The Empowerment Zone

How can information technology become more diverse?

Contrial Davis: examining diversity, equity and inclusion in IT — 
It is no secret that the technology industry has a challenge with diversity and inclusion. Information Technology (IT) is one of the many fields that must address this critical issue. Listen to Ramona and Contrial Davis as they discuss how he entered IT and what he thinks the industry needs to do to attract and retain diverse talent. Raised in Alabama and Detroit, Contrial now makes Phoenix, Arizona his home.
To learn more about Contrial Davis, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/contrial-davis-68714a22.

Love, Activism, and the Respectable Life of Alice Dunbar Nelson

Dr. Tara T. Green: Black women and leadership, pleasure practice — 
As racial and social justice activism takes center stage in America, we are presented with a biography of prolific writer, educator, and social activist, Alice Dunbar Nelson, whose life in the early twentieth century reflects many of our nation’s current challenges. Join Ramona as she talks with Dr. Tara T. Green about her new book on Dunbar Nelson, a queer, liberated “race woman,” who challenged all types of oppression as she influenced the Harlem Renaissance. Dr. Tara T. Green is a professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she teaches literature and gender studies courses. Dr. Green is from the Westbank of New Orleans.
To learn more about Tara T. Green or to purchase her wonderful book, visit www.drtaratgreen.com.

How does offering health insurance help to grow your business?

Quentin Moses: The strategic value of health benefits for business owners — 
Health insurance is a benefit that every employee desires. That is why business owners should include health insurance in their business growth strategy. Join Ramona as she talks to independent health insurance agent Quentin Moses about group health insurance and how offering it helps business owners to attract and retain the best talent. Originally from Atlantic City, New Jersey, Quentin now makes Atlanta his home.
To learn more about Quentin Moses, visit https://www.healthmarkets.com/local-health-insurance-agent/quentinmoses/.

Arthel Neville Design

Connecting and empowering others through fashion — 
There are so many ways to inspire others. That is what Arthel Neville does everyday. Listen to the conversation as Ramona talks to Arthell about her journey as a nationally acclaimed journalist to an immensely passionate designer. As a trailblazer in news and programing, Arthel has expanded her impact to create an accessories line adorned with her original quotes of empowerment. Through her work Arthel seeks to connect and inspire. Arthel is currently a weekend anchor for Fox News, covering politics, foreign policy, national and breaking news. Originally from New Orleans, Arthel works out of New York.
To learn more about Arthel Neville and Arthell Neville Design, visithttps://arthelnevilledesign.com/.

How do you create change in your life?

Dr. Ian Brooks: Guiding individuals through purposeful transformation — 
Personal change is difficult. It requires clarity of purpose, acknowledgement of individual direction, and perseverance. To help us along this journey, Ramona is joined by Dr. Ian D. Brooks to discuss the foundations in living to our purpose and purposefully managing transformations. Dr. Brooks is the CEO of Rhodes Smith Consulting—a personal and professional development firm—and the author of 2021 Best Self-help book Intention: Building Capabilities to Transform Your Story. He shares his story of transformation and the steps taken by his clients to think clearly and act decisively for lasting change. Originally from Virginia, Dr. Brooks now resides in Los Angeles.  
To learn more about Dr. Ian D. Brooks, visit https://rhodessmith.com.

What does the Negro League, Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen have in common?

Kimberly Greene: Celebrating African American history through BLACK — 
There are so many ways to honor and memorialize African American history, and Ramona has discovered a business that does just that. Join Ramona as she talks to Kimberly Greene, founder of BLACK (Bases Loaded Authentic Clothing and Kaps). Through BLACK Kimberly uses licensed apparel to celebrate African American history by serving as an educational partner to the Negro League Museum, Buffalo Soldiers Museum and Tuskegee Airmen Association. Kimberly produces high quality, licensed apparel, while also financially supporting these distinguished entities. Additionally, Kimberly emphasizes the little known but crucial contributions of Black women within these organizations. Originally from New Jersey, Kimberly continues to make the state her home.
To learn more about Kimberly Green, visit https://www.blackB4U.com.

How has jazz music evolved over the years?

Lovell Hooks: A lifelong champion of jazz — 
Jazz is America’s classical music. Join the conversation as Ramona discusses jazz with radio personality Lovell Hooks, host of “Jazz, Straight No Chaser" on community radio WRFG 89.3 FM in Atlanta. Lovell’s show has been on the air for 30 years—the longest running show on the station. Lovell educates audiences about jazz through playing its music and telling its stories. In fact, Lovell has interviewed a long list of local and international jazz artist, who have shared their treasured experiences.
Learn from Lovell how jazz has evolved over the years. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Lovell now makes Atlanta his home.

The power of civic and political engagement

Rep. Donna McLeod: Encouraging citizens to participate in their government — 
The mid-term elections are right around the corner. Part of social responsibility is embracing your civic duties and responsibilities. Join Ramona as she talks to Georgia State Representative Donna McLeod about why individuals should participate in their local and national elections. In addition to voting, Rep. McLeod also emphasizes the importance of holding elected officials accountable. A chemical engineer and quality assurance consultant, Rep. McLeod is originally from Jamaica. She is now a citizen of Gwinnett County, Georgia. Notably, Rep. McLeod also announces that she is currently running for Congress.
To learn more about Rep. Donna McLeod, visit https://donnamcleod.com/.

Why is studying and understanding history so important?

Dr. Abel Bartley: Championing history to avoid repeating the past — 
African Americans and people of color represent tremendous potential, which is not being harnessed. Americans have an obligation to study our past so that we can avoid creating mistakes in the future. Listen to the conversation as two American historians, Dr. Abel Bartley and Ramona, discuss the value of learning history. Dr. Abel Bartley is a Professor of African American and Urban History at Clemson University. He is the current chair of the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission (SCAAHC) and President of the Southern Conference on African American Studies Incorporated (SCAASI). Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Bartley currently lives in Liberty, South Carolina.
To learn more about Dr. Abel Bartley, visit https://www.clemson.edu/caah/faculty-staff/facultyBio.html?id=88.

Why should African Americans care about breast cancer?

Ricki Fairley: Raising awareness through TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance — 
Like many health disparities, African American women disproportionately suffer from breast cancer. The statistics are overwhelming. Listen in as Ramona talks to Ricki Fairley about the dangers of breast cancer among African American women. Ricki shares her personal experiences with breast cancer and her work in TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance (BBCA) to inspire African American women young and old to be catalysts for change in their communities. Ricki Fairley is the CEO and Co-Founder of TOUCH BBCA. Ricki is originally from Silver Spring, Maryland. After living in Atlanta, Ricki has returned to the state to make Annapolis her home.
To learn more about Ricki Fairley and TOUCH BBCA, visit https://www.touchbbca.org.