@malachijstewart UnPacks the Saving Ourselves Symposium (SOS) in Atlanta, GA powered by the Southern AIDS Coalition (SAC). Shout out to SAC for DOING the work. As Kai said, more times than not, if you don’t have the registration fee and means to travel, so many people are not able to attend a conference, any conference. Kai UnPacks how SAC makes this possible as a part of their mission to make a better South for everyone.

Kai also UnPacks @micheal_rice @theebillyporter new documentary ’Black As U R’ and how the documentary explores the intersectionality of our Blackness and Queerness.

Lastly, Kai shares the meaning behind this year’s symposium theme THE KALEIDOSCOPE EFFECT.

Oye Owolewa, the son of Nigerian immigrants, overcame early childhood bullying and suspensions with the guidance of role models who helped him turn his life around. Inspired to give back to his community, he pursued a career in pharmacy, improving lives through his work. In 2014, he began inspiring DC elementary school kids with similar interventions that shaped his life.

Recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by minorities and underrepresented communities, Oye committed himself to public service. He was elected ANC Commissioner by a narrow one-vote margin and later became the US Representative for Washington, DC, in 2021, making history as the first Nigerian American elected to American federal office. As DC's US Representative, Oye focuses on advocating for DC statehood, enhancing public health and safety, empowering youth, and developing minority and women-owned businesses.

Damon, Tony, and Jordan from the incredible Surface Level Podcast dial in to UnPack the 2024 GLAAD Pride Voice campaign and GLAAD Honors.

Next on UnPacking Marvin Toliver is a licensed clinical social worker originally from East Oakland, CA, who currently resides and practices in Philadelphia, PA. With a specialized focus on addressing mental health issues within the black and queer communities, Marvin brings firsthand insight into the intersecting stigmas surrounding mental wellness.

Eric and Kai will help Marvin “unpack” and elucidate the apprehensions prevalent within the black community regarding mental health, as well as the associated barriers to seeking and receiving care. Furthermore, Marvin will delve into the distinct advantages that prioritizing mental hygiene can offer individuals across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.

Tarek Ali, an acclaimed storyteller, writer, creator, and actor, brings his impactful voice to UnPacking. With a decade-long legacy of inspiring millions on social media, Tarek now channels his talents in screenwriting and acting to convey powerful messages on the big screen and through global tours.

Renowned for sparking thought-provoking conversations and promoting self-acceptance, growth, and healing, Tarek joins us to delve into his journey and offer insights into his mission.

He will share best practices for inner child work and self-healing, drawing from his extensive experience. Additionally, Tarek will discuss the trajectory of his rising stardom, providing a glimpse into his exciting future endeavors.

The host of Unpacking sit down with Blu Bone, fresh from the release of his new EP "Hi Cotton." Blu offers insights into his musical inspirations, astrological influences, and the intriguing swamp monster-deity at the heart of his project.

Delving into the creation of his record's universe, Blu discusses his research into Minstrel era images of Black people, challenging stereotypes and reclaiming power through his music. Don't miss this captivating conversation about embracing identity and confronting societal norms in a monstrous world.

Jacen Bowman is a true visionary in the world of beauty and design. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jacen learned early on the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity from his mother, shaping his mantra to “be true to yourself to achieve who you are.”

His passion for art, color, and design, paired with his magnetic personality, has catapulted him to becoming one of the industry’s most sought-after talents.

Jacen’s career highlights include being a former Beauty Contributor for @fox29philly WTXF Good Day Philadelphia and having his work featured in prestigious publications like @teenvogue, @uptownmagphiladelphia, @vibemagazine, and @nylonmag. He’s collaborated with renowned designers such as @gucci, @dior, and @badgleymischka, and served as the Lead Makeup Artist for the Oscar-nominated film “I Am Not Your Negro.”

He’s also lent his expertise to major cosmetic brands including @maccosmetics, @smashboxcosmetics, and @kevynaucoin.

Jacen’s influence extends beyond beauty, having worked on campaigns for Secretary @hillaryclinton 2016 presidential bid and contributing as Beauty Editor for several online magazines. Jacen is also the Vice President of @phillyblkpride.

From the runways to Reality TV franchises like @loveandhiphop and @realhousewivesbravo, Jacen Bowman continues to push boundaries and inspire with his creativity and dedication.

🎙️ Announcement! Al Reynolds, media personality and former TEA G-I-F co-host, is joining UnPacking! 🎉

Tune in as we discuss his professional achievements, public perception, impact, advocacy, and future endeavors.

🔥Don’t miss this exclusive and intimate interview ONLY on UnPacking on WURD 96.1FM/900 AM, Philadelphia’s Progressive Black Talk Media!

🚨 Tune in as activist and author, Hope Giselle joins @unpackingradio to discuss her journey to advocacy, her books “Becoming Hope: Removing the Disguise” and “Until I Met Black Men” 📚, and to unpack the life of a newlywed! 💍

Follow @unpackingradio for exclusive interviews and compelling conversations, as we continue to put the “P” in Progressive and the “T” in talk radio! 🎙️✨

Dr. Shanéa Thomas (He/She/Dr.) is an award-winning AASECT Certified Sex Educator, bold lecturer, seasoned scholar–practitioner, and TEDx Speaker with over 20 years of professional clinical social work experience in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Dr. Thomas is dedicated to training social workers, educators, and service providers to build safer therapeutic and educational spaces, especially for underserved communities and those identifying as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQI+.

With over 100 workshops facilitated on DEI needs, mental health, and LGBTQI+ populations, Dr. Thomas transitioned from a decade-long role as Senior Lecturer at the University of Southern California School of Social Work in 2022. Now, he serves as the LGBTQ+ Training Specialist and Assistant Clinical Research Professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, launching a national training program to build LGBTQ+ competency among mental health professionals.

As a Board Member of the National AIDS Memorial and a featured mental health professional on the “Positive Voices” podcast, Dr. Thomas actively supports individuals living with HIV. He also maintains a clinical private practice focused on trauma and inclusivity and consults as a Research Associate with WhitWorthKee Associates.

Dr. Thomas’ extensive education includes a Master of Social Work from Howard University, a Master of Education in Human Sexuality Studies from Widener University, and clinical training from the International Psychotherapy Institute. His frameworks include psychodynamic psychotherapy, intersectionality, Empowerment Theory, and decolonizing/oppressionist theory.

Certified as a Compassionate Bereavement Care Provider, Dr. Thomas is also a Guest Lecturer for the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing’s Grief Institute Certification Program.

Currently, Dr. Thomas is writing a text based on his dissertation about burnout among transgender, queer, and nonbinary peer support workers, aimed at supporting their community service work and legacy.