UNABRDG: our whole, unedited self

Founded on the spirit of Shirley Chisolm, Firm 1968 is the only African American women-run, operated, and exclusively staffed Fundraising and advocacy firm in PA. In this week’s episode, we are joined by Jasmine Sessoms (CEO), Klissa Thomas (Managing Partner, Government Relations), and LaDeshia (Managing Partner, Community Engagement) from this groundbreaking organization. The conversation explores how Black women are strategically stepping back from unpaid political labor while the firm continues to advocate for policy, raise millions, and build tech ecosystems—all while navigating motherhood and creating work environments that prioritize autonomy and health. Each of these ladies is undeniably herself, which is why this model truly works. Tune in to be truly inspired by their journey, and it's just another reason to love black women. 

Let's Get Into It topics

We are lucky to be joined by a firsthand source, Council Member Isaiah Thomas. CM Thomas will be giving us the true BTS on the recent City Budget passed by the Philadelphia City Council. From what's the beef with Uber to the things that actually got done, we’ll get into it all! 

Commercial Audio - 

Credit: 

Rap by HIPSYBEATS | https://hipsybeats.bandcamp.com

Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

Firm 1968 Introduction Audio

Downtown Walk by | e s c p | https://www.escp.space

https://escp-music.bandcamp.com

On our first episode of the year, we sit down with Mrs. Kashmere Brooks McCoy, my personal queen of the pivot. She shares her journey from military service and full-time hairstyling to becoming a second-grade teacher while emphasizing her philosophy of adapting to life's constant changes while maintaining authenticity in content creation and motherhood. We learn about her approach to pivoting careers by doing it with her whole, unedited self so she can leave without regrets, while documenting her journey publicly as both a memory archive and a way to inspire others. 

Let's Get Into It topics

1. PHL School Closures 
2. Election Update - Primaries May 19th
   1. Governor, Lt. Gov.
   2. PA-3 Former Dwight Evans spot

Representative in Congress – Democratic – 3rd District **

1. ALA STANFORD (9th Ward) 
2. SHARIF STREET (11th Ward)
3. CHRIS RABB (9th Ward)
4. SHAUN GRIFFITH (48th ward) 
   1. State Reps 

 Representative in the General Assembly – Democratic – 200th District 

• DESHAWNDA WILLIAMS (50th Ward)
• CHRIS JOHNSON (22nd Ward) 
• QASIM RASHAD (22nd Ward) 

Representative in the General Assembly – Democratic – 195th District 

• KENNETH T WALKER JR (16th Ward) 
• KEITH HARRIS (28th Ward) 
• SIERRA MCNEIL (16th Ward) 

Representative in the General Assembly – Democratic – 201st District 

• ANDRE D CARROLL (17th Ward)**

Ballot Questions: 1. City retirement plan 2. The permanent position of the Youth Ambudsman Office 

Source:

https://whyy.org/articles/pennsylvania-election-2026-primary-3rd-congressional-district/

https://vote.​​phila.gov/voting/candidates-for-office/

Credit: 

Rap by HIPSYBEATS | https://hipsybeats.bandcamp.com

Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com

Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this Episode of the UNABRDG podcast, I am joined by activist, artist, influencer, and President of Black Philly Pride, Jacen Bowman! On this very special episode, we learn how a Philly makeup artist used the Ball Room scene to change a political activist, and what it means to truly advocate for your people! 

This week, we are so happy to launch a special episode of the UNABRDG journey with Jacen Bowman, aka THE ICON! Listen in as me and Jacen discuss his journey from Ballroom to Make-up Superstar to Outspoken and Primed Advocate and the incredible lessons and stories he’s gained over the years. 

Jacen is one of the main guests I wanted to bring on the show when I began this journey, so I hope you enjoy and learn from his truly UNABRDG journey.

Disclaimer…

My apologies for the inconsistent nature of our posting. I am deep in a Millennial bag and working through a lot of transitions. But, with that, many fun announcements will be coming soon…just be patient with me y'all!

For the finale of Season 1, I was honored to be joined by Award-Winning Journalist and CEO of Ernest Media Empire, Editor of Eater Philly, Political Writer at large Philadelphia magazine, and President of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists Ernest Ownens! 

In this episode, we discuss Ernest’s ability to be a truth-teller and the life of the party while being the leading voice in Black Philly Journalist. From his choice to claim Philadelphia as his home to the personal cause of Cancel Culture and how Adam and Eve were actually the first to get canceled… we discuss it all!

Also, in Let’s Get Into, I discuss Mayor Paker’s First budget and Council Wins; Trump was Found guilty of ONE of his cases (and I guess Hunter Biden, too); and lastly, I clear up this Jay-Z $300 million foolishness. 

On this week’s episode, we are inspired by the youth! Joined by Ms. Shania Bennett, formally the youngest Elected official in Pennsylvania, we dive into the importance of investing in youth, self-care, and just doing good just because! 

Also, in the Big 3, we talk about the ROOT of  Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butchbod read, The Tax Commission that formed outta nowhere, and of course, Shonda did it again…and I give a very bad review, lol!

In this week’s episode, Dom is joined by Registered Family Therapist Danielle Simpson Baker, aka The Sox Pot Therapist! In addition to committing to this unique goal at a young age, Danielle has built a massive information platform to share what schools did not. From how to pick the right birth control to how to talk dirty to your partner, Danielle covers it all! This week, we discussed it all and, most importantly, how Danielle stayed on her mission. 

In this week’s Let’s Get Into It we focus on Philly because she has been going through a lot…. Starting with a budget process update, the first point of dissension for the Mayor’s office and Council, and a Primary Election Day 2024 update. Finally, we conclude with a final thought about Beef Culture in 2024. 

In this week’s episode, I literally test out my sanity by interviewing myself lol

For this short episode I share some fun facts and information about me to celebrate my 31st year. I hope you will join along and answer some of the questions listed below (I promise, it’s Fun) 

On this week’s episode, we host our first iteration of the Girls’ Room! Throughout the season, I will connect with some of the amazing women in my life for a chi! And what’s better than that?

This week, I am joined by bestest friends of almost 10 years….The Tat Sandwich!!! Aka 

Tatyanna Jack & Tatiana Soto. In a game of We’re not Really Strangers, we dive into semi-deep topics about life, transitions, overcoming self, self-care, and so much more! PLUS, we talk about some ratch topics, too (Why? Because we have to)! Tune in this week for a lovely example of Black Landy Socery (You’ll understand once you listen, lol) 

On the final episode of Women’s History month, we are joined by a true history maker herself, Dawn Chavous. As an momtreprenuer, wife, author, and advocate Dawn literally makes the impossible happen daily by leaning on her Faith. In this episode we dive into her why, how, and of course what makes her truly unabridged. 

Also in LGI, we discuss the highlights of the 100th Mayor’s first Budget address, The potential Tik Tok Ban, and a review  of the new Netflix film Damsel.