Rooted in Progress with Deanne King

Mercedes and Leon Wells are sharing their heartbreaking story of being forced to leave an Indiana hospital while in active labor. Together, the Wells describe delivering their baby on the side of the road and how they are now pushing for change. Tampa nurse and doula, Yamel Belen, shares how this happens far too often and how healthcare professionals can lessen disparities in Black maternal health.

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Connect with Rooted in Progress!

Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU

Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m

Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Mixing community, culture and cuisine isn't just for show for Khalilah McDuffie and Dr. Jamaris Glenn, it's in their DNA. As owners of 7th + Grove and Madame Fortune, the two entrepreneurs have built businesses built on faith, community and Black history. Tune in to hear the lessons they've learned and how they're using their platform to offer "pay what you can" meals to Tampa Bay.

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Connect with Rooted in Progress!

Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU

Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m

Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists is bringing back its esteem Griot Drum Awards Banquet. Local journalists will be honored for their community work and leaders will be honored as well for their selflessness. WFLA's Marilyn Parker, TBABJ's Secretary, and Kenya Woodard, journalist and TBABJ member, joined us.

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Connect with Rooted in Progress!

Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU

Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m

Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to an end, two brave survivors open up about the moment they chose freedom. One found healing in baking after escaping New York; another fled California with nothing but her baby and a bag of hope. She now has a foundation to help other women living through this tramautic experience.

David and Nadege Andre, the owners of Mangos Southern Kitchen + Bar in Tampa, share their journey from hosting events to opening two restaurants. They say they always felt purpose in community and knew their love in the kitchen will translate to entrepreneurship.

A weekend of jokes, roasts and maybe some impressions. Over the next few days, Aries Spears takes over Funny Bone Tampa for three nights of shows. But before he took the stage to deliver jokes, he delivered gems and the story of how he got started with us

Every October we celebrate multiple themes: Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness. However, Down Syndrome Awareness is not often in the spotlight, that's until now. The Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Tampa Bay, Craig Woodard Sr. shines a light on the genetic disorder and explains why those with it are a blessing.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Tampa Bay serial entrepreneur Gary Hartfield. Not only is he a business and family man, Hartfield is also an author, motivational speaker, and dedicated community advocate. He shares his journey with us -- and it's nothing short of inspiring.

The City of Tampa has ended the Racial Conciliation Commitee to comply with federal law. The committee was disbanded without a vote among councilmembers. So where do we go from here? Committee Chairwoman Connie Burton and NAACP President in Hillsborough County Yvette Lewis joined the episode. They shared the progress the committee made, and how the fight for equity will not change despite not receiving federal funding.

The 4th annual Tampa Bay Black Authors Expo is back this weekend, featuring 23 different authors. This year's theme is "Keeping Black Lit Alive" and will honor the memory of the late Gwen Henderson, who owned the Black English Boosktore. Poet and author Troy Legette is participating. He discusses the event and how he got into this industry. He also shares where you can find his published work.