With growing public attention to the problem of mass incarceration, people want to know about women's experience with incarceration. Women's incarceration is growing twice as fast as men.  We really need to question why is this rate continuously rising for women?

Why are 79% of women who are incarcerated victims of domestic violence and 60% are sexual abuse survivors? Why are 90% of women in prison today, convicted of murder who have defended themselves from a partner who has battered them?

These are some of the questions we should be asking. These numbers are women who are mothers, grandmothers, daughters, caregivers, the rock to the family. We as a society, culture, and nation need to stop judging women when we are not even asking the right questions to understand their “why."

Felicia Dennis, who is a Prison Reform/Criminal Justice advocate and I discuss this issue and how her non- profit The New Phase Inc.  provides reentry resources for women.

Felicia Dennis is also a Children’s book Author, was  born in Brooklyn, raised in west Philadelphia is the founder of The New Phase Inc, an restorative Justice organization based in Philadelphia. The organization assists returning citizens coming out of incarceration and back into the community. Felicia obtained her bachelors of science degree in criminal Justice at Chestnut Hill College and counties to work in the field. Her passion and commitment will always be ....with the community at heart." To learn more about her non-profit follow her on Instagram @thenewphaseinc

To learn more about Women's Mass Incarceration check out www. prisonpolicy.org

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PSA If you're a college student, parent, advocate or activist, take a moment to ponder on this!

With the new Title IX regulations having been released late spring, how open has your University spoke with you about the new Title IX changes? Matter of fact, do you even know your Title IX rights?  Well, if you don't know, listen now !

Check out my latest conversation with Caroline Christ and Devi Jags who are advocates for sexual violence prevention and are currently raising awareness of allegations of sexual violence at the University of San Francisco where we dive into what the Trump administration and Secretary of Education Bestsy Devos new federal regulations for colleges and universities when it come to to reporting sexual assault on campus.

To learn more about my guests today check our their bios and contact information below: 

Devi is an Entrepreneur, Writer, and Activist. She is the Co-Founder of a South Indian food brand called, Sambar Kitchen. Devi will also be pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Sarah Lawrence College in the fall of 2020. Her activism empowers others and calls for an to end sexual violence. This can be found with Devi's work on The Sparkle Bracelet and more. To join her journey, follow her work @devijags on social media or visit her website at www.devijags.com 

Caroline is an Entrepreneur and Activist living in Los Angeles, CA. Caroline is the founder and owner of CPC Swimwear, a swimwear line that creates custom swimwear for people of all backgrounds so they feel confident and empowered in their swimsuit. Caroline has her Masters in Special Education and works with people with developmental disabilities in social services. Caroline is an advocate for disability justice, as her brother has disabilities, and is passionate about activism across many other issues. She has has been involved in sexual violence prevention work/awareness since attending college in 2010. If you'd like to know more about Caroline's work you can reach out to her by emailing her at [email protected]

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Toxic masculinity is a real thing folks! Men are overrepresented in prisons, are more likely to commit violent crime than women, are at a greater risk of being a victim of violent crime & suicide is the third leading cause of death for African American males ages 15 to 24. Toxic masculinity is part of the problem; it is a set of behaviors that suppress emotions, maintaining an appearance of hardness, which results into using violence an an indicator of power. How do we mobilize black boys and men to use their strength for creating cultures free from violence?

I spoke with Carllistus Obeng to address mental health for black boys and men. Carlllistus is a licensed School Psychologist in Washington, DC. He is a graduate of Wesley College and Howard University’s School of Education. Carllistus works with Black students ages 5-18 on developing a strong emotional intelligence. He also actively advocates for the destigmatization of Black men in therapy. Due to his own struggles with mental stability, Carllistus found passion in helping other Black boys/men find their inner peace. Take a stand today to redefine what society calls "manhood" and "masculinity," share this episode with your friends and family today.

For mental health resources, check out the following:

• https://therapyforblackmen.org/
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish, 1-800-273-8255

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Beware of the "angry black woman." Too often this has been a stereotype for many black women in the workplaces who are driven, passionate, hard working, caring, and self -aware. Why is this common thread in the workplace, society, culture, and mainstream media? Well folks, we have a internal racism problem in white- dominated leadership structure. I'm flipping the script and shifting the narrative, black women's communication, mood or emotions will not be miscategorized. 

Check out this conversation with Kenyora Parham, we will shed light on how workplaces can empower and validate black women's leadership. Kenyora is the Executive Director of End Rape on Campus. Most recently, she served as EROC’s Chief of Staff. Prior to joining EROC, she served as the Assistant Director for Brandeis University's Office of Precollege Programs. Kenyora currently serves as President of the African-American Alumnae/i Association at her undergraduate alma mater, Simmons University (formerly known as Simmons College), where she received her degree in Public Health; and, as a student leader, led various efforts of zero tolerance against discrimination. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Follow her on IG @csuiteinloveingcolor a community space and resource for BIPOC executives and those aspiring to be.

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The journey of leaving an emotionally abusive marriage at 16 years old is very difficult especially when you face cultural and religion barriers. Listen to Ayesha's story of strength and how she survived a mentally abusive marriage at the age of 16. Now, she uses her story and experiences to help others.

For resources visit Tenaj's domestic violence prevention program's website:

• Lighttolife.org or stay connected on social media @onemissiononevoice,
• Check out and subscribe to Light to Life's Youtube: One Mission One Voice

To learn more about Ayesha follow her social media:

• @empoweredbymyself
• @empower_powertoyou
• Check out and subscribe to her Youtube: Ash & Pai

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