How does a plant once demonized as a “gateway drug” during Reagan’s War on Drugs now symbolize a gateway to prosperity for some—but not all? What does it mean to move from last to first in an industry that profited from the suffering of marginalized communities?

In a country where small businesses form the backbone of the economy, many of these owners attach their hopes on presidential candidates who promise transformative change. For some, Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric about tax cuts, deregulation, and “bringing back American jobs” struck a chord. His promises of a business-friendly environment gave many small business owners hope that his presidency would address the systemic challenges they face—from high taxes and limited access to capital to the rising costs of goods and labor.

In our latest back-to-school episode, we bring together parents and educators - Marion 'Nick' Chisholm, Derby Johnson, and Terry Harper-Boatman - for a roundtable discussion on Florida's public schools, Black history, and the impact of Governor DeSantis's actions. We shed light on the issue dominating national headlines: the removal of Black history in Florida's public schools, and reveal that this concern predates recent events.

Parents share personal stories reflecting their assumption that their children's education mirrored their own experiences. They discuss the evolving approach to raising kids and the diminishing role of community support. 

We also explore the growing popularity of school choice among Black families in Florida. 

Follow The Last Will Be First on social media!

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

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

—

Executive Producer:

Alexis Cummings

Story Editor:

Brittany Jones

Host / Producers:

Brittany Jones 

Kavontae Smalls

—

Have a story idea? Send it to [email protected]

In this second episode of our back-to-school series focusing on black education in Florida, we dive into perspectives from Cherie Robinson, a third-grade teacher in Jacksonville, and former administrator Virkeisha Palmer from Pensacola. The episode underscores the value of high expectations and the role of parents, teachers and administrators in maintaining unwavering expectations as Black students' transition to higher grades.

In a two part discussion we address the importance of viewing Black students' challenges as separate from their intelligence. 

Cherie Robinson stresses a well-rounded approach, advocating for attention to every aspect of a child. Virkeisha Palmer highlights how schools often fail to uphold high expectations for black students and emphasizes the importance of intentionally placing students based on potential. 

Follow The Last Will Be First on social media!

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

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

—

Executive Producer:

Alexis Cummings

Story Editor:

Brittany Jones

Host / Producers:

Brittany Jones 

Kavontae Smalls

—

Have a story idea? Send it to [email protected]

In this episode, we kickstart our "Back to School" series, focusing on the current state of education for Black students in Florida's K-12 public school system. Our conversation with Amber Roberts sheds light on the experiences of working in the alternative education environment, where some students face what she considers "double jeopardy." Caught between the criminal justice system and the education system, these students lack the necessary resources and guidance to navigate their educational journey, often leaving them stranded on the threshold of progress.

Unfortunately, this vulnerable student population is frequently overlooked and sidelined when discussing educational development. However, Amber emphasizes the critical importance of not only empathizing with these students but also advocating for them. Join us in this three-part series as we delve deeper into understanding the crucial role we all must play in supporting our students and dismantling the barriers that impede their growth.

Follow The Last Will Be First on social media!

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

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

—

Executive Producer:

Alexis Cummings

Story Editor:

Brittany Jones

Hosts / Producers:

Brittany Jones

Kavontae Smalls

—

Have a story idea? Send it to [email protected]

In this upcoming series, we go beyond the headlines and into the classroom as we explore the current state of Black education in Florida. 

Join us as we go back to school to shed light on the voices that often go unheard to craft a more inclusive narrative about the current state of education for Black students in Florida’s public school system. 

Series launches Monday, August 14th.

In this episode, we wrap up our series on navigating job loss with a two-part conversation that explores disconnecting from our plans and letting purpose lead.

In part one, our host, Brittany Jones, and her former colleague Jimmy Marlow discuss the personal impact of the Black News Channel network shutdown, just two years after its launch in 2020. Jimmy opens up about his experiences following his layoff and eventual return to the newsroom this past year. He shares how a series of odd jobs helped emphasize the significance of staying open to unconventional opportunities, rather than conforming to societal expectations.

In part two of the episode, Brittany is joined by Alexis, her childhood friend and executive producer of "The Last Will Be First" to share her story. Brittany discusses how she is using her newfound freedom during this unemployment season to clarify her purpose and bet on herself. She emphasizes how the support she receives from friends like Alexis are instrumental in her journey of carving a lane for herself.

Join us for a conversation on resilience, growth, and finding purpose amidst life's unexpected turns. Like The Last Will Be First? Rate the series, share with your friends, and follow us so you never miss an episode.

This episode of "The Last Will Be First," is part two of a three-part series where we continue to delve into the lives of individuals who have faced past and present layoffs. As we journey deeper into the real experiences of those struggling to find employment and explore the impact of layoffs on Black workers, we bring you an inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery.

In this episode we hear from Aneesha DuBois, a multi-faceted woman who has worn multiple hats, from being an associate producer for E-News to a public relations director for a major company, and now a voice-over talent for esteemed platforms like Nickelodeon and Netflix. But Aneesha's journey to success wasn't without its challenges. 

When faced with a layoff, Aneesha questioned her path ahead and pondered the next steps in her career. However, through it all, she chose to trust the journey and believe that everything that happened was on purpose.

We release new episodes every week, don't miss an episode by following this podcast here on Spotify.

In this episode we hear from Michelle Okeke, a seasoned sales executive and media branding expert who has faced an astonishing five layoffs throughout her career. This episode of "The Last Will Be First," is part one of a three-part series that delves into the challenging world of unemployment and its disproportionate impact on Black workers.

Michelle, who has worked at prestigious tech companies such as Facebook, Bose, and Twitter, opens up about her journey through multiple layoffs, including her recent one, and candidly discusses the challenges she faces in her job search. Despite the setbacks, Michelle's unwavering faith and optimism keep her grounded and motivated to forge ahead.

We release new episodes every week, don't miss an episode by following this podcast here on Spotify.

In this three-part series, you'll hear real stories from individuals who have experienced the challenges of job loss firsthand. This series challenges the misconception that those unemployed lack the determination to overcome their circumstances.

Listen to how our guests for this series found renewed purpose in the midst of their experiences with job loss. 

Episode 1 available Jul 28, 2023, subsequent episodes available weekly.