In this conversation, Jabir McKnight interviews nationally recognized activist and author of 'The Fire Right Now,’ Ty Hobson Powell. The episode discusses Ty's early life, educational journey, and the challenges he faced as a young black male in the education system. Ty also shares insights on the importance of identity, community organizing, and the role of fatherhood in shaping his purpose and political views. 

The discussion also critiques the current cultural landscape — highlighting the need for responsible consumption of media and the impact it has on societal values — stressing the importance of personal accountability within the community, urging individuals to recognize their choices and the power they hold to effect change.

Stay connected with SPARK*D

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Follow Ty Hobson Powell on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tyhobsonpowelldc/

Purchase The Fire Right Now on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Right-Now-Ty-Hobson-Powell/dp/B0F8P8XSDQ

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ty Hopson-Powell

01:06 Early Life and Education Journey

05:46 Navigating School and Identity

09:57 Experiences of Early Adulthood

15:07 The Fire Right Now: Book Insights

19:56 Wisdom and Adaptation in a Changing World

25:00 Fatherhood and Its Impact on Purpose

25:50 The Influence of Fatherhood

31:55 Cultural Consumption and Its Impact

39:08 Choices and Accountability in the Community

45:50 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Action

In this conversation, Amanda Hunt shares her journey as an actor, writer, and filmmaker, discussing her early inspirations, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges she faces as a Black woman in the entertainment industry. She emphasizes the significance of representation, the need for authentic storytelling, and the importance of creating one's own work. Amanda also touches on the balance between creativity and business, the necessity of protecting one's peace, and the personal connections she makes with her roles — highlighting the gaps in mainstream narratives, particularly regarding Jamaican culture and identity. 

The conversation also explores the cultural similarities between Southern and Caribbean communities and its shared values and traditions. Host, Jabir A. McKnight and Amanda also discuss the importance of ancestry and the creative process, highlighting personal rituals that inspire their work.

Stay connected with Amanda Morris:

Website: https://www.amandamhunt.com/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nalasoul/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@AmandaMHunt

Stay connected with SPARK*D

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast

Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Amanda Hunt

01:07 The Journey into Entertainment

04:12 Mentorship and Advocacy

07:29 Identity and Representation in Storytelling

11:03 Challenges in the Industry

13:39 The Importance of Creating Your Own Work

17:19 Balancing Creativity and Business

19:04 Protecting Your Peace

21:35 Personal Connections to Roles

23:30 Missing Narratives in Mainstream Media

26:24 Cultural Connections: Southern and Caribbean Similarities

28:36 Exploring Ancestry: The Ties Between Cultures

30:02 Creative Process: Rituals and Inspirations

36:02 Film Inspirations: Analyzing Recent Works

44:50 Legacy and Impact: Inspiring Future Generations

In this episode of SPARK*D, host Jabir McKnight engages with Alexander Hackett, City Councilman At-Large for Wilmington, Delaware. They discuss the importance of leadership in the community, particularly in engaging the younger generation in civic activities. Hackett shares his personal journey from education to public service, emphasizing the need for intergenerational connections and the impact of mentorship and reflects on his experiences in the corporate world and on Capitol Hill. The conversation underlines the vital role of community engagement in shaping future leaders by empowering them through career opportunities and engaging them in the political process. Hackett also addresses the challenges small businesses face in politics and the necessity of proactive involvement in community issues. He shares his vision for innovative governance that balances tradition with change, encouraging future leaders to take action and invest in their communities.

Stay connected with Alexander Hackett at www.alexanderhackett.com/ or on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderhackett_ | https://www.instagram.com/councilmanhackett

Twitter: https://x.com/hackett4wilm 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alexhackett2020 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexander-hackett-070b21109 

Stay connected with SPARK*D

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast

Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Community Engagement

03:01 Personal Journey and Community Impact

06:07 Defining Leadership Through Experience

09:08 Navigating the Corporate World as a First-Gen Student

12:07 Lessons from Capitol Hill

14:56 Building Coalitions for Community Success

17:56 Innovative Campaign Strategies for Youth Engagement

23:47 Engaging the Community: A New Approach to Campaigning

28:09 Empowering the Youth: Career Opportunities and Community Engagement

32:46 Bridging the Gap: Engaging Small Businesses in Politics

39:44 Innovating Governance: Balancing Tradition and Change

41:54 Inspiring Future Leaders: The Call to Action

In this enlightening conversation, Jabir McKnight interviews Rod Adkins, a strategy consultant and tech expert, about his journey from the Air Force to becoming an executive. They discuss the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the evolving workforce shaped by AI and automation. Rod shares insights on essential skills for the future, the role of communication in business, and the opportunities within the aerospace industry — emphasizing the significance of creativity and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape.

Stay connected with SPARK*D

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast

Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

02:52 Early Influences and Resilience

05:48 Mentorship and Leadership Style

09:00 Adapting to Change in Consulting

12:10 Essential Skills for the Future Workforce

15:02 Opportunities for Human Innovation

17:52 The Role of Communication in Business

21:09 Exploring the Aerospace Industry

23:48 Crowdsourced Innovation and Future Work

26:56 Advice for Gen Z

30:11 The Truth About Innovation

32:59 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this conversation, host Jabir McKnight and Executive Director of Brailsford & Dunlavey, Dr. T.J. Logan, explore the evolving landscape of higher education, discussing the impact of the pandemic, the importance of community and shared experiences, and the need for institutions to differentiate themselves by taking audacious chances. Here, they emphasize the role of technology and partnerships in driving innovation, while also highlighting the significance of humility and expertise in professional growth.

Visit Brailsford & Dunlavey at https://www.bdconnect.com

Connect with Dr. T.J. Logan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/t-j-logan

Stay connected with SPARK*D

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast

Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Higher Education Landscape

03:06 The Journey into Higher Education

05:55 Mentorship and Professional Growth

08:49 Balancing Expertise and Storytelling

12:01 The Changing Value of Higher Education

15:01 Post-Pandemic Challenges in Higher Education

17:58 Navigating the Job Market and Student Support

21:02 Systemic Changes Needed in Higher Education

23:51 Talent and Professionalization in Higher Education

27:09 Technology Implementation in Education

29:57 Public-Private Partnerships in Higher Education

32:23 Navigating the Higher Education Landscape

36:15 The Importance of Humility and Authenticity

41:40 The Role of Resources in Innovation

43:21 Embracing AI and Technology in Education

51:30 Defining the Value Proposition of Higher Education

58:57 Evolving Perspectives in Higher Education

In this conversation, host, Jabir McKnight, and Co-Founder and CEO of Assemble, Cortney Woodruff discuss the relevance of higher education, the mission of Assemble, and the importance of bridging the gap between industry and academia. They explore the challenges faced by universities in adapting to changing workforce demands, the role of corporations in shaping educational curricula, and the impact of demographic trends on higher education. 

Cortney shares his entrepreneurial journey, the significance of cultural intelligence, and discusses the evolving landscape of fundraising and investment in diverse startups as well as the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking to advance their careers within corporate structures. The conversation also touches on the frustrations within the Black community regarding access to opportunities and the importance of democratizing education.

Stay connected with SPARK*D

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast

Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com

Check out Assemble at https://www.assemble.fyi/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Assemble and Its Mission

03:03 Bridging the Gap in Higher Education

06:05 The Role of Corporations in Education

09:04 The Impact of Demographics on Universities

12:11 The Pandemic's Influence on Education

15:02 Cortney's Entrepreneurial Journey

18:07 Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspectives

20:59 Fundraising Challenges and Opportunities

24:06 Navigating the Investment Landscape

27:07 The Shift in Silicon Valley's Diversity

30:02 Conclusion and Future Outlook

38:19 Navigating Corporate Hierarchies

41:33 Building a Network for Future Executives

44:07 Curating Executive Connections

48:11 Frustrations and Aspirations in the Black Community

51:42 Democratizing Access to Opportunities

54:43 Engaging with Universities

01:00:04 The Future of Education

01:04:34 Future-Proofing Careers for the Next Generation

In this week’s conversation, host Jabir A. McKnight delves into the current state and future of male achievement in America, particularly focusing on Black boys and men with Anthony G. Stepney and Dr. Robert J. Rodgers Jr. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in education, the importance of community and accountability through personal stories and historical context.

Also discussed is the importance of exposure and education in personal growth, the impact of mindset on financial success, and the need for community-oriented approaches to capitalism—emphasizing the significance of studying one's craft, the role of relationships in sustaining success, and the value of mentorship.

Ultimately, the speakers advocate for setting high standards and aspirations within the community to foster growth and success, emphasizing the necessity of redesigning educational systems to better support the Black community.

Stay connected with SPARK*D

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast

Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Male Achievement Challenges

03:06 Personal Stories and Motivations

05:56 The Evolution of Educational Environments

08:48 Classroom Dynamics and Student Performance

11:58 Common Issues Faced by Young Men

14:53 The Crisis of Male Motivation

18:00 The Role of Accountability in Education

21:04 Equity and Representation in Education

23:59 Historical Context of Education for Black Men

27:02 The Importance of Community and Support

29:58 Future Directions for Black Male Achievement

32:22 The Importance of Exposure and Education

33:29 Mindset and Financial Success in Education

34:51 Community and Capitalism: A Different Approach

37:11 The Legacy of Hard Work and Craftsmanship

39:35 Perception of Success and Aspiration

41:24 The Role of Relationships in Sustaining Success

42:51 Defining Your Why: The Meaning Behind Aspirations

44:20 The Reality of Entrepreneurship and Planning

46:28 Investing in Yourself: The Path to Mastery

48:11 The Value of Consistency and Accountability

50:27 Delayed Gratification and the Journey to Success

52:24 Learning from Failure and the Slow Burn of Success

53:10 The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth

55:40 Pruning: The Tough Love of Mentorship

57:54 Setting Standards and Aspirations in the Community

01:01:04 The Historical Context of Change

01:04:43 Reframing Family Dynamics and Economic Realities

01:08:42 Vocational Education and Skills Development

01:12:20 The Importance of Mentorship and Role Models

01:17:13 Redesigning Education for Black Boys

01:23:01 Empowering Black Boys Through Opportunity and Accountability

In this conversation, Jabir McKnight and Paula Intravaia discuss the significance of creativity and daydreaming in today's fast-paced world. Paula shares insights about her organization, Cloud Club Collective, which focuses on activating imaginations and fostering creativity through purposeful daydreaming. They explore the challenges faced in education, the role of nature in creativity, and the importance of encouraging creative expression in both children and adults. The discussion also touches on the impact of lost creativity in under-resourced communities and the mental health crisis, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to enhance well-being and foster a culture of creativity.Stay connected with SPARK*DInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcastCheck out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.comChapters:00:00 Introduction to Cloud Club Collective03:00 The Importance of Daydreaming05:51 Priming the Mind for Creativity08:54 Creativity in Education11:47 Nature's Role in Creativity14:52 Encouraging Creativity in Children17:52 The Consequences of Lost Creativity21:05 Creativity and Mental Health23:49 The Entrepreneurial Journey of Cloud Club29:46 Future Vision for Cloud Club Collective

In this inspiring episode, Jabir McKnight sits down with Zakia Blain, Founder and CEO of FBF Body, to explore her powerful journey through resilience, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven community building. Zakia opens up about the personal health challenges that shaped her path, and how a simple weight loss challenge evolved into a thriving shapewear brand. Zakia speaks candidly about the importance of authenticity, giving back, and uplifting the next generation through her philanthropic efforts. The conversation dives into mental health, navigating business during the pandemic, and the hard-won lessons she’s learned along the way—as a visionary entrepreneur and a dedicated mother.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Community Building

02:59 The Birth of FBF Body and Its Mission

06:02 Overcoming Health Challenges and Embracing Adaptability

09:11 The Shift from Weight Loss to Shapewear

11:52 Navigating Manufacturing Challenges

15:02 Taking a Gap Year for Mental Health

18:00 The Impact of Authenticity on Community

21:00 Philanthropy and Giving Back

23:45 Empowering the Next Generation through Education

27:01 Transitioning from Education to Entrepreneurship

30:20 Building a Supportive Team for Growth

35:37 Building a Supportive Team

39:40 Identifying Your Target Audience

43:30 The Journey of Starting FBF

54:33 Navigating Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

01:04:39 Lessons for the Next Generation

In this episode of SPARK*D | THE DREAMBEACON PODCAST, host Jabir A. McKnight sits down with Dante Wade and Aaron Warrick, co-founders of Reju, a mental health and wellness app. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, the inception of Reju, the importance of addressing mental health in marginalized communities, and emphasizes the need for destigmatizing mental health discussions and the importance of individual and collective growth. Dante and Aaron both talk about the challenges they faced, the impact of economic factors on mental health, and the significance of mentorship and community support. 

Stay connected with SPARK*D

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast

Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:18 Dante Wade's Journey: From Athlete to Entrepreneur

05:59 Aaron Warrick's Background: Overcoming Adversity in Philadelphia

10:16 The Vision and Mission of Reju

13:50 Addressing Mental Health in Marginalized Communities

17:21 Destigmatizing Mental Health Conversations

19:57 Understanding Read You's Audience and Demographics

21:54 Identifying Gaps in Mental Health Resources

27:14 Future Challenges: Economic and Structural Issues

30:50 The Impact of Supply and Demand on Health Resources

31:04 The Rise of Individualism and Its Consequences

34:41 Navigating Personal Ambition and Community Needs

35:34 Challenges in Entrepreneurship: Funding and Development

46:59 The Role of Mentorship and Trusting Your Gut

52:25 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned