We are living in tense times. Some might say the world has gone crazy. People don't feel safe anywhere anymore. In times like these, many turn to their faith for insight and answers. Joining Danita on this episode of "Voices for Change" is Bishop John Walden, senior pastor of Aspinwall Church in Cleveland and Rev. Dr. Lisa M. Goods, senior pastor of Shiloh Church in Cleveland.

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Black female entrepreneurs earn an average of $24,000 compared to $142,900 among all female-owned businesses. Women of color were denied business-related relief funds 2 to 3 more times than white or male business owners. Since 2020, women of color (13%) have received less business-related financial assistance from banks and institutions than men. And yet there are many successful women entrepreneurs who are doing it and doing it well. Joining to discuss are Nicole Liatos, senior director of the Women's Business Center of Ohio; seven-figure CEO Tenora Mia Edwards; and Renay and Tracy Fowler of Fashions by Fowler.

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Let's talk about ways to attack the stigma of mental health in the Black community. Here to discuss are two people who represent key areas where mental illness is rising -- Black men and the faith community. Joining us are filmmaker and speaker Mike Berry and the Pastor of South Euclid United Church of Christ, Courtney Clayton Jenkins.

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New research reveals that teens are thinking differently when it comes to their future in the workplace. They value work they enjoy over work that pays well. They're also very concerned about student loan debt. Their most desired jobs: healthcare, and social media influencer. Joining Danita to discuss are 18-year-old Karson Suppes, who started her own business "Safe Chain" though Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio; and Lori McCleese, President of Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio.

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Many Black homes are led by a single parent, and that parent is often the mother. That means the weight of "The Talk" falls on her shoulders. The current news cycle of shootings has ignited the conversations around "The Talk" in the Black community. Joining Danita to discuss are Kim Harris, founder of Shaker African-American Mothers Support; and Xaviera Patrick, an etiquette coach. 

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There have been at least 13 school shootings involving grades K-12 this year, including the March 27 shooting in Nashville where three children and three adults were killed at a private Christian elementary school. According to the CDC, guns are the leading cause of death for American children and teens, surpassing car accidents in 2020. How has all this impacted our children? And how do we process the grief that comes with reports of our children dying from senseless gun violence in places that should be safe? Joining Danita to discuss are Julia Elfritt, director of education for Cornerstone of Hope, a center that provides support, education and hope for grieving children, teens and adults; and psychotherapist Ariel De'Freeze from The Centers for Counselling and Trauma Recovery.

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According to CDC data, nearly 57% of American teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021—double that of boys, representing a nearly 60% increase and the highest level reported over the past decade. Youth mental health has continued to worsen—with stark increases in widespread reports of harmful experiences among teen girls. Joining Danita to discuss are Robyn Hill, a licensed therapist, author and speaker; and Liz Ferro, founder of Girls With Sole.

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There is a mental health crisis in America right now. Suicide deaths have ticked up in Ohio, with the increase greater in males, with Black Ohioans faring worse, with a 56 percent increase in suicide deaths over the last 14 years among those 25-64 years old. Today we are going to discuss Black males and depression -- suffering in silence. Joining the discussion are William Hasan, a mental health therapist with The Black Mental Health Corporation; and Donald; and Donald, a man who has experienced depression.

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August is National Black Business Month, a time when consumers are encouraged to focus on and support Black businesses. This year, as many businesses are trying to rebound from the pandemic, Black businesses are having a harder time than most. So today on Voices for Change we are going to talk to two Black business owners to see how they are taking care of business. Torrian Denise is the owner of Dornee, which formulates products from natural and organic ingredients to restore and maintain healthy skin. And we're talking to Gwen Penn, owner of Lotus Candles, a family business that makes handmade candles.

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The picture of gun ownership in this country has changed. Black women are the fastest growing group of gun owners in America and make up the majority of the 40,000 members of the National African-American Gun Association. Why are we seeing this now? Because they feel an increased need to be secure. The deaths of African-Americans due to police brutality and violent acts by white supremacists fuel their need to protect themselves. Joining us from the Cleveland chapter of Chicks Who Carry is Renetta Atterbury.

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