Truth's Table

In light of the #metoo and #churchtoo movement, Lisa Sharon Harper joins Christina and Ekemini at the table to discuss #SilenceIsNotSpiritual.

From Ferguson to New York to Germany and South Africa Ms. Harper leads trainings and helps mobilize clergy and community leaders around shared values for the common good. A prolific speaker, writer and activist, Ms. Harper is the founder and president of FreedomRoad.us, a consulting group dedicated to shrinking the narrative gap in our nation by convening forums and experiences that bring common understanding, common commitment, and common action toward a just world. Ms. Harper is the author of several books, including: Evangelical Does Not Equal Republican...or Democrat (The New Press, 2008), Left Right and Christ: Evangelical Faith in Politics (Elevate, 2011), Forgive Us: Confessions of a Compromised Faith (Zondervan, 2014), and the critically acclaimed, The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong can be Made Right (Waterbrook, a division of Penguin Random House, 2016). The Very Good Gospel, recognized as the "2016 Book of the Year" by Englewood Review of Books, explores God’s intent for the wholeness of all relationships in light of today’s headlines.

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A columnist at Sojourners Magazine and an Auburn Theological Seminary Senior Fellow, Ms. Harper has appeared on TVOne, FoxNews Online, NPR, and Al Jazeera America. Her writing has been featured in Essence, CNN Belief Blog, The National Civic Review, Sojourners’ God’s Politics blog, The Huffington Post, and Relevant Magazine. She has written extensively on shalom and governance, immigration reform, health care reform, poverty, racial and gender justice, climate change, and transformational civic engagement.

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Having earned her Masters degree in Human Rights from Columbia University in New York City, Ms. Harper served as Sojourners Chief Church Engagement Officer. In this capacity, she fasted for 22 days as a core faster in 2013 with the immigration reform Fast for Families. She trained and catalyzed evangelicals in St. Louis and Baltimore to engage the 2014 push for justice in Ferguson and the 2015 healing process in Baltimore and trained faith leaders in South Africa to pull the levers of their new democracy toward a more just world.

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In 2015 The Huffington Post recognized her as one of “50 Powerful Women Religious Leaders to Celebrate on International Women’s Day.” Most recently, Relevant Magazine recognized The Very Good Gospel as one of “Six Books that Will Change the Way You See the World” and Ms. Harper as one of “Seven Leaders to Follow in 2017.” Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us!

Hosts:

Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising)

Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson)

Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology)

Producer:

Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4)

Executive Producer:

Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork)

Special Thanks To:

The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC)

Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

From Philadelphia, singer/songwriter/musician Leah Smith bends R&B, gospel, and pop to create her smooth, signature sound. Her long awaited debut LP, Tenderheaded, soars with wit, potency, and Smith's lilting soprano that effortlessly imbues each lyric.

Smith's start in professional music began in 2007. After attending the prestigious Creative and Performing Arts High School in Philadelphia, Smith toured extensively with GRAMMY award winning gospel group, Israel and New Breed. After a decision to leave the group and move back home, Smith won the 2008 Philly Rising Open Mic competition at one of Philly's premiere music venues, World Cafe Live. As part of the winner's package, Smith earned free studio time with which she recorded her revelatory debut EP, Beautifully Made. Visibility from this genre-bending project positioned Smith to be a sought after featured artist on many Christian Hip Hop records, most notably Trip Lee's hit "Sweet Victory."

After an extensive break from music, which saw Smith marrying and beginning a family, Leah Smith is thrilled to reintroduce herself to the world with her beloved, new project, Tenderheaded, available on all digital platforms.

Hosts:

Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising)

Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson)

Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology)

Producer:

Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4)

Executive Producer:

Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork)

Special Thanks To:

The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC)

Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Ruth Naomi Floyd takes a seat at the table with Ekemini. Ruth has been at the forefront of creating vocal jazz settings that express Christian theology for over 20 years. A vocalist and composer on the international music scene, Ruth has dedicated a discography of five compact discs explicitly dedicated to a sacred jazz expression. Blessed with a soaring mezzo-soprano voice, critics have praised Ruth’s discography for its distinctive sound of progressive ensemble jazz that is seamlessly blended with explicit Biblical messages of unwavering faith in God. Ruth leads her own multi-faceted ensemble and her music consists primarily of original compositions.

A committed music educator, Ruth is Director of Jazz Studies at Cairn University, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Ruth conducts several vocal clinics as well as lectures on the history and celebration of African American Spirituals, the Blues, Jazz and African American Gospel Music.

Ruth is also an award winning fine art photographer specializing in black and white portrait images. Ruth uses silver based films with 35 mm and 4x5 inch view cameras to capture her images. She uses traditional wet darkroom technology as well as digital printing on archival papers to produce her final images. Ruth has received awards, prizes and grants for her photographic images and her work is included in permanent and private collections. Ruth’s photographic images have been published in and on the covers of magazines, brochures and music compact discs. Ruth is represented by White Stone Gallery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Ruth is passionate about the intersection of the arts with culture and community. She has shared her knowledge of art and culture in universities, seminaries, art centers and performance spaces around the world. She has participated in cultural art exchanges in Great Britain, Spain, Hungary, France, Poland, Africa and Asia.

Ruth’s work has been published in periodicals and articles and has contributed a chapter in two books, “It Was Good: Making Music to The Glory of God” edited by Ned Bustard, Square Halo Books, 2013 and “The Problem of Good” edited by D. Marion Clark, R&R Publishing, 2014. Ruth’s latest body of work, “The Frederick Douglass Jazz Works,” is for jazz septet and is comprised of original compositions based on Douglass’ speeches and writings. Since its debut in October 2017 at Cairn University, this body of work has been performed in New York, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the United Kingdom.

Ruth continues to make the city of Philadelphia her home where for over twenty-five years she has been devoted and active in providing compassionate care and spiritual support to people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS in United States and Africa and also serves the transgender community. Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us!

Hosts:

Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising)

Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson)

Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology)

Producer:

Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4)

Executive Producer:

Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork)

Special Thanks To:

The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC)

Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Seaux Chill takes a seat at the table with Ekemini and Michelle to discuss his musical background and his approach to music. Nabil Ince, stage name Seaux Chill, is an artist originally from Columbia, MD who has been in the Chattanooga area for the past few years. Piano is his first love, playing since he was 6 years old. However, Seaux Chill also loves writing, composing, and producing music largely influenced by pillars of black music. In 2018, he graduated from Covenant College with a bachelors of arts in jazz piano. He currently functions as the Program Director for a children’s music ed non-profit called East Lake Expression Engine and continues to build towards his own music career. His music can be found on all streaming platforms and more about Seaux Chill’s work can be found at www.seauxchill.com. He is the man responsible for Truth’s Table’s magnetic theme song. Take a seat at the table with us and you might hear a live rendition of our the Truth’s Table theme song. Pull up a chair, grab your teacups and have a seat at the table with us!

Hosts:

Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising)

Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson)

Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology)

Producer:

Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4)

Executive Producer:

Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork)

Special Thanks To:

The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC)

Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

It’s June, which means that it’s Black Music Month! The women of Truth’s Table are kicking off their Black Music Month Series and Xavier Omär joined them at the table. How does Xavier Omär want to be remembered? As a risk taker, a classic voice, an artist who blurs musical lines and fearless dreamer. And, with these big goals, the fearless dreamer. And, with these big goals, the singer-songwriter isn't wasting any time. His debut studio album, Bonfire, released on 09/02/14, was followed by his EP with Sango (Soulection) titled Hours Spent Loving You, and singles Blind Man & Hesitate.

Xavier Omär takes pride in his songwriting ability and is most excited by the reward of evoking specific feelings in his listeners with his music. He draws inspiration from artists of all genres, including James Blake, Arcade Fire, Kanye West, Mumford & Sons, John Legend, Frank Ocean, The Beatles, and Sam Smith.

Xavier Omär grew up as a military brat, moving across the country and as far as japan, but he claims Georgia as his home. Music balanced out the highly structured lifestyle of his military family. His mother and siblings sang and played drums and piano, and his father was a writer, producer and the minister of music at church. He wrote and produced his first song at 12 years of age, recording it in his basement on a 4 track tape recorder. A brief period of discouragement was tackled when Xavier Omär decided to audition for American Idol Season 11 in Houston, TX. Not making it past the preliminary judging round gave him the determination to save up to buy equipment and begin recording music again. So, add "proving American Idol wrong" to his list of goals. In 2012, he hit the ground running with his solo career and hasn't stopped since. Pull up a chair and have a seat with us!

Hosts:

Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising)

Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson)

Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology)

Producer:

Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4)

Executive Producer:

Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork)

Special Thanks To:

The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC)

Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Ekemini, Michelle, and Christina talk about the blood of Jesus. Why the blood matters, why it is central to our Christian faith, why it still works, and why this teaching is more commonly preached about in the Black church. Pull up a chair, grab your notebook as you listen to this bloody episode.

Hosts:

Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising)

Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson)

Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology)

Producer:

Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4)

Executive Producer:

Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork)

Special Thanks To:

The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC)

Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Kim Cash Tate is the author of several books, including Cling: Choosing a Lifestyle of Intimacy with God and her fictional Promises of God series. Kim is also a Bible teacher with an active YouTube channel featuring Bible studies and practical, biblical teaching. She has spoken in several cities with Women of Faith and has been featured on national broadcasts such as The 700 Club and Discover the Word. She has also written as a contributor for Desiring God and She Reads Truth. Formerly, Kim clerked for a federal judge and practiced as a partner in litigation with a large Midwest law firm. She and her husband Bill currently reside in St. Louis, Missouri. They have a son and daughter who are both college students. Kim can be found online at http://www.kimcashtate.com and on social media platforms @kimcashtate. Pull up a chair and have a seat with us!

Follow Kim Cash Tate:

Twitter: @kimcashtate

Instagram: @kimcashtate

Facebook: @kimcashtate https://www.facebook.com/kimcashtate/

YouTube: @kimcashtate https://www.youtube.com/user/kimcashtate

Website: http://www.kimcashtate.com

Register for The Cling Conference here: http://www.clingconference.com/

Kim Cash Tate is the author of several books, including Cling: Choosing a Lifestyle of Intimacy with God and her fictional Promises of God series. Kim is also a Bible teacher with an active YouTube channel featuring Bible studies and practical, biblical teaching. She has spoken in several cities with Women of Faith and has been featured on national broadcasts such as The 700 Club and Discover the Word. She has also written as a contributor for Desiring God and She Reads Truth. Formerly, Kim clerked for a federal judge and practiced as a partner in litigation with a large Midwest law firm. She and her husband Bill currently reside in St. Louis, Missouri. They have a son and daughter who are both college students. Kim can be found online at http://www.kimcashtate.com and on social media platforms @kimcashtate. Pull up a chair and have a seat with us!

Follow Kim Cash Tate:

Twitter: @kimcashtate

Instagram: @kimcashtate

Facebook: @kimcashtate https://www.facebook.com/kimcashtate/

YouTube: @kimcashtate https://www.youtube.com/user/kimcashtate

Website: http://www.kimcashtate.com

Register for The Cling Conference here: http://www.clingconference.com/

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Christina and Ekemini are joined by LaTasha Morrison, President and Founder of Be The Bridge and Lisa V. Fields President and Founder of The Jude 3 Project to discuss their experiences as single black women. You do not want to miss this important episode. Pull up a chair and bring your homegirls to the table as Ekemini, Lisa, and Tasha open up about this part of their lives.

Follow LaTasha Morrison:

Twitter: @LatashaMorrison, @beabridgebuilder

Instagram: @LatashaMorrison

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BetheBridge/

Website: www.beabridgebuilder.com

Follow Lisa V. Fields:

Twitter: @LisaVFields, @jude3project

Instagram: @lisavfields, @jude3project

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jude3project/

Website: www.jude3project.com

Articles mentioned on this episode:

1.5 Million Missing Black Men by Justin Wolfers, David Leonhardt, and Kevin Quealy https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/04/20/upshot/missing-black-men.html

Singleness: My Only Companion written by Ekemini Uwan https://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2017/january/singleness-my-only-companion.html

Hosts:

Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising)

Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson)

Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology)

Producer:

Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4)

Executive Producer:

Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork)

Special Thanks To:

The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC)

Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Issa crossover episode with the Red Couch Podcast! In this episode, Propaganda and Alma invited the women of Truth’s Table to have a seat on their Red Couch. Together, the four of them discuss the current events everyone is talking about at the moment. Pull up a chair or find a comfy spot on the couch!

Subscribe to the Red Couch Podcast on iTunes and everywhere else you listen to your podcasts. Follow the Red Couch Podcast on Twitter @theredcouchpod

Hosts:

Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising)

Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson)

Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology)

Producer:

Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4)

Executive Producer:

Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork)

Special Thanks To:

The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC)

Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Christina and Ekemini are joined by Anna C Douglas to discuss the power of humor. Anna is well known across the nation for her ability to make people laugh. Her love for making people laugh began at a early age while in fellowship with friends and family. The North Carolina native has made TV appearances, toured the country with some of the top internet sensations and collaborated with numerous gospel artists. She cleverly intertwines her love for God into her comedy. Pull up a chair and grab your teacup as they discuss humor as resistance.

Follow Anna:

Instagram: @annacdouglas

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/comedianannaDouglas/

Hosts:

Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising)

Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson)

Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology)

Producer:

Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4)

Executive Producer:

Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork)

Special Thanks To:

The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC)

Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands