DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole

DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Teri Agins

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Join Harriette Cole for an inspiring conversation with Teri Agins, award-winning journalist, lecturer, columnist, and author who helped redefine fashion journalism. As the pioneering reporter who established the fashion industry beat at The Wall Street Journal, Agins spent decades exploring the intersection of fashion, business, celebrity, and culture.

From breaking barriers in journalism to uncovering the business behind the world's biggest fashion brands, Agins brings a wealth of experience and insight. Discover the power of curiosity, perseverance, and following your passion as Harriette explores the journey of a trailblazer whose work has shaped how we understand the fashion industry.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole, featuring Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III & Eli Moss

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:00:00 -0000

In this episode of DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III and his son, award-winning filmmaker Eli Moss, join Harriette for a powerful conversation about faith, family legacy, voting rights, and the transformative power of storytelling.

Together, they discuss Otis' Dream, a moving short film inspired by their family's history and their great-grandfather's unsuccessful attempt to vote in 1946. They also share the vision behind Unashamed Media Group, their family-founded production company dedicated to telling authentic stories of resilience, identity, justice, and the human experience.

From preserving the sacrifices of past generations to exploring new creative projects, including Our Daily Bread and Blue Notes, this father-son duo demonstrates how faith, history, and artistic expression can inspire meaningful change and empower future generations.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Paul Tazewell

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Paul Tazewell is an award-winning American costume designer celebrated for his groundbreaking work across Broadway, film, and television. His acclaimed credits include Hamilton, The Wiz, West Side Story, and Wicked. In 2025, Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for Wicked. Known for his exceptional creativity, attention to detail, and ability to bring characters to life through fashion, Tazewell has become one of the entertainment industry's most influential costume designers. His remarkable career reflects a commitment to artistic excellence, cultural representation, and the transformative power of storytelling.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole, featuring Janai Nelson

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Janai S. Nelson is a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, election law scholar, and President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), America's first civil rights law organization.

A leading advocate for racial justice and voting rights, Nelson has dedicated her career to advancing equality, protecting democracy, and challenging systemic discrimination. Her work focuses on voting rights, educational equity, criminal justice reform, and the protection of fundamental civil rights.

Before becoming President and Director-Counsel in 2022, Nelson served as LDF's Associate Director-Counsel and held academic leadership roles, including Associate Dean for Faculty Scholarship at St. John's University School of Law.

Through litigation, scholarship, public advocacy, and organizational leadership, Nelson continues to champion equal justice under the law and empower communities across the nation.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring April Ryan

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0000

April Ryan is a veteran White House correspondent, political analyst, author, and speaker who has covered the White House since 1997. She is the longest-serving Black White House correspondent in U.S. history, having reported across six presidential administrations. Ryan currently serves as a White House correspondent for The Contrarian, a political analyst for MS NOW, and host of The Tea with April Ryan. April Ryan

A Baltimore native and graduate of Morgan State University, Ryan has received numerous honors throughout her career, including being named the National Association of Black Journalists’ Journalist of the Year in 2017 and receiving the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Freedom of the Press Award in 2019. April Ryan

She is the author of several books, including The Presidency in Black and White, At Mama’s Knee, Under Fire, Black Women Will Save the World, and her forthcoming fifth book, Notes on a Blacklash: When a Black Woman Goes Viral, releasing October 6, 2026.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole Featuring Dr. Janet Taylor

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000

This week on DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole, Harriette welcomes Dr. Janet Taylor, psychiatrist and self-care expert, for a timely conversation about mental health, wellness, and the importance of caring for yourself while navigating the demands of everyday life.

Dr. Taylor brings her expertise and perspective to a meaningful discussion designed to encourage listeners to prioritize their emotional well-being, recognize what they need, and make self-care an intentional part of their lives.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Dr. Elizabeth Alexander

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 21:50:00 -0000

Elizabeth Alexander is a prize-winning and New York Times best-selling author, renowned poet, educator, scholar, and cultural advocate. Her memoir, The Light of the World, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Critics Circle Award. She composed and recited "Praise Song for the Day" for President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration and is currently president of the Mellon Foundation, the nation’s largest funder of the arts, culture, and humanities. She lives and works in New York City.

Elizabeth Alexander is a prize-winning and New York Times bestselling author, renowned poet, educator, scholar, and cultural advocate. A nationally recognized thought leader on race, justice, the arts, and American society, she is also president of the Mellon Foundation, the nation’s largest funder of the arts and humanities.

In her latest book, Signals Across Vast Distances: Essays and Tales, Dr. Alexander offers close readings of beloved writers—including Muriel Rukeyser, Gwendolyn Brooks, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, and June Jordan—paired with works by some of our most extraordinary contemporary visual artists, exploring how language, art, and values can sustain and inspire us.

Her previous book, The Trayvon Generation—grown from her landmark, National Magazine Award–winning New Yorker essay of the same name—traces how a generation of Black youth has come of age unshielded from graphic violence, and how art has shaped their resilience. The book was named a Most Anticipated Title of 2022 by Time, The New York Times, and Bustle, and earned widespread critical acclaim.

Among the fifteen other books she has authored or co-authored, her poetry collection American Sublime was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry in 2006, and her memoir, The Light of the World, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Biography and the National Book Critics Circle Award in 2015.

Other works include Crave Radiance: New and Selected Poems 1990–2010 (2010), Power and Possibility: Essays, Reviews, Interviews (2007), The Black Interior: Essays (2004), Antebellum Dream Book (2001), Body of Life (1996), and The Venus Hottentot (1990).

She has been awarded the Jackson Poetry Prize, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship, the George Kent Award, the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and three Pushcart Prizes for Poetry. Notably, she composed and delivered “Praise Song for the Day” for the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Dr. Alexander has held distinguished professorships at Smith College, Yale University—where she taught for over 15 years and helped rebuild and chaired the African American Studies Department—and Columbia University.

Prior to joining the Mellon Foundation, she served as the director of Creativity and Free Expression at the Ford Foundation, shaping Ford’s grantmaking vision in arts and culture, journalism, and documentary film. During that time, she co-designed the Art for Justice Fund, an initiative that uses art and advocacy to address the crisis of mass incarceration.

Dr. Alexander holds a BA from Yale University, an MA from Boston University, and a PhD in English from the University of Pennsylvania. She serves on the boards of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and is Chancellor Emeritus of the Academy of American Poets and a former co-chair of the Pulitzer Prize Board.

In 2019, she received the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal from Harvard University. Among her many other honors, she has been recognized as Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture and as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People.

Elizabeth Alexander is the author of six books of poetry, including American Sublime, a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize; two collections of essays; and The Light of the World, her critically acclaimed memoir on love and loss.

In 2009, she wrote and delivered her poem “Praise Song for the Day” for President Barack Obama’s first inauguration.

Alexander has received many awards, fellowships, and honorary degrees, among them grants from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Anisfield-Wolf Award for Lifetime Achievement in Poetry.

Alexander is also a chancellor of the Academy of American Poets. Recently, she was named the Wun Tsun Tam Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Columbia University. Her profile photo is by Alpha Smoot.

She is also a founding member of Cave Canem, the influential organization dedicated to nurturing and supporting Black poets and poetry.

MORE ABOUT ELIZABETH ALEXANDER

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DREAMLEAPERS with Harriette Cole featuring Dionne Williams

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Dionne Williams is owner of D. Williams Public Relations & Event Management Group which specializes in public relations, brand strategy, experiential services, content creation, influencer marketing and event management.

Her clients have been featured in local and major market newspapers, national magazines, national shows, such as Billboard Magazine, E! Entertainment, Black Entertainment Television (BET), ABC, NBC, CNN, and CBS radio and television affiliated networks locally and nationwide.

Clients have included: ORS haircare, tgin haircare, Ambi skincare, Jamaican Mango & Lime, Oscar Award Winning Actress Jennifer Hudson, R&B Legend Chaka Khan, Dwayne Wade’s Wade’s World Foundation, Playwright and actress Regina Taylor, American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), American Family Insurance, Johnson Publishing Company, Paul G Stewart Housing Campus, The N’Digo Foundation, The HistoryMakers, The Alliance of Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs (ABLE), The Goodman Theatre, just to name a few.

Dionne Williams is a premier Event Management professional producing high-end and large events, galas, celebrity concerts and conferences. Dionne manages some of the most notable events in the nation and was nominated Event Producer of the Year by BizBash in 2012.

Dionne is also the owner and producer of Emerge! Fashion Show which takes place during New York Fashion Week. Emerge! is one of the top collective emerging designer showcases during NYFW. Every year Emerge! presents the coveted Fashion Innovator Award which has been presented to Andre’ Leon Talley, Bethann Hardison, Pat Cleveland, Dapper Dan, Sergio Hudson, Law Roach, Beverly Johnson, Karl Kani to name a few. Emerge! has since expanded to London, spotlighting black emerging designers in the UK.

Prior to starting consulting, Dionne worked for the community affairs, publicity and promotions departments for NBC Chicago, Cook County Bureau of Health Services and Museum of Science and Industry. Dionne has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Chicago State University. She is currently the President of the Black Public Relations Society of Chicago.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Heidi Krupp

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Founder and CEO, Heidi Krupp, is a powerhouse in the world of marketing, promotion, and media. For 30 years, her namesake PR agency has helped people and brands reach new heights by using intuition to create a vision and data to deliver results. By consciously connecting her network of influencers, media, and personalities, she has cultivated unparalleled relationships across the industry, advocating for clients and the media. Throughout the course of her career, Heidi has chosen to work with people and brands that do good in the world. She has also used her outstanding talents to generate over 100 bestsellers, many of which have landed at launch in the coveted #1 spot on the NY Times esteemed list.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole Featuring Atima Omara

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Named to Ebony Magazine’s “Power 100” of influential Black Americans and JetMagazine’s 40 under 40, Atima Omara is a multiple award-winning political andadvocacy strategist, leader, advocate, and author of The Instigators: How BlackWomen Are Essential to Democracy, and What We Can Learn from Them. She hasdedicated nearly two decades to engaging youth, women, and people of color in

the political processes, focusing on electoral politics and advocacy within theprogressive movement.As Founder & Chief Strategist of Omara Strategy Group, she partners withprogressive candidates and organizations nationwide, bringing a diversebackground working for a Governor, members of Congress, and variousDemocratic candidates at the federal, state, and local level, including forprogressive causes such as reproductive rights and justice, labor unions,disability rights, and criminal justice reform. Atima is a sought-aftercommentator on national politics, candidates, policy, race, gender, and culture.She has been quoted in national outlets, including The New York Times, BostonGlobe, and The Atlantic; written for the Washington Post, the American Prospect,The Nation, The Root, Teen Vogue, and other national outlets, and has appearedon CNN, PBS, Fox News, BBC, CBC, NPR, and MSNBC, including Joy Reid’s TheReidOut.Omara began writing The Instigators in late 2021, driven by a deep-seatedfrustration with the status quo in politics and a desire to prompt thought andaction on the most pressing issues of our time, to build a more inclusivedemocracy. This is her first book. Learn more about Atima and her advocacywork here.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 18:14:00 -0000

One of the nation's most prominent scholars, Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., is aneducator, author, political commentator, and public intellectual who examines thecomplex dynamics of the American experience. His writings, includingDemocracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul, In a Shade of Blue:Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America, and his New York Times bestseller,Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own, take anexhaustive look at Black communities, the difficulties of race in the United States,and the challenges we face as a democracy. His latest book, We Are The LeadersWe Have Been Looking For is a radical and passionate call for everyday people to take responsibility for saving democracy. Glaude is the James S. McDonnellDistinguished University Professor in African American Studies at PrincetonUniversity. He is also on the Morehouse College Board of Trustees. He frequentlyappears in the media as an MSNBC contributor on programs like Morning Joe andDeadline Whitehouse with Nicolle Wallace. Glaude is a native of Moss Point,Mississippi.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Mary Chatman

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 19:38:00 -0000

Mary Chatman is a visionary servant leader and proud purveyor of Black Love stories. She is the Owner, CEO, Editor-in-Chief, and Publisher of Black Bride Magazine and Black Bride, the iconic multicultural bridal and lifestyle brand celebrating couples of color since 1998.

After a successful corporate career at AT&T, Mary retired early to pursue an entrepreneurial journey rooted in purpose, love, and legacy. What began as contributing stories about love and marriage ultimately led to her acquiring Black Bride and expanding its mission of representation.

Under her leadership, Black Bride has grown into a powerful platform celebrating Black love, marriage, culture, family, and life before and after the aisle, while elevating the wedding professionals who help couples bring their visions to life.

Through publishing, storytelling, signature events—including the Black Bride Luxury Bridal Show and Black Bride Awards Gala—and major brand collaborations, Mary continues to build a legacy centered on faith, representation, and preserving Black Love stories for generations to come.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole, featuring Marc Howland

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Harriette Cole sits down with Marc Howland, Co-Founder and CEO of Breadless, the Detroit-born fast-casual brand reimagining the sandwich by replacing bread with nutrient-rich leafy greens. Howland shares his unconventional journey from Brown University and Harvard Business School to Goldman Sachs and The Carlyle Group—and ultimately working behind the counter at a sandwich shop to learn the restaurant business from the ground up. He discusses building Breadless alongside his co-founders, the company’s commitment to wellness and community, and its evolution from Detroit gym pop-ups into a growing brand with locations across Metro Detroit and major venues including Comerica Park. With national franchising on the horizon, Howland shares his vision for “Fuel Your Next” and building a Black-owned, mission-driven company that is changing the conversation around fast food, health, and accessibility.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Ashton Lattimore

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 17:51:00 -0000

Ashton Lattimore is an award-winning author, journalist, and former lawyer. Herdebut novel, ALL WE WERE PROMISED, was a Book of the Month Club pick,a Washington Post and NPR Best Book of 2024, and one of PEOPLE Magazine'sBest New Books for April 2024. The book also received the First Novelist Awardfrom the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.By day, Ashton is the executive editor of The Preamble, and chair of the board ofdirectors of nonprofit news outlet Prism. Her nonfiction writing has appearedin The Washington Post, Slate, CNN, Essence, and elsewhere. Ashton is an alumnaof Harvard College, Columbia Journalism School, and Harvard Law School, whereshe was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. She is also a proud member ofAlpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Sanford Biggers

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Sanford Biggers’ work is an interplay of narrative, perspective, and history that speaks to current happenings while examining the contexts that bore them. His diverse practice positions him as a collaborator with the past through explorations of often-overlooked aesthetic, cultural, historical, and political narratives through his use of antique quilts and textiles, classical sculptures from around the world, sonic interventions, performances, and video. Biggers describes his process as “conceptual patchworking,” a method of transposing, combining, and juxtaposing ideas, forms, and genres that challenge traditional historiography, provenance, and official narratives to create artworks for a future ethnography.

Biggers’ work has been exhibited internationally and nationally in prestigious institutions, including Tate Britain, Tate Modern, Centre Pompidou-Metz, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Studio Museum in Harlem, Whitney Museum of American Art, Hammer Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, California African American Museum, Orange County Museum of Art, and Bronx Museum of Art. His work is held in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Studio Museum in Harlem, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and Brooklyn Museum, among others.

He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the 2026 Gordon Parks Foundation Fellowship, Bronx Museum of Art’s Art + Social Justice Award, Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship, Morehouse College’s Bennie Trailblazer Award, the Guggenheim Fellowship, the 26th Heinz Award for the Arts, the American Academy of Arts and Letters Award, the 2017 Rome Prize in Visual Arts by the American Academy in Rome, and the deFINE Art Award from Savannah College of Art & Design.

He was inducted into the New York Foundation for the Arts Hall of Fame and as a National Academician by the National Academy of Design. In addition, he was the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 2021–2022 Visiting Professor and Scholar in the MIT Department of Architecture and served as an Associate Professor of Sculpture and New Genres of Visual Arts at Columbia University from 2009 through 2018.

Biggers is the creative director and keyboardist of the conceptual performance collective Moonmedicin and a recent GRAMMY recipient for his contribution to Meshell Ndegeocello’s The Omnichord Real Book, which received the 2024 Best Alternative Jazz Album award.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Alana Raquel Bowers

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 17:35:00 -0000

Alana Raquel Bowers is an actor, performer, producer, and creative artist from Baltimore, Maryland. A graduate of the Baltimore School for the Arts, she earned her BFA in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she also studied Sociology and Africana Studies.

Her work spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, television, and film. She made her Broadway debut in Chicken & Biscuits and has appeared in acclaimed productions including Bernarda's Daughters, What to Send Up When It Goes Down, cullud wattah, and The Miser.

On screen, Alana has been featured in Dr. Death (Peacock), FBI: Most Wanted (CBS), Fantasy Life, What Doesn't Float, After Class, and other film and television projects. In addition to acting, she has worked as a producer, including serving as an associate producer for The Black Wolfe Tone at Irish Repertory Theatre.

Known for her passion for storytelling and creating work that sparks meaningful conversations, Alana continues to build a multifaceted career as an artist dedicated to authentic, impactful performances across stage and screen.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Audrey Smaltz

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 18:40:00 -0000

Audrey Lavinia Smaltz was born and raised in Harlem and began her career asa model and salesperson at Bloomingdale’s before moving to Lane BryantClothing and Ebony Fashion Fair as a commentator and fashion editor. In 1977,Smaltz established Ground Crew, a backstage management group staffing fashionshows for Vera Wang, Giorgio Armani, Betsey Johnson, Oscar de la Renta, BillBlass, Alice Roi, Michael Kors, Luca Luca, Nanette Lepore, Tommy Hilfiger,Kenneth Cole, and Ralph Rucci. Smaltz has also worked with corporations likeNike, Vogue, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and J. Crew. She lives in Delaware.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Dr. Donna Oriowo

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Dr. Donna Oriowo (pronounced Oreo-Whoa!) is a first-generation, first-born Nigerian American therapist, internationally recognized keynote speaker, award-winning DEI advocate, and two-time published author whose work sits at the intersection of Black mental health, self-esteem, sexuality, and racial justice.

With a Ph.D. in Human Sexuality, licensure as a Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), and certification as a Sex Therapist (CST), Dr. Donna combines clinical expertise, academic rigor, and cultural insight to help individuals and organizations cultivate healing, confidence, and authentic connection. Whether speaking to corporate audiences, facilitating community healing spaces, or working one-on-one with clients, she is known for her engaging style that blends humor, honesty, and practical strategies people can immediately apply to their lives.

Dr. Donna is the founder and owner of AnnodRight, a private practice in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that specializes in supporting Black women as they navigate the effects of colorism, texturism, and systemic oppression on their mental health, sexual well-being, and self-esteem. Her mission is to help Black women feel Free, Fabulous, and F*cked!—embracing wholeness, joy, and unapologetic self-worth.

She is the author of Drink Water & Mind Your Business: A Black Woman's Guide to Unlearning the BS and Healing Self-Esteem (Sourcebooks, 2025) and Cocoa Butter & Hair Grease: A Self-Love Journey Through Hair and Skin (2019), both of which explore the transformative power of self-love, healing, identity, and resilience.

Beyond her clinical practice and writing, Dr. Donna has served as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-Chair and Communications Steering Committee Chair for the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is an active member of the Women of Color Sexual Health Network (WOCSHN). Her leadership continues to influence conversations around equity, sexual health, and culturally responsive mental health care.

When she's not speaking, writing, or counseling, Dr. Donna enjoys collecting inspiring quotes, eating donuts, loving all things pasta, traveling to learn about different cultures, offering COVID-safe handshakes, warm hugs, and the occasional figurative "knock on the head" when encouragement requires a little tough love.

Follow Dr. Donna on social media @DrDonnaOriowo or learn more at DonnaOriowo.com.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Shelby J.

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:52:00 -0000

Who's that girl.......A singer/songwriter and native of Greensboro, NC, Shelby J. has been described as “a lil’ bit of Mavis Staples with James Brown ENERGY, and a lil’ Carole King on the side.”

With her decade as a part of Prince’s band, The New Power Generation (NPG), Shelby also performed in the rain with Prince for the Super Bowl LXI Halftime Show in Miami. She is widely known as the “bald beauty,” powerhouse vocalist with an unforgettable smile.

Shelby has appeared on The Tonight Show, Entertainment Tonight, CBS’ 60 Minutes, Access Hollywood, and Good Morning America on ABC, and has been featured in People, Rolling Stone, and Billboard magazines.

She is a featured vocalist and co-writer with Prince for the song “Same Page, Different Book” from the Welcome 2 America album. She has toured with Anthony Hamilton, D’Angelo, Santana, and Mary J. Blige.

She performed with D’Angelo at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles for Dave Chappelle and Friends on Netflix. Shelby was the headlining act in Houston for “Prince Day Houston” and was a headlining performer at Paisley Park for “Celebration 2023,” which honored the life and legacy of Prince in Minneapolis.

Shelby has performed the National Anthem for The Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets, and The Chicago Bulls. She will perform the anthem again in March of 2024 for The CIAA Tournament in Baltimore, MD.

Her European activities included critically acclaimed residencies at Epicurus in Denmark and performing as a featured artist with internationally known saxophonist Candy Dulfer in the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, and Slovakia.

Shelby has been actively writing and recording with 11-time Grammy Award winner Phil Lassiter and will be releasing new music in the Summer of 2026. She regularly engages in community activism and believes in helping others. Her motto... “Be Kind, Spread LOVE!”

She has partnered with the Autism Society, United Way in Greensboro, NC, and the Culture Pushers as a featured vocalist on the highly acclaimed Artists United to End Poverty album.

As a breast cancer survivor, she promotes early detection and prevention by advocating for organizations like Earlier.org. She was also the halftime performer for Novant Health and Charlotte Hornets Breast Cancer Awareness Night held at the Spectrum Arena.

As the CEO of “Crochet By Shelby J.,” she creates handmade custom crochet blankets for clients across the globe and also gifted one to her mentor, Prince. It can still be seen today inside the small kitchen of Paisley Park.

Her latest creative venture is the launch of “ShelBeads Boutique” on Etsy. She uses her love of color and precious stones to craft unique bracelets for clients worldwide.

Shelby looks forward to spreading more “Light, Love & Positivity” throughout the world and releasing many more musical and artistic projects with her band and others for decades to come.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Tom Junod

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:36:00 -0000

TOM JUNOD is senior writer for ESPN, where his work has won an Emmy and the DanJenkins Medal for Excellence in Sportswriting. He is a two-time winner of the NationalMagazine Award for Feature Writing, and a winner of the James Beard Award for essaywriting. Previously he was a staff writer at GQ and Esquire. The film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was based on his article in Esquire. In March, he published his critically-acclaimed memoir, In The Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means To Be a Man.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Britton Smith

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Tony Award-winning advocate and artist Britton Smith bridges performance, activism, and community empowerment. As co-founder of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition (BAC) and co-author of the Theater of Change methodology at Columbia Law School, he uses storytelling to challenge systemic injustice.

As frontman of Britton & The Sting, a funk liberation band, he spreads queer holiness and authenticity as medicine, performing at venues like The Apollo, The Public Theater, and touring from New York to the South and Germany. His latest project, MAMA, a concept album and theatrical experience originally commissioned by Little Island, explores our sacred connection to water. On March 24, 2025, he led NYC's first World Water Day concert at the Gramercy Theater—uniting scientists, advocates, and artists to restore our relationship with water.

On Broadway, he has starred in Be More Chill, Shuffle Along, and After Midnight, using his platform to inspire joy, liberation, and change.

Britton Smith is a multifaceted artist and community leader based in New York City, known for his work in theater and music. He has appeared in several Broadway productions, including "Shuffle Along," "After Midnight," and "Be More Chill." Beyond his stage performances, Smith is the frontman for Britton & The Sting, a funk liberation band that blends soulful melodies with messages of empowerment and love.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Smith is a co-founder and president of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition (BAC), an organization dedicated to using storytelling and artistry to combat systemic racism and promote social justice within the theater community and beyond. Under his leadership, BAC has developed programs and initiatives that address issues such as criminal justice reform and educational inequity.

Smith's contributions to the arts and his advocacy work have made a significant impact, fostering conversations around equity and inclusion in the performing arts.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Tarana Burke

Sat, 30 May 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Tarana Burke is an activist, advocate, author, and the founder of the Me Too movement. For more than 25 years, she has dedicated her life to supporting survivors of sexual violence, fostering healing, and advancing social justice through grassroots organizing and community empowerment.

Widely recognized for creating the phrase "Me Too" in 2006, Burke's work has transformed a simple message of empathy into a global movement that has amplified the voices of millions of survivors around the world. Her advocacy centers on healing, accountability, and creating safe spaces for people to reclaim their power and tell their stories.

A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Burke continues to champion equity, dignity, and collective healing while inspiring individuals and communities to create meaningful change. She is the author of the memoir Unbound: My Story of Liberation and the Birth of the Me Too Movement.

On this episode of DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole, Burke shares insights from her personal journey, reflects on the evolution of the Me Too movement, and discusses the importance of resilience, purpose, and using your voice to make a difference.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Matthew Abrams

Sat, 23 May 2026 16:00:00 -0000

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Dr. LaJerne Terry Cornish

Sat, 16 May 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Dr. LaJerne Terry Cornish, President of Ithaca College

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Guy Stanley Philoche

Sat, 09 May 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Guy Stanley Philoche is an internationally acclaimed Haitian-American contemporary artist known for his richly textured works blending abstract realism, pop art, and cultural storytelling. His artwork has been exhibited nationally and collected by major figures and institutions, while his philanthropy supporting emerging artists has earned widespread recognition.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring A. Curtis Farrow

Sat, 02 May 2026 15:00:00 -0000

A. Curtis Farrow is an American producer, director, and community leader best known as the longtime executive producer of McDonald's Gospelfest. He is widely recognized for using music and media as platforms to celebrate faith, diversity, and cultural unity across the United States.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Paulette Cleghorn

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Paulette Cleghorn is the Head Designer and Creative Director of Yumi Katsura Couture, where she leads the creative vision for one of the world’s most renowned bridal fashion houses. A seasoned fashion executive, she brings a global perspective to couture design, blending innovation with timeless elegance. With years of experience shaping luxury fashion, Paulette is known for her refined aesthetic, leadership, and commitment to excellence in the world of high fashion.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Desirée Rogers

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:00:00 -0000

This week on DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole, we welcome Desirée Rogers—CEO and Co-Owner of Black Opal Beauty and Fashion Fair Cosmetics, and former White House Social Secretary.

In this powerful conversation, Desirée shares her journey navigating leadership at the highest levels—from corporate boardrooms to the White House—while remaining grounded in purpose and vision. She offers insight into building legacy brands, embracing reinvention, and making bold decisions with clarity and confidence.

DREAMLEAPERS® is an educational platform designed to help people access and activate their dreams—turning real-life experiences into practical guidance and inspiration.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Blair Underwood

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:06:00 -0000

Blair Underwood has built a distinguished career across film, television, and theatre, earning acclaim as an actor while expanding his creative influence as a director, producer, and author. With a body of work defined by range, depth, and longevity, he stands among the rare artists whose impact extends both in front of and behind the camera.

Underwood currently stars in Youngblood, a reimagining of the 1980s hockey film, and co-stars in RZA’s indie feature One Spoon of Chocolate, which premiered at Tribeca. He recently completed production on the upcoming Netflix romance Don’t Ever Wonder, alongside Larenz Tate and Nia Long. He also joins the cast of the hit FOX series Doc as Dr. Ben Grant—a world-class trauma and cardiothoracic surgeon whose confidence matches his extraordinary talent. He will appear in the two-hour season finale and return as a series regular in season three, premiering this fall.

In 2024, Underwood garnered critical acclaim for his role in Longlegs, directed by Oz Perkins and starring Nicolas Cage, widely described as one of the most chilling films of the decade. That same year, he co-starred in the Starz drama Three Women, the Sky TV romantic comedy Smothered, and appeared in Ava DuVernay’s Origin, adapted from Isabel Wilkerson’s best-selling book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent.

Expanding his work behind the camera, Underwood directed, produced, and starred in the psychological thriller Viral, portraying a man spiraling into paranoia after his wife’s disappearance. The film explores themes of trauma, perception, and emotional survival.

On stage, Underwood earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Play for his role in the 2020 revival of A Soldier’s Play, which won Best Revival of a Play. He later served as a producer on Pass Over, the first production to reopen Broadway following the COVID-19 shutdown.

His extensive television career includes standout roles in Quantico, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Dirty Sexy Money, The New Adventures of Old Christine, In Treatment, The Event, and the iconic L.A. Law. His film credits include Set It Off, Deep Impact, Rules of Engagement, Just Cause, and Madea’s Family Reunion. He also starred opposite Cicely Tyson in A Trip to Bountiful.

Underwood has executive produced and narrated acclaimed documentaries including the Peabody Award-winning Mr. SOUL! and Olympic Pride, American Prejudice. He made his feature directorial debut with The Bridge to Nowhere and has directed music videos, commercials, and award-winning virtual reality projects.

An accomplished author, Underwood has contributed to multiple best-selling works. His latest book, A Soldier’s Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood, will be released April 14 by HarperCollins.

His accolades include an Emmy Award (as producer of Give), two Golden Globe nominations, 17 NAACP Image Award nominations (with eight wins), a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word, and an Audie Award for Best Non-Fiction Narrator. A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Underwood is also actively engaged in philanthropic initiatives.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring J. Ivy

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:07:00 -0000

J. Ivy is a Grammy Award-winning poet, recording artist, and author whose work bridges spoken word, music, and storytelling. Widely recognized for his contribution to “Never Let Me Down” with Kanye West and Jay-Z, he has built a legacy rooted in purpose, faith, and creative expression.

His acclaimed piece “Dear Father”—which evolved into a bestselling book and a national letter-writing movement—encourages healing through creative expression, challenging individuals to confront pain, embrace forgiveness, and transform their stories into purpose.

A driving force behind the establishment of the Grammy category for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, J. Ivy made history as its inaugural winner in 2023 for The Poet Who Sat by the Door, continuing to elevate the genre through his work.

From Def Poetry stages to global platforms, his voice continues to inspire audiences through compelling narratives of growth, resilience, and transformation.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Ro Reddick

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Ro Reddick is a queer Black playwright, songwriter, and educator known for writing off-kilter comedies—and the theme songs to your late capitalist nightmares.

She is the 2025–2026 recipient of the Vineyard Theatre’s Paula Vogel Playwriting Award, where she serves as an artist-in-residence, and an Audrey Resident at New Georges. Her play Cold War Choir Practice won the 2026 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and premiered in Clubbed Thumb’s Summerworks 2025 (New York Times Critic’s Pick, directed by Knud Adams), co-produced by Page 73. The production was later remounted at MCC Theater in collaboration with Clubbed Thumb and Page 73.

Ro was a 2024–2025 Playwrights Center Core Apprentice and is currently under commission with People’s Light Theatre as part of their Queerways PA commissioning and residency program.

She holds an MFA in Playwriting from Brown University and an MBA from NYU—which she has no intention of using.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Michaela angela Davis

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0000

Michaela angela Davis is a writer, creative director, producer, and image activist whose work explores the intersections of gender, race, fashion, culture, beauty, and identity.

She is the co-author of The Meaning of Mariah Carey, a #1 New York Times bestseller, and has collaborated with Mariah Carey on additional literary projects. Davis is also the creator of the NAACP Image Award–nominated docuseries The Hair Tales (OWN + Hulu), a powerful exploration of Black women’s identity through the culture of hair.

A pioneering voice in media and fashion, she has held editorial leadership roles at Essence, VIBE, and Honey magazine, and has worked with iconic artists including Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Prince, and Maya Angelou. Her work spans television, publishing, and global cultural commentary, with contributions to outlets such as CNN, MSNBC, and BBC.

Davis continues to shape conversations around image, identity, and representation through storytelling, media, and creative direction.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Sue Hitzmann

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 20:37:00 -0000

Sue Hitzmann is an exercise physiologist, manual therapist, and the founder of the MELT Method®, a self-treatment technique designed to help people reduce chronic pain, improve mobility, and restore balance in the body. She is the CEO of Longevity Fitness, Inc., and an internationally recognized educator who teaches individuals and health professionals how to care for their connective tissue and overall well-being.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Akeshi Akinseye

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 22:14:00 -0000

Join Harriette Cole on DREAMLEAPERS® with guest Akeshi Akinseye, global luxury event planner and author.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Tamika Mallory

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Tamika D. Mallory is a bestselling author, award-winning social justice leader, and movement strategist. A powerful organizer, she has led major justice movements, from fighting voter suppression to advocating for Breonna Taylor. As the youngest-ever Executive Director of the National Action Network, she helped create New York City’s $100 million Crisis Management System for gun violence prevention. She also made history as a national co-chair of the 2017 Women’s March, the largest single-day demonstration in U.S. history.

In 2020, Tamika’s viral speech during the George Floyd protests resonated with millions worldwide and became the foundation for her bestselling book, STATE OF EMERGENCY: How We Win in the Country We Built. In early 2025, she released I LIVED TO TELL THE STORY, a coming-of-age memoir reflecting on her journey from a curious young girl in Harlem, NY to an internationally recognized activist. As co-founder of Until Freedom, she continues to advocate for marginalized communities and co-hosts the TMI Podcast (Tamika & Mysonne’s Information) on iHeart Radio’s Black Effect Network.

Named one of Time 100’s Most Influential People and featured on Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders, Tamika has received numerous honors, including the Phoenix Award from the Congressional Black Caucus. She remains relentless in her fight for justice while embracing her most cherished roles as a mother and grandmother.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Eric Easter

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Eric Easter is a producer, writer and media executive and CEO of BlackBoxDigital Studios, which produces non-fiction multi-platform programming. The former CEO of streaming channel Black Heritage Network, he advises content-based media startups including streaming channel Kweli TV.

A strong advocate for public media, he is the chairman of WHUT TV (Howard University Television) and a trustee of America’s Public Television Stations (APTS) and its lobbying arm, APTS Action. A former chairman of Black Public Media, he also served on the board of the Public Media Platform, a joint effort to build a global digital resource of public media content.

The former chief digital officer for Johnson Publishing, he launched and served as founding editor-in-chief of EbonyJet.com (now Ebony.com). As head of its entertainment unit, he spearheaded the company’s push into documentaries, online radio and short-form video. The partnership he established with Google led to the digitization of the archives of Ebony, Jet, Negro Digest/Black World and Ebony Jr.

Prior to joining JPC, he directed communications outreach for Washington Post Newsweek Interactive (washingtonpost.com, newsweek.com, Slate) and served as executive director of Lawyers for the Arts, where he worked with content and music creators to navigate the impact of digital technology on intellectual property.

He founded and published the DC-based cultural magazine, ONE, and co-published the scholarly quarterly, Black Film Review.

He is a creator and co-author of the bestselling book Songs of My People (Little Brown 1992), a historic book and international photo exhibition on the lives of African Americans. In collaboration with actor Edward James Olmos and journalist Manny Monterrey, he produced AMERICANOS: Latino Life in the United States (Little Brown, 1990), a book, exhibition and award-winning HBO documentary which launched HBO Latino.

A political veteran, he served as a media advisor to the campaigns of Howard Dean, Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Governor Doug Wilder (VA), and as press secretary to the Rev. Jesse Jackson for the National Rainbow Coalition.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Joseph McRae

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0000

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Keith Brown

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 20:44:00 -0000

Join Harriette Cole for a powerful conversation with award-winning filmmaker and media executive Keith Michael Brown, Executive Vice President of Content at Firelight Films. They discuss his directorial debut, A New Day Begun: The Black National Anthem, and explore the power of storytelling, truth-telling, and centering voices that shape culture, history, and social change.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Susan L. Taylor and Stephen Powell

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 16:10:00 -0000

Susan L. Taylor is a legendary voice in media, widely known for her profound impact as former Editor-in-Chief of Essence magazine. For decades, she has shaped generations of Black women through storytelling rooted in empowerment, healing, and truth. She is also a longtime author, speaker, and advocate for personal and community transformation.

Stephen Powell is a nationally respected leader in youth development and mentorship, with decades of experience building programs that uplift Black boys and young men through accountability, love, and community. His work is grounded in the unwavering belief that mentorship saves lives.

Together, Susan and Stephen co-founded the National CARES Mentoring Movement, an organization dedicated to healing, empowering, and guiding Black children through culturally responsive mentorship. National CARES works to disrupt cycles of trauma by surrounding young people with consistent, caring adults who believe in their greatness.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Charlie Lewis, Jr.

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Charlie Lewis Jr. is a real estate professional, author, and lifestyle visionary focused on intentional living and personal alignment. Based in New York City, his work encourages people to think beyond success as a title and instead consider how they truly live their lives.

His newly released book, No Apologies: Love the Way You Live, at Any Age, explores authenticity, self-acceptance, wellness, and living with purpose—offering reflection and practical insight for every season of life.

A proud graduate of Howard University and the University of Texas at Austin, Charlie remains committed to leadership, mentorship, and community impact.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0000

Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman is an award-winning Ghanaian-American researcher and writer. She is a postgraduate student at Harvard Kennedy School studying public policy and economics. She is the youngest recipient of a CEDAW Women’s Rights Award from the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. Her first book received widespread coverage from outlets including NPR, ESSENCE, Telemundo, and The New York Times.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Jeanni Johnson

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0000

With a decade of focused experience in mental health and addictive disorders, Jeanni’s dedication to equity is exemplified through her collaborative research projects at the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. Her work providing behavioral mental health and substance abuse services underscores her commitment to supporting individuals on their healing journey.

Grounded in the belief that healing is a collaborative process rooted in compassion and judgment-free care, Jeanni employs a multi-methodological and integrative approach to therapy. Through her guidance, clients are encouraged to introspectively address barriers hindering personal growth with clarity and self-compassion.

Jeanni L. Johnson is a beacon of empathy and expertise, guiding individuals toward self-discovery and empowerment in their mental health and overall well-being.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Rev. Dr. Gary M. Speers

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Rev. Dr. Gary M. Speers is a veteran educator, administrator, and pastor whose five-decade career reflects an unwavering commitment to faith, leadership, and public service. A Birmingham native and graduate of Woodlawn High School, he has served in pivotal roles throughout Alabama’s school systems, local government, juvenile justice, and ministry, and currently serves as pastor of Aspel Community Church and as a member of the Scottsboro Board of Education.

He was married to the late Kimball McQueen Speers—author of A Binding Love (2010), a historical romance—until her passing on December 17, 2023. Together, they raised three daughters and are blessed with eight grandchildren.

MORE TO KNOW

Dr. Gary M. Speers is an educator, community leader, and author whose life and work are deeply rooted in faith and service. He was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and graduated from Woodlawn High School—the inspiration for the Woodlawn story referenced in his book title. He continued his education on an athletic scholarship at Alabama A&M University, where he played football and earned his bachelor’s degree.

Over the years, Speers has held a wide range of roles in education, including serving as the fifth and final principal of Brownwood Elementary School, assistant principal at other local schools, and positions in dropout prevention and attendance coordination within the Scottsboro City Schools system. He is also a board member of the Scottsboro Board of Education.

In addition to his work in education, Dr. Speers has been active in public service and community leadership. He served as a city councilman in Scottsboro, founded New Harvest Ministries, and pastored Saint Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church for more than a decade. He remains involved with local organizations such as the Scottsboro Boys Museum and Cultural Center and the Boys and Girls Club of America.

His academic credentials are extensive. Along with his bachelor’s degree, he holds a Bachelor of Theology, a master’s degree in school counseling, an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree, and a Doctor of Education (EdD) with a focus on educational administration.

Life After Woodlawn reflects Speers’s personal journey of faith, resilience, and purpose, showing how his beliefs have shaped his life experiences and service to others.

www.lifeafterwoodlawn.com

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Esther Gokhale

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:23:00 -0000

Esther Gokhale (pronounced GO-clay) is internationally recognized as “The Posture Guru of Silicon Valley,” a title given by The New York Times. Trained in science at Harvard and Princeton, Esther has taught the Gokhale Method® at leading institutions including Google, Facebook, Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, UCSF, and TEDx (Stanford). The Gokhale Method is currently the subject of a Stanford clinical trial focused on back pain treatment.

Esther’s lifelong dedication to healing began in childhood while growing up in India, where she assisted her mother, a nurse, in caring for abandoned infants awaiting adoption. This early exposure to integrative care led her to study biochemistry at Harvard and Princeton, followed by acupuncture training at the San Francisco School of Oriental Medicine.

After suffering debilitating back pain during her first pregnancy and undergoing unsuccessful back surgery, Esther committed herself to understanding the root causes of chronic pain. Her studies at the Aplomb® Institute in Paris and years of research in Brazil, India, Portugal, and other regions—where back pain is far less common—led to the development of the Gokhale Method®, a systematic approach to restoring the body’s natural alignment and movement patterns.

Esther is the author of the best-selling book 8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back, which has sold over 300,000 copies and been translated into ten languages. She also hosted the nationally televised program Back Pain: The Primal Posture™ Solution. Today, the Gokhale Method is taught worldwide by certified teachers personally trained by Esther.

The Gokhale Method focuses on restoring a natural “primal posture,” often described as a J-spine, through small, practical adjustments to everyday movements, including:

Sitting & Standing: Stretchsitting™ and Stacksitting™ techniques to elongate the spine
Bending: Hip-hinging to protect spinal discs
Walking: Glidewalking™ to reduce joint stress
Lying Down: Supportive sleep positions that maintain spinal alignment

Interested in learning more? Attend a free online Gokhale Method workshop to explore practical tools for pain-free movement.

👉 Free Workshop Link: https://gokhalemethod.com/map/free_workshops?online=1

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Coreen Simpson

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Coreen Simpson is widely known for her signature jewelry line, The

Black Cameo, created in 1990. Motivated by the absence of cameos representing or celebrating Black women’s beauty, Coreen repurposed a traditional concept to develop imagery that could serve as a renowned symbol of Black femininity, style, and agency.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring DEBORAH WILLIS

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 20:42:00 -0000

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 21:39:00 -0000

Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks is a renowned celebrity makeup artist celebrated for her signature “Flawless Face” technique. With over two decades in the beauty industry, she has crafted iconic looks for stars such as Taraji P. Henson, Alicia Keys, Janelle Monáe, LaLa Anthony, and more.

Her artistry has appeared on red carpets, television and film sets, global beauty campaigns, and magazine covers worldwide. Ashunta is also an entrepreneur, educator, and founder of Ashunta Sheriff Beauty, where she shares her expertise through innovative products designed for diverse skin tones and everyday women seeking confidence through makeup.

Her inspiring journey blends creativity, discipline, and a deep commitment to empowering others through beauty.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring El-Aton Georges

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0000

LEARN MORE AT www.soptah.com - for inquiries CALL 929-316-6315

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Dreamleapers® featuring Lisa Price

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Lisa Price’s journey begins like that of many entrepreneurs—with curiosity and determination mixed with moments of panic and a resounding belief that products that were made with love and delivered on their promise would find their following. It was a company born of Price’s love for fragrance and a passion for scent alchemy that formed the foundation of her high-performing products.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Andrea Pitter

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Andrea Pitter is the founder of Pantora, a luxury bridal brand celebrated for its thoughtful craftsmanship, innovative textiles, and inclusive design philosophy.

Created as a love letter to Black women, Pantora’s mission has always been to center and celebrate them—while welcoming and catering to women of all backgrounds. Black women are the reason Pantora began and remain at the heart of everything the brand creates.

From dressing celebrated public figures to everyday women on their most meaningful days, Pantora designs with the same dedication to beauty, fit, and individuality. Known for its signature “Forgotten Skin Tone” illusion mesh and extensive size range, the brand offers a distinctive aesthetic that is both modern and timeless.

Pantora’s collections are carried by select retailers nationwide, with flagship salons in New York City and Maryland. The brand has been featured in Vogue, Essence, The Knot, Ebony, Munaluchi Bride, and many more leading publications, and introduced its designs to an even wider audience when Andrea won Amazon Prime’s Making the Cut.

With a commitment to representation, artistry, and a deeply personal approach to luxury, Andrea continues to design for a world where every woman feels seen, celebrated, and exquisitely dressed.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Dr. Jonathan Lassiter

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 17:00:00 -0000

Jonathan Mathias Lassiter, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in New York City specializing in culturally informed mental health care for Black, POC, and LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

With a passion to use his Ph.D. for the culture, he serves as a therapist, scientist, educator, author, mental health columnist, on-air mental health expert, and international public speaker.

Dr. Lassiter has appeared in outlets such as Forbes, NBC, PBS, SiriusXM, and iHeart Radio. He is the author of How I Know White People Are Crazy and Other Stories: Notes From a Frustrated Black Psychologist, published by Legacy Lit Books. In the book, he tells his story of becoming part of the less than 1% of Black male psychologists and explains how whiteness limits how we understand and practice mental health.

Dr. Lassiter is also the co-editor of the award-winning text Black LGBT Health in the United States: The Intersection of Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation, published by Lexington Books.

Follow Dr. Lassiter on all social media platforms: @lassiterhealth

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Monique Clesca

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0000

She has ridden a camel in the Sahara Desert, been on a bird safari in Zimbabwe, survived driving into an electric pole while fighting off a kidnapping attempt in Haiti, seriously considered moving to the Andean mountains after her visit to the Inca Citadel Machu Picchu, and once ran a film foundation to bring cinema to underprivileged school children with Raoul Peck, the famed director of the popular film I Am Not Your Negro on James Baldwin. She is a Commander in the Niger National Order of Merit and a Magaram and Tambara, honorific titles, for she is the recipient of numerous recognitions for her advocacy work in child and women’s rights in Africa.

Monique Clesca has led two incredibly fulfilling lives. First, as an activist, she worked in the field of international development, advocating for children’s and women’s rights, and participated in high-level policy around issues linked to Haiti and Africa. Since her retirement from full-time work at the United Nations in 2016, she has worked as an international consultant. Also a leading voice as a feminist, pro-democracy, and pro-social justice activist in Haiti, she has been a speaker at the Yale Law School Human Rights Clinic, the Parliament of Canada, and a guest on Democracy Now, NPR, CNN, MSNBC, NBC News, and Black News. She has been a long-time volunteer of a women-led organization that provides holistic support to girls and women who have suffered domestic and sexual violence. The President of Niger awarded her the country’s highest honor, Commander in the Niger Order of Merit, in 2016 for having spearheaded a countrywide movement for the elimination of child marriage. She has also been rewarded with several Royal Honorific Titles from the most powerful Traditional Chiefs in Niger.

Her second life is writing. She is the author of two self-published books in French: her novel La Confession, a portrait of a woman asserting herself after love, grief, and loss in a patriarchal society; and Mosaiques, a collection of essays about women affected by human rights issues. She has just finished writing her memoir Silence and Resistance: Memoir of a Girlhood in Haiti, and an excerpt of it was featured as a Story of the Week by Narrative Magazine and another by the literary magazine Black Renaissance Noire, and still another in La Prensa. Her nonfiction, which has been dominated by Haiti, displacement, family bonds, gender, and identity issues, has appeared in The New York Times, Narrative Magazine, The Miami Herald, Foreign Affairs, Americas Quarterly, Foreign Policy, Just Security, Le Nouvelliste, and NYU’s Black Renaissance Noire Magazine, among others.

Monique honed her memoir-writing craft at the Skidmore Writer’s Workshop with Phillip Lopate; at Tom Yenks’ Narrative Magazine Advanced Writing Workshop; with Dinty W. Moore and Allison K. Williams; at the Iowa Writers Festival; and at the Atelier Gallimard in France. Monique earned her master’s degree in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Illinois and her B.A. in Philosophy from Howard University in Washington, D.C. She is the mother of two adult children—a daughter who lives in the United States and a son who lives in France—and the grandmother of two boys and a girl. A national of Haiti, she lives in Haiti and Miami.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Mark Ingram

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 17:47:00 -0000

Upon graduating from prestigious NYU with a business degree, Mark Ingram’s fashion career began at the legendary Fifth Avenue specialty stores Bonwit Teller and Bergdorf Goodman. As a young merchandising executive at these venerable institutions in the early 80’s, Mark was exposed to the world’s top designers and arbiters of style.

Mark’s interest in fashion, however, dates back to his childhood. As a youngster barely out of the stroller, Mark was introduced to fashionable Fifth Avenue shops by his grandparents, who were avid shoppers and style setters. Custom-made clothes and Saturday fittings at such stores as B. Altman and Best & Co. remain fond childhood memories.

By 1986, Mark had embarked on a successful wholesale career in New York’s garment center, securing merchandising and sales management positions with designer and luxury goods manufacturers. In 1995 he joined the renowned bridal house Amsale as National Bridal Sales Director. In this role, Mark traveled to the best couture bridal stores meeting brides-to-be across the country.

All of this helped prepare him to realize the dream of opening Mark Ingram Atelier in 2002.

Mr. Ingram established his own namesake collection ‘Mark Ingram Bride’ as a response to hearing firsthand the gowns that his customers were missing the most. The Mark Ingram Bride is a Collection brand first but truly so much more of an adjective. The title embodies the woman and the women who inspire their effortless look and feel. They are simple yet stately, they are delicate but impactful.

The Mark Ingram Bride Collection is inspired by the women who adorn the gowns and their innate appreciation for chic, quality, and impeccable design.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Yvonna Kopacz-Wright & Brett Wright

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0000

Dynamic duo in life and purpose.
From Hollywood to Harlem and beyond, Yvonna Kopacz-Wright and Brett Wright bring creativity, strategy, and heart to everything they touch — from the screen to the soil at Lomar Farms, where passion meets purpose in their mission to save the bees.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Paul Alexander and Maya Days

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0000

Curator Paul Alexander and Actress Maya Days in conversation with Harriette Cole on Women in Jazz — celebrating Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, and Billie Holiday, as well as the reopening of The Kaye Playhouse and the addition of the Billie Holiday Papers to Hunter College’s Jazz Archive.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 15:28:00 -0000

Rosemarie Ingleton is more than just the Medical Director of Ingleton Dermatology—she's the visionary behind its success. Dr. Ingleton has built a national reputation in both general and advanced cosmetic dermatology as the go-to dermatologist for many high-profile individuals. Her ability to seamlessly blend medical and cosmetic care, addressing skin and hair concerns with an artful touch, truly sets her apart. Whether you’re dealing with adult acne, seeking subtle cosmetic enhancements, or need expert care for ethnic skin, Dr. Ingleton’s deep understanding and precision make her a trusted leader in the field. Her achievements have been featured in publications like Vogue, Glamour, Essence, Allure, and Oprah.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Jeffrey Banks

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 16:16:00 -0000

Jeffrey Banks is an internationally recognized fashion designer. His consummate personal taste and way of putting clothes together have perennially earned him a spot on the “International Best Dressed” list. His professional style combines genuine talent for design and merchandising with an acute understanding of what contemporary men really want to wear.

“For clothes to appeal to modern men, they really have to work,” says Banks. “Men like the look of modern clothes, but they have to feel contemporary.” For Banks the future of fashion is in the technological strides that allow designers to combine modern techno-fibers and fabrications with luxurious natural fibers. Banks strongly believes that menswear can always use an infusion of exuberant color adding, “men enjoy its liberating spirit.”

Banks’ approach to design has earned him some of fashion’s most prestigiou awards and honors. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Banks earned a Special Coty Award for men’s furs with Alixandre, followed by another Coty for his signature menswear collection and an “Earnie” for his signature boyswear. Banks has also received the Cutty Sark Award for Outstanding U.S. Designer of Menswear as well as the Pratt Institute Award for Excellence.

Banks designed with both Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein while in school. As the designer of Merona Sport, Banks built a $100 million sportswear line in less than five years. He launched the concept of “spectator sportswear” for men, women and children. In addition to designing his signature menswear line, he has had a long-standing menswear license in Japan. Banks has also designed private label sportswear and clothing for Bloomingdale’s. He conceived and developed the Johnnie Walker Collection of men’s sportswear as the first brand extension for this prestigious distiller. He has also recently designed Jeffrey Banks Womenswear and Jeffrey Banks Home Décor for HSN.

Jeffrey Banks devotes a good deal of time serving the fashion industry and other favorite causes. He is a member of the Emeritus Board of Directors of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and was a senior Board Member of the Fashion Institute.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Dionne Williams

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0000

In over 25 years in the public relations arena Dionne has developed a proven track record for providing quality public relations campaigns and concepts that are executed in national and local urban markets. Her clients have been featured in local and major market newspapers, national magazines, national shows, such as Billboard Magazine, E! Entertainment, Black Entertainment Television (BЕТ), АBС, NBC, CNN, and CBS radio and television affiliated networks locally and nationwide.

Clients have included: ORS haircare, tgin haircare, Ambi skincare, Jamaican Mango & Lime, Oscar Award Winning Actress Jennifer Hudson, R&B Legend Chaka Khan, Dwayne Wade's Wade's World Foundation, Playwright and actress Regina Taylor, American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), American Family Insurance, Johnson Publishing Company, Paul G Stewart Housing Campus, The N'Digo Foundation, The HistoryMakers, The Alliance of Business Leaders & Entrepreneurs (ABLE), The Goodman Theatre, just to name a few.

Dionne is also the owner and producer of Emerge! Fashion Show which takes place during New York Fashion Week. Emerge! is one of the top collective emerging designer showcases during NYFW. Every year Emerge! presents the coveted Fashion Innovator Award which has been presented to Andre' Leon Talley, Bethann Hardison, Pat Cleveland, Dapper Dan, Sergio Hudson, Law Roach, Beverly Johnson, Karl Kani to name a few. Emerge! has since expanded to London, spotlighting black emerging designers in the UK.

Dionne Williams is a passionate advocate for diversity within the fashion industry, particularly among designers and the creative community. She serves on the executive board of the Chicago Costume Council at the Chicago History Museum and plays a pivotal role on the steering committee for Chicago Fashion Week, where she champions inclusion and innovation in fashion Prior to starting consulting, Dionne worked for the community affairs, publicity and promotions departments for NBC Chicago, Cook County Bureau of Health Services and Museum of Science and Industry. Dionne has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Chicago State University. She is currently the President of the Black Public Relations Society of Chicago.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Dr. Terence Lester & Zion Lester

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 16:16:00 -0000

Dr. Terence Lester is an author, activist, and founder of Love Beyond Walls. His upcoming book, Dropout to Doctorate, launches September 9th, sharing his journey from struggle to scholarship. His daughter, Zion Lester, co-authored the children’s book Zion Learns to See at age 15 with her father, bringing a fresh generational perspective to their shared mission and showing how young voices can spark meaningful change.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Pamela McBride

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Pamela McBride has dedicated her career to fiercely advocating for others. As the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity in the largest division of an organization with more than 40,000 employees and 2,800 executives and managers, Pamela provides strategic leadership for Equal Employment Opportunity, Reasonable Accommodation, Anti-Harassment, and External Civil Rights.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Michelle Maros

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Michelle Maros is a mindfulness coach, self-love expert, and the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, dedicated to helping people cultivate happiness, fulfillment, and inner peace.

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Dreamleapers® with Harriette Cole featuring Elijah "Eli" Moss

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0000

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Dreamleapers® with Harriette Cole featuring Tammy Demos

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 14:52:00 -0000

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Joy Alicia

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0000

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Dreamleapers® with David Homan

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000

David Homan is the founder and CEO of Orchestrated Connecting, a global community of connectors; Orchestrated Opportunities, an impact-focused advisory firm; and SOAR CONNECT, a start-up focused on the strength of authentic relationships.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Maurice Williams,

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Victoria Christopher Murray

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 15:31:00 -0000

Victoria Christopher Murray is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of more than 30 novels, including the New York Times Instant Best Sellers, The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Danessa Myricks

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0000

Danessa Myricks is a self-made beauty visionary whose impact runs deep across artistry, inclusivity, and innovation. Originally a nursing assistant turned single mom, Danessa’s pivot into makeup artistry began when she was laid off from a job that published hair and beauty magazines. Driven by passion, she self-educated in makeup techniques, photography, and product science — ultimately turning her creativity into a career.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Katherine Melchior Ray

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0000

Katherine Melchior Ray is a global marketing leader, consultant, keynote speaker, author, and educator.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Mary Fisher

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0000

Mary Fisher has spent a lifetime giving voice to the voiceless. From the hush of hospices to the halls of power, she’s proven that one woman’s courage can yield change. Not long after her own HIV diagnosis, Mary Fisher mounted a world stage in Houston, TX, to address the 1992 Republican National Convention where she stunned the assembled thousands (and broadcast audience of millions) with her historic speech, “A Whisper of AIDS.” Her address from that evening is well-remembered 30 years later and is featured in countless rhetoric texts as a model of advocacy persuasion. It’s been ranked (Oxford Press) as one of the “100 Best American Speeches of the 20th Century.” But Mary didn’t stop there. Twenty-two years and countless actions later, Mary was honored as a global Disruptor, receiving a Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award in the company of NIH Director Francis Collins and others. It’s one of many tributes paid to her including five honorary doctorates. Art and advocacy have filled Mary's life. She’s authored six books, given countless speeches and interviews, and traveled the globe as a Special Representative of the United Nations representing the call to justice and healing for those most affected by global neglect and AIDS.

Throughout her life, Mary has balanced her love of making art with her commitments as an advocate. Her message-bearing sculptures, quilts, and stylized textiles have found a ready market from the halls of U.S. embassies to the homes of private collectors. Her work as a world-class jewelry designer has blended with her unending passion as an activist, yielding lines of bracelets produced by vulnerable women in Africa and nations around the world. Her work is a call to action: The 100 Good Deeds Bracelet generated over 4 million acts of kindness. Mary’s aesthetic is at once elegant and accessible, subtle and strong. Just as certainly, her advocacy is unquestioned. For decades, through art and action, she has inspired and given a voice to those muted by injustice, poverty, illness and fear. Mary has lived longer by any measure than the world thought possible that long- ago night in Houston.

In 2012, while recovering from treatments for an aggressive breast cancer, she authored a second memoir. “My first memoir in 1995 was my story about dying,” she explained. “Messenger is my story about living.” The years have been a gift, and Mary has used them well. She’s never been quieted in her calls for diversity, equity and inclusion. She’s celebrated for her oratory that inspires others, is a recognized patron of the arts from Broadway to local theater, and is a proven and tireless campaigner for compassion and community, encouraging others to find ways to heal a broken world. In 2020, her long-held dream was realized when she hugged her first grandchild – an experience that could never have been imagined three decades earlier. Given her passion for action, Mary’s years of survival have become years of service to those she meets, a remarkable story of grace still unfolding. Beyond advocacy, Fisher is also a committed artist. Several of her art pieces are part of the Art for AIDS collection featured at UNAIDS in Geneva, and she frequently exhibits her work in U.S. galleries

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring A’Lelia Bundles

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0000

A’Lelia Bundles, author, biographer, journalist, and great-great granddaughter of America’s first self-made woman millionaire Madam C.J. Walker, will be joining DREAMLEAPERS® on Saturday to share her own piece of history with us.

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Dreamleapers® with Harriette Cole featuring PHYLICIA RASHAD

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 15:00:00 -0000

Phylicia Rashad is a celebrated American actress, director, and educator, renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to television, theater, and the arts. Born on June 19, 1948, in Houston, Texas, she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Howard University in 1970.

Learn more

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Dreamleapers® with Harriette Cole featuring Sekou Writes

Sat, 31 May 2025 15:00:00 -0000

May is National Stroke Awareness and Mental Health Awareness Month

We are closing out this month speaking to a two-time stroke survivor, author, journalist and speaker, Sekou Writes.

After surviving a deadly hemorrhagic stroke, Sekou Writes made the conscious decision to put himself first—his health, his emotions, his joy. In the darkest hours, he chose to smile. He found a way to encourage himself because he knew how far he’d come already and that better was ahead.

Before his strokes, Sekou Writes worked as a successful journalist for prominent magazines such as Essence and Ebony, and served as the Editor-in-Chief at Uptown Magazine. He also founded his very own publication, Simply Rides. Despite his professional success, Sekou quietly struggled with his emotions—something many people would not realize until after the release of his 2023 book Hack Your Pain Now: An Emergency Survival Guide in 10 Easy Commandments. This book exposes some of the deep scars of his past life. Sekou will share with us how different his mind is post-stroke and how jarring it is to remember different parts of himself pre-stroke.

Sekou’s recovery has given him a second chance at life. He now chooses joy and intention each morning no matter how difficult it may be, and he is sharing his story with the world to encourage anyone else who may be struggling to keep going.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with TARA ROBERTS

Sat, 31 May 2025 05:38:00 -0000

Tara Roberts is a storyteller, adventurer, and traveler. Tara spent the last six years following, diving with, and telling stories about Black scuba divers as they searched for and helped document slave shipwrecks around the world. Her journey was turned into an award-winning National Geographic-produced podcast called “Into the Depths” and featured in the March issue of National Geographic magazine. Tara became the first Black female explorer ever to be featured on the cover of Nat Geo. In 2022, Tara was named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year.

Currently, she is an Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. And her book Written in the Waters: A Memoir of History, Home and Belonging hits stands in January 2025. Tara also worked as an editor for magazines like CosmoGirl, Essence, EBONY and Heart & Soul and edited several books for girls. She was a Fellow at the MIT Open Documentary Lab. She founded her own magazine for women who are ‘too bold for boundaries.' And Tara spent an amazing year backpacking around the world to find and tell stories about young women change agents.

The journey led to the creation of a nonprofit that supported and funded their big ideas.

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HOODA BROWN

Sat, 24 May 2025 03:57:00 -0000

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Steve Jones

Sat, 10 May 2025 15:00:00 -0000

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Steve Jones—journalist, producer, and author—on this week’s episode of DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole. Discover how he’s using his voice and platform to empower others and tell the stories that matter.

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Debra Martin Chase

Sat, 03 May 2025 16:00:00 -0000

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Kianna Webb

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000

Kiana Webb is a transformational guide, spiritual teacher, and visionary business leader devoted to awakening the light within others. As the founder of Glorious Arisings and author of A Glorious Arisings: A Journey to the Remembrance of Me, Kiana empowers individuals and organizations to reclaim their truth, lead with intention, and live in harmony with their soul’s purpose. Rooted in grace and powered by faith, her work inspires self-discovery, healing, and the remembrance of our true essence.

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Dreamleapers® with Harriette Cole featuring Charles M. Blow

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000

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DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Lester F. Strong

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0000

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DREAMLEAPERS® - MIRAL SATTAR

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Founder of the Award-Winning Bearily Bear Podcast

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DREAMLEAPERS® featuring Bridgett Davis

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0000

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Dreamleapers® with Harriette Cole featuring Bevy Smith

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 15:00:00 -0000

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MELBA WILSON

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0000

James Beard nominee, Melba Wilson, is a true Harlem native, embodying the essence of New York as one of the most successful African-American women in the restaurant and catering industries. Her remarkable achievements and stellar reputation have made Melba's Restaurant a beloved New York landmark, frequented by a diverse array of patrons, including music, TV, and movie stars like Zendaya, Katy Perry, Prince Harry, Tom Holland, Michael Strahan, A$AP Rocky, Sherri Shepherd, D-Nice, Kendrick Lamar, and more, as well as locals and travelers from around the globe.

Melba's journey towards success began early, showcasing her keen eye and insightful nature. Her introduction to the restaurant business at Harlem's iconic Sylvia's Restaurant paved the way for her innovative ideas, such as the popular Sunday Gospel Brunch, which garnered widespread acclaim within the industry. Collaborations with renowned figures like former Executive Chef Michael Lomanco and partnerships with esteemed restaurateurs Drew Nieporent and Robert DeNiro have further solidified Melba's position as a trailblazer in the culinary world. In 2004, she made the bold decision to venture out on her own, establishing a series of successful businesses under the Melba brand, Melba’s Harlem, Melba’s Central Park, Melba’s at The Prudential Center in Newark, Melba’s Catering and Melba’s Grand Central and Melba’s 550 which will both open this year, each earning rave reviews and accolades from prestigious publications and culinary experts. Melba's influence extends beyond her businesses, as she makes regular appearances on national news and talk shows, serves as a judge on various cooking competitions, and has been featured in documentaries that celebrate her achievements. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Melba has received numerous awards and honors, underscoring her significant impact on the hospitality industry and beyond. As a dedicated mother, author, philanthropist, community advocate, as well as sole owner and investor in each of her ventures, Melba continues to be a beacon of excellence and empowerment, supporting various causes and organizations in Harlem and throughout New York City including God’s Love We Deliver, NYC Tourism & Conventions, Harlem Village Academies and President Emeritus of The NYC Hospitality Alliance. With a legacy of 19 years in business and over 11 million meals served, Melba's commitment to culinary excellence and community engagement shines brightly.

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FREDERICK ANDERSON

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Frederick Anderson has been in the thick of New York’s fashion scene for over 20 years. He and Douglas Hannant created a made-to-order collection in the early aughts that catered to the ladies who lunch set. He met Hannant while studying fashion design at The Fashion Institute of Technology, and together they helmed a successful business under Hannant’s name for a decade. Over the years, their celebrity following grew as they dressed Beyonce, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Hudson, Janet Jackson, and more. They succeeded in branching out to various categories like fragrance, bridal, and furs. But Anderson had a deep desire to tell his own story. In 2017 he struck out on his own and launched a label of insouciant party looks under his name. Created with couture fabrics and crocheted pieces, the collection hit a sweet spot—fewer ladies who lunch and more girls who like to party. worldbridemagazine.com

Frederick Anderson is renowned for his modern luxury designs that blend uptown sophistication with downtown edge. In 2018, he launched his eponymous collection, aiming to reintroduce modern luxury to the New York fashion scene. frederickandersonshop.com

In April 2024, Anderson opened a boutique in Manhattan's NoMad district at 110 East 31st Street. The space reflects his personal aesthetic, featuring art and furniture reminiscent of his own apartment, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere for clients. avenuemagazine.com

During New York Fashion Week in February 2025, Anderson unveiled his Fall 2025 collection at the Paradise Club in Times Square. The show drew inspiration from 1990s gothic glamour, presenting bold and theatrical designs that captivated the audience. nyunews.com

Anderson's designs are celebrated for their couture-like quality, featuring South American hand-knit crochet dresses, modern tweed jackets with sparkling details, and sheer pieces that artfully balance coverage and allure. avenuemagazine.com

For more insights into his work and personal style, you can follow Frederick Anderson on Instagram. instagram.com

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EPPERSON

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Rodney Epperson is a self-taught fashion designer based in New York City, known for his unique and thought-provoking designs. His journey into fashion began serendipitously when he followed a personal interest into a design class, which ignited his passion for the craft. eppersonstudio.com

Rodney, who likes to go by his last name, Epperson, is a self-taught designer who grew up in Harlem. In the early 70’s, while still in high school, Epperson began designing and focused on the deconstructed look. He later enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology, and, although he never completed his formal training, he went on to become a window dresser for Charivari in the 80’s and 90’s and currently does visual design for retailer H&M. He has designed clothes for some high-profile clients, one being India.Arie. Epperson and his wife are parents to four kids. Fantasy Old Factory Blog Spot - Project Runway Season 6

Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, everyday life, and a deep appreciation for the past, Epperson creates collections that range from portraying a "homeless and tattered urban princess" to a "skirted gentleman" confident in his identity. His designs are characterized by their whimsical yet functional nature, allowing wearers to express their true selves. eppersonstudio.com

He competed on Project Runway Season 6, which aired in 2009. He quickly became a fan favorite for his innovative designs, storytelling approach, and his ability to craft garments with a strong artistic vision.

Performance on the Show

Epperson stood out for his bohemian and avant-garde aesthetic, often incorporating deconstructed elements and historical influences into his designs.
He excelled in several challenges, particularly those that allowed him to showcase his ability to construct unique, well-tailored garments with a strong narrative.
He was eliminated in Episode 9, following a challenge where designers had to create a look inspired by a famous film genre. His Western-inspired look failed to impress the judges, leading to his unexpected exit.

Fan Reception & Legacy

Many viewers and fashion enthusiasts felt his elimination was premature, as he had consistently delivered strong, imaginative pieces.
After the show, Epperson continued to work on his own label, Epperson Studio, and became known for dressing celebrities and collaborating with dance companies like the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Throughout his career, Epperson has dressed notable clients such as Alicia Keys, Venus Williams, Erykah Badu, and Patti LaBelle. His work has been featured in exhibitions like the Museum of the City of New York's "Black Style Now" and highlighted in the fashion anthology "American Beauty" by Patricia Mears. He has also collaborated with esteemed dance companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Juilliard Dance Ensemble, designing costumes that complement their performances. eppersonstudio.com

In 2021, Epperson was honored with the Fashion Group International Rising Star Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the fashion industry. blackdesigncollective.com

He continues to serve a private clientele and is expanding his wholesale business, operating primarily from his Harlem base. eppersonstudio.com

Epperson's designs have been showcased at various fashion events, including New York Fashion Week. In February 2025, he presented a collection emphasizing sustainability, bringing attention to eco-conscious fashion practices. instagram.com

For more information about his work and collections, you can visit his official website at eppersonstudio.com.

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ADRIENNE JONES

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Professor Jones holds the honor of being the first Black woman to achieve tenured professor status at Pratt Institute. For more than 20 years, she has served as faculty adviser for Pratt’s Fashion Society and has twice received the Outstanding Organization Adviser award for her work with and dedication to the club. Jones has taught in the Department of Fashion at Pratt for more than 25 years and developed both the adult education and pre-college programs in fashion for the School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

In 2014, Jones conceived and co-curated the landmark exhibition Black Dress, which honors Black designers and addresses the lack of diversity in the fashion industry. The exhibition was an unprecedented endeavor to coalesce a diverse array of contemporary design styles that inform and educate the New York fashion community, as well as new audiences, on the commemorative work of Black designers. The Black Dress project includes a website that serves as a source of information and reference, a digital exhibition, and “Black Dress TV,” where video interviews of prominent Black/African American figures of the fashion industry can be found. Jones is currently writing the companion book to the exhibition and working on expanding and touring the exhibition.

Jones is a painter, photographer, and fashion designer who specializes in leather and suede for her private clients. She has worked as a fashion show producer, creative director, and stylist for special events. Jones holds degrees in Art Therapy (M.S.), Art Education (B.S.), Fashion Design (A.A.S.), and has won many awards and honors in her field, including Innovative Visionary Icon of the Decade in 2015 and Distinguished Teacher Award in 2017-18.

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KAREN CHILTON

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0000

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GEORGE JOHNSON WITH HILARY BEARD

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 16:00:00 -0000

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JAMES MONROE IGLEHART

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0000

In this episode of DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole, we spotlight Tony Award®-winning actor James Monroe Iglehart. Known for his electrifying performances on Broadway, including his award-winning portrayal of Genie in Disney's Aladdin and dual roles as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson in Hamilton, Iglehart continues to captivate audiences.

Currently starring as jazz legend Louis Armstrong in the Broadway musical A Wonderful World, Iglehart shares insights into bringing Armstrong's story to life and how this role deepens his appreciation for Armstrong's legacy. Beyond the stage, James discusses his journey through television, voice acting, and his creative inspirations.

Tune in to hear his reflections on a career defined by passion, perseverance, and a love for storytelling.

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AKILI TOMMASINO

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0000

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SHOMARI FIGURES

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0000

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KERIKA FIELDS

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0000

Discover Kerika Fields' Powerful New Novella, With Your Bad Self

This week on DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole, we’re thrilled to feature the brilliant Kerika Fields, an acclaimed writer and photographer, as she dives into the world of her new novella, With Your Bad Self.

Set against the backdrop of an economically challenged Brooklyn on the verge of World War II, With Your Bad Self is a coming-of-age love story that dares to question the timeless adage: "Love conquers all." In this richly evocative tale, Kerika masterfully weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of love, loyalty, and survival during one of the most pivotal moments in history.

With Your Bad Self offers readers a deeply personal and culturally poignant look into the struggles and triumphs of its characters, as they navigate a world defined by societal pressures and limited opportunities. Kerika’s gift for storytelling brings 1940s Brooklyn to life, capturing the resilience and beauty of a community facing immense challenges.

Known for her ability to tell stories that resonate deeply, Kerika draws on her experience as both a writer and a photographer to paint vivid imagery that lingers long after the final page. With this novella, she continues her legacy of highlighting the strength of the human spirit, the importance of community, and the power of love—even when love alone may not be enough.

Join us as we explore the creative process behind With Your Bad Self, the historical inspirations for the story, and Kerika’s reflections on how her work connects to modern audiences.

Tune in to DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole featuring Kerika Fields

📅 January 4, 2025

⏰ 11 AM ET on WBAI 99.5 FM and Podcasts Everywhere

🎥 Catch the Video Premiere at 5 PM ET

Visit: www.harriettecole.com/broadcasts

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Kerika Fields, whose storytelling reminds us that love and resilience are timeless.

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LEAH SMITH

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Leah Smith is a seasoned filmmaker with nearly 25 years of experience in the media industry, crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. She began her career at CNN news, contributing to the launch of Anderson Cooper 360° and served as a producer there for over a decade. During her tenure, Leah covered transformative events like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and multiple presidential elections, earning two Emmy Awards for her extraordinary coverage of the Haiti earthquake. In 2013, her talent shone once again, winning a News and Documentary Emmy for Kids on Race: The Hidden Picture, a groundbreaking documentary commissioned by CNN.

Leah later brought her storytelling prowess to NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, continuing her mission to highlight impactful narratives. Most recently, Leah’s project Luther: Never Too Much celebrates her passion for music and pays tribute to the legendary Luther Vandross.

An alumna of the University of Virginia, Leah holds a BA in English, grounding her artistic vision in a rich literary tradition.

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REGINA TAYLOR

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Recognize the extraordinary contributions of Regina Taylor, an actress, director, playwright, educator, and activist whose work spans television, theater, and film. As the playwright-in-residence at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Taylor's acclaimed works, such as Crowns, Oo-Bla-Dee, and Drowning Crow, have earned multiple Helen Hayes Awards and the Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award. She is the most produced playwright at the Goodman Theatre and serves as its artistic associate. On screen, Taylor has garnered a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Lily Harper in I’ll Fly Away, along with Emmy nominations and NAACP Image Awards. Her notable television and film roles include Lovecraft Country, All Day and a Night, Council of Dads, and The Good Fight, and she made history as the first African American woman to play Juliet in Romeo and Juliet on Broadway. Through her groundbreaking work, Regina Taylor continues to shape the cultural landscape with her powerful storytelling and advocacy.

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LISA ARRINDELL

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Lisa Arrindell was born in the Bronx, New York, and brought straight home to Brooklyn, where she was raised. She is a graduate of The High School of Performing Arts, now called The Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts and Performing Arts, and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre at The Juilliard School.

Lisa's extensive acting career includes HBO's A Lesson Before Dying, Disappearing Acts, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First Hundred Years, Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion, The Sin Seer, Livin' Large, Law and Order, Law and Order SVU, Random Acts of Flyness, Elementary, Madam Secretary, Saints & Sinners, Bull, etc. Lisa appeared led on stage in Jubilee [Seattle Opera], Cat On A Hot Tin Roof [Broadway], Reparations [The Billie Holiday Theatre], Richard III [NY Shakespeare Festival], Heliotrope Bouquet [Playwrights Horizons], and Earth and Sky [Second Stage] among others. Lisa served as the resident acting coach for Seasons 2 and 3 of Starz's hit television series P-Valley, with Season 3 having just wrapped filming last month. This year, she also appeared as Carol in Christine Swanson's film Albany Road, which premiered in theaters on November 15th.

Earlier this year, on her birthday, Lisa brought her dream project to life by filming the proof-of-concept for An Extraordinary Life, a film she both wrote and directed. An Extraordinary Life traverses the rich American story of Alonzo Herndon. While celebrated as a phenomenally successful entrepreneur, Alonzo refuses to rest in his escape from slavery’s bonds. Instead, he dedicates his life to paving a path toward freedom and economic dignity for others. This lush and poignant tale unfolds over the course of a single day in 1955, spotlighting one of the wealthiest men in America. Alonzo’s only heir, Norris Herndon, revisits memories sparked by his late mother Adrienne Herndon’s birthday in April of that year, revealing a rich and complex legacy. Lisa is now preparing to pitch and shop her full-length feature screenplay to studio executives and investors, aiming to bring this true story to a wider audience.

Along with her acting career, Lisa educates and inspires audiences with her passion for health and wholeness. She enjoys teaching theater students who are earnestly curious about pursuing a career in the performing arts and is on staff at The Freeman Studio and The Billie Holiday Theatre's Youth Arts Academy. Lisa is also a member of The Actors Center Company in New York City and is the joyful mother of two stunning, loving, highly creative, and intelligent people.

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SHIRLEY NEAL

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0000

SHIRLEY NEAL is a Los Angeles based journalist, author, and TV & Film producer whose works have focused on pop culture, Africa, Black identity, and cultural themes. AfroCentric Style: A Celebration of Blackness & Identity in Pop Culture is the certified ghostwriter’s debut solo writing credit. The collectible gift book from publisher HarperCollins Amistad (released Fall 2024) features hundreds of photos of trending pop culture memories, moments, and memes that have meanings often missed about Black history, culture, and identity. In the journalism world, Shirley’s cover story for FORBES AFRICA highlighting Oprah Winfrey’s works in South Africa is among the franchise’s most in-demand issues. Shirley has served as a contributing writer and editor for EBONY MAGAZINE, MOVIEMAKER, and guest editor of the special twenty-five-page magazine supplement for DISCOP AFRICA MAGAZINE celebrating African Americans in Television. The Emmy-award-winning producer and documentarian, who has garnered two NAACP Image Award nominations has wri[en and produced more than 100 TV programs for NBC, CBS, TVLand, A&E, BET, The Travel Channel, and TV One, that include 60 Minutes, Living With Soul, The DL Exposed, Prince: Behind the Symbol, Biography, Tuskegee Airmen, Black Ladies of Song, A Laugh, A Tear, U.S. Olympic Fest, and TVLand: African Americans in Television. Her film credits which include Intore (pronounced In-nor-ay), a feature-length doc about how Rwanda survived its tragic past by regaining its identity through music, dance, and the resilience of a new generation, earned top honors at the International Film Awards and was a Humanitarian Award recipient at the 2016 International Family Film Festival. In 2016, Shirley also served as co-host of African Ancestry Radio, a seasonal series on Sirius XM. The Boston University graduate with a B.A. in Liberal Studies earned her professional certification as a literary Ghostwriter from California State University Long Beach.

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AUNJANUE ELLIS-TAYLOR

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, born on February 21, 1969, in San Francisco, California, is an accomplished actress and producer celebrated for her compelling performances in film, television, and theater. Raised in McComb, Mississippi, she discovered her passion for acting while attending Tougaloo College before transferring to Brown University, where she graduated with a degree in African-American studies. She further honed her craft at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Aunjanue’s career is marked by a dedication to portraying multifaceted characters and telling underrepresented stories. She gained widespread acclaim for her role as Oracene Price in King Richard (2021), earning Academy Award and Emmy nominations. Her other notable credits include The Help (2011), When They See Us (2019), and Lovecraft Country (2020).

Aunjanue has also been an advocate for social justice, using her platform to address systemic inequities in the entertainment industry and beyond. Through her work, she continues to inspire, educate, and entertain audiences around the globe.

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DR. TRISHA BAILEY

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Dr. Trisha Bailey, a distinguished University of Connecticut alum, brings over two decades of expertise to the medical industry. As the visionary founder and CEO of Bailey’s Pharmacy & Medical Equipment & Supplies, she channels her passion for providing love and care to the elderly and disabled.

Overseeing 16 successful companies, Dr. Bailey's flagship enterprise employs 500+ people, generating revenue in the hundreds of millions. Her achievements include HME Woman of The Year finalist, Jamaica’s wealthiest born woman, and the first black individual honored with a building at the University of Connecticut.

A powerhouse in her professional life, Dr. Trisha Bailey leads with purpose, extending her love for her five children to interactions with people from all walks of life. Driven for success, like accomplished entrepreneurs, she creates her opportunities. Defining Dr. Trisha Bailey in a few words is challenging but describing her in one word is effortless—kind!

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AUDREY EDWARDS

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Journalist Audrey Edwards swore she would leave America if Donald Trump was elected president. He was. And she did. Bolting for Paris. In this rich collection of essays, cultural and political commentary, and personal “race stories,” an African American runaway of a certain age and wiseass perspective takes aim at America in its twilight—the Donald Trump years. And rediscovers as a self-liberated woman the magic that has always been Paris.

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DR. IAN K. SMITH

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Dr. Ian Smith is a bestselling author, including his latest novel, Eagle Rock: An Ashe Cayne Novel, Book 4 (An Ashe Cayne Mystery), and the highly anticipated 2025 release, Eat Your Age: Feel Younger, Be Happier, Live Longer. He is renowned for his #1 New York Times bestselling titles, including SHRED: THE REVOLUTIONARY DIET, SUPER SHRED: The Big Results Diet, BLAST THE SUGAR OUT, The Clean 20, THE ANCIENT NINE, and CLEAN & LEAN, with millions of copies in print.

His newest novel, THE UNSPOKEN, is the first installment of his Ashe Cayne mystery series and is now available. Dr. Smith's next revolutionary diet plan, FAST BURN!, is set to release on April 13, 2021.

Currently, Dr. Smith serves as the solo host of the nationally syndicated, Emmy award-winning television show THE DOCTORS, and he has been a longtime medical contributor to the Emmy award-winning The Rachael Ray Show. He also spent six seasons as the medical and diet expert on VH1’s popular Celebrity Fit Club.

As the creator and founder of national health initiatives such as The 50 Million Pound Challenge and The Makeover Mile, Dr. Smith has made a significant impact in the field of health and wellness. He previously held the role of medical correspondent for NBC News Network and NewsChannel 4 in New York, where he reported for NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, and various WNBC news broadcasts.

Dr. Smith has been featured extensively in media outlets, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Dr. Oz, Steve Harvey Show, The Talk, Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, MSNBC, and many more. His writing has appeared in publications such as Time, Newsweek, Men’s Fitness, and the New York Daily News, along with features in magazines like People, Redbook, Details Magazine, Essence, Ebony, Cosmopolitan, and Black Enterprise.

A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Smith's contributions have been recognized by various organizations, including the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for his coverage of the significant events surrounding September 11th, 2001. He is actively involved in charitable causes and has served on the boards of several organizations, including the American Council on Exercise, the New York Mission Society, the Prevent Cancer Foundation, the New York Council for the Humanities, and the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity.

Dr. Smith graduated from Harvard College with an AB and earned a master’s in science education from Teachers College of Columbia University. He attended Dartmouth Medical School and completed his medical education, graduating from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

Connect with Dr. Ian Smith:

Twitter: @DrIanSmith

Instagram: @DoctorIanSmith

Websites: www.shredlife.com and www.doctoriansmith.com

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DR. NICOL TURNER LEE

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0000

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DR. SOLANGES VIVENS

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Dr. Solanges Vivens is a visionary business leader who has been at the forefront of healthcare entrepreneurship for over 40 years. In 1988, she formed Vital Management Team, Long Term Care, Inc. commonly referred to by its acronym VMT, Long Term Care, Inc. She based VMT on one simple idea, "commitment to quality" and she never wavered from this concept. Dr. Vivens earned her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Long Island University, progressing to a Master's degree in Health Services Administration from Georgetown University. She received her Doctoral Degree in Human Letters from Voorhees College in Denmark, SC in 2004. Dr. Vivens has lectured at notable institutions including Georgetown University School of Nursing, Howard University Hospital, College of Allied Services, George Mason University and John Hopkins Nurses Alumni Association. She has written numerous articles on healthcare administration, aging, geriatrics and nursing for local and national publications. In 2001, Dr. Vivens was recognized by the Minority & Business Professionals Network as one of the 50 Most Influential Minority Business Persons in America. Dr. Vivens is the Founder, CEO and President of Centres D'Etudes Classique de Meyer Fund, USA, a 501 (c)(3) organization that provides support and education to more than 300 children a year in Meyer, Jacmel, Haiti since 2005. An avid supporter of cultivating the minds of younger generations to get educated and succeed, Dr. Vivens believes in the motto of Moving Mountains" to attain your goals. She knows firsthand that even if you come from challenging beginnings, you are able to overcome obstacles achieve success.

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DONNA KARAN

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0000

Donna Karan's fashion career began at age 14 when she lied about her age to secure a job selling clothes in a boutique. She was later accepted into Parsons School of Design, thanks to a recommendation from designer Chester Weinberg. After leaving school in 1968, Karan started working for sportswear designer Anne Klein and was promoted to head of the design team.

Following Klein's death in 1974, Karan became the chief designer at Anne Klein. In 1984, Karan launched her own label, Donna Karan, with seed money from Tomio Taki, chairman of a Japanese textile firm and a major partner in Anne Klein. She and her second husband, sculptor Stephan Weiss, who served as co-CEO, founded the Donna Karan Co. The first women's collection was presented in 1985 and featured the 'Essentials' line, known for its mix-and-match pieces such as bodysuits and jersey dresses.

In 1988, she introduced DKNY, a more affordable line aimed at younger consumers. DKNY Jeans followed in 1990, and DKNY for men was launched in 1992. Notable designs include the "cold shoulder" dress, which became iconic in 1992. In 1996, Karan's company went public, and in 2001, it was acquired by LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton). Despite the acquisition, Karan retained control of her name and continued as chief designer. She founded Urban Zen in 2007, focusing on clothing, accessories, and wellness goods. In 2015, Karan announced her decision to step down as chief designer of Donna Karan to concentrate on Urban Zen. The following year, LVMH sold Donna Karan International to G-III Apparel Group for approximately $650 million.

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TONYA LEWIS LEE

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Tonya Lewis Lee is an award winning filmmaker, author and entrepreneur whose work often explores the personal impact of social justice issues. Most recently, the film she co-directed and co-produced, exploring the US maternal mortality crisis, AFTERSHOCK (HULU) has received numerous awards including a 2024 DuPont-Columbia Award, a 2023 Peabody Award, a 2022 Sundance Special Jury Impact for Change Award and a 2023 Emmy Award nomination. As a television producer, Tonya served as Executive Producer on the episodic series She’s Gotta Have It (NETFLIX) and wrote and produced The Watsons Go To Birmingham (AMAZON). As a film producer, Lee produced Monster (NETFLIX) which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. As an author, Tonya’s children’s books, co-written with her husband Spike Lee, Please Baby Please, Please Puppy Please and Giant Steps to Change the World have sold over one million copies.

As an entrepreneur Tonya founded Movita Organics an organic vitamin supplement company to provide a premium vitamin supplement to the marketplace and to continue the conversation with women about how to access and achieve one’s optimum health. Tonya has received numerous awards and recognition for her work including being named the 2023 Forbes 50 Over 50 list.

Tonya is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, The University of Virginia School of Law and is a member of the Writer’s Guild of America, the Producers Guild of America, the Television Academy and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the March of Dimes and a Board Emeritus of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

She has two adult children and lives in New York with her husband.

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DANIEL KOA BEATY

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0000

An award-winning actor, singer, and writer, Daniel Koa Beaty is known for his critically acclaimed plays Through the Night, Emergency, Mr. Joy, Breath & Imagination, and The Tallest Tree in the Forest Paul Robeson, which have been performed at venues ranging from the Public Theater and Lincoln Center to the White House and maximum-security prisons. He has garnered numerous awards, including an Obie Award for writing and performance, five NAACP Theater Awards, and five AUDELCO Awards for Excellence in Black Theater. For television, Beaty has written for network and premium cable, including The Good Fight, Your Honor, Law & Order, and Supergirl. A graduate of Yale University (BA) and the American Conservatory Theater (MFA), Beaty has developed original scripted television shows with Imagine/Fox, Fox/Showtime, UCP/USA, CBS, and WB Studios. In 2010, he began I Dream, a movement of artists, activists, and entrepreneurs committed to the public good. I Dream’s core strategy is to use the tools of the arts to help heal trauma and build coalitions to address urgent social justice issues.

Beaty recently completed a documentary about the impact of mass incarceration on children and families called Behind the Glass. As a child of an incarcerated parent himself, Daniel’s poem Knock Knock has become an Internet sensation, receiving over 30 million views, and has been made into a children’s book, also titled Knock Knock, published by Little, Brown Books. Penguin Random House published his memoir Transforming Pain to Power.

Beaty’s second children’s book, Future Ancestor, will be released in 2025, and his second memoir, Love Warrior, is set to release this summer. For more information, please visit his social media at @danielkoabeaty on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, or check out his website at www.DanielKoaBeaty.com

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TONYA BLAZIO- LICORISH

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Tonya Blazio-Licorish is an author, visual culture historian, archives editor, design educator, and researcher. A passion for visual storytelling has been rooted in her experience in the creative industries for more than fifteen years. Taking an interdisciplinary approach her research aims to sustain brand equity by recovering and reconnecting archives to the social currents.

Her first authored title with WWD "Black In Fashion, 100 Years of Style, Influence and Culture" released in September 2024 documents Women's Wear Daily's (WWD) lens on the contributions Black creatives have made to the evolution of fashion.

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DON LEMON

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Don Lemon spent three decades on local and national TV, a trusted voice after the Sandy Hook massacre, in war-torn Eastern Europe, and during the riots of 2020. Anchoring Don Lemon Tonight on CNN, he was known for hard-hitting interviews with public officials and compassionate dialogue with everyday people. The Don Lemon Show is now streaming on all platforms. His book on race, This is the Fire, was a #1 New York Times bestseller.

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BRANDICE DANIEL

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Brandice Daniel is the visionary founder of Harlem's Fashion Row (HFR), a groundbreaking platform dedicated to championing designers of color within the fashion industry.

With extensive experience in buying, production, and fostering inclusivity, Brandice has successfully bridged significant gaps, paving the way for diverse talent to thrive. Under her leadership, HFR has forged impactful collaborations with prestigious brands such as Nike, LVMH, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tiffany & Co. One of her notable achievements includes leading the Nike LeBron James HFR collaboration, where the limited-edition shoe sold out in less than 5 minutes. In 2020, Brandice expanded her commitment to supporting underrepresented designers by founding ICON360, a non-profit organization that has generously donated over $2 million to HBCU fashion departments and Black designers.

Brandice's influential work has garnered widespread recognition, with accolades from The Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America, and Vogue. She is currently working on a bold vision to provide greater equity for designers of color while developing an aggressive business strategy. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Brandice is a devoted mother to her daughter Sky, and a loving wife to her husband Richard Daniel.

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TAI BEAUCHAMP

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Tai Beauchamp is an award-winning TV host, producer, and serial entrepreneur who innately connects and empowers women. As the founder of Tai Life Media LLC, a media and creative consulting company founded in 2006, her company partners with global brands across multi-channel platforms to develop lifestyle and wellness content and brand solutions. In early 2020, Tai further expanded her entrepreneurial footprint, co-founding BROWN GIRL jane, a clean, functional fine fragrance brand that has disrupted the wellness and beauty world.

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PAULA WILLIAMS MADISON

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Paula Williams Madison is Chairman and CEO of Madison Media Management LLC and 88 Madison Media Works Inc. In 2011, Madison retired from NBCUniversal, where she had been Executive Vice President for Diversity as well as a Vice President of the General Electric Company (GE), then the parent company of NBCU. During her 22 years with NBCU, she held a number of successful leadership roles, including President and General Manager of NBC4 Los Angeles, Los Angeles Regional General Manager for NBCU’s Telemundo TV stations and Vice President and News Director of NBC4 New York.

Her career as a journalist led to a 1996 Peabody Award for NBC4 New York’s investigation, “A License to Kill.” Madison’s continued dedication to quality journalism helped NBC4 Los Angeles earn numerous Emmy, Golden Mike and Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards.Madison also was CEO of The Los Angeles Sparks, a WNBA professional women's basketball team, from 2011 to 2014, when she sold that family-owned business to Magic Johnson and the Guggenheim Group. While in that role, she was a member of the WNBA Board of Governors. Named one of the “75 Most Powerful African Americans in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise Magazine in 2005 and included in the Hollywood Reporter’s “Power 100," she's been honored by Asian organizations as well, having been recognized in 2014 as one of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business and in 2015, she was honored by the East West Players and AARP with their Visionary Award and by the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles with the Historymaker Award.

She's also the author and executive producer, respectively, of the book and documentary FINDING SAMUEL LOWE, which tell of her successful search to locate her Chinese grandfather's descendants in China. In 2013, Mayor Eric Garcetti appointed Madison to the Los Angeles Police Commission where she served as vice president until 2015. A dual citizen of both the US and Jamaica, Madison serves on the boards of Sabio Mobile, Inc., the Black Filmmaker Foundation, the Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles, the Center for Asian American Media, Advisory Board of the Advanced Journalism Studies School of Global Journalism and Communication at Morgan State University and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Foundation as well as a proud honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Madison, a lifetime member of the National Association of Black Journalists, also is a board member of her family’s investment company, Williams Group Holdings LLC, the majority owner of The Africa Channel, a cable and streaming channel focusing on the lands, people, culture and history of Africa, seen in the US, Caribbean, Canada and South America.

A Harlem native, she and her husband Roosevelt Madison live in Los Angeles.

Support Kamala Harris and Democrats Nationwide: https://secure.kamalaharris.com/a/socal-bvf-2

#HarrisVictoryFund

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ELIJAH RHEA JOHNSON

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Hailing from Detroit, MI; at 9 years old he starred as Young Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King,” Las Vegas/National Touring productions. His credits also include being a

lead performer in the popular children’s group “Kidz Bop,” & joining the R&B boy-band “Mindless Behavior” as lead singer. This is a full circle moment for the young

actor, as he participated in the MJ workshops as Middle Michael. Elijah is honored to be making his Broadway debut as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

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MICHELE GRANT

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Michele Grant is a seasoned Executive Business Consultant with over 20 years of experience delivering successful results for Fortune 500 firms in diverse sectors. Her expertise in program leadership and value creation has benefited clients like Bertelsmann, Coach, AT&T Subsidiaries, VIACOM, CBS, EmblemHealth, Bank of America, and Moody’s. With a background in Computer Science and Executive Business Development Leadership, Michele offers a fresh approach to professional styling. Leveraging her unique perspective from the business world, and her passion for fashion, Michele empowers women to dress with intention and intelligence.

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YONA DESHOMMES AND MAX RODRIGUEZ

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Yona Deshommes, a prominent figure in both education and publishing, began her notable career at Edwin Gould Academy, where she developed impactful programs for at-risk youth. She advanced her career as Associate Director of Publicity at Atria Books and co-founded Riverchild Media and Collective 5 Entertainment, achieving New York Times bestseller status. Yona is renowned for her ongoing commitment to championing authors of color through the LIVING OUT LOUD series at the Harlem Book Fair. Her exceptional contributions have been recognized with the Hermes Creative Award.

Max Rodriguez, the esteemed founder of QBR/The Black Book Review and the Harlem Book Fair, has dedicated nearly thirty years to the advancement of African American literature. His establishment of QBR as a leading platform for African Diaspora writers has garnered it the designation of “the African American literary review of record” by the New York Times. Max’s influential work has also earned him a place in the Writers Hall of Fame at Chicago State University.

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MARIE-CLAIRE GIRAUD

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0000

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CARLTON JONES

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 16:40:23 -0000

With over two decades of experience serving as an image consultant, fashion director, style correspondent and wardrobe designer, Carlton began combining his love of style and fashion, with elation received from traveling to some of the most breathtaking destinations imaginable. The genesis of his eponymous, resort - inspired collection utilizes his experience dressing bodies, ranging from Halle Berry and Erykah Badu to Aretha Franklin and Michelle Obama.

As a result of this aptitude and ambition, in 2020 Carlton became one of the recipients selected for the Icon 360 x A Common Thread $1 Million Grant facilitated by The CFDA and VOGUE. These resources fuels Carlton’s ambition to create travel inspired clothing that are suitable for the streets of any metropolitan city. Carlton has fused his fondness of relaxed fluidity, sensual fabrics, colors and prints along with a seasoned ability to forgive and accentuate. With that, aesthetic comes the brand’s anchoring belief; Resort isn’t a destination; it's a Feeling!

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JEANNI JOHNSON

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Jeanni L. Johnson, a board-certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota and New York, brings a wealth of expertise as a psychotherapist based in Westchester, NY. Holding a Master of Science in Advance Clinical Social Work Practice from Columbia University, Jeanni's passion for destigmatizing mental health shines through her role as the CEO and founder of For Love & Psych, LLC. With a decade of focused experience in mental health and addictive disorders, Jeanni's dedication to equity is exemplified through her collaborative research projects at the Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. Her role in providing behavior al mental health and substance abuse services underscores her commitment to supporting individuals on their healing journey. Grounded in the belief that healing is a collaborative process rooted in compassion and judgment - free care, Jeanni employs a multi - methodological and integrative approach to therapy. Through her guidance, clients are encouraged to introspectively address barriers hindering their personal growth with compassion and clarity. Jeanni L. Johnson is a beacon of empathy and expertise, leading individuals towards self -discovery and empowerment in their mental health and well-being journey.

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REGINA FLEMING

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 02:09:18 -0000

Regina Fleming is a photographic artist, photographer, CEO of Regina Fleming Photography, former model and actress, a motivational speaker, and a marathon runner. As a model, she signed with Wilhelmina and then Ford Models and pursued a long and fruitful modeling career. Over a 20 year span, she has appeared in 100s of publications including O Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Forbes, and Essence as well as numerous campaigns and advertisements.

Regina earned a B.S. from St. John’s University but it was after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology with honors that she opened Regina Fleming Photography. Photography has allowed her to combine her love of the arts, people and travel, the need to create and tell stories, and her passion to make a difference in this world. Regina Fleming Photography specializes in weddings and women's portraiture. She became an award-winning photographer when she placed first at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) Awards of Excellence Print Competition for both her wedding and portrait photography. Photographing weddings has taken her to France, the Canary Islands, Bali, Anguilla and beyond.

Regina is truly passionate in improving and empowering the lives of women and children and volunteers regularly though her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She was also part of a marathon runners group that has raised over $250,000 in the past two years for the organization, Grassroot Soccer, that helps children in South Africa. She has personally raised over 10,000 running over 8 marathons around the world. Wellness and health is an important part of Regina’s own life and she wanted to share the benefits with women over 40 by becoming a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and Group Coach and Certified in Behavioral Therapy and Women’s Fitness. In 2020, she became a certified RRCA running coach. Regina lives and works in New York City.

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ESSIE CHAMBERS

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0000

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PHYLICIA FANT

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 17:16:00 -0000

Phylicia Fant is renowned throughout the entertainment industry as a trusted leader, esteemed executive, and public relations/marketing visionary. But even more importantly, she is a conduit of culture. Fant consistently and strategically connects artists to brands, media, film/television opportunities and philanthropic causes. In her role as Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music, she transforms global synergy into commercial opportunities while prioritizing meaningful cultural moments.

Since joining Amazon Music in February 2022, Fant has succeeded in connecting Amazon Music to Culture via culture collaborations, partnerships, and industry events. These successes included HBCU Homecoming sponsorships, Grammy Roundtables, Beyonce’s Club Renaissance Merch Popup, and talent collaboration with the likes of Lucky Daye, Usher, Jon Batiste, NBA Young Boy, Andra Day, Keke Palmer, and Omar Apollo.

Fant’s exceptional contributions to the entertainment industry are frequently recognized, with features in publications such as Variety and Forbes. Fant’s formidable reputation regularly puts her on industry power lists, including Billboard R&B and Hip-Hop Power Players List in 2019, 2020 and 2021; Billboard Women in Music Top Executives for 2019/2020; Variety’s Hitmaker List in 2021; and XXL Hip-Hop Heavyweight. Fant receives invitations to speak on entertainment industry panels across the globe. Fant has garnered several honors, including Culture Creators Innovators Award; Urban Music Executive Award; HBCU Power Award; Bounce Trumpet Awards 2020 Corporate Executive of the Year; ASCAP Women Behind The Music 2021; ADCOLOR in Music (Leadership) nomination in 2021; and PRSA-LA Sunrise Honors: A New Day in Cultural Awakening, honoree.

The Purple Agency, the full-service public relations and lifestyle marketing company Fant founded in 2008, gave Fant the opportunity to explore new directions in tandem with her work within the major label system. Fant was instrumental in the production and launch of the OWN Spotlight Documentary Eggs Over Easy. A Lady Lock production, Phylicia served as an executive producer alongside Chiquita Lockley, Keshia Knight Pullman, and D’Angela Proctor. Lockley wrote, produced, and directed the film, while Pullman narrated. This documentary investigates the often-taboo subject of infertility within the Black community and brings Black women together for an enlightening and empowering discussion on the sometimes-unpredictable path to motherhood. Fant’s many positions of leadership extend across all areas of entertainment, business, and philanthropy. These positions include: Member, The Recording Academy; Lifetime member, National Alumnae Association of Spelman College (NAASC); Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority; Governor, Recording Academy, LA Chapter; Board of Directors, MusiCares Foundation; Leadership Council Member, Black Music Collective; Advisory Board, Black Women Film Network; Executive Board, Culture Creators; XXL Awards Board; and Juror, CLIO Music 2023.

Fant was educated at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA and in 2018 achieved an Executive Education Certificate from the prestigious Harvard Business School.

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ANTHONY HAMILTON

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Proclaimed a "national treasure" by the Los Angeles Times, GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Anthony Hamilton has achieved global sales of over 50+ million albums. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductee notably performed for President Obama and First Lady Michelle, cementing his place in the history books as the "narrator of love." Introduced by way of the iconic 2003 smash "Charlene," his raw, awe-inspiring performances garnered the attention of NPR, where he starred in their Noteworthy documentary series. He appeared in American Gangster and lent his voice to "Freedom" from the Academy® Award-nominated Django Unchained. Hamilton sang the National Anthem at the 2019 NBA All-Star Game in his hometown of Charlotte and released his tenth full-length studio album, LOVE IS THE NEW BLACK, amid all the racial injustices of George Floyd and the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Hamilton now adds author and publisher to his list of accomplishments by unveiling his first self - published book, Cornbread, Fish 'n Collard Greens, where he shares the inspiration for some of the iconic songs in his illustrious career and his love of southern foods. Also adding to his love of food and cooking, he's launched the Hamilton Cornerstore, centered around deep southern roots and timeless meals that celebrate family and nostalgia. You can indulge in the product offerings via his website, anthonyhamilton.com, or hamiltoncornerstore.com, a one stop shop for all things Southern cooking and kitchen essentials.

Today, Hamilton continues to tour, sharing his gifts throughout the world. It still feels new, like when he first heard the rhythm and blues melodies that defined his existence. Every time he hits the stage, he falls deeper and deeper in love with the art of music. Still a humble student of music, he continues to hone his craft, and the dream of performing for others leads him to stages, both small and grand. Touring has become his lifeblood, a means to share his gift with audiences far and wide. Every performance is an intimate exchange, a testament to his dedication and love for music. Throughout his life, he remains committed to this journey, ceaselessly touring and spreading the joy and solace of his music, ensuring his legacy would resonate long after the final note has played.

For tour info, visit his site at anthonyhamilton.com

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EMIL WILBEKIN

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0000

Emil Wilbekin, born on September 16, 1967, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is an American journalist, media executive, stylist, content creator, culture critic, and human rights activist. He has held prominent roles such as editor-in-chief of Vibe and Giant, editor-atlarge at Essence, managing editor of Essence.com, and chief content officer of Afropunk. Wilbekin is also the founder of Native Son Now, an organization focused on empowering and uplifting Black gay men through positive representation and business opportunities. Adopted into a Black family of legal professionals in Cincinnati, Wilbekin's father transitioned from a structural engineer to an attorney, and his mother went from being a sociologist and attorney to a law judge for the State of Ohio Department of Human Services. Raised alongside his older brother Erik in a comfortable environment, Wilbekin attended Hampton University where he served as editor-in-chief of the Hampton Script. He graduated in 1989 with a B.S. in mass media arts before pursuing an M.S. in journalism at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism in 1990.

Throughout his career, Wilbekin has received numerous accolades and honors, including the 2016 Black Enterprise Modern Man, 2017 "Master of Style" award by Out magazine and Cadillac, 2018 GLAAD's Ric Weiland Award, and recognition as Fast Company's Most Creative People in 2019. Emil Wilbekin, a prolific journalist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, began his career as a freelance writer for prestigious publications like the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune. In 1992, he co-founded Vibe magazine with Quincy Jones, where he served as an editor and played a significant role in the magazine's success, earning accolades such as the National Magazine Award. Throughout his tenure at Vibe, Wilbekin worked to bridge gaps in representation, including featuring stories about the LGBTQ+ community to confront homophobia in the music industry. His impactful contributions led to Vibe winning prestigious awards and him being recognized as a cultural commentator by various media outlets. Wilbekin's career continued to flourish as he held editorial positions at Giant magazine and Essence, where he expanded coverage to include same-gender-loving relationships within the Black community. He left Essence in 2014 to focus on promoting LGBTQ+ representation through his consultancy and branding agency, World of Wilbekin. Additionally, Wilbekin's influence extended beyond journalism as he provided commentary on significant cultural events, engaged in discussions on social issues, and advocated for equality and inclusivity within various industries. His dedication to promoting diversity and empowerment continues to make a lasting impact on marginalized communities and contribute to positive social change.

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DIANNE MCINTYRE

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0000

Dianne McIntyre has a career spanning five decades with choreography for dance, theatre, television, film and opera.

A 2022 Dance Magazine Award Honoree, a 2023 Martha Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, United States Artists Fellowship, and Doris Duke Artist Award recipient. She has choreographed scores of concert dances, four Broadway shows, two operas, 35 regional theatre productions, three films, three television productions, and created five original full-length dance dramas.

Her company of dancers and musicians, Sounds in Motion toured extensively and her Harlem studio was a central hub of creative activity. Companies performing her work include Dance Theatre of Harlem, GroundWorks DanceTheater, DCDC.

She has taught at American Dance Festival, Bates Dance Festival and Jacob’s Pillow where she is the co-director with Risa Steinberg of the Hicks Choreography Fellowship Program. McIntyre’s other honors include a Guggenheim Fellowship, three Bessies. Her new work “In the Same Tongue” premiered at Walker Art Center October, 2023 with the New York premiere at Apollo’s Victoria Theater April 2024.

McIntyre has received two honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degrees: from SUNY Purchase and from Cleveland State University. A BFA in Dance from the Ohio State University, her mentors include Elaine Gibbs Redmond and Gus Solomons jr.

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JUNE ARCHER

Sat, 25 May 2024 17:00:00 -0000

June Archer is an entrepreneur, music & television executive, tv personality, philanthropist and community leader. He started his career as a recording artist in the R&B group Room Service and is now the President & CEO of Eleven28 Entertainment Group. June is also a motivational teacher, author and educator. He is the host of "The Winners Circle" on "Thisis50" on YouTube/Instagram/iTunes, author of "Yes! Every Day Can Be a Good Day" and "Yes! You Can", and the founder of The June Archer School of Arts, The June Archer Foundation, 100 Men of Color Black Tie Gala & Awards and 100 Women of Color Gala & Awards, creator of The New England Music Seminar, Hot Chocolate Soul (performance showcase) and June Archer's Celebration of Life (AIDS/Breast Cancer Awareness Birthday Party) which celebrates over 25 years of community engagement and now the launch of The June Archer Foundation. Most recently he has added the credit of Executive Producer to his name with reality shows "The Docu-Tape" and "Behind The Unsigned", shows that debuted on FuseTv. He also co-produced motivational pre-game content for Sunday NFL Countdown on ESPN reaching 72+ million viewers. With June's combined musical talents, experience in the entertainment industry and commitment to community, he is reaching for the stars and encouraging others to join him. "No goal is ever out of reach", June says. "Once you've realized your dream, that doesn't mean you stop. It means you dream bigger."

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KECIA LEWIS

Sat, 18 May 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Kecia Lewis is celebrating 40 years in the entertainment industry. She made her Broadway debut at 18 years old, performing in the original company of Dreamgirls. Her other Broadway credits include The Gospel at Colonus, Big River, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Once on This Island, The Drowsy Chaperone, Chicago, Leap of Faith, Cinderella, and Children of a Lesser God. Kecia has also starred in numerous Off-Broadway productions, including Mother Courage, The Skin of Our Teeth, and Marie and Rosetta. Additionally, she has recurred on numerous television shows, including Law & Order SVU and The Blacklist. Currently, Kecia can be seen on stage in the Alicia Key’s musical Hell’s Kitchen, for which she has received nominations from the Tony’s, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, and Lortel’s. As a vocalist, Kecia has performed in several countries worldwide.

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ALEX TRAVIS

Sat, 11 May 2024 17:00:00 -0000

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LAUREN WESLEY WILSON

Sat, 04 May 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Lauren currently serves as Founder and CEO of the ColorComm Corporation. ColorComm Corporation is a privately held holding company with communications, public relations, and media companies in its portfolio. ColorComm Corporation owns the ColorComm Network, ColorComm Search, ColorComm Media Group and Men of Color in Communication.

In 2011, Lauren founded the ColorComm Corporation, to serve the needs of multicultural talent working in the communications, marketing, advertising, digital and public relations industries. The portfolio of companies under the ColorComm Corporation provides access and opportunity for people of color in business, delivers industry campaigns to inform and educate, counsels clients on crisis and media relations, and develops a community for those who want to achieve leadership and C-Suite positions.

Prior to ColorComm, Lauren worked in political communications serving as the Communications Director for Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and as a Media Strategist/Media Booker for President Barack Obama’s Reelection Campaign. Following the Campaign, Lauren worked as a Communications Strategist at the prestigious crisis firm Qorvis/MSL overseeing media strategy and crisis communications for international governments and stakeholder engagement for consumer brands.

Lauren has been recognized by PR Week’s 50 Most Powerful in PR, Ad Age ‘Women to Watch’, PR Week’s 40 under 40 Award, the Holmes Report Innovator 25, the PR Council’s Diversity Champion Award, The Root 100, New York Women in Communications, among many others.In 2017, Lauren was selected to serve on the Glass Lions Jury at Cannes Lions Festival in Cannes, France. As a Juror, Lauren reviewed advertising and marketing campaigns from across the world focused on gender, diversity, fashion, body image, women empowerment and more. Lauren graduated from Spelman College with a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and from Georgetown University with an M.A. in Communications.

Lauren has been featured in The Washington Post, COSMOPOLITAN.com, Forbes, ADWEEK, Ad Age, PR Week, Black Enterprise, ESSENCE and others. She enjoys traveling, cycling, running, and cooking.

BOOK LAUREN

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BRANDICE DANIEL

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Brandice Daniel is the founder of Harlem's Fashion Row (HFR) and a fashion industry expert with experience in buying, production and bridging the gap for designers of color. She has led collaborations with major brands including Nike, LVMH, Tommy Hilfiger, and Tiffany & Co. In 2020, she founded a non-profit organization, ICON360 that has donated over $2 million to HBCU fashion departments and black designers.

Her achievements have been recognized by various organizations including Forbes, Good Morning America, Fashion Institute of Technology, and Vogue. Brandice is also a proud mom to Sky and wife to Richard Daniel.

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JELANI COBB

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Jelani Cobb joined the Columbia Journalism School faculty in 2016 and became Dean in 2022. He has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 2015. He received a Peabody Award for his 2020 PBS Frontline film Whose Vote Counts? and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Commentary in 2018. He has also been a political analyst for MSNBC since 2019.

He is the author of The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the Paradox of Progress and To the Break of Dawn: A Freestyle on the Hip Hop Aesthetic. He is the editor or co-editor of several volumes including The Matter of Black Lives, a collection of The New Yorker’s writings on race and The Essential Kerner Commission Report. He is producer or co-producer on a number of documentaries including Lincoln’s Dilemma, Obama: A More Perfect Union and Policing the Police.

Dr. Cobb was educated at Jamaica High School in Queens, NY, Howard University, where he earned a B.A. in English, and Rutgers University, where he completed his MA and doctorate in American History in 2003. He is also a recipient of fellowships from the Ford Foundation, the Fulbright Foundation and the Shorenstein Center at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Journalism Project, and was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2023.

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ANTONIA HYLTON

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Antonia Hylton is a Peabody and two-time Emmy award-winning Correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC, and the New York Times bestselling author of MADNESS. She is also the cohost of the hit podcasts Southlake and Grapevine.

From 2016 to 2020, Antonia was a Correspondent and Producer for Vice Media and HBO’s nightly news and documentary show, Vice News Tonight. Since 2019, she has also served as an annual judge for the American Mosaic Journalism Prize.

Antonia’s won several awards, including Emmys for education and immigration reporting, two Gracie Awards for her stories about women, a NAMIC Vision Award for reporting on violence and politics in Chicago, and two Front Page Awards for special reporting and breaking news.

Antonia graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University in 2015, where she received prizes for her writing and investigative research on race, mass incarceration, and the history of psychiatry.

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MATTHEW JORDAN SMITH

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Matthew Jordan Smith is a renowned professional photographer based in Tokyo, Japan. With a dynamic career spanning Tokyo, New York City, and Los Angeles, he has captured iconic images of world-renowned figures, including Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, Angela Bassett, Sofia Vergara, Samuel L. Jackson, Queen Latifah, Courtney B. Vance, Tyra Banks, Britney Spears, and Zendaya. Esteemed brands like Shiseido, Clé de Peau Beauté, Olay, Pantene, Revlon, Speedo, Coca-Cola, Intel, Toyota, and HBO have trusted him with their visual narratives.

While his professional achievements are vast, Matthew passionately dedicates his free time to personal projects, showcasing his work through books and photo exhibits. He has penned three acclaimed books: Sepia Dreams, Lost & Found, and Future American President. His upcoming masterpiece, Aretha Cool, is set to launch March 8, 2024.

Over the years, Matthew has been recognized for his exceptional talent, bagging prestigious accolades such as the Vision Award, the George Eastman Power of Image award, and the Western Digital Spotlight Award. He is a Nikon Ambassador, and represented in New York City by the esteemed photo agency, LVA Represents.

Learn more at www.MatthewJordanSmith.com

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TANISHA C. FORD

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Tanisha C. Ford is a cultural critic and star academic. A professor of history at The Graduate Center, CUNY, she has written for the New York Times, the Atlantic, Time,

the Root, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and featured on NPR, among other places. In 2019, she was named to the Root’s list of the 100 Most influential African Americans. Ford is

the author of Dressed in Dreams, Kwame Brathwaite: Black is Beautiful, and Liberated Threads, which won the 2016 Organization of American Historians’ Liberty Legacy

Foundation Award for best book on civil rights history. She lives in Harlem. For more information visit: www.tanishacford.com. Follow her on social media: @SoulistaPhD

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RHONDA ROSS

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Rhonda Ross is an Emmy-Nominated Actress, Grammy-Nominated Songwriter and Motivational Singer who helps people FEEL BETTER through the POWER of THOUGHT.

As the only child between Diana Ross and Motown founder, Berry Gordy, Rhonda is quick to acknowledge the luck she was born into having two of the world’s most influential people as her parents, however, partly as a result of comparing herself to them and their accomplishments, Rhonda painfully struggled with insecurity, self-esteem, depression, and feelings of being unfulfilled.

Finally, she embraced The Power of Thought and started to FEEL BETTER. It all began with a Crucial First Step...

Now, through her invigorating music, impactful workshops and inspiring keynote presentations, Rhonda empowers others with tools and strategies to activate and implement their Power of Thought so they can feel better, no matter what life throws at them.

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MICKALENE THOMAS

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 17:00:00 -0000

Mickalene Thomas was born and raised in New Jersey and lives and works in New York. One of the most influential artists today, her innovative practice has yielded instantly recognizable and widely celebrated aesthetic languages within contemporary visual culture. Not only do her masterful mixed-media paintings, photographs, films and installations command space, they occupy eloquently while dissecting the intersecting complexities of black and female identity within the Western canon. Outside of her core practice, Thomas is a Tony Awards nominated co-producer, curator, educator and mentor to many emerging artists. While embarking on her own monumental solo shows, she simultaneously curates exhibitions at galleries and museums. Thomas’s work has become an undeniable force within the contemporary art world and an indispensable inspiration to younger generations of artists.

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NATASHA ALFORD

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0000

American Negra: A Memoir is one woman's search to find her own voice. Born from an African American father and Puerto Rican mother in a working-class family in Syracuse, NY, she is confronted with issues with identity, conflicting standards of beauty from family members and her community, layered with feelings of inferiority as a Harvard bound Afro Latina young woman who did not have the academic pedigree of her white peers.

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MICHELLE BROWDER - WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 18:00:00 -0000

For 30 years, Michelle has been an advocate and activist for the at-risk and marginalized. Her heart is especially tender toward disenfranchised youth. She noticed that young people needed someone to listen, encourage, and provide a safe space for them. She created a place that immersed students in history, "real talk," spoken word and visual art. This experience birthed an arts-centered diversion program that was used by juvenile detention centers in Alabama and Georgia.

In the spring of 2012, Michelle and a group of chaperones took 56 students to Washington, DC to see Attorney Bryan Stevenson argue a case before the United States Supreme Court. The case focused on the constitutionality of youth being sentenced to death in prison. This encounter changed both the students’ and Michelle’s lives exponentially and birthed the I Am More Than Youth Empowerment Initiative. This initiative expanded into a non-profit that hosted community conversations, arts-centered programs for schools and youth-led conferences.

Michelle owns and operates More Than Tours, a social enterprise that provides educational and interactive tours to students and tourists exposing the rich and sometimes haunting history of Montgomery, Alabama. More Than Tours has bridged the racial divide by reaching nearly 10,000 students and tourists.

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TAMALA JONES

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Join me for a conversation this Saturday with Tamala Jones, film and television actor starring in Ordinary Angels in theaters everywhere on Feb 23rd.

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DR. KOKO ZAUDITU SELASSIE

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 18:00:00 -0000

K. Zauditu Selassie received her MFA in creative writing from the University of Baltimore and the Doctor of Arts degree from Clark Atlanta University and is a retired Professor of English. She is the author of an award-winning book of literary criticism, African Spiritual Traditions in the Novels of Toni Morrison. She has traveled the world from Compton to Cairo, from Bamako to Baltimore, and Addis to Atlanta, collecting stories along the way. A word whisperer, her literary imagination is peopled by: sex workers, women adept in making poison, root women, astral travelers, shape-shifters, maroons, and lonely widows in search of sexual satisfaction. She is a priest of Obàtálá in the Lukumi Yoruba tradition and a descendant of a matrilineal group of Hoodoo believers from New Orleans, Louisiana.

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J. IVY - DREAMLEAPERS® Archives

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 07:43:45 -0000

From DREAMLEAPERS® with Harriette Cole Archives - Friday, January 28, 2022

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CLAY CANE

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Clay Cane was born in Washington State and later moved to Philadelphia, PA as a teenager with his mother. Not much is said about his family but in an interview with Vibe magazine he did say “ My mother has nothing more than an eighth grade education and she gave me some serious affirmation” in response to a question about how supportive his mother was of him being a young black gay boy. He also said this about his upbringing in the same Vibe magazine interview “ But me as somebody who is black with a white mother, who is from Philly also Washington State, who grew up poor as hell, who also had a crazy religious experience, I have all these identities and intersections.” He attended and graduated from Rutgers University in New Jersey with a BA in English and African-American studies Clay’s commentary is heard on television networks such as MTV, HLN, ABC, MSNBC, FOX and CNN.

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IJEOMA OLUO

Sat, 27 Jan 2024 19:00:00 -0000

Ijeoma Oluo is a writer, speaker and internet yeller. She is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller So You Want to Talk About Race, Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America and, coming in January 2024, BE A REVOLUTION: How Everyday People are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World - and How You Can, Too. Her work on race has been featured in The Guardian, The New York Times and The Washington Post, among many other publications. She was named to the 2021 TIME 100 Next list and has twice been named to the Root 100. She received the 2018 Feminist Humanist Award and the 2020 Harvard Humanist of the Year Award from the American Humanist Association. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

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HOPE BOYKIN

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0000

Two time “Bessie Award” winner, Hope Boykin was an original member of Complexions, danced with Philadanco, and completed 20 years with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Hope has choreographed for numerous dance companies including Philadanco, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Minnesota Dance Theater, Ballet X, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Ballet Black of London, American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, The Philadelphia Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and has created three works for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

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DIMYAS PERDUE

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0000

Dimyas is a highly sought-after keynote speaker who is well-versed in guiding individuals and teams to achieve their full potential through emotional intelligence. His personalized leadership programs have earned him a reputation as a top-notch facilitator and his ability to inspire and motivate audiences is truly impactful. Dimyas Perdue is a true champion of personal and professional growth, and his expertise with helping with emerging leader programs has made him a valuable asset in the workplace and beyond.

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SCOTT SHIGEOKA

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Scott Shigeoka is an influential author and sought-after speaker with a forthcoming book titled "Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World ''. His diverse career spans speaking engagements at Pixar, Google, and Airbnb, as well as hosting the acclaimed series "Made in America." Additionally, as a senior advisor at Good Energy in Hollywood, Scott works on integrating climate narratives into popular media. With a background that includes roles at The Washington Post and IDEO, their work has been featured in notable publications like The New York Times and Rolling Stone. Currently a faculty member at The University of Texas at Austin, Scott teaches innovative courses on healing and curiosity.

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SHEILA BRIDGES

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 19:00:00 -0000

Looking to establish roots in a community that has been recognized around the globe for its rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of talented African American writers, painters, poets, musicians, activists and artists, Sheila Bridges moved to Harlem, New York in 1993 and opened Sheila Bridges Design, Inc shortly thereafter.

Named America’s Best Interior Designer by Time magazine and CNN, Sheila Bridges is considered a creative visionary and design tastemaker. Residing and working in Harlem for more than 25 years, Bridges is recognized for her classic yet versatile design aesthetic and critical eye. She is sought after to create thoughtfully inspired and narrative rich interiors because of her profound sensitivity and appreciation of timeless design and quality craftsmanship.

As Creative Director, Bridges has solved complex design problems and created beautiful residences and spaces for a diverse group of high profile clients including the Harlem offices for former President Bill Clinton and his staff and most recently (2022) the redecoration at One Observatory Circle, The official residence of Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Sheila Bridges Design, Inc has also completed design projects at Columbia University and Princeton University, bringing Sheila’s signature design aesthetic to interior spaces at both of these prestigious academic institutions.

Her interiors are often colorful and multi-layered but informed by architecture and historical reference. Her visual cultural translations have been showcased in museums internationally, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Studio Museum of Harlem, The Museum of Art and Design in New York City, The Museum of the City of New York, Musée Des Beaux-Arts Montreal and the Musée De La Toile De Jouy in Jouy-en Josas France. Bridges is also honored to have her designs included in the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum, The Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, The RISD Museum, and most recently, The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC (NMAAHC) and The Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Sheila’s professional expertise extends well beyond her thirty-year tenure in interior design as she has been a regular contributor on NBC’s Today Show, has appeared on Oprah and was also a contributing editor at MORE Magazine, where each month she showcased her impeccable taste in their home section. Bridges has been featured in numerous publications including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, House and Garden, Interior Design, Domino, and Traditional Home magazines. She has also been included in Gotham and New York Magazine’s Top Interior Designer’s lists, 1st Dibs 50 (2021,2022 and 2023), House Beautiful’s “Top 100 Interior Designers” as well as Elle Decor’s A List from 2011-2022, which recognizes interior designers who exemplify continually relevant design. Most recently Sheila was inducted into the AD100 for 2021, 2022 and 2023, Architectural Digest’s list of esteemed designers and architects from around the globe. Sheila is also the author of two books: Furnishing Forward: A Practical Guide to Furnishing for a Lifetime, which was released in 2002 and The Bald Mermaid, A Memoir, published in 2013.

Originally from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Sheila Bridges moved to New York City in 1986. She holds degrees from Brown University and Parsons School of Design, and studied decorative arts at Polimoda in Florence, Italy. She splits her time between her residences in Harlem, The Hudson Valley, and Reykjavik, Iceland.

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NICOLE AVANT

Sat, 02 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0000

Ambassador Nicole Avant served as the 13th U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas after being nominated by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by The U.S. Senate, becoming the youngest as well as the first African American woman to hold the position. During her tenure, Avant pursued five key initiatives: Economic & Small Business Development, Education, Women's Empowerment, Alternative Energy, and raising awareness about the challenges facing people with disabilities. Through her many successes and key partnerships, Ambassador Avant was able to further cement and celebrate the relationship between The U.S. and The Bahamas, which earned her a nomination for the Sue M. Cobb Award for Exemplary Diplomatic Service.

In 2019, Ambassador Avant produced the critically acclaimed and award-winning documentary, “The Black Godfather” for Netflix. Directed by Reginald Hudlin, the film charts the exceptional and unlikely rise of her father Clarence Avant, the ultimate, uncensored mentor and behind-the-scenes dealmaker in music, film, TV, and politics. Ambassador Avant pursued the project after collecting stories about her father's influence from dozens of the world's most high profile entertainers, athletes and politicians including Bill Withers, Quincy Jones, Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, and Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, to name a few. The film was nominated for the prestigious Grierson Documentary Award, an Emmy Award, two NAACP Image Awards and was named one of the Top 5 Documentaries of 2019 by the National Board of Review. In 2021, Avant executive produced another critically acclaimed and award-winning film, “Trees of Peace” which garnered over 9.3 million hours of viewer time in the first few days of its release. Currently, she is a producer on Tyler Perry’s next film Six-Triple-Eight, the true story of the first all-black female battalion to serve in Europe during WWII.

Throughout her career, Ambassador Avant has also pursued an array of businesses focused on female and minority owned enterprises as well as philanthropic ventures that honor her mother, Jacqueline Avant’s legacy. She recently commemorated the unveiling of the Jacqueline Avant Children and Family Center, formerly the MLK Child and Family Center, for her mother’s lifelong commitment to the community. Ambassador Avant has been an active board member for multinational companies and philanthropic organizations, including Best Buddies International, The Bogart Pediatric Research Center, Revlon, LACMA, Soho House, Universal Music Group, and A Sense of Home. She has also served as an Academic Counselor at the Neighborhood Academic Initiative - a daily mentorship program for high school students sponsored by the University of Southern California.

Ambassador Avant has been recognized with several prestigious awards for her diplomatic and humanitarian work. She was recognized at the 20th Annual Trumpet Awards for her dedication to Public Diplomacy and was also given the Humanitarian Award by BESLA in October 2011. A former board member of Girls Inc., she was honored with their Women of Achievement award in 2014 and recently was awarded the Spirit of Compassion Award by UNICEF in 2018.

Ambassador Avant lives in Los Angeles with her husband Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, their two Labradors, and is the proud stepmother of Tony and Sarah.

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SUNNY HOSTIN

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Sunny Hostin is a three-time Emmy Award-winning legal journalist, two-time New York Times bestselling author, and co-host of The View. On May 2, 2023, Sunny released the second book in her “Summer” trilogy, “Summer on Sag Harbor,” which became an instant New York Times bestseller. In May 2021, Hostin released her debut novel, "Summer on the Bluffs" (William Morrow), which skyrocketed to #11 on The New York Times Bestseller List and is currently being adapted into a series as the first major project for Sunny Hostin Productions alongside Octavia Spencer’s Orit Entertainment. In the fall of 2020, Hostin released her memoir, “I Am These Truths: A Memoir of Identity, Justice, and Living Between Worlds,” with HarperOne. Hostin has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Woman, Essence, The CUT, Latina, and Ebony, amongst others. A sought-after public speaker, she has spoken at and moderated panels for the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, Corporate Counsel Women of Color, and the National Bar Association, served as a witness at the Federal Judiciary’s Congressional Hearing for the Public’s Right of Access to the Courts, and was she was part of the groundbreaking ABC primetime newscast, “Soul of a Nation,” the first broadcast network newsmagazine aiming to put Black life in America front and center. Hostin lives with her husband and two children in New York.

3x Emmy Award-winning legal journalist
Co-host of The View
New York Times bestselling author of both Summer on the Bluffs & Summer on Sag Harbor
National bestselling author of I Am These Truths: A Memoir of Identity, Justice, and Living Between Worlds
Her production company, Sunny Hostin Productions, is currently developing the novel series into a dramatic series alongside Octavia Spencer’s Orit Entertainment

Summer on Sag Harbor/Trilogy:

On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Sunny is released Summer on Sag Harbor, the second installment to her trilogy of beach reads, which became an instant New York Times bestseller.
Sunny's mission to make beach reads more inclusive is a long-overdue call to action in a genre that has historically neglected representation and diversity. Her passion for creating a series that not only reflects her own experiences but also provides an opportunity for readers to see themselves in beach reads is paving the way for the literary landscape.
Her personal inspiration for the series, to finally see people that look like her represented in a beach novel, is a powerful testament to the importance of representation and the profound impact it can have on readers.
Sunny's writing not only showcases beautiful beach towns, but shares the rich history of historically Black communities that have been a part of America for over a century. Through the vividly descriptive and immersive beach setting, readers are transported to a unique enclave in Sag Harbor, which was historically one of the only places that African Americans could own beachfront property. Despite facing systemic oppression and discrimination, these communities have shown remarkable resilience and strength, and Sunny's writing captures the spirit and beauty of these communities.
This book is the perfect choice for a summer beach read because it offers so much more than just a scenic backdrop and an engaging plot. While it does transport readers to the idyllic beaches of Sag Harbor, it also delves into thought-provoking themes and sheds light on pertinent societal issues. It's a captivating novel that provides a platform for meaningful discussions about representation, diversity, and the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities. With its engaging storyline and layered themes, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after the summer has ended.

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BETHANN HARDISON

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Bethann Hardison - former model, advocate, and founder of the modeling and management agency that bears her name - has long been a groundbreaker in the world of fashion. She has helped guide the careers of some of the most prominent models in recent times and through her decades of advocacy work has challenged and helped change common notions of beauty by consistently championing diversity in the fashion industry.

Collaboration: Statement by Bethann Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng

Invisible Beauty is first and foremost a collaboration between us. Through co-directing, we want to rethink the way we make films. The relationship between filmmaker and subject is often characterized by unequal access to power, privilege and authorship.

Who is allowed to tell a story? Who is allowed to control an image? Who has the privilege of self-representation? These questions have clear parallels with the questions raised by Bethann’s advocacy work. We wanted to put them at the core of our process. We worked together to make Bethann’s voice central to the telling of her story. Through active interrogation and intergenerational dialogue, we strived to explore more fully the existential nature of a life well lived.

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JENNIFER BAILEY

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Rev. Jen Bailey is an ordained minister, public theologian, and national leader in the multi-faith movement for justice. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Faith Matters Network, a Womanist-led organization equipping community organizers, faith leaders, and activists with resources for connection, spiritual sustainability, and accompaniment.

Rev. Jen is also Co-Founder of the People's Supper. Founded after the 2016 Presidential Election, The People’s Supper has hosted over 2,000 suppers in 135 communities nationwide focusing on bringing people together across lines of difference to engage constructively on issues affecting their communities since January 20, 2017.

An Ashoka Fellow, Aspen Ideas Scholar, On Being Fellow, New Pluralist Field Builder and Truman Scholar, Rev. Jen earned degrees from Tufts University and Vanderbilt University Divinity School where she was awarded the Wilbur F. Tillett Prize for accomplishments in the study of theology.

A sought-after commentator and public speaker on the intersection of religion and public life, Rev. Jen has spoken at the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit, Makers, TEDxSkoll, and the White House. Her work has been featured on OnBeing with Krista Tippett, CBS This Morning, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and dozens of other publications. Her first book, To My Beloveds: Letters on Faith, Race, Loss and Radical Hope, was published by Chalice Press on October 12, 2021. Order your copy here!

Jen currently sits on the boards of The Fetzer Institute, Jessie Ball duPont Fund and The Healing Trust. She is also ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and serves locally on the staff of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Nashville, Tennessee. She enjoys good food, dancing like nobody is watching, and road trip adventures with her husband and baby Max.

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RENEE COX

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0000

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TY HUNTER

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0000

TY HUNTER became a major force in the fashion industry as he helped shape an entire generation of fashionistas through his role as Beyoncé’s stylist for eighteen years. Hunter has gone on to design his own colle ctions and has shown at New York Fashion Week. His design career continues with a collaboration with A. Cloud. He recently joined forces with one of the most exciting names in fashion today when he became Billy Porter’s head stylis t and creative director.

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EMIL WILBEKIN

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Emil Wilbekin is the Founder of Native Son, a platform created to inspire and empower Black Gay Men. He has appeared On-Air discussing pop culture, fashion/style, entertainment and current affairs on The Today Show, NBC Channel 4 News New York, E! VH-1, MTV, BET, CNN, The Insider, Arise 360, Revolt, and PBS.

Wilbekin has an expertise in editorial creation, content curation and multimedia story telling (print, digital, social, video and live events) having served as Chief Content Officer at Afropunk, Editor-at-Large at Essence, Managing Editor of Essence.com, Editor-in-Chief of Giant and Giantmag.com, Style Guru at Complex Media, VP of Brand Development at Marc Eckō Enterprises, Editorial Director/Vice President of Vibe Ventures and Editor-in-Chief of Vibe Magazine. Under Wilbekin’s leadership, Vibe won the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in 2002.

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KEVAN HALL

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Detroit-born Kevan Hall's fashion creativity emerged early. By the age of seven, he knew he wanted to be a fashion designer.

Redefining glamour for a new generation is an interpretive art. Redefining the hallowed house of Halston into the next millennium was an even more challenging task. But Kevan Hall, who stepped into the prestigious position of Design and Creative Director from Fall 1998 - Spring 2000, revived the dormant brand to its former glory. His sleek eveningwear was worn by a distinguished coterie of celebrated artists including Celine Dion, Sharon Stone, Charlize Theron, and Salma Hayek.

In 2002, he launched his own signature, Kevan Hall Collection with a fashion philosophy that emphasizes purity of style, incomparable tailoring and sensuously draped streamlined silhouettes; Hall has a natural design sense of sophisticated elegance and uncluttered modern design. In 2002, Hall won the 47th Annual Gold Coast Fashion Award in Chicago as “Designer of the Year.” In 2005, Hall was awarded “Stylemaker of the Year” by Life & Style Magazine for his ‘drop-dead glamour’ as seen on the red carpet with Vanessa Williams, Virginia Madsen, Tina Fey, Debra Messing, Sandra Oh and later Ms. Ruby Dee for her 2008 Oscar nomination, and Gabourey Sidibe for her 2010 Golden Globe nod. Felicity Huffman won “Best Actress in a Comedy Series” at the 2005 Emmy’s wearing his rouge silk gown with Swarovski crystal accents. Mom’s Allison Janney took home the Critics’ Choice TV Award for “Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” in his Signature navy off-the-shoulder sequin jersey gown in 2015.

Hall has made guest appearances on numerous national TV shows such as Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane, Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda, Inside Edition and E! Fashion Police with Joan Rivers where he discussed fashions’ current trends on and off the red carpet.

Throughout Europe, he sold his exclusive collection of dresses and separates, Kevan Hall Inspiration on tv shopping channels QVC and HSE24 Italy.

He has given lectures at the Norman Lear Center of the University of Southern California, for the Costume Council at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and “Fashion Speak” conference in Detroit on his inspirations and influences when designing his collection.

Hall is a founder of The Novus Forum, an international collective trade show that features luxury womenswear and accessory designers. It has become the fashion destination for global buyers during the NY fashion market.

Hall gives back as one of the founders of Black Design Collective, a nonprofit established to create scholarships, educational and business workshops and mentorships for young designers to pursue a career in fashion and costume design.

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REGINA TAYLOR

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Regina Taylor is an actress, director, playwright, educator, and activist. Taylor is currently serving as the playwright-in-residence at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. This is a three-year appointment through the National Playwright Residency Program established by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Howl Round Theatre Commons. Theatre of St. Louis. Taylor is also writing new plays for Audible and the Old Vic.

Her playwright credits include Crowns (One of the country’s most produced plays/ four Helen Hayes Awards, including Best Director); Oo-Bla-Dee (Steinberg-ATCA award); Drowning Crow (Broadway, Manhattan Theatre Club); The Trinity River Plays (Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award)stop.reset. (Signature Theatre Residency 5) Bread (Edgerton Award, WaterTower Theatre);.

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DEBORAH ROBERTS

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Deborah Roberts is an award-winning ABC News senior national affairs correspondent for “Nightline,” “Good Morning America” and “World News Tonight with David Muir.” She is also a contributing anchor for “20/20”. A media veteran, Roberts has traveled the world for her reporting. She has served as a substitute anchor for “Good Morning America,” “World News Weekend” and “20/20,” as well as a guest co-host on “The View.”

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MICHELLE BROWDER - MOTHERS OF GYNECOLOGY

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0000

For 30 years, Michelle has been an advocate and activist for the at- risk and marginalized. Her heart is especially tender toward. disenfranchised youth.She noticed that young people needed someone to listen, encourage, and provide a safe space for them. She created a place that immersed students in history, "real talk," spoken word and visual art. This experience birthed an arts-centered diversion program that was used by juvenile detention centers in Alabama and Georgia.

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