unwavering support to our children. Join us in this intimate conversation that transcends the open road and delves into the heart of family, identity, and community.

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When Aracely Esparza recounts her story, it's as if the heart of the Midwest beats in time with her words. A first-generation Chicana from Madison, Wisconsin, Aracely's narrative is a patchwork of passion, heritage, and activism that speaks to the soul of every listener. Our conversation with her is a journey through the poignant realities of Mexican-American identity as she shares her path from assisting Latino farmworkers to founding Midwest Mujeres. Her tales of growing up in Madison, overcoming racial discrimination, and the power of cultural identity captivate as they educate. Aracely doesn't just tell us her grandmother's migration story; she weaves the fabric of representation and economic empowerment into our understanding of the complexities within the Latino community.

The depth of Aracely's experiences with racial injustice unveils a humbling and inspiring resilience. In this episode, she courageously opens up about her struggles as a Chicana in the professional realm, including an unjust termination that serves as a stark reminder of the challenges women of color face. Yet, her commitment to uplifting brown and black women truly defines her work. Aracely describes how the tragedy in Chicago spurred her into action, leading to protests and vital discussions on anti-blackness. She invites us to look forward to the Minu as Mujeres corner store events to foster unity and tackle racial and gender wage gaps. Aracely's story isn’t just one of strife but an ongoing battle for justice, representation, and the transformative power of solidarity.

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Step into the vibrant beats and powerful narratives of Milwaukee's hip-hop scene with the visionary Aldermen Khalif Rani, freshly inducted into the Milwaukee Hip Hop Museum. This episode is a heartfelt homage to the man behind America's first Hip Hop Week, a movement that resonates far beyond entertainment, knitting the community together with threads of tradition, support, and empowerment. We reminisce about the electric energy of the first event graced by DJ Kool Herc and how KKhalif'sdream blossomed into a phenomenon, fostering celebration and change within the local African-American community.

Let's journey through the transformative rhythms of hip-hop as it shapes lives and forges indelible connections. From the lyrical prowess of Jay-Z to the raw emotion of DMX, we share tales of how these icons propelled us through the toughest moments and inspired resilience. Our discussion loops in personal favorites and underrated lyrical geniuses, shaping our top five rappers list and sparking a dialogue on how hip-hop culture is a vessel for community activism. With MiMilwaukee'sip Hop Week as the backdrop, we look at its potential to engage youth and promote health. We consider the future of hip-hop in the community endeavors as we step into new chapters and continue championing the beats that unite us.

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When the beat of Milwaukee's streets meets the rhythm of resilience, you get a legacy like Coo Coo Cal's. Our latest chat with the hip-hop maestro Calvin Bellamy, better known as Coo Coo Cal, isn't just any conversation—it's a master class in transforming hardship into harmony. From spinning records at underground parties to climbing the charts with "My Projects, Coo Coo Cal lays down the track of his life, sharing how his early albums laid the foundation for a career that's as much about beats as it is about making a difference. His journey has been a symphony of success and struggle, echoing through the streets from Baton Rouge to Germany and back to Milwaukee, where the city's pulse beats strongest.

There's something inherently cinematic about Coo Coo Cal's story—so much so that it's sparked the creation of "The Rise and Fall of Coo Coo Cal," a documentary that lays bare his trials with addiction and his path to redemption. The idea of giving back rings loud in our conversation as Coo Coo Cal shines a spotlight on local talents and the unwavering support of the Milwaukee hip-hop community. He doesn't just make music; he makes waves that could soon crash into theaters with talks of "My Projects: The Movie." And let's not forget the props he gives to Homer Blow for uplifting the local scene, highlighting the collective crescendo of a community coming together to lift its own.

Echoing through our discussion is the timbre of thanksgiving—Dee Star's induction into the Milwaukee Hip Hop Museum by curator Antonia Anderson is not just a personal accolade but a testament to his deep-seated commitment to Milwaukee's youth. His passion for empowering the next generation reverberates with every word, stressing the importance of creative support and the potential within Milwaukee's vibrant culture. It's a rallying cry for change and a plea to recognize the untapped talents that walk the city's streets. As Dee Star's story unfolds, it's clear that his music is a vessel for progress, a beat that can't be stopped, and a message of hope for every kid looking for a way to rise above.

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Jealousy can lead to unexpected places; in my case, it paved the way to a partnership brimming with innovation and community impact. Tune in as we team up with Little Johns to cook up a storm of nourishment and event excitement, and I'll tell you all about how a Prince lookalike dating my now-wife set the stage for an electric Prince-themed bash we're cooking up. Beyond the music and the personal tales, we're tackling serious issues with Little Johns by transforming imperfect produce into 30,000 meals for children, intertwining environmental responsibility with the fight against hunger.

Our latest installment isn't just a feast for the ears, but a celebration of transformative journeys. Hear a powerful Boys and Girls Clubs success story, where support translates into six-figure achievements, and how we're charging against Wisconsin's racial achievement gap with soaring college admissions. We're rallying for sustainable wages in trades for women and people of color and championing borderless leadership for global problem-solving. Special thanks to our guests, including Michael Johnson, for their enriching contributions, and cheers to ONJYC for podcasting milestones we hope are just around the corner.

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