Southern Soul - Live Stream

Speakers: Curtis Pitts

Curtis Pitts delivered an impassioned opening address focused on empowering Black communities through self-reliance and collective action. He emphasized the importance of building sustainable communities by leveraging education, economic resources, and cultural heritage to overcome systemic challenges.

- The importance of self-reliance and community empowerment.

- Building sustainable Black families and communities.

- The Moses Project: an initiative for economic independence and community development.

- The role of education and urban farming in community resilience.

- The need for investment from professional athletes and affluent individuals in community projects.

- Overcoming historical and systemic barriers through collective action.

- The significance of spiritual and cultural identity in community building.

- "We are without excuse... God is calling on us to be more responsible and better stewards for our families and communities." — Curtis Pitts

- "You are the heroes that our people need. You are the heroes that God has sent." — Curtis Pitts

- Encourage community members to engage in urban farming to ensure food security.

- Foster financial literacy and support local Black-owned businesses.

- Mobilize community resources and talents to build economic hubs and activity centers.

- Promote active participation in children's education and extracurricular activities.

- Cultivate a strong spiritual and cultural foundation to support mental health and community cohesion.

About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.

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Speakers: Jamiah Hargins, Darciea Houston, Curtis Pitts

This session explored innovative approaches to achieving food security and sustainability within Black communities, focusing on local initiatives and the importance of self-reliance. Jamiah Hargins shared his experiences with CropSwap LA, emphasizing the need for community-driven solutions to address food scarcity and dependency.

- The concept of food security beyond mere availability, focusing on access, control, and ownership.

- Jamiah Hargins' CropSwap LA initiative, transforming underutilized spaces into productive micro-farms.

- The importance of rainwater capture and sustainable water management in urban agriculture.

- The role of community engagement and education in fostering food sovereignty.

- Challenges faced by organizations in maintaining momentum and impact without diluting their mission.

- The impact of global events on local food prices and security.

- Encouraging self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on external food systems.

- The significance of involving children in food growing and sustainability practices.

- "We might not really have food scarcity. What we have is food dependency." — Jamiah Hargins

- "Prepare now for what's coming. We all see the signs." — Jamiah Hargins

- Explore opportunities to transform local underutilized spaces into productive gardens or micro-farms.

- Consider implementing rainwater capture systems to enhance water sustainability for urban agriculture.

- Engage with local communities and institutions to promote food sovereignty and self-reliance.

- Involve children in gardening and sustainability projects to instill lifelong skills and awareness.

- Stay informed about global events and their potential impact on local food security and prices.

About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.

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Speakers: Dr. Zelia Wiley, Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller

In this session, Dr. Zelia Wiley and Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller explore the potential of urban farming as a viable solution to address food deserts, emphasizing the role of education and technology in transforming agricultural practices. They discuss the importance of integrating modern technology such as artificial intelligence and hydroponics to enhance food security and provide economic opportunities in underserved communities.

- The impact of food deserts on low-income communities and the importance of access to nutritious food.

- The role of education in promoting agricultural careers and addressing food insecurity.

- The integration of technology, including artificial intelligence and hydroponics, in modern agriculture.

- The significance of digital agriculture and its application in small to medium farming operations.

- The importance of community engagement and extension services in disseminating agricultural innovations.

- The historical and ongoing contributions of institutions like Tuskegee University to agricultural education and community support.

- The potential of urban farming to contribute to national food security and economic development.

- "Food security is national security." — Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller

- "We have to train people to take our places so we can take some rest." — Dr. Zelia Wiley

- Encourage educational initiatives that promote agricultural careers among youth, particularly in underserved communities.

- Explore the use of hydroponics and other controlled environment agriculture techniques to increase local food production.

- Leverage artificial intelligence and digital agriculture to optimize farm management and productivity.

- Foster community partnerships and utilize extension services to share agricultural knowledge and innovations.

- Support and participate in conferences and workshops that focus on agricultural advancements and community empowerment.

About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.

Support - Community Exploratory Journalism - Buy us A Coffee!

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Speakers: Pastor Chris Simmons, Nathaniel Wilkins

This session focused on the intersection of mental and spiritual health as a foundation for holistic healing. Pastor Chris Simmons shared insights from his 38-year ministry in South Dallas, emphasizing community engagement and trauma-informed care. Nathaniel Wilkins highlighted the importance of physical health and movement as integral to overall well-being.

- The role of the church in community healing and support

- Addressing trauma and mental health in underserved communities

- The importance of holistic ministry and community partnerships

- Strategies for emotional and spiritual healing

- The impact of physical health on mental and spiritual well-being

- Practical exercises to integrate movement into daily routines

- "You could be traumatized so long until you think trauma is the norm." — Chris Simmons

- "If you don't have health, you can't worry about your economics." — Nathaniel Wilkins

- Engage with local communities to understand and meet their specific needs.

- Develop partnerships with community resources to provide comprehensive support.

- Encourage physical activity as a means to improve mental and spiritual health.

- Implement trauma-informed practices in community and church settings.

- Foster environments that promote healing, forgiveness, and hope.

About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.

Support - Community Exploratory Journalism - Buy us A Coffee!

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Speakers: Donell E. Smith, Bill Thornton, Carl H. Sharperson Jr.

This session delves into strategies for building a self-sustaining Black economy, focusing on financial empowerment, community development, and leadership resilience. The speakers share personal experiences and practical advice to foster economic growth and community strength.

- Financial literacy and investment strategies for economic empowerment

- The importance of community development in economic planning

- Building strategic plans with performance measures for community projects

- The role of leadership and resilience in overcoming adversity

- Historical and personal experiences in navigating corporate and community challenges

- The significance of long-term commitment to community initiatives

- Strategies for resisting and overcoming racial and systemic barriers

- "We have a roadmap from the people that showed us how to develop economic strategies." — Bill Thornton

- "Everyone wants the same thing: to be loved, respected, and successful." — Carl H. Sharperson Jr.

- Start investing a portion of your income, even on a limited budget, to build wealth over time.

- Engage deeply with community members to understand their needs and strengths before planning development projects.

- Develop actionable plans with clear performance measures and accountability to ensure project success.

- Foster resilience and strategic thinking to navigate and overcome systemic challenges.

- Build and maintain long-term community initiatives by learning from past generations' commitment and sacrifices.

About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.

Support - Community Exploratory Journalism - Buy us A Coffee!

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Speakers: Donell E. Smith

In this engaging session, Donell E. Smith shares insights on transforming financial habits to achieve wealth and financial independence. Drawing from personal experiences and success stories, he emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and strategic investing to make money work for you.

- The concept of money working for you versus working for money

- Importance of financial education and literacy

- The power of compound interest and how it can lead to wealth

- Personal anecdotes and success stories in investing

- Recommended financial literature for personal growth

- Strategies for participating in 401k and maximizing returns

- Encouraging early financial education for children

- Investing in familiar companies and understanding the stock market

- "Most people work for money, but they never really get the chance to get the money to work for them." — Donell E. Smith

- "You put seed in the ground, you give it some time, and eventually you get this harvest." — Donell E. Smith

- Explore financial education resources and literature to enhance your financial knowledge.

- Implement the concept of compound interest to grow wealth over time.

- Participate in employer-sponsored 401k plans to maximize investment returns.

- Encourage financial literacy and investment habits in children from an early age.

- Invest in companies you know, use, and understand to ensure informed financial decisions.

About with Southern Soul Livestream - Live Episode Podcast

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences.

Support - Community Exploratory Journalism - Buy us A Coffee!

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In this episode of Soul Thursdays, Calvin sits down with Antwone Fisher — celebrated author, screenwriter, and one of the most compelling storytellers of our generation. From foster care to the Navy, from Hollywood to the page, Antwone shares the raw, unfiltered journey of a man who was never supposed to make it — and did.

The conversation centers on forgiveness, not as a moment, but as a process. Antwone reframes fear, survival, and identity in ways that will stay with you long after the episode ends. This is one of the most powerful conversations Calvin has had on Soul Thursdays.

Join Antwone Fisher and host Calvin on this week's episode of Soul Thursdays to explore what it means to survive, to forgive, and to finally become who you were always meant to be.

Calvin opens by framing the conversation around the idea of "being chosen" — not through comfort, but through the ability to survive. Antwone shares that forgiveness is not instant: *"You have to live long enough… and process it."* He compares emotional pain to physical injury — it must heal naturally over time, not on demand.

A defining turning point in Antwone's life came when he stopped focusing on what he lacked: *"I stopped focusing on what I didn't get… and started figuring out what I could do for myself."* That shift led him to join the Navy — and eventually to writing, filmmaking, and becoming a voice for millions who grew up without one.

Antwone also shares how he began writing as a child — putting feelings on paper and destroying the pages afterward. *"That was my first beginning of getting it out."* He reframes fear not as the enemy, but as a signal: *"Maybe fear isn't the enemy… maybe it's an alarm."* This episode is a masterclass in resilience, identity, and what it means to claim your story.

• "You have to live long enough… and process it." (00:42:15-00:42:22 | Antwone Fisher)

• "I stopped focusing on what I didn't get… and started figuring out what I could do for myself." (00:51:30-00:51:40 | Antwone Fisher)

• "That was my first beginning of getting it out." (00:38:44-00:38:48 | Antwone Fisher)

• "Maybe fear isn't the enemy… maybe it's an alarm." (01:05:20-01:05:26 | Antwone Fisher)

• "Anybody had to win, and start all over, and have to win again." (00:19:25-00:19:34 | Calvin)

Antwone Fisher Website - antwone-fisher.com

Reflections Beneath the Buckeye Trees (New Book) - Purchase here

Finding Fish: A Memoir - Amazon

A Boy Should Know How to Tie a Tie - Amazon

Who Will Cry for the Little Boy? (Poem) - Read here

About Soul Thursdays - @SoulThursdays

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the livestream podcast you'll want to invite friends over to watch every week. Join us Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern for real conversations, fascinating guests, community dialogue, and inspiring stories that help us learn, connect, and grow together.

Whether we're discussing mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, culture, identity, or personal growth, Soul Thursdays creates a space where curiosity is welcomed and every voice matters.

🎙️ Join us live: https://SoulThursday.com

Support Community Exploratory Journalism

☕ Buy Us a Coffee (Donate)

https://buymeacoffee.com/soullivestream

🎓 Launch Your Podcast - Build a Community Following with Livestreaming

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🎥 Join Our Replay Community

https://SoulThursday.com

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🌐 Live Weekly Episodes: https://SoulThursdays.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/

🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/soulthursdays

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays

Soul Thursdays

Real Conversations. Real Community. Real Growth.

We Grow Together.

About Soul Thursdays - @SoulThursdays

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the livestream podcast you'll want to invite friends over to watch every week. Join us Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern for real conversations, fascinating guests, community dialogue, and inspiring stories that help us learn, connect, and grow together.

Whether we're discussing mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, culture, identity, or personal growth, Soul Thursdays creates a space where curiosity is welcomed and every voice matters.

🎙️ Join us live: https://SoulThursday.com

Support Community Exploratory Journalism

☕ Buy Us a Coffee (Donate)

https://buymeacoffee.com/soullivestream

🎓 Launch Your Podcast - Build a Community Following with Livestreaming

https://coedcommunity.com

🎥 Join Our Replay Community

https://SoulThursday.com

Connect With Us

🌐 Live Weekly Episodes: https://SoulThursdays.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/

🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/soulthursdays

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays

Soul Thursdays

Real Conversations. Real Community. Real Growth.

We Grow Together.

In this episode of Soul Thursdays, Calvin sits down with Elsa Mehary, an acclaimed identity architect and strategic creative advisor. Elsa shares her journey of navigating diverse cultural landscapes and breaking barriers in the publishing world, offering deep insights into the complex politics of identity within the Black diaspora.

Elsa Mehary, born in Ethiopia and raised in the United States, brings a rich tapestry of multicultural experiences that have profoundly shaped her understanding of identity and community. In the vibrant city of New York, she began her career in publishing, becoming one of the few Black art directors at major publications like Time Inc. and Hearst. Her narrative reveals the challenges and triumphs of advocating for representation in an industry historically lacking in diversity.

Facing unexpected career shifts and personal transformations, Elsa's journey led her to redefine herself and her purpose. As an identity architect, she empowers individuals and brands to embrace self-authorship, forging paths that transcend traditional expectations. Her mother's dedication to the Peace Corps and her grandmother's creativity as a seamstress influenced Elsa's approach to identity as a dynamic, evolving construct. Join Elsa Mehary and host Calvin on this week's episode of Soul Thursdays to learn more about her inspiring journey of self-discovery and community empowerment.

• "I was born in Ethiopia, so my mom was in the Peace Corps." (16:50-16:56 | Elsa Mehary)

• "My focus was… I have to get out of where I live, and I'm moving to New York." (18:31-18:36 | Elsa Mehary)

• "InStyle for about 8 years. I was constantly… and I worked in mostly the fashion and the beauty sections." (20:48-20:51 | Elsa Mehary)

• "They would have freelancers, but, like, on staff, Very, very, very few." (20:04-20:05 | Elsa Mehary)

Elsa Mehary Website - https://www.elsamehary.com

Elsa Mehary Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elsalovesyou/

About Soul Thursdays - @SoulThursdays

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the livestream podcast you'll want to invite friends over to watch every week. Join us Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern for real conversations, fascinating guests, community dialogue, and inspiring stories that help us learn, connect, and grow together.

Whether we're discussing mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, culture, identity, or personal growth, Soul Thursdays creates a space where curiosity is welcomed and every voice matters.

🎙️ Join us live: https://SoulThursday.com

Support Community Exploratory Journalism

☕ Buy Us a Coffee (Donate)

https://buymeacoffee.com/soullivestream

🎓 Launch Your Podcast - Build a Community Following with Livestreaming

https://coedcommunity.com

🎥 Join Our Replay Community

https://SoulThursday.com

Connect With Us

🌐 Live Weekly Episodes: https://SoulThursdays.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/

🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/soulthursdays

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays

Soul Thursdays

Real Conversations. Real Community. Real Growth.

We Grow Together.

About Soul Thursdays - @SoulThursdays

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Soul Thursdays is the livestream podcast you'll want to invite friends over to watch every week. Join us Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern for real conversations, fascinating guests, community dialogue, and inspiring stories that help us learn, connect, and grow together.

Whether we're discussing mental health, relationships, entrepreneurship, culture, identity, or personal growth, Soul Thursdays creates a space where curiosity is welcomed and every voice matters.

🎙️ Join us live: https://SoulThursday.com

Support Community Exploratory Journalism

☕ Buy Us a Coffee (Donate)

https://buymeacoffee.com/soullivestream

🎓 Launch Your Podcast - Build a Community Following with Livestreaming

https://coedcommunity.com

🎥 Join Our Replay Community

https://SoulThursday.com

Connect With Us

🌐 Live Weekly Episodes: https://SoulThursdays.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulthursdays/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulthursdays/

🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/soulthursdays

🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulthursdays

Soul Thursdays

Real Conversations. Real Community. Real Growth.

We Grow Together.

In this powerful Soul Thursdays conversation, Dr. April Harris-Britt unpacks the “strong, silent Black woman” archetype—where it comes from, why it’s so deeply ingrained, and how it quietly harms Black women’s bodies, minds, and relationships.

From her origin story growing up on a small farm in Durham with a hard-working single mom, to her work as a psychologist, researcher, and advocate, Dr. April traces how messages about silence, independence, and caretaking take root early. She explains how this “superwoman” narrative shows up as overwork, burnout, anxiety, depression, and physical illness—often long before Black women even have language for what they’re feeling.

The episode dives into John Henryism, the cultural pressure to outwork everyone “to death,” and the myth that needing help makes you weak. Dr. April offers a different blueprint: radical self-care, mind–body–spirit rituals, stronger boundaries, and a collective commitment to slowing down and changing the culture of overwork in our families, workplaces, and communities.

The “strong silent Black woman” is both myth and burden.

Childhood modeling shapes adult burnout.

It shows up as illness long before language.

Helpers can’t pour from an empty cup.

Overwork is cultural, not personal.

Boundaries will upset people—and that’s okay.

Self-care is not soft; it’s survival.

Representation at the table matters.

We must change the pace of our culture.

Dr. April Harris-Britt is a licensed psychologist based in Durham, NC, specializing in trauma, violence, resilience, adoption, and family systems. Since 2003, she has provided therapy, evaluations, research, and advocacy, serving on state and national boards to amplify Black voices and shape mental health policy rooted in equity and representation.

“We were so poor that sharing a Happy Meal once a month was a treat—but I never saw my mother complain, cry, or ask for help.”

“If you want it done, call a Black woman. If you want it done right, call a Black woman—and that comes with a cost.”

“The strong Black woman schema says we don’t feel anger or sadness the same way, and we should stay nice so we’re not mischaracterized.”

“It doesn’t come with magic beans. They give you ten committees and no extra pay, and you’re supposed to feel honored.”

“We’re not invincible. We can’t take everything on—and we shouldn’t.”

“I’m not a savior, I’m not a martyr. I’m not saving anyone at my own expense.”

“All day I work with trauma and drama. My workout is how I shake it off so my passion doesn’t kill me.”

“As long as we’re programmed to spin fast, slowing down feels wrong. We have to change this culture together.”

About with Southern Soul Live Stream - Podshow

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Southern Soul Livestream - Podshow is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences. Tune in each Thursday at 8 pm eastern at SoulThursdays.com to connect with guests from across the generations and to laugh with our "cast of characters," hosts who are as charming as they are talented!

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In this engaging Soul Thursdays conversation, Dr. Tanecia Mitchell shares her journey as a scientist, author, and mentor, intertwining her passion for health with her faith. She discusses her early inspirations to pursue science, the challenges she faced, and how her experiences led her to write her book Renew the Inner You. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging emotions, the role of scripture in personal growth, and encouraging young women of color to pursue careers in STEM. Dr. Mitchell also outlines her five-step plan for emotional renewal, highlighting the significance of practical steps alongside spiritual guidance.

Dr. Mitchell’s journey began with a childhood dream to cure AIDS.

She emphasizes the importance of faith in her scientific work.

Writing Renew the Inner You was a process of healing and self-discovery.

Acknowledging emotions is crucial for personal growth.

Scripture provides guidance in managing emotions and perspectives.

Encouraging young women of color in STEM is a priority for Dr. Mitchell.

Her five-step plan for emotional renewal is practical and actionable.

Mentoring others is a significant part of her mission.

Dr. Mitchell believes in the power of community and collaboration.

She plans to write more books, including a children’s book.

The Intersection of Science and Faith

Empowering Women in STEM

The Power of Emotional Renewal

“I really love all things of health.”

“I want to find a cure for AIDS.”

“I plan on writing another book. Absolutely.”

00:00 – Start

04:01 – Introducing Dr. Tanecia Mitchell

06:55 – The Intersection of Science and Faith

13:54 – Emotional Renewal and the Writing Journey

21:58 – Five Steps to Emotional Renewal

23:28 – The Revelation of Merging Science and Faith

25:00 – The Journey of Writing and Sharing

26:01 – Future Aspirations: Writing for Children

26:15 – Engaging with the Community

About with Southern Soul Live Stream - Podshow

Witty, thought-provoking, and uplifting, Southern Soul Livestream - Podshow is the program that you’ll invite friends over to watch every week, where you’ll learn about fascinating speakers and get to share in exciting experiences. Tune in each Thursday at 8 pm eastern at SoulThursdays.com to connect with guests from across the generations and to laugh with our "cast of characters," hosts who are as charming as they are talented!

Connect with Dr. Tanecia Mitchell 

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