Today symbolically represents rebirth. The Most-High provides everyone an opportunity for forgiveness. If we left mercy to man, they would forget their own inequities and continue to persecute others.

Fortunately, our featured guest, Sebastian Goodson, doesn't have to worry about others because he does not let others dictate his future because of past mistakes. Sebastian has served over 24 years of his life in prison.  Since his release five years ago, Mr. Goodson's journey through incarceration, pain, anger, and blame has inspired the fantastic work he has done in the community to fight for revitalization, saving our youth, opportunities for returning citizens, and economic mobility.

His journey has given him a great perspective, appreciation for life, and the wisdom to provide practical solutions to save our youth.

Sebastian has committed his life to mentor others so that they have the opportunities that he wished he would have leveraged.  He continues to disrupt, agitate, and challenge the industrial prison system, so others are aware of the magnitude of this institution. Mr. Goodson embraces working with young people that others consider a challenge. He understands many of the obstacles that have led to low self-esteem. Sebastian educates others on the importance of not blaming others and looking at the person in the mirror because that person is the only one who controls one's destiny. Sebastian's zeal to embrace his anger and think of other's pain shows maturity and his commitment to healing. This strong King has organized former gang members to talk with the youth and encourage them to stop the violence. He is a dynamic speaker who demands respect and connects with young people.

Listen to the episode and find out how he overcame incarceration, pain, and struggle to motivate others and demand change.

He is a supervisor with technology and surveying expertise.  He is an active father who models leadership and advocates for capturing the voice of our youth.   

During the episode, Mr. Goodson shares his goal of helping people maximize their growth! He also explains the importance of having a  plan that includes targeting men, elders,  youth, community, and stakeholders while soliciting the input of the people to kids who are begging for guidance.

Help us by sharing this episode and making everyone aware of why it's imperative to provide an environment for young people to succeed. Letting our young people know that we care, provides the conduit to us, showing them why their voices are powerful.

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Today's episode of The Infinite Voice of our Youth illuminates the power of perspective and love. Carloe Moser is our featured guest who shares his journey through family, anger, love, and foster care.  His journey has given him great perspective, expertise, and drive to challenge complacency that's not practical or feasible for foster care students. Mr. Moser is a Hope for the Holiday Specialist at Children's Home Society, Independent Contractor at Sayso-(Strong able youth speaking out) Jim Casey-Fellow, Activist, and Content Creator.

Carloe loves working with young people that others consider a challenge. He understands many of the obstacles that have prevented others from believing in themselves. Thus, expanding how he views situations from his lens and the lens of others before making assumptions. This approach provides a greater perspective of why people allow anger to drive their actions.  Mr. Moser's willingness to embrace his anger and think of other's pain shows maturity and his commitment to healing. The dynamic King is a proud graduate of North Carolina Central University.

Listen to the episode and find out how he overcame anger, pain, school failure, and depression to bond with family, disrupt systems, and demand change.

Recently, he was a panelist at the Human Services Institute at Harvard University.  While there, he challenged traditional thoughts and provided robust, practical input on what would benefit young people in foster care.  

During the episode, Mr. Moser shares his long term goal of helping people to see the jewels inside of themselves! He also explains the urgency of having a multi-focused approach to rival social mobility. The plan includes strategically targeting adults, youth, community, and stakeholders while soliciting the input of the people.

Parting thoughts- if your struggling, write your emotions down, use a new lens-recognize people grieve differently.

Help us by sharing this episode and making everyone aware of why it's imperative to provide a platform for youth to share their powerful voices, why we have to engage youth in foster care, school, and at home to really find out how they are doing. Our ability to pay attention to people will help us heal our villages.

If you're posting to social media, please tag us @embrace_your_truth, @urban_institute_4_sf, @carloe.moser

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LinkedIn: Carloe Moser

Today's episode of The Infinite Voice of our Youth features talented Phillip O Berry High School student, Nyami Aghedo. Nyami is a laser-focused senior who has narrowed her college to three choices. She is a competitive student leader with vision and purpose. The astounding young Shero plans to major in public health on a pre-med track in college. Some of Nyami's accomplishments thus far are participating as an ambassador with the Young Black Leaders Alliance (YBLA), vice president for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools youth council.  As a young servant leader Ms. Aghedo has already begun serving the city of Charlotte by starting a non-profit organization, To and Fro-Connecting Communities.

During the interview, Nyami shared gratitude for her mother, YBLA, and those that supported her dreams and cultivated her growth. YBLA has been instrumental in providing her with leadership training, mission trips, exposure to a dynamic and involved leadership team that exemplifies the importance of championing engagement. Moreover, she has benefited from the young professionals and college ambassadors who returned to prepare current ambassadors for their forthcoming journey to college.

The last two years have led to her replicating the same principals to prepare elementary and junior high students. Nyami's observation of fellow students and other youth is that many feel unsupported and lack appropriate resources/spaces to be safe and vulnerable regarding mental health (depression/anxiety etc...) challenges.

Her recommendation is to focus on real engagement and eliminate transactional interaction. Doing so will improve trust, confidence, and promote an environment that exposes youth to successful and service-oriented peers.

Listen to hear how her mom motivates her to do more, what she put her in to get exposure, and open her mind to opportunities.

Help us by sharing this episode and making everyone aware of why it's essential to provide a platform for youth to share their powerful voices. Ms. Aghedo is using her talents to reciprocate the blessings she has received from others who have invested in her. So she is paying it forward.

If you're posting to social media, please tag us @embrace_your_truth, @urban_institute_4_sf, @yaa_nyasha

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LinkedIn: Nyami Aghedo

Website: www.toandfrocc.wixsite.com/connect

Today's episode of The Infinite Voice of our Youth features a game-changer that's committed to closing the STEM gap in America between men and women. The shero that I am referring to is the ever-curious Abi Olukeye. Mrs. Olukeye is an expert in the STEM field, having spent close to thirteen years perfecting her craft.

During this interview, we discussed Abi's journey from Lagos Nigeria to the United States, and how it shaped her trajectory and love of STEM. At 14, she moved to the United States and fell in love with technology. Her attention to detail, curiosity, resilience, and exposure to various functional areas impacted by technology expanded her lens of STEM, which she leveraged to inspire young girls. She wants to make sure every girl is STEM literate and could make informed decisions that at least gave them the option to use STEM tools in whatever they choose. She was driven to normalize girls in STEM by educating parents and providing abundant resources for educators.

Abi's program Smart Girls HQ exposed fifth-grade girls with science, technology, engineering, and math modules. The modules simulated medical school during the first module.  The practical approach that her program deploys while building trust has helped Smart Girls HQ expand the thoughts of possibilities for her students. Their confidence has improved, and thus the scope of what they can accomplish has significantly improved.

Abi's drive, wisdom, and desire of cultivating an eco-system of STEM girls that's the status quo, or at the minimum, an option will dynamically change our girl's pathway to tech fields in Charlotte. 

Help us by sharing this episode and making everyone aware of the STEM possibilities, diversity, practicality, and the opportunities that exist to elevate upward-mobility in the Queen City. Abi is a technology accelerator and gender equalizer which is committed to decreasing the gender gap in this field. She is using her talents to educate, ignite, and transform the way we teach girls and parents.

If you're posting to social media, please tag us @embrace_your_truth, @urban_institute_4_sf, @raisingsmartgirls

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LinkedIn: Abi Olukeye

Today's episode of The Infinite Voice of our Youth features two prominent members of the Charlotte community. Michael De Vaul is the Chief Responsibility Officer at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. He is a change agent, a proponent of co-creation, applied knowledge, an advocate of youth engagement, and disrupting mindsets to improve outcomes for youth and community.

Our second guest is the vibrant Caitlin Roper, a 20-year-old Queens University student from England. Her major is Sustainability Science, and she is the Captain of the woman's triathlon team. Caitlin is also a resident assistant at Queens University. She offers a youthful and exciting perspective on the economic mobility issues that Charlotte is facing, which she is chronicling in her documentary.

During this interview, we discuss applied knowledge, change, complacency, the importance of black boys and trauma, organized lies, challenging systems, and the differences the youth experience in the US and UK. Caitlin also shares her frustration with the "in the box" thinking that youth experience in the US. 

Mike shares the importance of presence and culture when working with our young black boys. He goes on to talk about the power of an organized lie and how it's more potent than the organized truth.

Mike's wisdom and commitment to developing trust, co-creating change with youth, community while holding systems and districts accountable is essential. Synergizing practical solutions with Caitlin's curious, confrontational, and factual perspective manifest impact.

Young Caitlin shares wisdom beyond her age. She is clear in what the youth want and what she has seen with people talking about wanting upward-mobility but unwilling to speak on the documentary about it or take real action to create change.

Help us by sharing this episode and making people aware of the power of engagement, building trust, and leveraging social capital to elevate upward-mobility in the Queen City. Mike and Caitlin are warriors on the battlefield of change. Both are using their talents to advocate, disrupt, agitate, and confront the exploitation and inequity of underserved people. They do this by creating exposure, documentaries, and black and brown initiatives to develop sustainable solutions. If you're posting to social media, please tag us @embrace_your_truth, @urban_institute_4_sf, @Caitlin.Roper, @Michael.DeVaul

Follow Caitlin.Roper on IG: @caitlin1704 (Twitter)

LinkedIn: Caitlin Roper

Follow Michael.DeVaul on IG:    @MichaelDeVaul (Twitter)

LinkedIn: Michael De Vaul

Today's episode of The Infinite Voice of our Youth featured Therapist and youth exposure champion, Leanna Calvin. During the interview, Leanna shared her interest and commitment to expanding underserved youth to new experiences and careers. She talked about the importance of not knowing what you don't know — then changing that by showing these youth the plethora of opportunities that exist in this wide-open world.

Leanna's emotional intelligence and empathetic personality drives her service to humanity. She uses empathy to transform the struggles of foster children.

During the episode, Leanna tells how experience and exposure are only a part of the solution her program at the exposure project provides. She is clear in explaining that reflection and reflective writing is one tool she uses to develop their critical thinking.

Leanna discusses the importance of being transparent and preparing youth through modeling and information. Her focus on telling kids the why behind actions is instrumental to understanding. Then invite them to be a part of the process, and ask for their help, are the key to progressive engagement. These lessons encourage trust Which promotes vulnerability and courageousness. Thus allowing these young people to learn about themselves, work as a team, find their voice, explore careers, participate in service projects,  and experience new ideas.

Help us by sharing this episode and making people aware of the power of exposure and how to use reflection to change one's view of the world. Ms. Calvin is a dynamic therapist, social worker, foster parent, and executive director of a non-profit. She utilizes her non-profit to disrupt, agitate, and confront the exploitation and inequity of underserved children. She does this by creating exposure and service projects with high school students. If you're posting to social media, please tag us @embrace_your_truth, @urban_institute_4_sf,

Follow Leanna Calvin on IG: @ExposureProject and (Twitter)

Today's episode of The Infinite Voice of our Youth features guest, Anthony Skinner.  Anthony is a 20-year-old creative who loves creating music, art, poetry, and rap. This young activist facilitates support for other creatives through his Talk Love brand that meets every other weekend. During the interview, Anthony reveals his evolution and shares why he is committed to being a light for other young folk in the community. His story and migration to Charlotte from Michigan provide valuable information that demonstrates resilience and learning lessons that could be a template for others.

Anthony is a unique spirit who is appreciative of his parents and the humbling experience of the 2007 recession. The recession changed his life and gave him a new perception that drives him to serve others in love.  His enlightening journey in life and exposure to dynamic people encouraged him to be the change for others.

Anthony's growth is a compelling narrative of the power of sowing seeds and watching them reciprocate as he pays his blessings forward through others.

During the podcast, Anthony shares experiences, challenges, and what makes him different. He proceeds to explain how building his self-esteem allowed him to step into his purpose while embracing his accountability to his fellow youth.

The wise young King provides the audience with real-life practical examples of what young people can do to avoid following negative influences and making bad decisions. He raises the awareness of self and challenges the youth attune their minds to what they can become if they change their perception of life.

Help us by sharing this episode and making people aware of the power of love and the importance of supporting our youth and their vision. Mr. Skinner is a rising leader that cannot be confined to a place. This King aspires to expand his impact with youth and future generations throughout the world. He does this by relating to anyone, spreading love, peace, and positivity.  If you're posting to social media, please tag us @embrace_your_truth,nie@urban_institute_4_sf, and @tony.wavy

Follow Anthony Skinner on IG: @tony.wavy and

Paul Day hosted Today's episode of The Infinite Voice of our Youth, which was a shift for listeners since Kelly is typically the host of the podcast.  However, on this day, Kelly was the featured guest on the podcast. During the interview, Kelly explains the foundation of who he is, how he grew up, and how Philadelphia and the 21st and Westmoreland neighborhood of North Philly, cultivated his growth.

Kelly is a selfless servant with a captivating personality that he chooses to share to help people embrace their truth and become the best versions of themselves. His eventful journey in life and exposure to a loving community allowed him to persevere through the many challenges he experienced growing in a tough North Philly neighborhood.

Kelly explains how conditions, neighborhoods, and the synergy of a unified community allows the villagers to thrive in a society that only wants youth to survive. It takes the institutionalization of a Villiage to combat the system of the school to prison pipeline.

Kelly's evolution and challenging journey is one that many Latino and African-American males face in the United States. It speaks to the power of community and how a community of men and women can help move young people to step into their greatness if those elders guide them appropriately.

Kelly's childhood experience, trauma, and resilience are what helped him to develop into a relatable person to listeners. His passion, intuition, and genuineness are inviting to those he interacts with or shares information with to benefit them.

During this episode, Kelly provides the audience with a real-life journey of what happens when young people are not communicated with or given practical opportunities to purge pain, anger, disappointment, and guidance. He provides listeners with essential information that they can utilize to minimize the probability of being consumed by negative forces.

Help us by sharing this episode and making people aware of the power of community and how to use resilience to elevate the human condition. Mr. Little is a transformative Charlotte speaker, coach, business owner who utilizes his nonprofit to disrupt, agitate, and confront the school to prison pipeline. He does this by creating a pathway to excellence that starts with elementary youth and ends with high school students who reciprocate their lessons by teaching the youngest kids to read. If you're posting to social media, please tag us @embrace_your_truth, @urban_institute_4_sf,

Follow Kelly Little on IG: @Embrace_Your_Truth and @urban_institute_4_sf

Follow Kelly on LinkedIn Kelly R. Little

Follow Kelly on Twitter: @Little1971Kelly

Today our featured guest on the podcast is Kareem Puranda. Mr. Puranda is a magnetic practitioner that is also a curious clinician who is always striving to create breakthrough opportunities for his clients. His story of triumph and evolution is both empowering and relatable for listeners. He provides information to help youth and families embrace anxiety, trauma, identity, parenting, and anger.

Kareem's mastery of his journey allows him to synthesize information in a relatable fashion to listeners. His charisma and knack for telling stories will leave you breathless.

During this episode, Kareem takes the listeners on a real-life journey of what happens when young people are not communicated with or given practical opportunities to purge pain, anger, disappointment, and guidance. He provides listeners with essential information that they can utilize to minimize the probability of being consumed by negative forces.

Help us by sharing this episode and making people aware of the power of healing and mental health with Therapist, Kareem Puranda. Mr. Puranda is a transformative Charlotte clinician who helps clients break through their fears and limitations. If you're posting to social media, please tag us @embrace_your_truth, @urban_institute_4_sf, @Selftalkcc

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Collaboration over Competition

Today our featured guests on the podcast are Gary Crump of Men of Destiny, and Akeem Streater Bey of Dr. O.J.'s Organic Juice. Both the Elder King and Ascending King provided empowering information to help families embrace and conquer their destinies from different lenses. Gary shared strategies on healing from a physical perspective. Akeem delivered practical methods to heal from consuming nutrients that are essential for the functioning of our internal organs. He verbally illustrated the benefits of consuming organic vegetables and fruits.

During this episode, both community activists shared the internal benefits of reaching our youth and adults. Consumption is both mental and physical. Thus, leading to a spiritual rebirth of our community. These two gentlemen are committed to collaborating for the elevation of our Charlotte. Their collective insight on youth, family, exposure, and the duality of health will be paramount to leveraging relationships and resources to empower the community.

During this episode, Gary provided great information on how to engage our youth, expose them to different experiences, teaching them trades, and leadership. Mr. Crump shared his abandonment and how a relative took him and siblings in and loved them. It was from that critical juncture in his life at he learned some valuable lessons.

Kindred pure spirits void of ego will move us to our higher selves. The energy and selflessness of these leaders and their synergy will drive us to transform the lives of disenfranchised youth and a renewed empowerment that cultivates upward mobility through hope.