How do we build an inclusive world? Hear intimate and in-depth conversations with changemakers on disability rights, youth mental health advocacy, prison reform, grassroots activism, and more. First-hand stories about activism, change, and courage from people who are changing the world: from how a teen mom became the Planned Parenthood CEO, to NBA player Kevin Love on mental health in professional sports, to Beetlejuice actress Geena Davis on Hollywood’s role in women’s rights. All About Change is hosted by Jay Ruderman, whose life’s work is seeking social justice and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide. Join Jay as he interviews iconic guests who have gone through adversity and harnessed their experiences to better the world. This show ultimately offers the message of hope that we need to keep going. All About Change is a production of the Ruderman Family Foundation. Listen and subscribe to All About Change wherever you get podcasts. https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/
AALF believes that telling our stories is crucial to the success of the African American community. Through our podcast and community engagement work we’re raising the profiles of champions in our community, celebrating our successes, and addressing the challenges we face. By listening to our weekly program, becoming a network contributor and participating in our convenings, you’re helping to re-shape the narrative around Black lives and the Black experience. The podcast also airs on KMOJ Sundays from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
AALF believes that telling our stories is crucial to the success of the African American community. Through our podcast and community engagement work we’re raising the profiles of champions in our community, celebrating our successes, and addressing the challenges we face. By listening to our weekly program, becoming a network contributor and participating in our convenings, you’re helping to re-shape the narrative around Black lives and the Black experience. The podcast also airs on KMOJ Sundays from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
Vocalist, Emmy Award-winning actor, motivational speaker, emcee, auctioneer, community organizer, arts educator, and committed volunteer, T Mychael Rambo spreads some cheer and hope through his story of being homeless, sitting on the bench outside of the Ordway theatre in St Paul MN, watching people come and go to being an actor on the stage at the Ordway and several other theatres in the Twin Cities and beyond. And by singing a few songs to help keep us uplifted during the holiday period.…
Mr. James Dallas, a man of faith, seasoned executive, and agent of change in large domestic and international corporate settings, helps people navigate their lives in the face of daunting circumstances. James shares details with host Dr. Sylvia Bartley about how he evolved from a young man who grew up in the segregated south with an inferiority complex to a confident, successful C-Suite executive. James shares how he took the 'Bridge from Ordinary to Extraordinary' and how we can do the same. It's a powerful and inspiring conversation.…
Erica Simmons, Storyteller Strategist and Lifestyle Photographer in Atlanta, tells her own story of gratitude and thankfulness after experiencing a life-changing car accident in 2009.
Host Dr. Sylvia Bartley sits down with Kim Nelson, retired Senior Vice President of External Relations for General Mills Inc, President of the General Mills Foundation, and Independent Board Director at Colgate-Palmolive, Cummins Inc., and Tate & Lyle, to learn about Kim’s career journey from an assistant Marketing Manager to the highest-ranking Black Women executive in General Mills. Her exceptional work influencing change in the Twin Cities community, the importance of spirituality, her values, and mindful practices that enable Kim to live her best life.…
Kellen Rashad Nins, attendance liaison at Central High School and creator and founder of the Uposit.me app and social media, discusses positivity in our lives, and boldly recounts his personal journey through the criminal justice system as a confused young man, and how it impacted his drive to help kids stay positive and navigate the world.…
In Minnesota, only 24% of African American households own their home, compared with 77% of white households. Dondi Edwards, Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Home Lending, joins Dr. Bartley to talk about the history of home ownership in America, including practices like racial covenants and redlining. Dondi discusses the initiative he is leading in Wells Fargo to level the playing field around home equity as well as his impressive career journey and the role spirituality plays in his life.…
Robyn Robinson joins host Dr. Sylvia Bartley to talk about her experiences as the first African American primetime news anchor in the state of Minnesota, her stint in politics, love for the arts and the entrepreneur behind her Rox jewelry line.
Host Dr. Sylvia Bartley sits down with Dr. Lonnie Johnson in his Research and Development building in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Johnson is an inventor and entrepreneur. He is well known for his invention of the Super Soaker®, which became the number one selling toy in America and the Јоhnѕоn Тhеrmоеlесtrіс Еnеrgу Соnvеrtеr (ЈТЕС), аn еngіnе thаt соnvеrtѕ hеаt іntо еlесtrісіtу. Dr. Johnson talks about his childhood in Mobile, Alabama, his early inventions, his passion for engineering, and how he overcame the odds to become an internationally recognized inventor with over 140 patents. Dr. Johnson is inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, The National Toy Hall of Fame, The Black Inventors Hall of Fame, and The Black Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame. He has a passion for community and anchors his work around providing opportunities for underserved children in the STEM arena—a conversation not to be missed.…
Statistics show Black women and their babies have worse health outcomes than their white peers. In this episode, Dr. Sylvia Bartley welcomes Dr. Kristin Oates, OBGYN at Atlanta Gynecology and Obstetrics, Terra Cole Brown, Executive Director at Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, and Shakita Thomas Kpetay from Remnants of Hope Coaching and Consulting for an informative discussion on the heightened risks faced by women of color and how to manage them.…
According to the CDC, 1-in-5 Americans will experience mental health illness in a given year, 1-in-25 Americans live with a serious mental illness like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, and according to the Lancet Psychiatry Journal, 1-in-8 Covid Patients are diagnosed with a first-time mental illness like anxiety and depression. September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. Mental and emotional health practitioners Kasim Abdur Razzaq, Dr. Janelle Jones, and Candice Ellis join Dr. Sylvia Bartley to discuss mental and emotional health. They explain the symptoms, warning signs of mental illness and provide advice on how to help yourself and others suffering with their emotional health.…
Civil rights icon Dr. Josie R. Johnson, author of "Hope in Struggle: A Memoir," reflects with host Dr. Sylvia Bartley about the civil rights era of today compared to the early civil rights movement. As we live through COVID, racial reckoning, and natural disasters, Dr. Johnson shares her hopes and fears for our children and community. Dr. Johnson questions if the civil rights leaders of her time failed our children today! A reflective, and yes, a deep, meaningful conversation that inspires Hope in the Struggle.…
Public safety is an issue on the minds of many with the surge in violence and gun homicides during the pandemic. Dr. Sylvia Bartley moderates a conversation with Minneapolis City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins and Minneapolis Councilmembers Jeremiah Ellison and Phillipe Cunningham about public safety in Minneapolis. They discuss what has changed over the last 12 months and how the city is addressing public safety.…
Three Minnesota Superintendents, Dr. Kim Hiel, Dr. Theresa Battle, and Superintendent Lisa Sayles-Adams, join Dr. Sylvia Bartley to discuss how we can keep our kids safe as they return to class, the challenges of the Delta Variant, and what is being done to protect children.
Dr. Sylvia Bartley sits down with Audra Robinson (founder and CEO of Rocky Robinson) and Kenya McKnight (President and CEO of Black Women's Wealth Alliance). They discuss the accomplishments, resiliency, and challenges that Black entrepreneurs have seen over the last year and how Black women are forging the way for themselves and future leaders."…
On this week's episode, Dr. Sylvia Bartley has a conversation with North Minneapolis native, Houston White. Mr. White is an entrepreneur and community leader who has dedicated his life to uplifting the Black community. Listen in to hear about "H. White Men's Room", his Black Excellence clothing brand, and a conversation about the importance of a strong community.…
Host Dr. Sylvia Bartley interviews the Musical Director of the three times Grammy award-winning The Sounds of Blackness. Gary shares the history of the Sounds of Blackness, their purpose, successes, and what keeps him grounded to produce some of the most inspiring, uplifting music of all times.
What will it take to end the pandemic and what are the reasons for vaccine hesitancy? Dr. Sylvia Bartley welcomes Dr. Zeke J McKinney MD, Occupational Medicine Specialist at Health Partners, Park Nicollet, Dr. Julia Joseph-Di Caprio MD, MPH, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at UCare Minnesota, and Registered Nurse for Infection Prevention Adriene Thornton for a frank discussion on vaccinations and the future of the pandemic.…
A parent's greatest fear is finding out their child is gone. LaTanya Black, Angela Hayes, and Kalila Corey are three mothers who have experienced this nightmare and lost their children to gun violence. These brave parents join Dr. Sylvia Bartley for a powerful episode of both grief and call to action.…
This week, Dr. Sylvia Bartley has a one-on-one conversation with Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN). Among other topics, they discuss why she chose to pursue a career in politics, and what she hopes to accomplish moving forward.
This week Dr. Sylvia Bartley is joined by Anika Bowie, Alberder Gillespie, and Elizer Darris to discuss the one year anniversary of the Murder of George Floyd, the 100 year anniversary of the massacre in Tulsa and community safety in Minneapolis.
May is Mental Health Awareness month, so today Dr. Sylvia Bartley welcomes three mental health professionals from the Mary Ellen Strong Foundation to discuss the differences between emotional health versus mental health. They also discuss the importance of finding a mental health professional that works for you.…
Dr. Sylvia Bartley is joined by Cynthia Wilson, the Second Vice President of the Minneapolis NAACP and PJ Hill, the Third Vice President of the Minneapolis NAACP. They will discuss what steps need to take place to eradicate systemic racism in Minneapolis and what the Minneapolis branch of the NAACP are doing for community involvement.…
Community activism has become increasingly important in the past year. Part of AALF's mission as an organization is to foster leaders who embody Black Excellence. Dr. Sylvia Bartley sits down with Brianna Carey, Jewelean Jackson, and Chaz Sandifer to discuss their experience in the Josie R Johnson Leadership Academy, as well as their personal brand.…
Host Dr. Sylvia Bartley sits downs with four Sr. Business leaders, Peter Frosch, President & CEO Greater MSP; Rod Young, President & CEO - Delta Dental of Minnesota, Lynn Casey: Chair, The Itasca Project and Tim Welsh, Vice Chairman, at U.S Bank, to hear their perspective on the outcomes of the Chauvin trial, systemic racism and the critical works that need to take place in Minnesota to eliminate the racial disparities, once and for all.…
As we live through these tumultuous times with the fatal shooting of Duante Wright amid the Derek Chauvin trial for the murder of George Floyd, three Twin Cities community leaders, Deborah Watts, Rose McGee, and Alberder Gillespie, sit down with Host Dr. Sylvia Bartley to express what’s on their hearts and what we need to do for change to happen for the sustainable betterment of the black community and society.…
While the world watches the Derek Chauvin case unfold in Minneapolis, several states around the country have passed voting bills blatantly aimed at making voting more difficult. Dr. Sylvia Bartley is joined by Nkechi Taifa, Cynthia Roseberry and Alberder Gillespie to discuss the state of play in Minneapolis and GA, the parallels to past civil rights milestones and what it will take to counteract the onslaught of voter suppression and social injustice.…
This week, Dr. Sylvia Bartley has a one-on-one conversation with Ravyn Miller, a corporate Executive, about keeping spiritually strong and thriving in the workplace. They discuss, healthcare disparities, the importance of Diversity and inclusion, the importance of staying mentally well and being honest about mental health boundaries while the world watches the Derek Chauvin trial unfold.…
In partnership with members of a Black professional fraternity, the Itasca Project, and GREATER MSP, the African American Leadership Forum announced an initiative Alliance of Alliances, to address racial inequities in the Twin Cities region in a new and transformational way. Dr. Sylvia Bartley sits down with Duchesne Drew, President at Minnesota Public Radio; Greg Cunningham, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer at U.S. Bank and Marcus Owens, Executive Director of AALF, to discuss the Alliance of Alliances vision, goals, operations model and impact on the MN black community.…
Black women occupy a space at the epicenter of racial and gender bias, therefore, prioritizing our physical and mental health is key. Join our conversation with Linda Goler Blount, CEO of the Black Women's Health Initiative, for a discussion encompassing everything from racial bias in healthcare, to meditation techniques for mental wellness.…
In today's conversation around education, Dr. Sylvia Bartley discusses insights from the recent conference presented by the African American Leadership Forum called "Realizing Wakanda: Educating and Nurturing the Brilliance of our Black Scholars." Joining the conversation is Rose McGee - an author, educator, and practitioner, Kevin Lindsey - an AALF board member and CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center, and Mary Taris - Founder of Strive Publishing, a children's book publishing company centered around empowering Black narratives for freedom, equity, and justice.…
Dr. Sylvia Bartley is joined by Dr. Ajay Israni and Dr. Warren McKinney to discuss the ins and outs of kidney transplants. Tune in to this informative show about the intricacies of kidney transplantation as well as the strides being made for racial equity for organ transplants.
Dr. Sylvia Bartley sits down with Artie Miller, who has worked in the corporate and nonprofit world for over 40 years. His experience includes Wells Fargo, Medtronic, and General Mills and universities such as Michigan State and Denison University. He and Dr. Bartley discuss his career and experience as an African American person working in corporate America.…
This week we are joined by Minnesota Senator Tina Smith to discuss her take on the current state of affairs in our country. Listen in to hear her experience with the January 6th insurrection, and what bills she is working on getting passed to promote equality within the workforce.
Our annual leadership conference is fast approaching, and we want you to join us for a three day event centered around Collectivism, Innovation, and Activation. Our three guests this week join Dr. Sylvia Bartley to discuss the impact this event has made on their personal and professional lives, as well as information on how you can attend. Guests on today's show include Ernest Comer III, Jesse Ross, and Monique Linder.…
This week we discuss the importance of diversifying the landscape of business ownership. Generational wealth is historically missing in our community, and part of correcting this pattern is encouraging young entrepreneurs. Tune in to our conversation with two young business owners about what drew them to entrepreneurship, and why this matters to our community.…
The education gap for African American students is not a new topic, however maybe the approach has been all wrong. This week we are discussing the upcoming Realizing Wakanda Forum, to discuss how a curriculum focused on Black/Afro centric education will help students thrive. Join our discussion about how education needs to focus on Black Excellence, as versus a deficit.…
In the wake of the January 6th insurrection on the Capitol, we as a country have to decide how to move forward. Dr. Sylvia Bartley invites you to join this round table discussion about the power of words and what our community can do to recover.
The incomparable Ncheki Taifai joins us this week as we look back on 2020, and look forward to the new year. From racial injustice, to the Coronavirus pandemic, this year has been exhausting. But as we move forward to 2021, there is always hope for a brighter future.
On the day of this recording, President Elect Joe Biden has received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. We are joined by four health care professionals to examine what that means for our community, and to clarify information surrounding the vaccine.
Following our series on mental health and wellness, we discuss community trauma with Joy Stephens who is the Director of the Division of Race and Equity for the City of Minneapolis. Join us for a conversation about community resilience, and what we can do to heal together.
Dr. Sylvia Bartley welcomes Jaton White, the Director of Community Wellness at Northside Achievement and Dr. Brandon Jones, a psychotherapist and professor. They discuss the toll that mental illness takes, specifically in the Black community, and how to effectively address the stigmas that come with it.…
From politicians to parents, everyone has an opinion about education, especially during COVID. This week four MN superintendents SI Lisa Sayles-Adams of Eastern Carver County Schools, SI Dr. Theresa Battles of Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Schools, SI Dr. Kim Hiel of Fridley Schools, and SI Dr. Stephanie Burrage of Robbinsdale Area Schools discusses the challenges of education in MN, especially during COVID-19.…
Today we're talking all things real estate with Aarica Coleman, Bloomington's Housing and Redevelopment Authority Administrator and Henry Rucker of People for Pride in Living. Dive into a conversation that covers everything from the historic roots of housing disparities to tips on building generational wealth through real estate.…
At the time of this show's recording, votes are still being tallied to determine who the next President of the United States will be. However, just because the election is over doesn't mean the fight for equality is. Join us for a conversation with three community leaders, Angela Rose Myers, Anika Bowie, and Leslie Redmond, to discuss how we can continue to strengthen our communities.…
On this episode we are joined by Nicole Austin-Hillery, the Executive Director of the US Program at Human Rights Watch. Tune in for a rousing conversation on the importance of voting as a way of exercising your rights.
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