Enlighten: Uplift & Inspire
As we close out the month of March, Women’s History Month, I want to honor a few more women. Some include women who have died before I launched this podcast and some who are still alive but they're uncomfortable being a guest, so I couldn’t shine light on them here. And one is a woman I do not know personally but my respect and gratitude for her is immense. New York State Attorney General Letitia James is not only protecting the vulnerable, she is effectively holding Donald Trump accountable for his deceit, fraud and years of cheating lenders, insurers, the government and the public. She...
info_outline Episode 297 The WomenEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
March is Women’s Month so on this week’s episode, I honor the women in my life who have believed in me, supported me, challenged me and continue to make such profound impacts on me. I share the back story of how International Women’s Day came to be and eventually grew into a month-long celebration called Women’s History Month. There are so many women who have been trailblazers, who have shattered barriers, defied expectations, and paved the way for future generations! I honor my relatives, the women whose shoulders I stand on and the women I stand beside and hold hands with,...
info_outline Episode 296 Geraldine Anello, Author and MusicianEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
My guest today is Dr. Geraldine Anello. Geraldine is a pianist, conductor, music director and author. She just recently launched her book The Pulse of the Musician: Connecting Sound, Soul and Stories: Navigating a Successful Music Career. We discuss what motivated her to write this insightful, illuminating book, her hopes that it becomes a required text book in music education, and the calling, passion, identity and sacrifice embedded in a musician’s path. I also inquired about Geraldine’s own passionate journey as a successful musician, her strategies of risk-taking, networking,...
info_outline Episode 295 Winter CleaningEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I share a cathartic experience of some winter cleaning. I know we typically wait for the springtime for these kinds of cleanings, but I am here to say, winter cleaning was just as satisfying! What cabinets, closets, dressers, shelves of yours might need some de-cluttering? I encourage you to give yourself the gift of a cleaning - at any season of the year. Enjoy the sense of accomplishment and the freedom of lightening your load. Happy Winter Cleaning. Enjoy the podcast!
info_outline Episode 294 Black FuturesEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
As we come to the end of the month, I highlight the concept and philosophy of Black Futures Month. In addition to honoring people and movements that enrich Black History Month, the emphasis on Black Futures is “a visionary, forward-looking spin on celebrations of Blackness in February; a time to consider and celebrate our radical Black history and to dream and imagine a world in which all Black people are free.” May we all understand and respect that our past directly impacts the present and future. May we all educate ourselves on the compelling stories from Black people, learn...
info_outline Episode 293 RustinEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
As we continue to honor Black History Month, I encourage you to see the movie "Rustin”. I was so deeply moved by the movie, this man Bayard Rustin and the instrumental role he played in creating and implementing the March on Washington. In addition, the brilliant performance of Colman Domingo embodying Rustin was electrifying. The movie, produced by Michelle and Barack Obama, sheds light on an important man and a critical time in our history. May we be well-informed about our history, grounded in our present and inspired to contribute to a more just, compassionate future. Enjoy the...
info_outline Episode 292 The Greensboro FourEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I highlight and honor the Greensboro Four: Jibreel Khazan, Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain and David Richmond. Sixty-four years ago these four African American college freshman sat down at a place where African Americans were not allowed to sit. Their act of non-violent protest and the publicity they received ignited a national sit-in movement, that initiated desegregation actions and laws. I wanted to learn the names of the Greensboro Four and learn how their lives had unfolded since their 1960 college days. Thank you Jibreel, Joseph, Franklin and David. I am glad...
info_outline Episode 291 Origins of Black History MonthEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, at the beginning of February, as we honor Black History Month, I focus on the man behind the origins of this important month. I am embarrassed to admit I did not know the name Carter G. Woodson nor that it was initially celebrated as Negro History Week in 1926. Thanks to Bakari Sellers, who mentioned Woodson’s name in his conversation with Trevor Noah, which ignited my curiosity. I’m grateful to learn more and want to share with you the wisdom, vision and determination of Carter G. Woodson to educate us all. Check out the links below to Bakari Sellers, the Daily...
info_outline Episode 290 Aliya Sorgen, Transformational Coach and Yoga InstructorEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
My guest today is Aliya Sorgen. Aliya is Head of Global Partnerships and Mobility at University of the Arts in London, a Transformational Coach and innovative yoga retreat facilitator. And Aliya happens to be my beloved God-daughter, a bond that allows us to share a special soul connection. Aliya articulates keen insight into her experience of working with artists, how alive she feels when traveling and her openness to learning and growth. She is inspired by the courage it takes to jump into the unknown and surprise ourselves with big changes. Check out the links below for Aliya’s website...
info_outline Episode 289 Awaken To AwarenessEnlighten: Uplift & Inspire
On this week’s episode, I focus on awareness and how important awareness is to help us be present, conscious and responsible. Awareness is the first step in the process of healing. Inspired by a quote from the world renowned yoga instructor, Sarah Powers, I’ve now infused her quote as a prayer to add to my daily practice. May this statement inspire you as well: “I vow now to awaken to awareness, for the benefit of all beings. I recognize its immeasurable value, knowing that it is possible, regardless of circumstances.” May we all awaken to awareness! Check out the links below for my...
info_outline My guest today is Robert “Zulu” Whitaker. Zulu was released from prison in early March after serving 38 years. When my dear friend, Tarik Greene, brought Zulu with him to pick up furniture that my husband and I were donating to a new residency that MADE Transitional Services recently opened, I was so moved by Zulu’s kindness. Within a few minutes of meeting this gentle, respectful man, I invited Zulu to be a podcast guest: I wanted to provide him a forum to tell his story. And despite his nervousness, his shaking knees, Zulu began to unpack his story.
I am not an investigative journalist, nor a court attorney or judge, so I had no need to get to the bottom of anything, no agenda in our conversation. I wanted to be present to what unfolded, so I simply remained curious and compassionate. As I imagined with such a long prison sentence, Zulu was convicted of murder, but wanted him to tell me what he was ready to share.
In subsequent conversations with Zulu since this recording, I have discovered more about his childhood, his parents’ alcoholism, his father being sent to jail for killing his mother, his sister’s determination to keep him and his brothers alive, his year of homelessness and the ways a child and later an adult learns how to survive, in the streets, in the system, in prison. I do know Zulu’s remorse is deep and sincere and that he is searching to find meaning and purpose now that he has been released from prison. Zulu is deeply appreciative of the respect my husband and I have shown him, he has eagerly embraced the chance to be in nature, meditate, take long walks as he sorts out his past and steps humbly into his future. Enjoy the podcast.
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