Episodes

🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Edward Paul, President of the Gwinnett Branch of the NAACP, to discuss the ongoing impact of the NAACP in 2025. From the courtroom to Congress, state legislatures to local governments, the fight for justice and equity continues. President Paul shares how both national and local chapters are driving change, advocating for policy reform, and educating communities to advance Black and Brown voices. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on why the NAACP remains a...

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we sit down together to discuss: Honoring the 60th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March President Trump’s executive power and constitutional debates The controversy around the deportation of Venezuelan nationals Discussion on dismantling the Department of Education Let us know what you are doing to engage. Comment with us on social media and share your thoughts!

In this episode, we delve into recent requests to pardon Derek Chauvin and explore why the Black community should not react impulsively. We provide insightful steps that the community can take to empower and strengthen itself during challenging times. - Discussion on Elon Musk's request to pardon Derek Chauvin - Reasons why we should not react impulsively - Steps the Black community can take to empower and strengthen itself - Insights on navigating challenging situations with resilie...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Rita Daniels, the great-great-great grandniece of Harriet Tubman. Rita shares her deep connection to the legendary abolitionist and freedom fighter, discussing how Tubman’s bravery and resilience continue to inspire her life and work today.Born in Auburn, New York—the same town where Harriet Tubman spent her final years—Rita grew up surrounded by the legacy of her heroic ancestor. She opens up about her mission to ensure Tubman’s story is never forgotte...

Karen and Cat discuss issues making headlines this week, like HillmanTok University, a fictional HBCU that went viral on TikTok. We break down recent moves to overturn key executive orders from the Biden administration. We also discuss the political and social implications of these reversals. We also discuss the current administration's push to abolish DEI in hiring and the workplace and the broader implications for the country. Join us in this engaging conversation. Be sure to su...

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we are joined by fellow podcaster, Antonio Hicks of PTGtv. We discuss a wide range of important topics shaping the present and future of our communities. From recent policy changes and executive orders to pressing social and environmental issues, we explore the challenges and opportunities they bring. This conversation sheds light on the intersection of immigration, social justice, and the importance of civic engagement. We dive into the...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Courtney Robinson, a Leadership Branding Strategist and Image Expert, to explore how women in executive roles, entrepreneurship, and leadership can elevate their brands to new heights. As an Executive Style Mentor, Author, and Speaker, Courtney shares her transformative Purpose Palette Persona framework, a powerful approach to aligning inner purpose with outward presence. Courtney dives deep into the fears that often hold high-achieving women bac...

Kelsha Weaver is a retired Army Major with over 24 years of service in the Medical Service Corps and a Doctor of Business Administration candidate at the University of Phoenix. Alongside her husband, a retired Command Sergeant Major, she runs a small farm in South Georgia, purchased in 2013 as part of their retirement plan. Kelsha, originally from Southern Louisiana, is a novice Black farmer whose passion for Black Agrarianism stems from her journey and experiences with systemic challenges in ag...

We sit down with Martina Schmidt and Julie Miller of The She Served Initiative. The Initiative was created in 2022, allowing Martina to combine her passion for photography and raising awareness for women veterans. The She Served Initiative is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has photographed and profiled over 130 women veterans and published 6 magazine issues dedicated to them and their stories. To host a photography session contact the organization at: Email: martina@sheservedi...

We sit down with D. LaDena Bolton, Candidate for DeKalb's Super District 7. She's a chemist, wife, mother, and community servant. Through Bolton Legacy Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit organization co-founded by Dr. Bolton and her husband, Dr. Clement J. Bolton II, they distributed over $320,000 in resources to underserved DeKalb students, reaching nearly 16,000 families since 2019. Dr Bolton is a graduated of Avondale High School,Savannah State University and earned her PHD-in chemistry from Clark Atlant...

On the final day of Advance Voting in Georgia, we engage in a conversation with Megan Harris, who is running for the Fulton County Commission District 2 seat. A native of Atlanta and an alumnus of the University of West Georgia, Megan has built her career in finance, serving as both a Financial Advisor and a Broker. In our discussion, she elaborates on how her expertise in finance, coupled with her grassroots community activism, has equipped her for a role on the Fulton County Board of Commissio...

Erika Allen is the CEO for Urban Growers Collective, President of Green ERA Educational NFP, and Co-Owner of Green Era Sustainability Partners. Urban Growers Collective is a Black- and women-led non-profit farm in Chicago, Illinois working to build a more just and equitable local food system. They provide hands-on job training and create economic opportunity for youth, and beginner BIPOC farmers. Urban Growers cultivates eight urban farms on 11 acres of land, predominantly located on Chicago’...

We sit down with Lakila Bowden, speaker and COO of iSee Technologies, Inc. Lakila has been a featured speaker for The Walt Disney Company, Kraft-Heinz, Verizon, JP Morgan Chase, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and numerous other national and local organizations. She retired from Corporate America at age 37 and now spends her time leisurely teaching thousands of women leaders to maximize rest and revenue by prioritizing self-care and self-celebration.

We sit down with Chief J.D. McClure, Gwinnett County Police Department, Chief of Police. Chief McClure talks about the importance of police officers being a part of the community in which they serve. The Gwinnett County Advisory Board invites the community out on October 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM for an open dialogue and meaningful conversations. They want to continue building trust and fostering positive relationships with the community. For more information, email PoliceAdvisoryBoard@GwinnettCoun...

Karen and Cat sit down with Phyllis Richardson, Political Consultant to discuss how voters can help shape the political landscape during this election cycle. Ms. Richardson currently serves as Legislative Administrative Manager for the Georgia General Assembly. She has also worked as a Policy and Engagement Manager for Common Cause Georgia and as the Governmental Affairs Director for the Georgia Wand Education Fund. If you are 17 1/2 and older, you can register to vote online at mvp.sos.ga.go...

Donna Louis is a retired US Army officer, Sgt. First Class. She is the first African American female paratrooper from Michigan. She became a jump master, with over 150 jumps during her military career. Donna is married to her long time sweetheart and together they have five children. Mrs. Louis had the honor of being inducted into the Charles H Wright African American Historical Museum in Detroit Michigan. Currently she lives in Loganville, Georgia, where she is a poultry and goat farmer.

We are joined by four young voters to tell us about the issues that are important to them this election cycle. They talked about protecting reproductive rights, the economy, environmental issues, school loan debt and other important topics. Listen and comment. The panel participants : Nandi Milton IG: Miss.RuthsAngels FB: missruthsangels www.missruthangels.org Laniyah Robinson FB:PassionateCareSvs https://passionatecareservice.net/ Matthew Greene, Environmental S...

In this episode we have a conversation with Jamika Render, founder of The Graceful Futures Society, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering pre-teen and teen girls exposed to domestic violence. Drawing from her own experiences growing up in a home with domestic violence and surviving two suicide attempts, Jamika channels her deep passion for mental health advocacy into creating impactful SEL programs that provide the tools and support these young girls need to thrive. In addition to her nonprofit wo...

Gina Bracks is the CEO of My Brother Keepers Outreach a nonprofit that providing free food bags, toiletry items, clothes, and resources to Extended Stay Hotels for the last 3 1/2 years in Gwinnett County each month. Gina is a US Army Veteran who has been married to Charles Bracks for over 40 years. They are blessed to have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Mrs. Bracks is currently working at a nonprofit that assists homeless Veterans with housing and employment. Gina and her family are committed t...

We sit down with Sherrie Barnes, Park Ranger, Attorney, Author, Business Owner and Tennis Coach. Sherrie tells us how she stepped out to reinvent herself and the healing that she received through gardening while grieving. Tune in for this inspiring lesson on resilience and moving beyond boundaries. You can find her book, "My Conversations with the Devil at the Crossroads" on Amazon or emailing her at sherriejbarnes@gmail.com Follow Sherrie on IG and Tiktok @@rangersherriebee

Vice President, Kamala Harris' rise as the apparent democratic presidential contender is coming at the expense of President Biden stepping down from the race. Democrats are energized about her campaign. She has already shattered campaign fundraising records by raising over 100 million dollars in twenty-fours. Join us tomorrow, LIVE with fellow podcaster, Antonio Hicks, Host of The Politics, Tech and Gaming Podcast. We're discussing the campaign and the events that transpired over the past week.

Senior Master Sergeant Wanda Joell enlisted in the United States Air Force in Nov. of 1982. She made history as the first African American Woman to be selected to serve aboard Air Force One. She served a total of four Presidents; President Bush 41, President Clinton, President Bush 43, and President Obama! Also Chosen as Superintendent of First Lady Operations to manage and supervise the Presidents First Lady Flights (Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Clinton, Mrs. Obama).

In this conversation we sit down with Dr. Kevin Washington, Ph.D. (Mwata Kairi Emeka Sankara). Dr. Sankara is an Afrikan-Centered psychologist licensed in Florida and Washington, DC. He has taught/lectured at several colleges nationally and internationally. He is a past president of the Association of Black Psychologists, former head of the sociology and psychology at Grambling State University, as well as the national program director of Black Marriage Day, president of Black Mental Health Matt...

In this episode we are joined by Brandon King. Brandon is an instructor and facilitator for programming at the Gwinnett County Public Library's Learning Labs. He has been in this position for four years, primarily leading sessions on audio/video recording, basic sewing, photography, and a variety of other topics. As a GCPL employee, he is dedicated to helping patrons discover the resources available to them for free through the Library and spark their autonomy as they are developing new skills i...