King Crush Thursday - The Interviews
King Crush Thursday is a podcast hosted by Val Gay that highlights the diverse lives and success stories of Black men. Each episode features guests from business, skilled trades, and other fields sharing their experiences and wisdom. Through six questions, the show aims to provide positive role models, especially for young Black men. It seeks to reshape common narratives and promote understanding and achievement.
Episodes
EP 162 TOMMIEE-WAHEED EVANS
Guggenheim Fellow Tommie-Waheed Evans' work explores blackness, spirituality, queerness & liberation. His training began with Karen McDonald, later receiving an Ailey School fellowship, and an MFA in Choreography from Jacksonville University. A former company member of Lula Washington Dance Theater, Complexions, and PHILADANCO, he's created works for BalletX, Dallas Black, DCDC, and Ballet Mem
EP 87 ANDRE ROBERT LEE
André Robert Lee is a Film Maker, Keynote Speaker, Consultant, Writer, Educator, and executive producer of the NPR radio broadcast, "Notes from America". He has committed his entire career to building an army of change agents. His process includes Many Things; New York City Public Schools, The Ford Foundation, Miramax Films, Urbanworld, Film Movement, Diana Ross, BET, Universal, PBS, HBO, Sundance
EP 86 DR GILBERT COLEMAN
Dr Gilbert Coleman @drgilbertc walks in the office of apostle while serving as the Overseer of the Freedom Christian Bible Fellowship in Philadelphia, Pa and the presiding Bishop of the Freedom WorldWide Covenant Ministries. After pastoring Freedom for thirty years, the Lord expanded Dr Coleman's assignment to be a leader to leaders. Dr Coleman has always desired to see men fulfill their God-given
EP 85 DR JAMES EARL DAVIS
James Earl Davis is the Bernard C. Watson Chair in Urban Education at Temple University and Professor of Higher Education in the College of Education and Human Development. He also holds affiliate faculty appointments in the Department of Africology and African American Studies and the Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies Program. With an explicit concern for gender equity in education, his resea
EP 84 ANTHONY MOORE
Tony Moore hails from the city of brotherly love Philadelphia Pennsylvania and has dedicated his life to music from a young age. Tony’s dedication to his craft has a forwarded him the opportunities to be a songwriter, gospel artist music producer in both TV and film and so much more Tony’s goals in life is to gift back to his community, the culture and the world through the magic of music.
See the
EP 161 QURAN DEAN
EPISODE 161 Quran Dean - A passionate and driven 23-year-old born and raised in West Philadelphia, he earned an Associate's degree in Business Administration and Management from the Community College of Philadelphia in 2023. Currently, he works in the real estate industry as a tenant service coordinator for a global commercial real estate company, a role he began in December 2023. Prior to this, h
EP 83 NASHID FURAHA ALI
EPISODE 83 Nashid Furaha Ali, native Philadelphian, Gratz High School graduate, attended Northwestern University, graduated from Wilberforce University. Nashid has had multiple career experiences: Social Worker, Community Worker, Merchant, Storyteller, Jewelry Artist, Teaching Artist. Nashid is married and he and his wife enjoy 7 children and several grandchildren. Nashid enjoys meditation, Vegan
EP 82 RAHEEM MANNING
Raheem L. Manning is a dynamic leader in business development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, with a deep passion for enhancing Philadelphia’s cultural and economic landscape. As the City’s first Nighttime Economy Director (Night Mayor), Raheem plays a pivotal role in shaping Philadelphia into a thriving, diverse, and globally competitive hub for arts, culture, and nightlife. Since his ap
EP 81 MICHAEL NEWMIUS
Michael Newmuis serves as the 2026 Director for the City of Philadelphia, a pivotal role appointed by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. He leads the city’s efforts to prepare for an extraordinary year, highlighted by the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the FIFA World Cup, and the US Navy and Marines 250th anniversary. These celebrations are set to attract millions of visitors and showcase
EP 80 ROY MCFARLANE
EPISODE 80 Roy McFarlane is a Poet, Playwright and former Youth & Community Worker born in Birmingham, England of Jamaican parentage, living in Brighton, England. He’s the National Canal Laureate and former Birmingham Poet Laureate and Starbucks Poet in Residence. He has performed from Amsterdam to Philadelphia, sharing his passion for social justice, equality and love.
Roy’s debut collection,
EP 160 DR DALE CALDWELL
Dr. Dale G. Caldwell is the President of Centenary University in Hackettstown, New Jersey. He is the 15th President of the University and the first African American in that role. Dale is the Pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey, the author of eight books and for the last four years in a row has been named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Higher Education in
EP 79 JONATHAN PINKETT
JONATHAN PINKETT - His own words:
“I was born in Philadelphia Pa in 1949. I grew up in South Philadelphia a few blocks from the Philadelphia College of Art. After studying filmmaking at the Philadelphia College of Art, I moved to New York
to study drawing and painting at an Atelier led by master painters Jacob Collins and Colleen Barry. My technique is an indirect painting practice that is influ
EP 78 IQUAIL SHAEED
Dr. Iquail Shaheed - Hailed in reviews as "a perfect example of his generation of male dancers... Technically superb and artistically infallible," Dr. Iquail Shaheed is a Philadelphia-based artist, activist and the executive artistic director of DANCE IQUAIL! through which he creates new works and programs that centers on Blackness, Justice and Joy. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Ba
EP 77 JIM TURNER
Jim Turner has long been a catalyst for change in the state of Pennsylvania, with the City of Chester as his home base.
Jim is the President and CEO of Dunamis Marketing, a full-service marketing and consulting firm that specializes in mass media production and placement, strategic planning, event execution, corporate community partnership programs, and ethnic marketing. His portfolio of client
EP 76 MELLO DIXON
Mello Dixon “I have always been a HUGE fan of sports and the stories behind the athletes. I wanted to figure out a way to bring the history of the story to light. I came up with a concept to develop Wearable Art. I was able through very hard work and dedication to bring to life the images that I was so amazed by.
I dedicated 3 years from 2008 to 2011 to Mastering my craft. I call it Kanye’ing i
EP 159 CHAD FEGGINS
Chad Feggins - Recent Morehouse College graduate and future AmeriCorps City Year Philadelphia participant, Chad Feggins is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the fields of wellness and community service. With a passion for health, fitness, and community empowerment, Chad is on a mission to inspire others to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Graduating from Morehouse College, a presti
158 DR DONTAE RYAN
EPISODE 158 A native of Baltimore, Maryland and a graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Dr. Dontae L. Ryan @drdryan1979 @LearnWithRyan received his baccalaureate degree in Electrical Engineering and Doctorate in Engineering from Morgan State University in 2001 and 2012, respectively.
Dr. Ryan has over 20 years of professional experience in Radio Frequency Engineering currently serving a
EP 157 EMILE E HOLLAND
EPISODE 157 Emile E. Holland is a 23 years old west Philadelphia Native. Emile is a proud product of the Philadelphia public school system. Emile the son of a Temple Owl began his journey at Temple in the spring of 2019. Entering into Temple as a political science major, Emile quickly realized his zeal for the field of Africology, more specifically education under the discipline of Africology. Gr
ep 156 GLENN BEST
Glenn Best is the Workforce Development Consultant for T3 Creators Collective LLC. Performing complex planning, research, consultative, technical and program administration work. Provides consultative and technical services to other governmental agencies, community organizations and the private sector. Assists in establishing program goals and objectives; developing program guideline, schedules, p
EP 155 LAMAR BAYLOR
LaMar Baylor is a native of Camden, NJ and is a proud gay black man! LaMar found his passion for the arts, specifically dance, where he graduated from the Creative Arts High School and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He has danced for Eleone Dance Theatre, Rebecca Davis Dance Company, PHILADANCO, and The Lion King on Broadway as a Swing. LaMar is not only a dancer but an Educator, Chor
EP 154 AKIL PARKER
Akil Parker is the founder and CEO of All This Math, LLC, an educational services company aimed at drastically improving the relationship between Mathematics and the Black Community. The company offers math tutoring as well as educational consulting and professional development for schools. All This Math also maintains a free YouTube channel where viewers can get simplified math instruction infuse
EP 75 GERALD VEASLEY
Gerald Veasley’s creative life has taken him into two mutually supportive roles: artist and arts leader. As a bassist, Veasley has performed and recorded with a wide array of celebrated jazz artists and has released nine recordings as an artist in his own right. In his role as President of Jazz Philadelphia, he is driven to help the next generation of artists thrive in his hometown. This organizat
EP 74 DANIEL JACKSON
Daniel Jackson is a skilled multimedia creative specializing in videography and photography. He began his professional artistic career in the world of music promotion, playing multiple positions in the field as a mixtape DJ, graphic designer, editor and producer.
Founded in 2011, Embassy: Interactive, LLC was created as a platform to promote a curated group of musical artists that were not in the
EP 73 - CLAYTON CAROTHERS IV
Clayton Carothers IV @tattedfoodtherapist @dawgondrums7 - Teacher (science), musician (drummer), creator of plant-based foods (Tatted Food Therapist). Clayton was born and raised in North Jersey. Grew up in a tight family and went to college in Daytona Beach, Florida to the great Bethune -Cookman University. Graduated and moved right to Philly to begin teaching. He enjoys health and wellness. Clay
EP 72 - TY BROOKS
Ty Brooks - Fashion Designer/ Creative / Son of God & Baldwin … has been designing over 20 yrs and recently showed at New York Fashion Week Winter 2022. Ty has dressed Jill Scott/ Erykah Badu, He’s a lover of the written word, color, amber hues and mahogany muses, and serious jazz: Betty Carter, Monk, Gregory Porter, Getz etc, it’s all inspirational to him, gifted to gift, blessed to be a bles
EP 153 KIRVEN DOUTHIT-BOYD
Kirven Douthit-Boyd @swervin_and_kirven Dancer, choreographer, director from Boston, MA. Trained at the Boston Arts Academy and Boston Youth moves. Spent summers training at The Boston Conservatory and The Ailey School. Received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Hollins University in Roanoke, VA. Was a member of Ailey II and performed with Battleworks Dance Company at Jacob’s Pillow before joining
EP 71 MR. G MASTERMINE
Mr. G was born in Port Au Prince Haiti. He came to the U.S at the age of 5. With the help of his siblings and his first-grade teacher, who happened to be black and Haitian, he was able to pick up English very quickly. Throughout high school Mr, G excelled in Track and Field. After graduating high school Mr. G pursued a degree in Education. He obtained his degree and graduated as Student Teacher o
EP 70 DR KEVIN R JOHNSON
Called in June 2024 to become Senior Pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church—the first African American Baptist Church in New York State and one of the oldest in the nation—Rev. Dr. Johnson succeeds the late Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III who was his mentor while serving as an assistant pastor. Along with his wife—Mrs. Kimya S. P. Johnson, Esq., a corporate diversity professional and employment attorne
EP 69 REUBEN JONES
Reuben Jones is the Executive Director of Frontline Dads, a non-profit organization that focuses empowering youth and social justice advocacy. He is a mentor, father, poet, activist and entrepreneur. Reuben Jones has won numerous awards over the years including KYW's "Gamechanger" award, and the Presidential Service Award from Barack Obama.
See the Video Interview HERE
EP 67 REV DR ALYN E WALLER
Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller is the Senior Pastor of the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A highly sought-after revivalist, vocalist, and lecturer, Dr. Waller is a true visionary of the church and the community who serves humanity far beyond the restraints of traditionalism. His partner in marriage and ministry is Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller, the leader of Enon’s Women’s Minis
EP 152 DR DARREN LIPSCOMB, ESQ
Dr. Darren Lipscomb, Esq. is a community activist and the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at Community College of Philadelphia. He has over a decade of experience in education. The West Philadelphia native is also a product of the Philadelphia School District and an alumnus of Walter Biddle Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences.
Dr. Lipscomb has served as the Senior Vice Pre
EP 151 PHILIP CUNNINGHAM
Meet Philip Cunningham a visionary leader dedicated to the mission of Jamaa Health. With a passion for eliminating healthcare disparities and fostering equitable access to care, Philip co-founded Jamaa Health, the groundbreaking platform that is revolutionizing the healthcare landscape.
Driven by a deep commitment to helping as many people as possible, Philip spearheads the strategy, growth, and g
EP 150 DYMIERE FINCH
Dymiere Finch is a vibrant, young (28) executive hailing from Columbus, OH who holds several positions with the National Center for Urban Solutions (NCUS). Dymiere is the Executive Director over the state of Pennsylvania for NCUS, The African American Male Wellness Agency, and is also the Co-Coordinator for The Black Men’s Wellness Day. While overseeing these tasks, he is making changes in the bla
EP 149 BRENT JOHNSTONE
Brent Johnstone: Fathers Read 365 (FR365)’s mission is to encourage fathers and/or caregivers to read daily with children in a variety of settings to develop literacy from birth. FR365 provides an early intervention method structured to increase the amount of books read and given away to preschoolers through kindergarten and create a culture of literacy.
Since 2017, FR365 founders Brent Johnston
EP 148 NHLANHLA MAVUNDLA
Nhlanhla Mavundla @nhlanhla_mav A young man from South Africa. Studied Psychology and is currently working in South Korea. “I am passionate about issues of black consciousness and making a difference in others lives.”
See the Video Interview HERE
EP 147 WAYNE BARNETT
Wayne Barnett- Head, External Affairs, Cordia
Mr. Barnett is responsible for development and supporting Cordia’s thermal district and distributed energy Infrastructure businesses across North America and advancing the company’s interests. He leads initiatives that build and execute brand awareness, strengthen marketing and communications, raise corporate visibility, foster strategic partnerships
EP 146 CHRIS FULTON
Christopher Fulton is a 26-year-old software engineer working at Google. He was born in Philadelphia. He spends a lot of time wondering how the universe and world function. He loves to skateboard, play video games, and watch movies. Recently, he has taken up playing the bass guitar as well.
See the Video Interview HERE
EP 145 REV ROBERT FULLER
Robert Vincent Fuller, Sr_ 1971 graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School. Member of National Honor Society. Attended Shippensburg State College from 1971-1973. Answered call to ministry at 16 years of age while attending Zoar United Methodist Church under the Pastorate of Rev Joshua E. Licorish. Studied Basic Biblical at Phila College of Bible & Evangelistic Teacher Training at Deliverance Bi
EP 144 - AKEIFF STAPLESE
AKEIFF STAPLES is married to Anika Thompson-Staples, with whom they have 3 children (Jalen, Brice, Daley). Born and raised in South Media, Pennsylvania, Akeiff is an entrepreneur by trade. Akeiff received a bachelor's degree from Temple University in Geography & Urban Studies and brings to the table nearly two decades of social work experience engaging a wide variety of at-risk youth througho
EP 63 DR REYNALDO ANDERSON
Dr. Reynaldo Anderson currently serves as the Graduate Director and Associate Professor of Africology and African American Studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Reynaldo is currently the Executive Director and co-founder of the Black Speculative Arts Movement (BSAM), an international network of artists, intellectuals, creatives, and activists. He is also a founding member of
EP 64 ERIC GRIMES - BROTHER SHOMARI
Eric K. Grimes - Brother Shomari - Peaceful by nature, unwavering in the face of adversity, a stern and forceful catalyst seeking to stand as a measuring rod for those aspiring to model lives of meaning and significance! A trusted and informed community voice who develops boundary stretching, strategic and transformative community knowledge, preparation, advocacy and actions, designed to facilita
EP 65 DR GUTHRIE RAMSEY
A member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Guthrie P. Ramsey, Jr. is a music historian, pianist, composer, Professor Emeritus of Music at the University of Pennsylvania and 2022 Guggenheim Fellow.
A widely-published writer, he’s the author of Race Music: Black Cultures from Bebop to Hip-Hop (2003), and The Amazing Bud Powell: Black Genius, Jazz History and the Challenge of Bebop (2013
EP 66 REV. BRIAN MARSHALL
Brian Marshall, Jr - Full-Time Radiologic Technologist, Associate Pastor of the Bible Way Baptist Church in Philadelphia currently oversees Christian Education under Dr. Damone Jones Sr., volunteer for “BROTHERHOOD”, Graduate of Sayre High School (2008), Graduate of Bloomsburg University of PA (2014), Graduate of Penn Medicine’s school of Radiologic Technology (2014), currently enrolled at United
EP 143 EMERSON
From 2016 to the present, Emerson has curated and been featured in galleries, mostly in the Philadelphia area. 2019, Emerson made it to the top 6 in a statewide Puma designer competition out of 160 entries. Also in 2019, Emerson helped design a dress for the Penn Museum, which will be on display for a decade. 2021, Emerson helped design a shoe for the streetwear brand Only with Kings. Emerson also
EP 59 TIMOTHY SHEPHERD
TIMOTHY SHEPHERD (Music Composer) believes his purpose is to create music that reflects the vast depths of the human spirit. While helping other artists further manifest their projects, he utilizes his skillset in music composition and music & video production to enhance his talents and expand his collaborative style. As an Artistic Coordinator & Production Manager for Art Sanctuary, Shep
EP 60 THOMAS C KNOX
Thomas C. Knox is the creator of Date While You Wait, the 13-time award-winning, Emmy-winning connection platform turned TV series that has over 11 million views on YouTube and Facebook. Affectionately known as the “Connection Curator”, Knox is a serial entrepreneur running The Connection Collective and BeGreat Bow Ties. He has been featured in the New York Times as well as ABC, CNN and more.
SEE
EP 61 TYRIQUE GLASGOW
Tyrique Glasgow, founder of Young Chances Foundation which is dedicated to providing essential resources and activities without the red tape to those who need support in Philadelphia. Tyrique started the foundation in 2012 following the murder of one of his childhood friends, who was playing flag football. Young Chances Foundation transformed one of the most notorious drug houses in the neighborho
EP 62 WILL TOMS
William Tyrone Toms is a 30-something award-winning entrepreneur from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After starting his first company at the age of 21, Will Toms has quickly made a name for himself in the region's startup community at the intersection of culture & economics. He is the Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer of REC Philly, serving as the visionary + strategist behind the company’
EP 142 ASHLEY SCOTT
Ashley Scott, @AshleyScott3 hailing from the vibrant soulful musical city of Philadelphia, PA, stands as a powerhouse vocalist celebrated for his globally chart-topping singles. His 2022 release, “Together,” joins a stellar lineup that includes the soulful ballad “Words” (2016), the infectious groove of “Thought of You” (2021), the dance anthem “Dance The Night Away” (2020), and the international
EP 58 LAZARUS BRUNNER
Lazarus Bruner, Jr. is originally from Oklahoma City, OK. Lazarus, his wife Evonna, and 3 children have resided in the Atlanta Metro area for the past 15 years. Lazarus has a wealth of experience in industries such as sales, education, coaching youth sports, and fitness. In February of 2021, Lazarus left his full time job to pursue what he called "his vocational calling" which was to holistically
EP 57 COLEY JONES
Coley Jones is the Business Banking Market Executive for North Florida, South Georgia and the Space Coast, where he leads local market client teams to help local companies grow, improve cash flow and invest for the future. Business Banking serves companies, generally with annual revenues of $5 million to $50 million, and companies up to $2 billion in the Space Coast by providing comprehensive fina
EP 56 TORRENCE SIMMONS
Torrence Simmons @torrencersimmons is a country boy from Quitman, GA by way of Dixie, GA. Spending his early years on a chicken farm with his nearest neighbor was his great-great aunt and uncle (they had a 50+ acre farm with hogs, chickens, corn, and almost everything in “Hold My Mule” aka You Name It. By middle school, he moved to “town” and in high school Torrence joined a rapper group, Southbo
EP 55 DR MOLEFI ASANTE
Dr. Molefi Kete Asante is Professor and Chair, in Africology at Temple University. Asante, often called the most prolific African American scholar, has published 95 books, among the most recent are Being Human Being. He is considered one of the most quoted living African authors as well as one of the most distinguished thinkers in the African world. He has been recognized as one of the 10 most w
EP 141 JEAN-PIERRE BRICE
Jean-Pierre Brice, more affectionately known as "Uncle P" in his Chester, PA community, carries a story of transformation that mirrors the very essence of human resilience and hope. His journey began amidst the vibrant hustle of Brooklyn, New York, on the 22nd of December in 1979, but his narrative quickly relocated to the close-knit streets of Chester, where the roots of his family tree would de
EP 51 DR OWEN BROWN, JR
Dr. Owen Brown, Jr. @TheOwenValentine @TheVocalScientist Is a renowned expert on Vocal performance, technique, health, maintenance, and injury treatment. He has worked with a whose who of celebrity performers including Teddy Pendergrass, Mary J Blige, Chic, EWF and many others. He is also the inventor of the SMT formula and has been responsible for saving many careers with his innovative approach
EP 52 CAMERON MITCHELL
Cameron Mitchell is a photographer and multimedia producer based out of Atlanta, Georgia. He specializes in event, wedding, corporate, editorial, and sports photography with an emphasis on creative portraiture. He is also an award-winning short film producer and contributor, and has taught photography master classes as a guest professor at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
He brings exception
EP 53 DONALD ROBINSON
Donald Robinson is a GRAMMY-nominated record producer/ songwriter/ keyboardist who loves helping indie artists about the music business, both on the creative and business -side. Donald says: “I am a God fearing man who understands is purpose in life. To use my God given gifts to bless people through the music He has given me.” Donald works with artists in the genre of Jazz, R&B, and Gospel. A
EP 54 MARLOWE SMITH
Marlowe Smith was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and attended St. Athanasius Catholic School from K-8 grades. He is a proud graduate of Central High School in Philadelphia (250). After High School, he continued his education at Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with an Emphasis in Finance. After starting his professional career, he earned a MBA in Management from
EP 140 KYLE HOBSON
Kyle Hobson, also known as Kyle the Jukebox, is a multifaceted professional, creative, and an active alumni of Morehouse College. A proud product of New York, Kyle has built himself as a multifaceted artist, being a musician, writer, journalist and poet while remaining to work in his community. Morehouse developed his poetic ability and opportunities. He was able to participate in various performa
EP 47 DR WILL LUFF
Dr. William C. Luff or “Doc”is an enthusiastic leader, educator, professional counselor, consultant and lecturer. William has enjoyed a 35 year career in the events industry working as an entrepreneur, production manager, audio engineer, lighting designer, and operations manager. He has had the great fortune of lighting and mic'ing three seated Presidents of the United States. William has been an
EP 48 JACK DRUMMOND
Jack Drummond is a family oriented man, purpose driven breather, and curious lover of life (especially when considering what life is “right now.”) Jack truly believes “these are the good old days!”He’s also in love with all of his nieces and nephews – and if you ever have the opportunity meet any of them, you will understand why. Jack has also had some experiences as a director, success coach,
EP 49 GREGORY WALKER
Gregory Walker In his own words: “I was born and raised in Suburban Connecticut in the 1960s and 70s. I have lived in seven US cities including San Francisco, Atlanta, Fort Greene Brooklyn, Washington DC, Baltimore, Evanston Illinois, New Haven Connecticut and Philadelphia Pennsylvania during the last several decades. My passion for the Arts started as a young boy upon visiting the Wadsworth Athen
EP 50 DR VICTOR COLEMAN
Dr. Victor J. Coleman Jr. is an acclaimed motivational speaker from Toledo, Ohio. Born into a poverty-stricken life, Victor has battled depression, drug and gang affiliations, along with low self-esteem and poor scholastic performance.
Harnessing those painful experiences, Victor has employed them to make an invaluable impact in the lives of others. Victor encourages others to take flight towards
EP 139 DON MILLER
Don Miller, CPA's enthusiasm to be an entrepreneur began when he saw and understood his Dad managing Don’s Grandfather's tire shop, which he eventually took over. Don tried many things, but while attending Xavier University in Louisiana, Don and a friend pushed a clothing brand called SHAPES and it was fortunate enough to be featured on Lou Rawl's Evening of Stars on BET.
After obtaining a B.S. i
EP 43 DR JOHN W SPENCER
John W. Spencer is a lifelong Philadelphian who believes that businesses have the responsibility to impact people, the planet, and profit positively. Currently, John a public school Principal and CEO of TEACH IT Labs, Inc. He has over 25 years of service as an educator. With that in mind, he formed TEACH IT Labs, Inc. [TEACH IT]. TEACH IT’s mission is to provide information technology that imparts
EP 44 SIDNEY HARGRO
Sidney Hargro is a philanthropy executive, advisor, and speaker who is on a quest to transform philanthropy by advocating for funders, philanthropists, and social investors to embed a full commitment to intersectional racial equity in their practices in in pursuit of liberation for Black, Indigenous, and People Color. He currently serves as the president of Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphi
EP 45 DR DAMONE B JONES SR
Dr. Damone B. Jones, Sr., is the youngest of three children born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Boykin Jones of West Philadelphia. Dr. Jones is a deeply devoted husband having been united to his very lovely wife Melissa in October of 1991. They are the very proud parents of four wonderful children: Aleah, Damone, Jr., Alyssa and Dominic.
Dr. Jones received Christ as Savior and Lord at the young age o
EP 46 DR. J. STEVEN BLAKE
Dr. J. Steven Blake was born in Mississippi and educated there; graduating from the University of Mississippi with dual degrees in chemistry and zoology (1980). He’s the 2nd youngest of 4 children by his mother and father, with one sister by his father.
Dr. Steve was a medical technologist (laboratory medicine specialist) before being accepted to the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine i
EP 138 KEITH MCLEOD
Keith McLeod is a Philadelphia native born and raised. Received a BS & AS in accounting in ‘92. As a hard working black male, the majority of his career has been in Business, Accounting, Administration and Customer Service. In his own words, "I like to think of myself as The Business Administration Professional Problem Solver. I’m married to my high school sweetheart for 29yrs and have 4 a
EP 39 ALEXANDER DAWSON
Alexander Dawson IV is from Haw River, North Carolina. He played Division 1 football at Elon University, where he ultimately earned his MBA. An avid traveler, he taught English in Costa Rica, before going to law school at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating in May 2020, Dawson studied for, and passed the bar exam in advance of beginning his employment at a top New York law firm. He th
EP 40 JAY REED
Jay Reed was born and raised in West Philadelphia and attended Overbrook High School where he was an Art major. He graduated in 1991, and shortly after, served in the United States Marine Corps as a Food service Specialist until 1995. Jay came home and started to work in Food service as an Executive Chef, for about a year. He decided to explore another one of his God-given talents as a Barber. Jay
EP 41 KENNETH YORK
Kenneth York is the Proud father of 2: a handsome 8 year old son and a beautiful 3 year old daughter. He’s been married to his beautiful high school sweetheart for 9 years. He is a proud Air Force veteran, and served for 6 years at Barksdale Air Force base. During that enlistment Kenneth had the honor to serve in the honor guard. It was during his service in the honor guard where he began his advo
EP 42 17TH SOULJA
In his own words: “Imagine if Malcolm X collected comic books and played sports as a child . Then grew up into a blerd that sought autonomy from the government. To pursue black liberation . In support of strong black families and communities . Movies, pop culture, politics, black history and culture nothing concerning the diaspora is off limits follow me on Instagram - @17soulja.8
EP 137 RICHARD OLIVER, JR.
Richard A. Oliver Jr. is a dynamic 25-year-old hailing from West Philadelphia, where he was born and raised. Richard's educational journey has been marked by determination and a commitment to public service. In 2020, he proudly graduated from East Stroudsburg University of PA with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training and Cum Laude Honors, showcasing his passion for physical health an
EP 38 V SHAYNE FREDERICK
V. Shayne Frederick is a rising star vocalist and pianist with performances spanning two decades. He has been featured at TEDx, NPR's Jazz Night in America, John Coltrane Jazz Festival, Center City Jazz Festival, The Barnes Foundation, Kimmel Center for Performing Arts, among a myriad of jazz venues throughout the nation.
Cited by the Broad Street Review as “one of the region’s busiest and best ja
DR KEN SCOTT
Dr. Kenneth Scott, President/CEO, Beech Companies is well known throughout the Philadelphia region for his support and commitment to community service. His work has produced comprehensive development in the areas of Business, Education, Finance, Media, Philanthropy, Real Estate Development and Technology. Dr. Scott currently serves as the President of the Beech Companies (Beech Interplex, Inc., B
EP 36 CHARLES WATKINS
Charles Watkins was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. He attended McDonogh 35 Sr. High, Columbus State University in Columbus, GA and law school at LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Charles has been a prosecutor his entire career. Starting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana then going to Waycross, GA and Atlanta, GA. Currently he is a federal prosecutor in Buffalo NY.
Check out the VIDEO of this interview!
EP 35 SHANE NELSON
Shane Nelson is a Black and Indian educator, social impact innovator, and entrepreneur. He thrives off of building value-based collaborations for students and organizations. Shane graduated from Drexel University in 2016 and Syracuse University in 2019. Outside of work, Shane reads, cooks, and sneaks a tv show in when he can.
Check out the VIDEO of this Interview!
EP 136 JOHN WILLIAM, FLAUTIST
John William, Flautist, born John William Conner, is vastly emerging as one of the premier flautist in the music industry. The Atlanta native prides himself on producing a unique sound that keeps his audience captivated until the very last note. From the mesmerizing melodies to the hypnotic harmonies, John believes that music is a conduit for one to achieve inner peace and tranquility. John prides
EP 31 BRANDON CHASTANG
Brandon Chastang aka B Mcfly which stands for Being Motivated Comes From Loving Yourself, reenacts real life scenarios through skits to spread awareness while being sober. He has been clean since 2018 and serves as a powerful role model for others and activist for change in our community.
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