We believe in telling people that we admire them... when they are there to hear it. Not wait and pile plaques, dedications and flowers up after they've gone. While we don't expect Ramelle to go anywhere any time soon, we want to take this episode and express our appreciation for his being an integral part of this podcast while he finished his intense  graduate school tenure.

From the Blackeast Podcast, we love you and appreciate you. May God continue to bless you. 

We are proud to host brothers Vance Williams and Abdullah Muhammad of Wilmington. Vance is the founder and Executive Director of Advance Youth Outreach, Abdullah is the founder and Executive Director of Quality Life Blueprint. Together they have formed Sokoto House a connecting point, a cultural center, and a community marketplace for emerging leaders in Wilmington, NC. 

We have asked both Vance and Abdullah to be here to learn more about their work, the reason for their dedication, and what’s is ahead for Sokoto House!

Dr. Forrest Toms, a developmental psychologist, professor, community activist, author, and small business owner, sits down with us and shares his experiences and ethos around Black community leadership, its challenges, and opportunities. 

Join us for a deep conversation about what Black community leadership looks like in North Carolina and what it needs to look like should eastern North Carolina desire to flourish long into the future. 

Black August is a tradition that originated in California's prisons in the 1970's after the deaths of brothers Jonathan and George Jackson as well as other incarcerated Black men who sought freedom.

Monifa Bandeleh with the Movement for Black Lives further explains-

"During Black August, we honor Black freedom fighters, many of whom were killed by the state or imprisoned for defending Black lives," 

This month is a time to reflect and learn about the legacies of Black revolutionaries, while we rededicate ourselves to the protracted struggles against white supremacy, colonialism, capitalism, and imperialism. We study, plan, and pledge to continue the work and fight for Black liberation."

At the BlackEast Podcast this month we want to use this series of interviews to pay homage to the revolutionary ancestors who made it possible for us to be free today AND lift up the people who are working now to bring freedom.

Our first interview is with Dedan Waciuri a young activist from Greenville NC who is the Organizing Project Manager of the North Carolina Environmental Justice Initiative and the  founder of Mapanduzi.

To grow, learn, and lead in Fayetteville, North Carolina. This is Shakeyla Ingram's story. 

The 29-year old is not only a political phenom representing District 2  in east Fayetteville, but she is also an incredibly humble, selfless, and focused human being. 

Her focus isn't self-promotion or personal wealth, but rather the equal distribution of resources and opportunity for all the residents she represents.

Come listen to the councilwoman, as we at the BlackEast Podcast talk vision, opportunity, and the future with one of Fayetteville's brightest stars.

Frankly, we're concerned. There doesn't seem to be much of a plan to keep kids truly separated. No robust offerings of PPE to teachers. A patchwork reopening strategy across the state. This could be a recipe for a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in North Carolina.

We discuss the implications present and past decisions have for our kids, family, and friends.  

One day our friends from Goldsboro Middle and High School were here. 

Then they were gone. 

No tragedy. 

No death. 

No injuries. Just gone.

Join our guest, Nicholas Mason, as he retells a particularly painful chapter in his life, and mine too, from 1994 in Wayne County Public Schools.