Thanks for all the great feedback on part one of our special new segment, "The Lunch Counter".  In our first episode we spoke about some of our concerns related to the upcoming 2020 elections, the state of racial relations in America and why so many people are hurting.

In this, part two of our conversation, we continue to focus on the power of voting and how we (the people) can come together and unite for change by using our voices at the polls. And why it is important to teach children from a young age why the voting process is so important.

2020 has been a year like no other. So many of us are apprehensive about the future and what it means for our families. We encourage you, no matter your political affiliation, your beliefs, race, culture or background, to use your voice to #SpeakUp and #SpeakOut by #Voting this November and voting early.

If you are not registered to #Vote or are unsure of your status, we have provided a link for you to take care of that right away.

https://bit.ly/OVR9T5

When looking for topics for upcoming shows, we at Speak Out World: Arts, Activism & More! have quite a bit to say. Our conversations usually continue long after the recordings have stopped.

In order to keep the conversation going, and to create an outlet for us to express ourselves further, we created "The Lunch Counter". This special series was named for the numerous heroes who protested for equality through sit-ins at local restaurants across the South.

For our premiere episode our discussion is about "Getting in GOOD Trouble", a statement made famous by the late Congressman John Lewis. We focus on the upcoming 2020 elections and our concerns over the voting process.

We hope you enjoy this special series and would love your feedback. Let us know what you topics you want to hear.

Featured in this discussion are Co-hosts, Jewel L and Deano L, along with our Producer Annice and myself, the Creative/Technical Producer, Sha. To learn more about Speak Out World, and our joint projects visit: www.speakoutworld.com or www.sowpodcast.com.

James Render Jr. hosts an eclectic hour of music featuring artists that you know and love, interwoven with new music that you will have to add to your collection.

More than music, The Music According to James creates a platform to give the community a voice by appearing on the show. Topics covered include black-owned businesses, authors, extraordinary overcomers, domestic violence, musicians, etc.

James loves all kinds of music. Listen to The Music According to James and get schooled in the art of R&B, the facts of Funk, the sweet-savory sounds of Smooth Jazz. The Music According to James is on his internet station WJWR Saturdays at 1 pm, and is powered by James’

Jazz Matters, Inc. was founded by Edwin Williams, an accomplished bassist, who is no stranger to the Atlanta music scene. He was featured bassist for over twenty years with the John Robertson Trio at the world-renowned, Dante’s Down the Hatch jazz club in Atlanta, Georgia and has performed nationally and internationally with major jazz and R&B artists and with The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in its annual "Soulful Christmas" production.

For the past several years, he has produced jazz events, such as, the annual summer concert series, Experiencing Jazz Series: Jazz Matters at the Wren's Nest; A Soulful Sunday and Sunday Live! A Jazz Experience; Soulful Sunday Jazz for various art centers in the Atlanta metro area featuring over 70 performing artists and students from Atlanta, Marietta and Perry, GA performing arts programs.

Edwin's desire to keep jazz alive led him to establish Jazz Matters, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Jazz Matters, Inc., the mission is to Preserve a Musical Culture, Tradition, Art Form.

www.sowpodcast.com

LaQuita is the Founder, CEO and Facilitator of A Failure 2 Communicate Mentoring Program as well as a Relationship Communication Coach and Mentor with a passion for people and their well-being. LaQuita is also the Founder and Facilitator of EXHALE-a social communication group for women who meet to discuss different issues, ranging from personal to political.

LaQuita has a degree in Business and has been planning and facilitating successful mentoring and communication sessions for nearly twenty years throughout the State of Georgia. She sits on the Board of Directors for Premier Academy, a non-profit organization specializing in early childhood education and development and has also been volunteering with Junior Achievement of Georgia for the last eight years. LaQuita enjoys working with young ladies through her mentoring program by teaching them the importance of self-love, self-respect, positive attitudes and self-awareness. LaQuita is an out of the box thinker who believes that effective communication has the power to build bridges, while ineffective communication can tear them down. She believes how we feel about ourselves has a direct connection to how we communicate.

www.sowpodcast.com

Fray White is the humble Husband of Theresa White and the father of five beautiful young adults, a licensed Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A highly accomplished businessman in the world of Telecommunication and Data Industry. He earned his Masters of Theology degree from Life Christian University. He has released his New Book titled: "Now... Faith Is...": How to Create the Life God Desires for You to Live by FAITH and by Works (Action). Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Alma Mater to famous civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and renowned songstress Lena Horne.

His love for Jesus Christ and people compelled him to seek a deeper relationship with Him in April 2004. He made a commitment to fully serve Him the remainder of his life. He has a heart for the plight of young men and men. His BOYS and MENtoring program will function as a mentoring, academics, and vocational foundation to prepare Boys and Men to enter into our world trained to succeed in any environment. He began his ministry career as a college professor at Life Christian University, teaching accredited Leadership, Theology, and Spiritual Growth courses. Fray also facilitated Men's Ministry Groups in leadership in local Churches. He has begun a new life in the Ministry, Publishing, Multimedia, and Christian Entertainment Business and by the will of God hopes to build a legacy that shall remain from generation to generation.

www.sowpodcast.com

We continue our interview with "Thug Life to Triumphant Life" author, Reggie Beaty. Reggie focuses on the opportunity he was given to change his path, and reshape his future. Now his focus is on giving the same opportunity to other students in his community and around the world.

Reggie's Bio:

Reggie was a “difficult to reach youth” growing up in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Beaty found out early on the critical role that mentors play in a youth’s life. He was expelled from school at 14, ran with gang-oriented crowds, carried weapons, and was ultimately incarcerated. Beaty found a mentor in Bobby Garrett, director of West End Academy, a non-traditional school in the Communities In Schools of Georgia system.  As a result of Garrett’s intervention, Beaty graduated from West End Academy, earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Stillman College, and a Master’s in Aerospace Education from Middle Tennessee State University.

Next, Beaty built a stellar 20-year career in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Along the way, Beaty earned the Leo A. Codd national “Instructor of the Year” for all colleges and universities, presented by President George W Bush, and “Civic Man of the Year” for his work with youth in Oklahoma. For 10 years Beaty served as Chief Operating Officer with Communities In Schools of Georgia, where he helped to build the non-traditional schools Performance Learning Centers and Georgia’s “Graduation Coaches” initiative.

For more information on Reggie Beaty, his organization or his book you may send him an email at [email protected] or visit https://theffes.com

Welcome back to Speak Out World! We are so excited to introduce you to  Leng Leng Chancey, Executive Director, 9to5, National Association for Working Women. Leng Leng is an activist, community organizer, and champion of equality and liberation. Her passion focuses on social justice issues concerning communities of color, advocating for "equitable access for ALL". Her passion for justice is infectious.

Born and raised in Singapore, Leng Leng came to the United States to attend college at Washington State University where she received her BA in History and Asian Studies. She has held numerous management positions in nonprofits such as the United Way of Greater Atlanta, and the Center for Pan Asian Community Services. In 2013, Leng Leng, along with 4 other women, founded the Atlanta Chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, a national organization focusing on building a movement to advance social justice and human rights for AAPI women and girls in the United States.

She served as Co-Chair of the group for 2 years before moving on to join the national organization as their Development and Communications Director and then as Deputy Director. Most recently, Leng Leng served as the Vice President of Development and Marketing at Quality Care for Children, working on affordability and accessibility to high-quality childcare.

Leng Leng shares with us her views on systemic racism in America, the inequality face by women and people of color in the workforce, and how we can come together for change. Something that is on the tip of everyone's lips during the tragedy and outrage following the untimely death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

For more information on 9to5 and their mission, please visit www.9to5.org.

We would love to hear your thoughts on this and other episodes. Visit our website, leave a comment, like, and share. www.sowpodcast.com

Thank you to all our fans that stood by us during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We understand how difficult this time has been for EVERYONE! And we pray that you and your families remain healthy and safe.

Adjusting to our new normal, the team at Speak Out World had to regroup and refocus how we produce our podcast. We are excited to bring you Part One of our interview with "Thug Life to Triumphant Life" author, Reggie Beaty. Reggie tells his powerful story of growing up in one of the roughest neighbors in South West Atlanta and his journey out of poverty and a life of crime into a life of success.

Reggie's Bio:

Reggie was a “difficult to reach youth” growing up in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Beaty found out early on the critical role that mentors play in a youth’s life. He was expelled from school at 14, ran with gang-oriented crowds, carried weapons and was ultimately incarcerated. Beaty found a mentor in Bobby Garrett, director of West End Academy, a non-traditional school in the Communities In Schools of Georgia system.  As a result of Garrett’s intervention, Beaty graduated from West End Academy, earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Stillman College and a Master’s in Aerospace Education from Middle Tennessee State University.  Next, Beaty built a stellar 20-year career in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Along the way, Beaty earned the Leo A. Codd national “Instructor of the Year” for all colleges and universities, presented by President George W Bush, and “Civic Man of the Year” for his work with youth in Oklahoma. For 10 years Beaty served as Chief Operating Officer with Communities In Schools of Georgia, where he helped to build the non-traditional schools Performance Learning Centers and Georgia’s “Graduation Coaches” initiative.

For more information on Reggie Beaty, his organization or his book you may send him an email at [email protected] or visit https://foundationforeducationalsuccess.com/ .

Emmy nominated TV writer, Producer, Playwright, and Educator, Susan Sojourna Collier shares her experiences as the first African American writer on the ABC soap opera “All My Children,” her life as a playwright, a poet, and remembering her dear friend, the late actor Tommy Ford.

Sojourna received a Daytime Emmy nomination for her work on All My Children. Collier also wrote for One Life to Live. In collaboration with her friend, comedian/actor Tommy Ford, Sojourna produced a series of sitcoms and films which were distributed by Lionsgate/Grindstone. Her first feature film "Conflict of Interest" aired on the Aspire TV Network to rave reviews and garnering the network's largest ratings. The film also premiered at the Las Vegas Black Film Festival, winning Best Film at the BronzeLens Festival as well as the Audience Choice at the Peachtree Village International Film Festival.

www.sowpodcast.com

Episode Producers:

Annice Lillard

Dean Lillard

Jewel Howard

Sharon Phillip

Creative Producer/Director:

Sharon Phillip

Assistant Director:

Suzanne Phillip

Special Thanks:

Wholistic Entertainment & Events

Cr8-tive Company LLC

PoeticJem Productions

Our Theatre Company

"Speak Out: Arts, Activism & More!" is produced by the Cr8-tive Group