She made history and then she made the news. In 2017 – Dr. Victoria Greer became the first person of color to serve as Superintendent of Sharon Public Schools. Just some three years later – Sharon Public School Committee essentially booted Dr. Greer out – and despite many media inquiries – the Committee has remained silent with no public explanation of Greer’s dismissal.

Dr. Greer has now filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination alleging demeaning and abusive behavior AND racial discrimination despite receiving proficient or higher performance reviews, being appointed to Chair of the Commonwealth’s Gifted and Talented Education Advisory Council and recognized at the 2019 Black Excellence on the Hill Program.

Hear Dr. Greer’s story, in her own words. 

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Breonna Taylor. Her name has permeated social media feeds and news headlines for months – and sadly for the grimmest of reasons. But the 12 million dollar question – exactly the amount the City of Louisville settled for with the family of Breonna Taylor – is did the grand jury get it right? 

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It’s a bit like the million man march meets James Brown – The Funkin' Rock Rebellion – created by Aron Lee - is conspired of a collection of artists aligned against racism, injustice and inequity are taking it to the streets. What’s it? The power of socially-conscious beliefs set to hard funk. It makes you stop, listen and feel. The power of music at its best.

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Attorney Joseph Feaster, Jr. did what any parent would do with a sick child...he took care of him. But when his son, Joseph, III, succumbed to his illness, he made it his ministry to be an advocate for mental health.

The powerful story of one father's journey and his life's work to bring awareness to the complexities and stigmas of mental illness.

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We first heard Ashleigh's story this past winter - from her childhood to the beginning of her entering what she described as darkness - to her power, love and God. This month as we listen to stories of those affected by suicide, we thought Ashleigh's story could help others who think, this is too much, to know that God can handle all. 

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You push and push, thriving through school and college to make it big in corporate America. Sleepless nights, working essentially every day – all in the name of fortune and success. You have it all! Until you realize your sleepless nights are now a normal occurrence. You haven’t eaten in days and getting out of bed is the last thing on your mind.

A knock at the door and you realize you almost succumbed to your death – if not for a knock at the door. This is just part of the story of Nieisha Deed. Nieisha spent over a decade working her way up through corporate America when one day, the pressure she had put on herself was so immense, she swallowed a bottle of pills. Nieisha discusses her failed suicide attempt and how she turned her diagnosis of depression and bipolar disorder into helping others through the organization she founded, PureSpark.

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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and all month long – the PowerPLAY is bringing you stories on awareness, prevention and information. We’ll talk to families reeling from the loss of a loved one; how we can bring more awareness to the signs and resources available; and what you can do to help you or someone you know get the help they need.

Our first episode is near and dear to my heart. My husband has not just had to live through the pain and anger of a loved one committing suicide once, but twice. First, his father, when Greg was just a teenager. He literally held his father's body while another family member cut the rope his dad used to hang himself. After attempts of trying to revive him, he had to deal with the shock of his father being dead.

Then just three years ago, after what was described as an argument in the house where his oldest was living, Jamie took a gun from the home and was found dead two days later.

But despite the weight of the pain these two tragic losses held, Greg found purpose in their deaths.

My husband, Gregory Magras, tells his story for the first time on the PowerPLAY.

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Some individuals are still celebrating the Democratic ticket for president and vice president because of the historic selection of Senator Kamala Harris for vice president. Why the celebration you ask? Is it because she is the first African American and Asian American woman nominated by a major political party in this country or is it because of the talent and purpose she adds to the ticket?

Exactly, what is it that we are celebrating? Is it her race that makes the nomination worthy of celebration?

Unfortunately, people in America see one’s color first and immediately place the individual into a racial category with all of its attending character traits associated with one’s stereotypical image the person has formulated over the years. Do we all do it?

And what is Black enough?

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Mood swings. Sadness. Fatigue. Over-eating. Not eating. Drinking too much. Self-medicating.

Feeling sad, lonely, or depressed at times is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or even low self-esteem. But when these feelings become overwhelming, cause physical symptoms, and last for long periods of time, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life.

Add to this our current pandemic which has ripped us all from our normalcy including: work, activities, and social engagements - and these symptoms can become unbearable.

So when is it time to ask for help? 

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History Made! Presumptive democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden chooses Senator Kamala Harris to run as his Vice President. Senator Harris will be the first woman of color to be on a major ticket for the presidential race. But will this be enough to change the residence of the White House and undo the racial, political and economic strife President Trump has created over the last four years.

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