Ted is another up and coming leader rooted in the Detroit community.  As a young king he has made a commitment to enlightening the community via a financial literacy program, FORIGIN, aimed at providing youth with a fast start in developing financial acumen.  Tap in to learn more about how this business owner, insurance professional, artist and student of the martial arts is using his energy to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

An incredible discussion with the internet viral phenom Commander Dale Brown, founder of Threat Management and Detroit Dust as well as the author of Detroit Urban Survival.  Well known for his YouTube videos demonstrating how to successful disarm and/or escape a dangerous assailant, this discussion dives well beyond the informative and humorous short videos.  We delve into Dale's background, family legacy, his personal ambition and the real-life testimonials that continue to fuel his drive to protect the lives of others.

A pretty lengthy episode that is well worth the listen!  Don't forget to sign up for Survival Training sessions with Commander Brown at PillarandPride.com

Conversation with Dr. Curtis Lewis founder of Black Male Educators Alliance

The United States education system is riddled with problems. 

Dr. Curtis Lewis and his team at BMEA are working diligently, creatively and forcefully to implement remedies to enhance the full scope of learning inside and outside of the classroom for the underserved.

In this conversation, we tap into the sources of motivation of BMEA and their vision of the future of education.

Very rapidly Atula has become one of our favorite folks to engage with.  He is a well-studied wealth of knowledge, an entrepreneur, a father, an alchemist, a thinker and a self-described “god”.  In this conversation we discuss his Haitian influenced upbringing, many life-altering events and several new products that he has launched including the “BDE” male supplement and Gris #2 Quartz Water infused perfumes.  The episode is long because the content is worthy and will undoubtedly inform and influence those who take the time to listen…. intently.

The Umoja Debate team joins “Pillar + Pride: We Build” (the podcast) to discuss one of their latest achievements……  Their first children’s book!  

“Umoja Dreams” is now available!  The book calls upon the experience of a native Detroiter, Jerjuan Howard, and some of his biggest influences as he imagined making a positive change in his childhood neighborhood. 

Get to know the author, illustrator and the publisher of “Umoja Dreams” through this brief conversation hosted at The Lab @ Pillar + Pride.

Grab your copy at UmojaDebateTeam.org or order through Amazon.com

#childrensbook #wellness #education #empowerment #books #Detroit #Uplift #umojadreams #umoja #umojadebateteam

Join us for the season 2 opening episode of Pillar + Pride We Build where we discuss the life of Bob Jones and his current venture in the water purification industry.  With so many water quality emergencies surfacing across the US and world we took some time to discuss water filtration solutions and the many benefits available to our families and communities.  Bob Jones has been utilizing water purification systems for over 3 decades and share with us his vision of an industry that could empower and employ generations of Black people.

Often times we sacrifice our physical health for financial wealth.  In this episode we discuss not only the physical requirements but also the impact on mindset of competing in athletics at the highest level.  Ron Talley is a Detroit native who carries with him many accolades from Renaissance High School football phenom, Notre Dame University attendee, University of Delaware graduate, NFL veteran, loving son and father.  It was a pleasure to explore his story including his comment to physical and mental wellness, his motivations in pursuing a high quality education and bringing his experience and resources back to the D to make a positive impact on the community that raised him.

Tafari Stevenson Howard is a Detroiter that has made it his life mission to travel the globe.  He has refused to operate within the lines.  A multi-faceted artists, importer, photographer, healer, father, husband and Ghanaian tribal chief, he is a renaissance  man.  Tap in to hear how Tafari has taken command of his life and refused to operate inside the box but instead carve a custom path led by his personal passions!  

Jerjuan Howard is a Detroit based community leader.  A twenty something with a growing resume.  Most impressive is the fact that every addition to his personal resume has a very intentional and positive impact on the Black community.   Join us in gaining a deeper understanding of Jerjuan's upbringing, influences, current and future projects such as his first book "A Message to Black College Students", Umoja Debate Team, Gun Violence prevention efforts, etc. 

Asa Lockett one of the duo that produced the book "Make the Hood Healthy Again", a powerful piece that rapidly ascended up the rankings of Amazon's health and nutrition category.  However, the book is so much more than a guide to healthy eating.  It is a guide to physical, mental and emotional healing.  Listen in on this multi-faceted conversation with another one of Detroit's own super heroes.