The Empowerment Zone
2021-09
Episodes
Monday Sep 27, 2021
Making the Case for Compassionate Release of Elderly Prisoners
Monday Sep 27, 2021
Monday Sep 27, 2021
Rev. Lukata Agyei Mjumbe: Sundiata Acoli and the Elder Incarceration Problem
During the Black Liberation Movement, the US imprisoned many activists, among them Black Panther Party member Sundiata Acoli. Sundiata remains incarcerated at 84 years of age. Join Ramona today as she talks to Rev. Lukata Agyei Mjumbe about the need for American society and policy leaders to consider “compassionate release” of elderly prisoners. Originally from Washington, DC, Rev. Lukata Agyei Mjumbe is a veteran grassroots community organizer, public policy advocate, interfaith leader and Pastor of the historic Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey.
Friday Sep 24, 2021
Friday Sep 24, 2021
America Garcia Grewal: Engaging US Citizens all over the world
Political empowerment is an important aspect of power. Join Ramona today as she talks to Texas voter Amerika Garcia Grewal about Democrats Abroad. Amerika is the Asia Pacific Deputy Regional Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad. During her discussion with Ramona Amerika talks about how she shifted from cause-based activism to politics after moving outside the United States. Amerika is passionate about helping US citizens living abroad to vote. If you know an American living overseas, tell them they can register to vote and request their ballot via https://www.votefromabroad.org. Originally from Eagle Pass, Texas, America now lives in Rakiraki, Fiji.
To learn more about Amerika Garcia Grewal and/or Democrats Abroad, visit https://www.democratsabroad.org.
Friday Sep 24, 2021
Friday Sep 24, 2021
America Garcia Grewal: Engaging US Citizens all over the world
Political empowerment is an important aspect of power. Join Ramona today as she talks to Texas voter Amerika Garcia Grewal about Democrats Abroad. Amerika is the Asia Pacific Deputy Regional Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad. During her discussion with Ramona Amerika talks about how she shifted from cause-based activism to politics after moving outside the United States. Amerika is passionate about helping US citizens living abroad to vote. If you know an American living overseas, tell them they can register to vote and request their ballot via https://www.votefromabroad.org. Originally from Eagle Pass, Texas, America now lives in Rakiraki, Fiji.
To learn more about Amerika Garcia Grewal and/or Democrats Abroad, visit https://www.democratsabroad.org.
Monday Sep 20, 2021
How do you work beyond labels to develop collaborations?
Monday Sep 20, 2021
Monday Sep 20, 2021
Edward Vargas: “Find Your Music”
With this episode “The Empowerment Zone” begins its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Although the podcast celebrates the achievements and contributions of the Latino/a/x community 365 days a year, Ramona recognizes the value and importance of commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month. Today Ramona talks with speaker, author, mentor and consultant Edward Vargas. Ed discusses his path in building collaborations through his work with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), nonprofit organizations, and leaders from different backgrounds to make a positive impact on the community. According to Ed, you should not get hung up on labels that can divide, but rather “find your music” to encourage people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to work together for the greater good. Originally from San Jose, California, Ed now lives in the San Francisco-East Bay Area.
For more information about Ed Vargas, B.S.C., J.D., contact him athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-a-vargas/.
For more information about the CTR Factor, Inc. Leadership, DE&I consulting group visit https://www.ctrfactor.com/..
Friday Sep 17, 2021
The Forces of Jazz and History Unite: “The Sirius Mystery” (new CD)
Friday Sep 17, 2021
Friday Sep 17, 2021
Russell Gunn: Unveiling the Wonders of the African Diaspora through The Royal Krunk Jazz Orchestra -
Sacred music and the artists who create it are treasures within all cultures. Today Ramona talks to one of Atlanta’s treasures Russell Gunn. Listen to this enlightening conversation between Ramona and Russell as they explore the worlds of music and history, the African Diaspora, and his latest CD “The Sirius Mystery.” Russell discusses his musical journey and how he discovered and reclaimed the hidden history of the Dogons. Russell Gunn is a composer, arranger and musician and founder and director of the contemporary big band The Royal Krunk Jazz Orchestra. Born in Chicago and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, Russell currently makes Atlanta his home.
To learn more about Russell Gunn, the Royal Krunk Jazz Orchestra, and to purchase their latest CD “The Sirius Mystery,” visit https://rkjo.net.
Monday Sep 13, 2021
How do you transition into Higher Education Administration Seamlessly?
Monday Sep 13, 2021
Monday Sep 13, 2021
Dr. Anju Reejhsinghani: Tips for Graduate Students, Faculty and Others -
Many professionals aspire to work in higher education administration. Despite this clear goal, it may be difficult for some individuals to achieve, especially since there are multiple routes. Join Ramona today as she talks to Dr. Anju Reejhsinghani about the steps professionals must take in order to move into higher education administration. Dr. Reejhsinghani is Assitant Vice Provost for Strategic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A native of Western Massachusetts, she resides in Madison, Wisconsin.
To learn more about Dr. Anju Reejhsinghani, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-reejhsinghani/.
Friday Sep 10, 2021
Healing and Domestic Violence
Friday Sep 10, 2021
Friday Sep 10, 2021
Dr. Valencia Sylvain Stinson: Helping Others to Embrace their Power to Overcome Abuse
“The man I love or the woman I love” could be declarations of emotion. This statement can produce wonderful feelings until that emotional connection is riddled with violence and abuse. Join Ramona and Dr. Valencia Sylvain Stinson today as they examine domestic violence. Dr. Sylvain Stinson shares her personal story and provides advice on how to sever oneself from an abusive relationship. Dr. Sylvain Stinson is a professor. Originally from Atlanta, she continues to make the city her home.
To learn more about Dr. Valencia Sylvain Stinson, follow her on Instagram @dreamkeyper.
Monday Sep 06, 2021
Are you committed to the change you want to see in your life?
Monday Sep 06, 2021
Monday Sep 06, 2021
Ambrose Leburu: Three Steps to Change
Creating change in your life can seem daunting for some people. Many become overwhelmed, leaving them feeling stuck. If you want to learn some simple steps on how to create change in your life, listen to the discussion today as Ambrose Leburu shares his methodology on how to successfully change. Ambrose is a professional trainer and owner of Doerz Motivation. Originally, from Botswana, Ambrose currently lives in Tennessee.
To learn more about Ambrose Leburu and Doerzmotivation, visit https://www.doerzmotivation.com.
Friday Sep 03, 2021
Black and Brown Coalitions against Police Brutality in Dallas, Texas
Friday Sep 03, 2021
Friday Sep 03, 2021
Dr. Katherine Bynum: Civil Rights in the City of Hate —
The African American and Mexican American communities have a long history of working together in Texas to advance civil rights. Listen to the conversation today as Ramona and scholar Dr. Katherine Bynum discuss Black and Brown coalition-building against police brutality in Dallas, Texas. During their discussion they explore how the Black and Brown freedom struggles are interconnected in the state of Texas. Dr. Bynum is Assistant Professor of History at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Originally from Texas, Dr. Bynum now makes Arizona her home.
To learn more about Dr. Katerhine Bynum, visit http://www.katherinebynum.com.