Inspiring Civic Engagement: A Conversation with Kelly Doucette

In our latest episode of Black Girls Eating, we had the privilege of sitting down with Kelly Doucette, the dynamic Director of Community Relations at the Indianapolis Urban League. Kelly is a powerhouse of knowledge and passion when it comes to civic engagement and community leadership. Her journey and insights are a testament to the power of voting, local government involvement, and the impact young professionals can have on their communities.

Kelly shared her personal story of how she fell in love with civil service during her senior year of high school. A mock election in her government class sparked a lifelong commitment to understanding and participating in the political process. This early experience taught her the importance of voting and staying engaged, even when outcomes aren't favorable. Kelly's dedication to civic duty is a reminder that our involvement in local and national elections shapes the policies that affect our daily lives.

One of the standout moments in our conversation was Kelly's emphasis on the importance of local elections. While many people focus on presidential elections, it's the local officials—city councilors, mayors, and judges—who have a direct impact on our communities. Kelly urged listeners to get to know their local elected officials, attend city council meetings, and even consider running for office. She highlighted the significance of understanding how policies are made and how they affect everything from housing and education to public safety.

Kelly also talked about her role at the Indianapolis Urban League and the Exchange, its young professional auxiliary. The Exchange focuses on personal and professional development with an emphasis on civic engagement. Kelly's leadership in this organization has created a supportive community where young Black professionals can thrive, find mentorship, and make meaningful contributions to their city.

For those under 25 looking to get involved, Kelly offered practical advice: start by understanding who your local elected officials are, attend city council meetings, and consider volunteering for campaigns. She also encouraged young people to run for office themselves, emphasizing that waiting your turn is not necessary. If you have ideas and passion, now is the time to step up and make a difference.

Kelly's dedication to her community extends beyond her professional life. She shared how she takes care of herself by setting aside Sundays for personal time and staying active through regular gym sessions. Her commitment to self-care ensures that she can continue to give her best to her community and her work.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying engaged in the political process and the impact that each of us can have on our communities. Whether you're a seasoned activist or just starting to explore civic engagement, Kelly's insights will inspire you to take action and make a difference.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Kelly Doucette. Tune in to the latest episode of Black Girls Eating to hear more about her journey, her work with the Indianapolis Urban League, and how you can get involved in your community. Your vote is your voice—let's use it to create positive change.

Your favorite hosts are back!

Back from their summer hiatus, Tanorria and Candace come back to the airwaves with a summer recap like no other. Catch up with your favorite duo as they share seasonal happenings, birthday shenanigans, and what it feels like to get older. Tanorria digs deep into her garden, and Candace writes to see another day.

A Summer of Growth and Engagement After a much-needed summer hiatus, Candace and Tanorria return to the Black Girls Eating podcast with a heartwarming and insightful episode that captures their summer adventures and delves into pressing social issues. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode is a perfect blend of personal growth, community engagement, and, of course, delicious food talk.

Candace kicks off the episode by sharing her exciting journey back to school. Enrolled in a dual degree program for a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology, Candace opens up about her passion for bridging the connection between food and faith. Her goal? To create a welcoming table for all of God's people. This journey, she confesses, has been both exhilarating and challenging, but the support she's received has been overwhelmingly positive. "I want to share what it means to create the table and welcome the table to all of God's people," Candace says, encapsulating her mission beautifully.

Meanwhile, Tanorria has been busy with her consulting work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Despite the challenges in the current political climate, she finds joy and fulfillment in working with nonprofits that genuinely care about making a difference. Her consulting work has even led her to explore new areas of diversity, such as the aging community, adding another layer of expertise to her already impressive resume. But it's not all work and no play for these dynamic women. Tanorria shares her newfound love for gardening, describing it as a way to connect with her ancestors and find peace. From growing various types of okra to planning a quest for the perfect watermelon, her gardening adventures are as inspiring as they are educational. "I love getting my hands in the dirt and feeling connected to our ancestors," she says, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

As the episode progresses, the conversation shifts to more serious topics, particularly the importance of civic engagement and voting rights. With the political landscape becoming increasingly volatile, both Candace and Tanorria stress the need for informed voting and active participation in civic duties. They discuss the potential impacts of Project 2025 and urge listeners to educate themselves on the issues at hand. "We would be doing the world a disservice if we didn't at least make mention what it means to have civic leadership and being involved and engaged," Candace asserts, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to social justice.

This episode of Black Girls Eating is a testament to the power of community, education, and civic responsibility. It's a reminder that while life can be busy and challenging, there's always room for growth, joy, and making a difference. So, whether you're interested in the intersection of food and faith, looking for gardening tips, or eager to understand the importance of civic engagement, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in to catch up with Candace and Tanorria and get inspired to make a positive impact in your community. Trust us; you won't want to miss it!

My kinky, curly coils are worth it and then some! Britteny Davidson delves into the world of Black Hair care

In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Britteny, the dynamic owner and stylist at Kurlykoils. Britteny's journey in the natural hair care industry is nothing short of inspiring. With a cosmetology license since 2007 and a focus on natural hair since 2015, Britteny has dedicated her career to empowering black women to embrace their natural curls and find beauty in their own hair.

Britteny's passion for hair started at a young age. She recalls doing her own hair as early as second grade, driven by a desire to detangle her hair herself. This early interest blossomed into a full-fledged career, with Britteny mastering various techniques and earning numerous certifications. Her dedication to her craft is evident in every aspect of her work, from the personalized care she provides to her clients to the organic, clean products she recommends.

One of the most compelling parts of our conversation was Britteny's emphasis on the importance of healthy hair. She shared how many black women have been conditioned to prioritize length over health, often to the detriment of their hair's overall condition. Britteny's approach is refreshingly honest—she sets realistic expectations for her clients and focuses on maintaining the health of their hair above all else.

Britteny also touched on the emotional and psychological aspects of hair care. For many black women, their hair is tied to their identity and self-esteem. Britteny's mission is to help her clients break free from societal standards and embrace their natural beauty. She offers a supportive environment where clients can learn to care for their hair and feel confident in their natural curls.

In addition to her work in the salon, Britteny is passionate about educating her clients. She takes the time to explain her methods, ensuring that her clients can recreate their salon looks at home. This educational approach is a game-changer for many, providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to manage their hair confidently.

Our conversation with Britteny was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and self-acceptance. Her work goes beyond hair care—it's about empowering women to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. If you're on a natural hair journey or simply looking for some inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in to hear more about Britteny's incredible journey, her tips for maintaining healthy hair, and her insights on the transformative power of embracing your natural curls. You won't want to miss it!