Roots of the Spirit Podcast

The Botanical Bus with Jocelyn Boreta Aug 23, 2022

Host Spirit Tawfiq talks with Jocelyn Boreta, the co-founder of a bilingual mobile herb clinic by and for Latinx and Indigenous people. The Botanical Bus is helping people in her community through the power of plants and a connection to ancestors, helping cultivate health equity and the feeling of belonging.

Community health workers called promotoras are providing culturally-centered health services. The promotoras meet people where they are, literally and figuratively, by taking the bus out to worksites and family service center hubs.

The Legacy of White Supremacy with Connor Towne O’Neill Jul 13, 2022

Author Connor Towne O’Neill explores the history of white supremacy in his book Down Along with That Devil’s Bones. On a special bonus episode of Roots of the Spirit, we’ll hear about his journey to fight against racism by examining the uncomfortable truths of our nation’s past.

Buy the Book: https://www.workman.com/products/down-along-with-that-devils-bones/paperback

Counseling Black Women with Dr. Kimber Shelton Jun 13, 2022

Host Spirit Tawfiq talks with Dr. Kimber Shelton about the recent release of her Handbook on Counseling African American Women, which details the mental health needs and treatment interventions for black women.

Handbook on Counseling African American Women:

https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Counseling-African-American-Women/dp/1440875952

Dr. Kimber Shelton:

https://www.kls-counseling.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CounselingBlackWomen

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/counselingblackwomen/

Benefits of Meditation with Shamair Courage May 21, 2022

Host Spirit Tawfiq talks to noted meditation practitioner Shamair Courage of LoveWorks365, who will be leading a meditation session at a fundraiser on May 22, 2022 at The Studio at Athleta Flatiron to provide scholarships for women to attend the Roots of the Spirit Healing and Joy Retreat.

GoFundMe donations: https://gofund.me/18016786

Sign up for Roots of the Spirit Healing and Joy Retreat: https://www.rootsofthespirit.com/healing-joy-retreat

Reclaiming Your Authentic Self with Dr. Thema Bryant May 17, 2022

Host Spirit Tawfiq kicks off Season 2 with Dr. Thema Bryant, who will become President of the American Psychological Association in 2023.

Roots of the Spirit is launching the And Wellness For All initiative, which promotes honest discussion about the wellness of people of color in the U.S.

4:20 Announcing the inaugural Roots of the Spirit Healing & Joy Retreat for black, indiginous, and women of color

6:00 Sign up for retreat and retreat details

6:15 Retreat will feature fresh farm foods, yoga, meditation, herbal farm, cacao ceremony

7:50 Scholarship fundraiser for access to retreat

10:55 Welcome Dr. Thema Bryant

13:30 Dr. Thema’s interest in psychology

19:00 Psychological homelessness

25:00 Racism lies

26:40 Psychological damage of oppression

33:30 Empowering ourselves to influence policy and promote change

36:20 Resistance strategies

41:30 Being the descendents of the oppressor

51:10 American Psychological Association’s apology for promoting systemic rascism

Sign up for Roots of the Spirit Healing and Joy Retreat: https://www.rootsofthespirit.com/healing-joy-retreat

Healing and Joy Retreat Fundraiser:

https://gofund.me/18016786

Dr. Thema Bryant’s website: https://drthema.com/

Buy Dr. Thema Bryant’s book, Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/059341831X?tag=randohouseinc46150-20

Civil Rights ICON, Ruby Bridges. Apr 12, 2021

Treat yourself to a conversation with Civil Rights Icon, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Speaker Ruby Bridges who at the age of six was the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960.

Her walk through the front doors of William Frantz Elementary School on Nov. 14, 1960, was immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s painting The Problem We All Live With in Robert Coles’ book The Story of Ruby Bridges, and in the Disney movie Ruby Bridges. Published in November 2020, This is Your Time is her first book in over twenty years following the publication of her award-winning autobiography, Through My Eyes. She established the Ruby Bridges Foundation to provide leadership training programs that inspire youth and community leaders to embrace and value the richness of diversity. Bridges is the recipient of numerous awards, including the NAACP Martin Luther King Award, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and honorary doctorate degrees from Connecticut College, College of New Rochelle, Columbia University Teachers College, and Tulane University. She recently named one of 100 iconic Women of the Century by USA Today.

**Please note that the N-word is used once in this episode in a historical context**

Ruby Bridges Foundation: www.RubyBridges.com

Purchase Ruby Bridges’ New York Times bestselling book This Is Your Time: https://bit.ly/3wM97c5

Disney's Ruby Bridges (movie): https://bit.ly/3a5Pn9U

Instagram: rubybridgesofficial

Disrupting Racism at Majority White Schools with Dr. Todd Mealy Dec 22, 2020

Join special guest, Dr. Todd Mealy for a powerful conversation about his new book Race Conscious Pedagogy: Disrupting Racism at Majority White Schools, and how to be a powerful antiracism co-conspirator. Dr. Mealy is a 20-year educator at both the secondary level and in higher education. For two decades, Mealy has advocated for race consciousness in schools. He has written extensively on the topic, including the publication of seven books. He also works as the Director of Equity and Instruction at The Bond Educational Group, and serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion trainer. Connect with Dr. Mealy:

Website: www.toddmealy.com Twitter + Facebook: @ToddMealy Equity Institute for Race Conscious Pedagogy: www.raceconsciouspedagogy.org

Buy the book Race Conscious Pedagogy: Disrupting Racism at Majority White Schoolswww.raceconsciouspedagogy.org/the-book

Podcast host, Spirit responds to listener questions! Nov 01, 2020

Join Roots of the Spirit podcast host, Spirit Tawfiq as she answers a few questions from listeners - topics such as Trump banning antiracism work across the federal government, strategies to maintain sanity in these tumultuous times, and how to speak to students about the election. Links I mention in the podcast:

Roots of the Spirit website: www.RootsoftheSpirit.com

Roots of the Spirit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RootsoftheSpirit

Roots of the Spirit Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1994495373986013

WomensActivism.NYC: www.WomensActivism.NYC

Outdoor Afro: www.OutdoorAfro.com

Sojourn to the Past: www.SojournProject.org

Smithsonian National Museum of American History "Girlhood: It's Complicated" exhibition featuring Minnijean Brown Trickey's (Little Rock Nine) personal collection, including her high custom-designed school graduation dress. https://americanhistory.si.edu/girlhood

Mental health, truth & how to rope-a-dope racism. Oct 11, 2020

Spirit and Hisham Tawfiq talk the raw truth about the mental health impacts of racism + the rage, sadness, and frustrations of everyday racism. Hisham introduces a fresh new concept, "how to rope-a-dope racism" ...and they discuss the power of resistance, radical self-care, and love as liberation.

The Power of Women's Stories & Activism Aug 26, 2020

In today's episode, we hear from Dr. Christiana Best-Giacomini, a remarkable woman who captivates us with her mother's story infused with unwavering courage, strength, and sacrifice as she left Grenada at the tender age of 28 to immigrate to the U.S. Here's a link to Dr. Best's moving story about her mother, Pearl Mavis Munro. https://www.womensactivism.nyc/stories/5331 Dr. Christiana Best-Giacomini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work and Equitable Community Practice at the University of Saint Joseph. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Welfare and is a licensed social worker. Dr. Best is the host and creator of the podcast Inside Out/Outside In, which engages in conversations between academia and its communities and is framed by the themes of diversity, inclusion and equity.

Reform Revolution Project - Young people making Change! Jun 19, 2020

Roots of the Spirit podcast is proud to introduce you to the powerful young people of Reform Revolution Project!

Founded by antiracism and social justice education activist, Julia Mariano, Reform Revolution project believes that through the power of accessible education, everyone has the potential to face the realities of racism, learn about social justice, and dismantle white supremacy from the ground up. They believe that there is no longer an excuse or room for ignorance in our society.

They affirm that adopting a growth mindset is for everyone and hope to provide resources and practical tools to help you educate yourself, educate others, learn how to be actively anti-racist, and understand the importance of participation through activism and engaging in civic duties. Reform Revolution Project is created for lifelong learners by lifelong learners.

Reform Revolution Project website: http://reformrevolutionpr.wixsite.com/reformrevolutionproj/blog

Reform Revolution Project Instagram: @reformrevolutionproject

Little Rock Nine, Minnijean Brown Trickey on Black Lives Matter Movement. Jun 14, 2020

Minnijean Brown Trickey (Little Rock Nine) speaks truth to power about the reality of racism, police violence and the power of the Black Lives Matter Movement. This episode was originally recorded on a live podcast interview on facebook.

In a Minnijean Minute! Kids Can Make Presidents Act. May 25, 2020

Little Rock Nine member, Minnijean Brown Trickey wants children to know that they have the power to shift policy and make president's act.

Cost of speaking truth about racism. May 18, 2020

Why is it so scary to speak the truth? What's at stake and what are the repercussions? In a super raw conversation, Spirit and Hisham Tawfiq discuss racism, courage, fears and consequences of speaking truth in the "present-racial" U.S. Some explicit language used. Head first we go!

A leap of faith, landing on purpose with Stacey Jordan. Apr 20, 2020

"I'm very big on addressing the inside and dressing the outside. I think in today's society, everyone is so busy wanting to impress people with what they have and how they look...and then inside we're torn, we're broken, we're hurting...a lot of us are going through the same things...we put up these facades. I kind of like to try to break through the facade."

In 2007, Wardrobe Stylist & Costume Designer Stacey Jordan took a leap of faith and left her full time job of 7 years as a Visual Stylist for H&M to start her own company Divine Styling International: humility, humanity, fashion. Over the past 13 years Stacey has worked with companies such as Nike, Ford, Disney, Nickelodeon, Emirates Airlines, Sotheby's International and more. She's also worked on projects with some of todays greatest talents in film, tv and music. OH, and she even styled Roots of the Spirit founder, Spirit Tawfiq and her husband on their wedding day!!!!!!!!!! FEROCIOUS stylez that will last a lifetime. When asked about her future plans, Stacey will tell you although she's been styling for the past two decades - stay tuned, she's only getting started!

Divine Styling: www.divinestyling.com

IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm1943324/ Roots of the Spirit video version of interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcYkhpt8Zk4

Instagram: www.instagram.com/styledbystaceyjordan

The Soul Violinist, Lee England Jr. Apr 03, 2020

Endorsed by Michael Jordan, signed by Quincy Jones, and supported by the likes of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Lee England Jr. has without a doubt paved a unique path as a violinist. Although he is classically trained, he is claimed as “The Soul Violinist,” due to his stylistic blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul. In addition to his mastery of this instrument, he adds viola, cello, bass, guitar, drums, piano, and voice to his arsenal of sound, allowing him to transcend artistic boundaries of traditional violinists.

In 2009, England cut his elementary school teaching career short to pursue his passion for music by auditioning for MTV’s “Making His Band.” Captivated by his extraordinary talent, the judges quickly changed the policy of the show to allow “non-traditional” instrumentalists to be considered; as a result, he landed a spot on the show as the sole violinist. Diddy named him the band’s “secret weapon,” and after gaining recognition from the show, he appeared as a guest performer on Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Mo’Nique Show, performed in concert with Stevie Wonder and Babyface, in addition to opening for rappers Ludacris, Trey Songz, Jermaine Dupri, and Akon. During this time, he was also recruited to produce, compose and star in several BET commercials.

Shortly afterwards, England was invited to tour with R&B singer K’Jon. During a performance at the 2010 All-Star Weekend for Michael Jordan, Spike Lee, Russell Simmons, Dwayne Wade, and Gabrielle Union, K’Jon allowed England to take a five minute solo. England impressed the audience to such an extent that Michael Jordan immediately offered him an endorsement deal with his shoe brand, making England one of the first non-athletes to be sponsored by Jordan. Following the endorsement, England has become a well-known entertainer for a variety of events for athletes such as Chris Paul and Dwayne Wade, camps for LeBron James, and halftime shows in 26 NBA arenas. Most notably, he was commissioned to compose music for, and star in an NFL commercial for Super Bowl XLVII.

In early 2016, England performed at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles of greats such as George Lucas, Elton John, Lady Gaga, and Quincy Jones. Jones was enthralled with his performance and offered to produce a showcase with him at the Geffen’s Gil Cates Theatre; subsequently, Jones signed England to his management company, Quincy Jones Productions. England continues to perform at an impressive list of events worldwide and most recently played the intro song for Shinsuke Nakamura’s WWE NXT Takeover entrance.

Furthermore, throughout his time as a street performer, he met and gathered a group of talented musicians to create what is now called, The Soul Orchestra. Emphasizing his belief in the power of the collective, he regularly performs with his orchestra and continues to educate children through his non-profit “Love Notes, LLC.” England is currently writing for his debut album, which reflects his addition of vocals, creating a completely new sound.

Website: https://leeenglandjr.com/

Instagram: leeenglandjr

twitter: @LeeEnglandJr

The Jam Show: Lee England Jr. performs Chance the Rapper Medley

Youtube: Accused of Love

Photographer | Photography based Artist, Tawny Chatmon Mar 16, 2020

Tawny is a self taught artist who has been working in the field of photography for the past 16+ years. Born in Tokyo, growing up an ‘army brat’, she had the unique opportunity to take in the cultures of three different continents all before the age of 12. By then she was in the United States and elbow-deep in her aunt’s theatre company. She studied theatrical arts from the age 12 to early adulthood. After briefly attending a dramatic arts conservatory after high school, she switched paths and focused her interests on being behind the camera.

Her work and life have gone through many phases that led her to create the work she does today. She attributes this evolution to three major shifts: The decision to no longer pursue a career in dramatic arts, the birth of her first child and the death of her father.

Tawny says, "I look to photography as the first layer of communication. My work is ever-changing and constantly evolving as am I. The portraits I create today are almost always inspired by my children and my desire to contribute something important to a world I want them to thrive in. Each portrait usually begins as someone that I am close to in some way (my children, Goddaughter, a relative, or a model that I’ve worked with in the past) which then transforms into a new compositional expression by experimenting with multiple art practices. I choose to frame my work in gold vintage, antique and contemporary baroque style frames that I collect from estate sales, consignment and second hand shops, galleries, auctions and private sellers; the majority that previously held artwork of subjects that looked nothing like mine. Every layer is intentional and meaningful."

Website: www.tawnychatmon.com

Instagram: tawnychatmon

twitter: @tawnychatmon

Stunning video featuring Tawny's vision: https://youtu.be/ZmB6V_JgUmg

Fotografiska: https://www.fotografiska.com/nyc/exhibition/tawny-chatmon-inheritance/

Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/natashagural/2019/12/13/stay-up-late-at-fotografiska-new-york-to-traverse-the-wide-world-of-photography/#338ebfc270e7

Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2019/12/11/arts/art-basel-bears-far-better-fruit-than-that-120000-banana/

Just google Tawny Chatmon!

Actor, Hisham Tawfiq advocates wellness for Black Men Feb 17, 2020

Retired FDNY firefighter and actor, Hisham Tawfiq joins the Roots of the Spirit Community as a regular contributor -- sharing his own path to healing and shining a light on the importance of health and wellness for Black men.

Roots of the Spirit interview w/ Hisham from 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f86EEzF1F9w

Roots of the Spirit website profile of Hisham: https://www.rootsofthespirit.com/copy-of-hisham-tawfiq

Instagram & twitter: hishamtawfiq

Resources:

Therapy for Black Men: https://therapyforblackmen.org/

The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxpb1ZdNd6M99Fhaw09H81Q/featured

Therapy for Black Girls https://therapyforblackgirls.com/

The Association of Black Psychologists http://www.abpsi.org/find-psychologists/

HealHaus (Brooklyn) https://www.healhaus.com/

Little Rock Nine, Minnijean expelled, moves to New York! Feb 06, 2020

Little Rock Nine member, Minnijean Brown was expelled from Central High School in February, 1958 for "verbal retaliation" after 6 months of daily terrorism inside the school. Famed social psychologists, Dr. Kenneth and Mamie Clark invited Minnijean to live with them to finish school in New York at New Lincoln School, a progressive integrated school. She lived with the Clarks in their home in Hastings on Hudson until she graduated from high school. Roots of the Spirit founder, Spirit Tawfiq contacted the current owner of the historic house where they Clarks lived and embarked on a tour led by Minnijean and sat down for an interview to learn about her experience leaving her family in Little Rock to live in New York.

The original interview is available via video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpj-OigWqTM.

In a Minnijean Minute! - "It has always been urgent..." Jan 28, 2020

Spirit Reflects on Roots in 2019 & turning 40! Jan 12, 2020

Join Roots of the Spirit podcast host, Spirit Tawfiq as she reflects on her experience creating and building Roots of the Spirit - a platform to uproot racism through storytelling, education and the arts. She also also touches on lessons learned and wisdom gained as she crosses into her 40th decade on the planet!

In a Minnijean Minute! #ProfoundIntentionalIgnorance Dec 22, 2019

Golf Curator & Founder of IN-18, LaToya Finney Dec 21, 2019

Roots of the Spirit Podcast welcomes Golf Curator & Founder of IN-18, LaToya Finney! LaToya Finney is the founder of IN-18, an experiential golf platform created to increase young professionals’ participation in golf and teach inclusion through structured workshops paired with course activities. LaToya was exposed to golf in college and realized early on that the game was not easily accessible to everyone - that women and people of color were missing. This experience led LaToya to co-found the Black Jewels Ladies Golf Association in New York. As a former Technology Project Manager and Senior Business Analyst with companies like Goldman Sachs, Barclays and Apollo Global Management, LaToya brings a wealth of experience to the golf course by providing corporate training, group workshops, panels and on-course seminars. LaToya volunteers with America Needs You, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and travels the world playing and writing about golf. She’s received several awards, including being inducted into the Network Journal’s 2017’s “40 under 40” class. A passion for golf led LaToya to play on amazing courses in Malaysia, Scotland, Ireland, Barbados, Zihuatanejo, Spain and Dubai. These experiences left a real impression on her and after 20-years of building a career, she decided that is was time for a change.

Website: www.IN-18.com

IG: @msLadyLovesGolf

In a Minnijean Minute! Nov 27, 2019

Listen to Minnijean Brown Trickey (Little Rock Nine), truth connoisseur drop gems on the topic of "race," racism and social justice.

“Blue-Eyes/Brown-Eyes" Exercise Creator / Educator, Jane Elliott Nov 25, 2019

Jane Elliott is an internationally known teacher who became famous after creating the "Blue-Eyes/Brown-Eyes Exercise" in her 3rd grade classroom in the late sixties. She is a lecturer, diversity trainer, antiracism advocate and recipient of the National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education. She exposes prejudice and bigotry as an irrational class system based upon purely arbitrary factors. Her mission… ONE RACE.

“I created a microcosm of society in my third-grade classroom on April 5, 1968,” Jane said, speaking of the iconic day, the day after the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, when she was inspired to create what would become known as her famed “Blue-Eyes/Brown-Eyes Exercise.” Her life’s work landed her on Oprah five times, inspired more than a handful of documentaries and has been credited as the impetus for the “diversity training” that many corporations and educational institutions still host for their employees today. Derived from Chandra Thomas Whitfield for NBCNews.com

website: www.janeelliott.com

Where can I buy her fabulous shirt!? https://janeelliott.com/video-store/sweatshirt

National Geographic "The Race Issue" Spirit and Jane refer to in the show: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/04/#close

Founder of Euphony Equity & Inclusion Works, Naomi Gracechild Nov 14, 2019

Naomi Gracechild is a multi-disciplinary artist, musician, educator, entrepreneur, social justice activist and worshipper of nature! As the founder of Euphony Works, Naomi brings her cross-sector experience in both urban and rural communities to help clients gain a deeper understanding of socio-political dynamics in order to effectively address issues of inequity. Throughout her professional career she has had the honour of developing and leading creative initiatives with organizations such as The National Music Centre, BC Alliance for Arts & Culture, Selkirk College and BC Touring Council.

Naomi is a working musician and music educator and continues to be an active advocate for community building and empowerment through the arts. She is currently working on a collaborative art and music show that will exhibit during Black History Month 2020 and performs regularly singing with her band, Naomi Grace.

Her emerging side-side-side-side-hustle-in-progress, Melanin Rising, is a line of apparel and an online community supporting racialized musicians and arousing allyship/accompliceship. These shirts and website will be a platform to unite people of colour and allies through fashion and art. The shirts are printed in partnership with Trapline Designs, an Indigenous-run community print shop in Vancouver's downtown east side. The models profiled on website and social media will be Canadian musicians of colour who embody personal philosophies of anti-racism and collective liberation.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/euphonyworks/

Residential School Counselor and Facilitator, Brad Marsden Oct 14, 2019

Brad Marsden (Gitsegukla Reserve within the Gitksan Nation in Northern British Columbia) is a Life Coach, Residential School Counselor and Facilitator. He graduated from a Wellness Counselor Program in 2008 and has been trained in SafeTalk as well as Suicide Intervention at the Crisis Center of British Columbia. He provides interactive workshops called, "Impacts of Residential School & Colonization Workshop" for non-native service providers so they can have a better understanding of Native people.

Brad is an Inter-generational Survivor of the Residential School, raised by his grandparents who went there. Although he never attended the school himself, he describes being raised by the same beliefs, attitudes and behaviors’ that his primary caregivers and community experienced in Residential Schools. All of his important early childhood development was greatly influenced by their experience in those schools.

"It is my goal to help my people move forward in their lives by helping them and society become more accurately aware of the history of the Residential School and the effects that it had and still has on our communities today, and more importantly our children," said Brad. Brad Marsden Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-marsden-394b086a/

Please note: Canada and the U.S. had a parallel system of Residential Schools, but they are more commonly known as Boarding Schools in the U.S.

Residential Schools Derived from Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Residential schools for Aboriginal people in Canada date back to the 1870s. Over 130 residential schools were located across the country, and the last school closed in 1996. These government-funded, church-run schools were set up to eliminate parental involvement in the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual development of Aboriginal children.

During this era, more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were placed in these schools often against their parents' wishes. Many were forbidden to speak their language and practice their own culture. While there is an estimated 80,000 former students living today, the ongoing impact of residential schools has been felt throughout generations and has contributed to social problems that continue to exist.

On June 11, 2008, the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government of Canada, delivered a formal apology in the House of Commons to former students, their families, and communities for Canada's role in the operation of the residential schools.

Learn MORE - Residential / Boarding Schools in Canada & U.S. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada http://www.trc.ca/about-us.html

The Residential School System (UBC Indigenous Foundations) https://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/the_residential_school_system/

National Museum of the American Indian https://americanindian.si.edu/education/codetalkers/html/index.html Educational Curriculum - Facing History & Ourselves Stolen Lives: The Indigenous Peoples of Canada and the Indian Residential Schools https://www.facinghistory.org/stolen-lives-indigenous-peoples-canada-and-indian-residential-schools

Documentary: Unseen Tears: The Native American Boarding School Experience in Western New York https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioAzggmes8c

Brand Designer, Visual Artist and Founder of LIWI68, Mark Stoddart Sep 12, 2019

Mark Stoddart has been a Visual Communicator for over 30 years! He combines his passion for music and sports with a spirit of social activism and a commitment to educate & unite as a brand designer, visual artist, and founder of the clothing company L.I.W.I.68 (Live It, Wear It) brand. Under that brand, he works with Dr. John Carlos, an advocate for human rights and the 1968 Olympic sprinter who silently protested with his raised fist on the podium in Mexico City.

Mark's conceptual ideas reflect his personal commitment to celebrate the passion, struggle and accomplishments of Black artists and athletes who broke color barriers and came to stand as symbols of North American culture.

Earning a passion for storytelling by "speaking truth to power" at a young age, Mark’s artwork has been exhibited in several galleries and private events around Toronto in recent years.

Mark enjoys a residency where he leads a group of intermediate students in a large-scale social justice and wellbeing inspired art piece integrating personal and universal scripts.

Website: www.liwi68.com

Facebook: Mark Liwi Stoddart

Instagram: mstoddart68

Cofounder & Strategic Director of Museum Hue, Monica O. Montgomery Sep 05, 2019

Monica O. Montgomery is an arts and culture innovator using creativity and narrative as a means of bridging the gap between people and movements. She is the newly minted, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center, A Home for Black Excellence.

Monica advocates globally for social justice, at the intersection of art, activism and culture. As a curator, thought leader and public speaker, she has curated exhibits on #BlackLivesMatter, African American Resistance Histories, Climate Change, Social Activism, Freedom from Slavery, Feminism and more.

She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Broadcast Communication from Temple University and Masters of Arts in Corporate Communication from LaSalle University. She taught at Harvard University, Pratt Institute, and NYU.

Monica holds leadership advisory positions in OfByFor All Change Network, Leading Changemakers and is cofounder + strategic director of Museum Hue a multicultural organization advancing Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion initiatives, centering people of color in arts, culture, museums and creative economy.

Monica O. Montgomery Facebook: Monica Montgomery NyathiLinkedin: Monica O. Montgomery

Museum Hue: Website: www.MuseumHue.com Facebook: Museum Hue

Fashion Designer & Stylist, Korto Momolu Aug 12, 2019

Check out this deeply inspiring episode featuring Liberian-born fashion designer and stylist, Korto Momolu (First Runner Up, Project Runway Season 5) who has overcome many challenges to blaze her own path in the fashion industry - stamping her global brand on fashion-forward women’s wear and accessories that celebrate the essence of her rich heritage through the use of traditional and luxury fabrics.

The Korto Momolu brand has over the years expanded to include creating an accessory line for Dillard’s Incorporated department stores; producing an eco-friendly jewelry line for the Smithsonian museum stores; designing the uniforms for the Walton Family Museum (Crystal Bridges); serving as the Cheerios’ ambassador for the Shoprite Partners in Caring “Knock Out Hunger” campaign; and contributing her time and talents to countless charitable and philanthropic endeavors.

Highlighted in the ‘Top 5 Designers to Watch’ at her debut season at New York fashion week SS2009 season, Korto has been featured in many international and national publications and has appeared on numerous television shows, including two seasons of Project Runway AllStars. She presently makes her home with her husband and children in Little Rock, Arkansas.

COMING UP! High Fashion Meets the World of Cannabis: Korto Momolu for Women Grow SS20 Collection

High Fashion meets the world of Cannabis for the first time at New York Fashion Week. Renowned fashion designer, Korto Momolu, known for her bold fashion-forward designs on Project Runway, has joined forces with Women Grow, the largest network of women in the cannabis and hemp industries whose mission is not to cultivate cannabis but women leaders in cannabis. LINK below for TICKET INFO.

"If you're out there dreaming, quit dreaming and start speaking it...get out there and make your dream happen and live it out loud. It is possible, it's doable. I'm a testament of that." ~ Korto Momolu

Korto's Website: www.kortomomolu.com

Korto Social Media: @kortomomolu

High Fashion Meets the World of Cannabis: https://kortomomoluforwomengrow.eventbrite.com

Korto Momolu | My Chapter and Verse | BET https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LzHaXeefFc&feature=youtu.be Roots of the Spirit Website: www.rootsofthespirit.com

Social Media: @rootsofthespirit

Birder, Writer and the Host of “Birds of North America” web series, Jason Ward Aug 01, 2019

Roots of the Spirit welcomes Jason Ward - Birder, Writer and host of his own web series "Birds of North America." Born and raised in Bronx, New York Jason's love for wildlife began at a young age as he fell in love with dinosaurs - an infatuation that provided him with an escape from the obstacles growing up in the South Bronx. Now, he gets to share his love for modern-day dinosaurs (birds) with the public, in his web series; "Birds of North America". Jason’s mission is to change the way the public views wildlife, and to blaze a trail for future generations of children growing up in underserved communities. Birds of North America: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZVnnAt5_5lbqaQNNg-LEPwdRbj_nf5hU Check him out on twitter: https://twitter.com/JasonWardNY?s=17

Journey back to Self with Spirit Tawfiq Jul 25, 2019

Roots of the Spirit founder and host, Spirit Tawfiq speaks openly about her own personal journey as she marks the 10th episode of the podcast!

Community Scholars Uplift Youth through Freedom Schools with Brothers George and Robert Moses Jul 14, 2019

George Moses, Executive Director of North East Area Development in Rochester, NY is an experienced community-based activist, researcher and executive who understands the need to balance scholarly research with the practical application needed for positive transformation in challenged communities. He is the key liaison for the establishment of the 1st Western New York Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools and a spokesperson for the Children’s Defense Fund “Dismantling the Cradle to Prison Pipeline” initiative.

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Robert Moses, Director of Economic Development for North East Area Development embraces the principles of cooperative economics and self-determination as he studies and constructs pathways to entrepreneurship and employment for local youth and adults. Rob has collaborated for seven years as a community-university activist, co-researcher, co-implementer and co-author on multiple community-based participatory research projects.

More information: www.neadrochester.org

4 Wheel City: Hip-Hop Artists & Motivational Speakers in Wheelchairs from Gun Violence Jul 01, 2019

Welcome Namel Norris and Rick Velasquez, talented "hip-hop artists and motivational speakers in wheelchairs as a result of gun violence" to the Roots of the Spirit podcast! Namel and Rick founded 4 Wheel City to create more opportunities for people with disabilities and inspire people not to give up in life. In addition, show the world that people with disabilities can still have talents, dreams, and deserve to be treated equal.

www.4wheelcity.com

Melissa Lowery, Producer & Director of Black Girl in Suburbia Jun 13, 2019

Roots of the Spirit welcomes filmmaker, Melissa Lowery to the podcast!

Black Girl In Suburbia is Melissa's first feature documentary based off of her own experiences growing up as one of very few African Americans in a predominately White suburb in Oregon.

Black Girl In Suburbia is a feature documentary that looks into the experiences of black girls growing up in predominately White communities. This is a different look into suburbia from the perspective of women of color. This film explores through professional and personal interviews the conflict and issues black girls have relating to both white and black communities.

There are many girls out there who have stories to tell about struggle and triumph, but have never had an outlet to share. That’s why this film is so important!

Black Girl In Suburbia intends to spark an open dialogue about race, identity, and perspective among all people. In hopes that these discussions will allow us to look at perceptions of ourselves, others and the community we live in as a whole.

Black Girl In Suburbia is distributed by Women Make Movies!

Trailer for Black Girl in Suburbia

Keep up with the film

…on Facebook
…on Twitter
…on YouTube
…or Email BGS Directly

Jaimie Milner, Artist who uses Imagery as a Profound Vehicle for Change Jun 02, 2019

Roots of the Spirit welcomes Jaimie Milner, photographer, artist and founder of Gifted: A Creative Movement Celebrating the Beauty and Genius of Black Men.

"Gifted is an innovative platform focused on expanding a positive image of black men throughout culture. Often times we’re surrounded by so many negative images of black men: ones that devalue, degrade and fail to represent their power and the magnitude of who they are. This is a platform for the image and voice of black men today. One that challenges the current climate and reminds them of who they are...Gifted!"

Born and raised in Southern California, Jaimie Milner discovered photography at a young age and later attended the University of Southern California where she received her Bachelors in Communication. In her studies at USC, she learned about the power of representation and how it could have a direct influence on how people saw themselves and each other. Milner combined this new found knowledge and her love of photography to capture the essence and stories of people. She uses photographic portraiture as her primary medium by which she aspires to capture, empower and inspire the human spirit.

To learn more about Gifted: A Creative Movement Celebrating the Beauty and Genius of Black Men - www.thegiftedproject.org or @thegiftedblkmen on instagram.

Destiny Mabry, Educator, Motivational Speaker, Activist, Rapper & Comedian May 17, 2019

#RootsoftheSpirit Podcast is excited to introduce you to Destiny Mabry!!! Educator, motivational speaker, activist, rapper and comedian actress from #Bronx, #NewYork. She has been featured on #MTV News, #BET, #NationalPublicRadio and #NYCMedia. Destiny is passionate about facing social issues head on. She feels it’s important for everyone, especially the youth, to know they have the #power to be a #catalyst for #change within their communities, and themselves. She currently works as a Community #Educator, facilitating workshops to youth throughout the city. In addition, she performs comedy and rap throughout the TriState.

Take a listen to this inspiring conversation in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month - Available now on Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud!

Check out Destiny on Instagram @ Destiny.Mabry. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

RootsoftheSpirit #applepodcast #newpodcast #soundcloud #identity #race #racism #socialjustice #socialjusticewarrior #littlerocknine #legacy #growth #intergenerational #honesty #truth #passionista #change #changemaker #activist #courageousconversations #authenticity #authenticityhaslongevity #passion #courage #bethechange #keepingitreal #authenticspirit

Singer & Disability Rights Advocate, Morning Star Trickey Mar 18, 2019

My very special guest on today’s podcast is my older sister, Morning Star Trickey. When thinking of guests to honor for Women’s History Month, Morning Star came to mind right away. I have looked up to her and admired her since day 1. When I was coming of age and she was entering her 20’s, I worshiped her like no other. Morning Star has been singing as long as I can remember. My little sister, Leila and I would beg to hang out in her room with her friends, listen to music and watch them rehearse. Her voice is magical and stops me in my tracks every time I hear her sing. I remember being mesmerized when I watched her outstanding performance in the musical Hair when I was only 10 years old. She is my favorite singer of all time.

Besides being a charming older sister and gifted singer, Morning Star is a phenomenal women in many other ways. I’m most grateful and proud that she has chosen to share her journey with the Roots of the Spirit community...of growing up experiencing racism, her drive to become a singer and surviving a near fatal car accident which resulted in her becoming an amputee, and subsequently a disability rights advocate. Most notably, Morning Star is the fabulous mother of my beautiful, bright and charismatic nephew, Thelonious.

Morning Star is currently a member of the City Soul Choir, a secular Vancouver community choir led by music director Brian Tate.

Extending immense gratitude to award-winning composer, musician, choir director, and educator, Brian Tate for granting me permission to use his stunning song, Hold On, Don’t Let Go featuring soloist, Morning Star Trickey on the podcast.

The content and discussion in this podcast will necessarily engage with racism, ableism and experiences of emotional and physical trauma. My intention is to provide a platform from which we can engage bravely, empathetically and thoughtfully with difficult content.

Roots and Love,

Spirit

Intergenerational Conversation with Stacey and Jamee McAdoo Mar 11, 2019

Roots of the Spirit welcomes 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Stacey McAdoo and her vivacious 17-year-old daughter, Jamee McAdoo – senior at Central High School and 2019 Miss Heritage’s Outstanding Teen.

This beautiful mother / daughter duo graced the Roots of the Spirit podcast by sharing their respective experiences of being a teacher and student at Little Rock Central High School, in addition to their life’s work and passion as community leaders, activists, artists, and trailblazers.

Take a listen to this inspiring intergenerational conversation in honor of Women’s History Month!

Check out Stacey McAdoo's Blog.

Founder of The Common Ground Project, Dr. Todd Allen Mar 07, 2019

Roots of the Spirit Podcast welcomes Dr. Todd Allen, Special Assistant to the President & Provost for Diversity Affairs/Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Allen is the founder of The Common Ground Project, a community based non-profit dedicated to promoting an understanding of the Civil Rights Movement, and over the past 18 years, has led one of the longest operating Civil Rights Movement tours in the nation, “Returning to the Roots of Civil Rights."

**Please note that the N-word is used once in this episode in a historical context**

Honoring the Legacy of Rev. Clark Olsen Feb 14, 2019

Reverend Clark Olsen was a white minister who responded to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's call for clergy to travel to Selma, Alabama in 1965 in support of voting rights.

Once in Selma, Olsen joined other ministers who had come to support the cause. As he and colleagues were walking to Brown Chapel, his friend Reverend Jim Reeb was attacked by white supremacists and died 2 days later. Rev. Olsen testified at a trial in which three men were acquitted by an all-white jury.

According to the NY Times, "the killing shocked the nation and helped President Lyndon B. Johnson push forward with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was signed into law that August."

"In his talks and writings about the killing, Mr. Olsen often noted with dismay that it seemed to take the death of a white minister to spur action on the Voting Rights Bill — not the killing of a black man, Jimmie Lee Jackson, the month before." NY Times.

Listen as two of Rev. Olsen's friends, Jeff Steinberg - Executive Director of Sojourn to the Past and Minnijean Brown Trickey, member of the Little Rock Nine talk about his contributions and legacy of the movement.

Roots of the Spirit Trailer Jan 24, 2019

Spirit Tawfiq launches Roots of the Spirit podcast by speaking truthfully about her experience as the daughter of Little Rock Nine member, Minnijean Brown Trickey who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Born and raised in Canada, she grew up totally unaware of her mother’s major role in U.S. history. But upon learning became voraciously passionate about uncovering the truth about this tragic and victorious story. Spirit’s journey back to her roots ignited a deep passion for social change and excavated her calling as a changemaker and storyteller.

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