Verbally Effective

LeMoyne Owen College is a four-year liberal arts college located in Memphis, TN that provides a transformative experience for students with a proud tradition of educating notable alumni. Last week I sat down for a live podcast at the historic Cossitt Library with Interim President, Dr. Christopher B. Davis, Director of Alumni Relations, Dr. June Chinn-Jointer and Emeritus Professor, Dr. Clarence Christian to have a conversation about the past, present and future of the institution. Situated in the heart of the historic Soulsville district, LeMoyne Owen College has always been a constant in the South Memphis community for education, mobilization and empowerment for blacks. Dating back to 1862, LeMoyne Owen College is Memphis' only historically black college and proud to be one of just over 100 such institutions remaining nation-wide.

Take a listen as our distinguished panel discusses the founding and early years of LeMoyne Owen College and its significance within the HBCU community. The college faced many transformations over the years and was at the forefront of civil rights efforts in the city of Memphis. With a very strong alumni, many notable graduates have walked the halls of Steele Hall who continue to support and guide its direction. The college is currently revamping its brand now coined as "The Source" with a plethora of innovative initiatives underway. On this podcast, you will discover the strategic efforts in place for the growth and development of Memphis' only HBCU, LeMoyne Owen College.

Alfred Kainga is a talented acclaimed Zimbabwean-born comedian based in the United States, celebrated for his engaging stand-up comedy performances. He’s renowned for his distinctive storytelling style and humor, often delving into various facets of everyday life, cultural nuances, and societal observations.

Kainga has been celebrated for his remarkable talent in captivating audiences with his wit and charm. He often crafts comedic material from his experiences and keen observations, resonating with a wide array of people. His contributions have made a significant impact on the comedy scene, both in Zimbabwe and on an international scale.

Take a listen as Alfred talks to Ena about his African roots, his transition into comedy and how he's able to appeal to diverse audiences in the comedy space.

I sit down with creator Delvin “DeshowMercy” Young on episode 281! His journey begins leaving Dallas, TX at a young age settling in Memphis with his grandmother. After graduating from Raleigh-Egypt High School, Delvin moved to Hollywood, CA and was discovered by a movie director. He began acting and modeling and later suffered a severe injury that changed the trajectory of his life. It was during this difficult time where he discovered photography and began his healing process. His work has been featured in numerous magazines and he’s worked with a plethora of celebrities.

Take a listen to this exclusive VE episode with comedians Cocoa Brown, Big Vino and Skeet Carter. We learn quite a bit about the challenges women face in the comedy industry including some of the expectations surrounding content. You'll notice that pay inequities are a huge part of this world as well. However, we ultimately shine light on the amazing brand and community that Cocoa Brown has built in the areas of comedy, acting and education. If you're ready to laugh and learn a few things about comedy life tune in!

Westwood native Camille Leigh's photographic journey stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication and passion for her craft. Following her graduation from the University of Memphis in 2010, where she earned a degree in Spanish and Philosophy, she could have ventured into a teaching career. However, life had different plans for her.

Today, with an impressive eleven years of experience behind the lens, Camille has solidified her position as one of Memphis' most sought-after photographers. She has a remarkable ability to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for her subjects, ensuring that they feel at ease in front of her camera. She is on a mission to destigmatize people's beliefs about their photography skills, encouraging them to overcome their fears and self-doubts, resulting in the creation of lasting memories.

Camille's passion isn't limited to her own photography; it extends to nurturing the future of the field. Behind the camera, she is dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of photographers and leaders. Through mentorship programs and hands-on training, Camille guides individuals who aspire to do more than simply take pictures. She seeks out those with ambition, a desire to develop their skills, and a commitment to serving others.

Discover more about Camille's formative years, how she began to build her clientele, unique photography adventures and how she is passing the torch in her industry.

North Memphis native Dr. Trenton M. Watson lives and breathes education as the Principal for Westwood High School. He's been in this particular role for the past 6 months and has made true connections with his students. On this episode, you'll learn about Dr. Watson's vast experience teaching within the Memphis Shelby County School system and how he thrives to increase the graduation rate and reduce absenteeism. Dr. Watson believes that learning is never by accident and that the most intelligent people don’t have all the answers but instead seek the right information.

Ali Manning is a food scientist, author, and the CEO/Founder of Umami Food Consulting, LLC. She is the creator of Food Science 4 Kids, a program that teaches grade-school children food

science education and allows them to perform hands-on activities that enrich their daily lives. Ali is also the Program Consultant with Project Green Fork (a local restaurant sustainability program) within the Clean Memphis organization, which provides resources and support to help “food-prenuers” reduce waste in all areas of their operations.

Ali recently premiered as a competitor on Netflix's latest show, Snack vs. Chef, and is a 2023 Comcast Rise grant recipient. She published her first children's book, "Can I Play with My

Food?" in February 2022, inspired by her sister Alexis who has Down’s Syndrome. Ali is a graduate of Alabama A&M University and a Huntsville, AL native, but after being a transplant for

nearly 14 years, she considers Memphis her home. She is married to her husband, Brian Manning, and they live with their puppy, Kobe-Williams-Manning (named after their favorite athletes). Ali spends her time cultivating a life of joy through serving her community, skating with friends, styling clients, and creating content that inspires others to "Seize the Day"!

Michalyn Easter-Thomas with Memphis River Parks is curating work around Tom Lee Park's art installation by artist Theaster Gates titled "A Moment to Listening." For the opening, until the remainder of the year, she has gathered local creatives that includes Fenton Wright (The Big We), Jennifer McGrath (Orpheum Memphis) and Gabrielle Brooks (Urban Art Commission) to be guest curators in order to promote the activation of this artwork for Memphians.

Episode 275 is filled with Black Girl Magic as I sit down with Kimel Fryer and Kayla Myers of Indie Memphis. The 24th annual Indie Memphis Film Festival is happening October 24th-29th at Crosstown Theater, Circuit Playhouse, Hattiloo Theatre, Playhouse on the Square, Malco Studio on the Square, and online filled with a diverse lineup of films, shorts, documentaries and entertainment.

Kimel Fryer is a Memphis native who graduated with a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Memphis and a J.D. & M.B.A. degree from the University of Tennessee. She is currently the Executive Director of Indie Memphis, which supports the community through its annual film festival, year-round programming, youth program, artist development program, and its Black Creators Forum. Prior to Indie Memphis, Kimel worked in corporate finance for nine years at notable companies such as FedEx Supply Chain, Pfizer, and FCA US, LLC (formerly known as Chrysler, LLC). She is also a multi-hyphenate producer-writer-director and has been involved with creative spaces since childhood. With Kimel’s background in finance and law combined with her passion for film, she is finally able to pursue opportunities that allow her to support underserved communities through the art of film.

Kayla Myers is a film programmer, writer, and filmmaker from and based in Memphis. Currently, she works as a programmer and Black Creators Forum Manager at Indie Memphis. She’s previously been the Features programmer for the San Francisco Documentary Festival, and the Series Producer for The DocYard in Cambridge, MA. She is passionate about intersectional feminist practices within the arts, making films more accessible to those not living in large filmmaking centers, and developing audiences with a thoughtful, community-centered approach.

Memphis Mayor-Elect Paul Young stopped by the Verbally Effective Podcast today to share his thoughts on his new title, the cancellation of Beale Street Music Festival 2024 and crime in Memphis.