Tag Archives: urban roundtable

Mr. Dave Pickens (Charlotte, NC) Chosen Visionary in HOT-Seat 53, Expert Mold Inspector and Creator of Chess Master's Curriculum for Kids

Interesting Facts I Bet You Never Knew About MOLD

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The best way to get rid of mold is to prevent it (before it develops). But honestly, how many of us are walking around with dreams of mold in our heads? Not many, I would presume. Humidity is significant, so keeping levels optimized is a great idea – regardless of whether you believe mold is lurking or not.

Keeping the humidity levels at home under 50% is recommended. It is also advised to invest in a good dehumidifier or an AC to maintain the low humidity. Proper ventilation helps keep mold away, too, so open your windows sometimes, especially while cleaning with harsh chemicals.

Three Books To Read Now

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

Up Next In The HOT-Seat

Chosen Visionary in the HOT-Seat Number Fifty-Three (53) is Mr. Dave Pickens (Charlotte, NC), Expert Mold Inspection, Remediation, and Removal Specialist at I Can Fix That, LLC. Mr. Dave was called into the mold and removal industry after losing his brother to cancer caused by health risks related to mold exposure. Such a personal loss, he has grown passionate about identifying the problem and then attacking it from that source.

“It’s what you don’t see and breathe! Mold will start to overwhelm your body’s immune system, which can cause inflammation. You are breathing in airborne mycotoxins. These mycotoxins cause serious health risks and attack all areas of the body.”

Mr. Dave Pickens, CEO, I Can Fix That LLC
A brick wall with mold
A brick wall with mold

Much like the game of chess, which Mr. Dave is also an expert with a passion for every piece of the board. So much so that he wrote a curriculum (AKA DEM MICS) to teach children the game.

Facts About Mold

  • According to the Center for Disease Control stated that mold attacks your body as an allergenic, pathogenic, or toxigenic
  • Bleach DOES NOT kill mold
  • Customer input is important when looking for mold – Even if you’re experienced.
  • Mold is identified through air quality testing, laboratory analysis reports, recognition, swabs, tape lifts, and visual inspections.
  • Protocol(s) on the safest way to encapsulate and stop the mold from spreading is necessary.
  • Remember, “It’s what you don’t see and breathe that can harm you
  • There are various kinds of mold(s)
  • Vaporizing systems (an organic fungicide) are used to kill airborne spores. Then the contaminated waste is removed in an environmentally safe manner.
  • You may have MOLD throughout your property and never know.

What’s More?

When Mr. Dave is not out fighting mold, he’s helping elders restore and winterize their homes, playing chess, or working in his garden, where he and his wife Bernitta share with neighbors fresh veggies.

Are You New To Urban Academics?

Who should attend? Administrators, C.E.O.s, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Any Questions?

Please post your questions and thoughts in the comments section below; For any HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary or members of the Urban Academics family. More information is HERE! Thank you for reading, and may God bless you!

How To Become Better With PODCAST FOR BLACKS In 15 Minutes

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Finally, a podcast specifically targeted black and brown folks passionate about living the inner-city urban lifestyle. The Urban Academics Roundtable Podcast is a little different from most. It takes the Ted Talk concept to another level with high levels of interaction with Q&A segment after a story by a different Chosen Visionary. It’s brilliant!

GRAB IT NOW: CLICK HERE for The Urban Academics Roundtable RSS Feed

The Urban Academics Roundtable Podcast will host 15-minute Bonus sections of each full-length HOT-Seat segment (previously recorded). We will release weekly segments every Friday after the pre-planning pilot, and Anchor is currently hosting it.

Here’s the feed for the Urban Academics Roundtable Podcast. Enjoy! Please be sure to leave us a comment or ask your questions in the comments section below.

Fascinating PAY WHATEVER Tactics That Can Help Your Business Grow

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Food has been the cornerstone of African-American life since landing here on these shores of America, especially the coast of South Carolina, where the low country reign supreme. Imagine combining a Chosen Visionary with the spirit of stick-to-it-ness, and you have a recipe for the Urban Academics Roundtable.

The Roundtable was started as a direct result of COVID-19 (April 16, 2020). As educators, school systems and PIMOSH providers through the expansion of 2019, we knew something was brewing in education late 2018.

For the first time since 2004, The PIMOSH Network was making moves with folks we’d been talking to for years around the idea of expansion/subsidiary opportunities in South Carolina being one of the expansion states. Things were changing – seemingly for the better, still more of the same bureaucracy. 

THREE BOOKS TO READ

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

A fight was on our hands, and we knew it – Here was COVID-19, schools were closed, parents didn’t know what hit them, and now we should have higher levels of respect for teachers, especially those within inner-city, urban school systems. On top of everything else – There was a presidential election.

With most public schools closed and limited supplies getting to inner-city kids at certain times during the pandemic, there was a woman in Charleston who took it upon herself to feed and help everyone! Here’s the thing – Her idea of food forever was planted years before COVID-19. Again, food draws people in general. How much more the children?

This Week In The HOT-Seat

Ragina Scott Saunders is a Charleston, SC native – A true Gullah Geechee girl. She’s also the brainchild and owner of Scotts Grand event center located at 5060 Dorchester Road in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Her love for cooking and hospitality came from her grandparents.

“There was always a pot on the stove that was supernaturally never empty, no matter what the circumstance. Everybody always got to eat!”

Ragina Scott Saunders, Author, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist Scott’s Grand Event Center N. Charleston

Scotts Grand celebrates art, family, and business through special occasions, catering, and corporate events. Her outgoing and self-driven nature, coupled with a personal passion for “helping people connect, has found blessings and much success as an expert throughout the catering, event management space.

Lady Ragina continues that tradition passed down from her grandparents, feeding folks through the Destiny Community Café, the area’s only Pay-What-You-Can Healing Community café; She’s the founder and executive director.

The purpose of Destiny is to raise the level of awareness about food insecurity (hunger) in this country and reduce food waste while also being a catalyst for change in our communities. The Cafe works to reduce food waste while serving and giving from the heart.

Notable Accomplishments:

Ragina Saunders is no stranger to media and TV interview – Here’s a recent piece of press bestowed on the Queen of Soul Food …

She is also the creator of the Soul Food Foundation and contributor to Gullah/Geechee Kitchen bringing chefs, cooks, and restaurants together around “soul food” to preserve the culture, history, and roots of the soul food industry.

What’s More?

She is a wife of over 28 years with great faith. As a mother of three, two daughters, and one son, she is blessed with a granddaughter who is now 4-months old. They all live happily with “Sparrow,” their dog.

Whenever Lady Ragina is not saving the world, she is on the beach reading a book with family nearby.

Are You New To Urban Academics?

Who should attend? Administrators, C.E.O.s, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Any Questions?

Please post your questions and thoughts in the comments section below; For any HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary or members of the Urban Academics family. More information is HERE! Thank you for reading, and may God bless you!

If You Want To Be A Winner, Change YOUR BELIEF IN YOURSELF Philosophy Now

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Believing in your dreams and that of others is not as easy as it sounds, but doable on all accounts if you only believe. You can do anything you will do in this life, but it’s difficult to drown out the background noise and stay focused on the goal ahead. Chosen Visionaries are born out of

People come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and can be tricky at best. It’s up to the visionary to see what God has purposed in their hearts and then move to that end with the fear present, taking courage in moving forward. Why do some make it while others give up, falling flat on their face more often than not?

WATCH NOW: HOT-Seat at The Roundtable, Season One

The Urban Academics HOT-Seat, Season One Featuring Twelve Chosen Visionaries in the HOT-Seat. You Can Binge Watch by Clicking Below! SUBSCRIBE to Our YouTube Channel NOW & CLICK THE BELL!

Three Books You Should Read Now

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

Meet Our Next Chosen Visionary in the HOT-Seat

His week’s Chosen Visionary began a professional life of acting and singing after moving to NYC from Chicago and landing her debut role as a breakout star in the movie MO’ Better Blues (A Spike Lee Joint) and several other movies over the years. What’s so neat was that her role called for a female singer/vocalist; She got the job, and her featured song, Harlem Blues, climbed up the R&B Billboard charts to number one (see the video to her chart-topper below).

Cynda sings professionally for film and the stage. She sings Jazz, Americana, and R&B/Hip Hop Fusion with THe WES Group, Michael Martin Band, and The C & Ronnie G’s Band.

Lady Cynda is also a weekly co-host with DJ Kid Disco on “The Morning Melanated Show” from 10 am-12 pm Wednesday. Catch the Show Here!

Cynda WIlliams, Actress, Author, Singer, Speaker at Pink Pantie Confessions PPC Productions from Greater Chicago on Keeping The Faith

Notable Accomplishments

  1. Author: Pink Pantie Confessions (P.P.C.) by Cynda Williams ($9.99)
  2. Film/Movies: 72-Hours, by Christopher Nolan
  3. Film/Movies: A Change in The World, by Mark Vadik
  4. Film/Movies: Caught Up by Darin Scott
  5. Film/Movies: Kings Of LA by Van Elder
  6. Film/Movies: Life Aint Like The Movies, by Robert Butler
  7. Film/Movies: Mad As Hell by Robert Parham
  8. Film/Movies: MO’ Better Blues, A Spike Lee Joint
  9. Film/Movies: Pieces of David, by Lawrence D Wallace
  10. Film/Movies: Ray Meets Helen, by Alan Rudolph
  11. Producer: Pending Series Podcast on the Anchor Platform
  12. Producer: PPC RADIO SHOW
  13. Television Appearances: ABC – Oprah’s Mini-Series, The Wedding
  14. Television Appearances: BET’s Hidden Blessings
  15. Television Appearances: HBO’s Dorothy Dandridge
  16. Television Appearances: PBS’s Tales of The City
  17. Writer: Creator of Books, Musicals, and Screenplays

WATCH NOW: Cynda Williams “Harlem Blues” Performance

Three Things You Should Do Now

What’s More

Cynda has always liked to volunteer, and when she’s not helping others, she’s working on her many projects. She especially loves the Guiding Light, Inc. out of Muncie, India, where Cynda serves as the nonprofit’s consultant for the arts. Ms. Williams continues to sing and accepts quality roles in film, television, theatre, and she’s here at the Urban Academics Roundtable.

Are You New To Urban Academics?

Who should attend? Administrators, CEOs, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Any Questions?

Please post them in the comments section below if you have questions for Lady Cynda Williams or Urban Academics. Thank you for reading, and may God bless you!

Easy Ways You Can Turn CHURCH HURT TESTIMONY Into Success

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Being a gifted child comes with its advantages and disadvantages too! When you have usable gifts and talents within the Black Church, that can become a whole other level of problems, some of which you can share, and the rest, let us say many folks carry that part to their graves.


The Black Church is responsible for turning out many quality acts over the years, and we’ve heard all of the stories at one point or another. Aretha Franklin, Monica, Toni and Tamar Braxton, so many others. What do you do when it hurts regardless? Most artists tell stories of running away from the church/pain.


This week at the Urban Academics Roundtable, the chosen visionary is here to share his story around hurt experienced in the church because he was gifted and talented. All blessings, bad and good, come through people – But not all people can be who we want them to be. Until we know the circumstance, situation, or overall story, getting it all wrong is easy.

READ THIS PRESS RELEASE ON MANNY JAMES

Three Books You Should Read NOW

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

This Week in The HOT-Seat

Manny James, Church Street South Entertainment, recording artist, songwriter, and composer, was born and raised in New Haven, CT. A singer and performer since the age of 8. He grew up in a community that presented many challenges. He says, “We didn’t have much growing up, but we made the best of what we had” Those days and experiences fueled the creativity you see today.

According to Manny, Church Street South, his childhood neighborhood, is honest and remains relatable today. Manny’s approach to life, songwriting, and performing come from Church Street South projects, what was once called the worst housing projects in America during the 1980s.

Manny says his music and performances give back to the people.  

“As an artist, I need to create from an honest space. Writing songs where people relate always makes the best music.”

Manny James, R&B Singer/Songwriter and Community Activists

Notabke Accomplishments

  • Co-wrote and released the YouTube viral sensation “So Incredible” (The Julio Jones Dance) via a Visa/NFL “My Football Fantasy” campaign. The campaign garnered 4.6 million views in less than a week.
  • Debuted in the Top 25 on iTunes (Just Being Honest)
  • He established himself as an artist and songwriter before “Just Being Honest” hit digital outlets
  • James brought no-holds-barred soulful and unique performances
  • Headliner or opening act
  • Known at many of Tri-State’s top venues

Three Things You Need To Do Now

In 2017 the phenomenal “Church Street South” release, named after the neighborhood he grew up in, led to his most successful year to date, gaining twenty-two thousand fans from 57 countries.  

What’s More?

In 2020 Manny formed his record label Church Street South Entertainment and released a new single, “Never Let Go.” The song is well received. A full-length album is next, showcasing unsung musicians and up-and-coming vocal magic. You can contact Manny by using the comments section below.

Are You New To The Weekly Roundtable

Who should attend? Administrators, CEOs, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Questions?

Use the Comments Section Below to ask questions or get in touch with this HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary or the Urban Academics staff. Ask away, and she will get to your questions and quickly as possible. CLICK HERE FOR HOT-SEAT INFO!

How To Make Your VIRAL MARKETING HACK Look Like A Million Bucks

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If you’re looking for virtual marketing hacks, look no further than Mr. Glenn Murray, a Marketing & Viral Promotions Expert and Guru. He is the Principal Founder of 220 Communications, the parent company to 220 Publishing and Food, Wine, and Spirits Ventures.

Mr. Murray has led viral social media campaigns that have generated over 1-Million impressions for the arts, film, music, and culinary events, and he’s in this week’s hot-Seat giving up his secret sauce! Let’s talk about business – What it takes to make it wherever you’re trying to go; Authors, Businessfolks, Experts. Free-Lancers, Lifetime Students, Small-Business Owners, and parents! To Get on this call – Thursday’s at 9:30 PM (EST).

When we talk about Viral Marketing, it’s the process of getting the word out about a product, service, or both to the masses. I believe if your campaign generates over 1 million impressions, it’s considered to have gone “Viral.”

Some Viral Videos, however, don’t benefit the creator, either because they are not regularly publishing videos to YouTube or Vimeo, so how would they know how to monetize. The second way is when someone posts a random video they just captured in the car. She uploads and boom – The video of a cat laying next to a dog playing nicely gets 2 million views – When that happens, Ellen’s Show will call

Three Books You Should Read NOW

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

You are welcome to join us for an evening of enlightenment with another Chosen Visionary for these times. We’ll be at The Urban Academics Round-table with the GURU, who can change your situation virtually overnight. Bring an apron, bib, a fork, spoon, and knife; This is going to be yummy! Also, please DO

NOT FORGET TO BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU; It’s FREE, but you’ve got to Register HERE First!

Glenn Murray Chicago, IL Social Media Expert on Going Viral To Get The Bag Thursday at 9:30 PM (EST),
Glenn Murray Chicago, IL Social Media Expert on Going

If you are someone looking to get your book, idea, message, or thoughts out into the world, do these three things before you do anything else: (1) Decide who your target market is (ALL demographics included); (2) Figure out where those folks are in groups (large groups); and (3) Use YouTube to create a strategy based on what other successful marketers are using. If you need help, The Urban Academics is in the business of working with Authors & Entrepreneurs. You can register FREE and start from there!

Notable Accomplishments

Three Things You Need To Do Now

What’s More?

Mr. Glenn Murray is a man who enjoys watching TV or a good movie when he’s not busy attempting to save the world. A true gem in the fields of Marketing and Promotions.; You should get at him – Leave a message in the comments section below. Thank you for reading.

Are You New To The Weekly Roundtable

Who should attend? Administrators, CEOs, Child Advocates, Civil Service Members, Content Creators, Educators, Entrepreneurs, First Responders, Guidance Counselors, Journalists, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Questions?

Use the Comments Section Below to ask questions or get in touch with this HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary or the Urban Academics staff. Ask away, and she will get to your questions and quickly as possible. CLICK HERE FOR HOT-SEAT INFO!

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Number Six With A Mindblowing Getting Organized, Prepared Being Ready

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Opportunity is the number one reported obstacle of why most people don’t pursue dreams, or in other words, their true calling. There are probably about 97% of the population falling into this category. But there is another three percent, and they make up the creatives and risk-takers who know no bounds to their thoughts snd ways. They are sometimes black sheep or wayward children – they don’t want to walk in a line unless they need to pass.

Number Six With A Mindblowing Getting Organized, Prepared Being Ready – Do you really want to know her secret? You are welcome to watch (listen) to the Raw, Real, and Relevant Replay below. Don’t forget you can leave questions for Lady Lonai Mosley, and she will get back to you. Meanwhile, please Subscribe to Urban Academics YouTube Channel.

More About Lonai Mosley

Lonai Mosley runs a fantastic digital boutique in Brooklyn, NY. Known to mere mortals as the Media Money Maker Mogul, she’s carved out quite the career in working with NYC Schools, entertainment companies, and more! She is HOT Seat Chosen Visionary Number VI, Season I. Enjoy!

Linwood Ali Jabaar Branham And His Love Train For Black Folks

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What do people do when they forget who they are? This is the question this generation of black folks face when they stare themselves in the face and admit the truth. Who, what, when, where, and how did we get programmed this way?

What way? You might ask, and I’m glad you did (ask). This week’s HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary will take care of that with his plea for every boy, girl, man, and woman would say “Yes To Love!” Linwood Ali Jabbar Bran question and many more at the Urban Academics Roundtable – This week is no different, a Freedom Fighter, Historian, Writer, Founder and CEO of The Society of Former Slaves and Freemen, Inc.

GRAB-A-SEAT at The Roundtable (One-Time Registration) HERE

Three Books You Should Read

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

In This Week’s HOT-Seat

Mr. Linwood Ali Jabbar Branham Sr. is a life-long resident of New Haven, Connecticut, dedicating his life to the fight for justice, freedom, equality, and education for those who suffered systemic racism. He is the founder and CEO of The Society of Former Slaves and Freemen, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes the education, liberation, and inspiration of people of color with an emphasis on the youth.

Mr. Branham is a motivational speaker on both local and national stages and on radio stations too! He’s worked closely with Churches, Elementary, Middle, High Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Juvenile Detention Centers to spread his love for learning and blacks and brown people. The motto is to get the message out by any means necessary. His passion is participating as a panelist with organizers of committees focused on education and black issues and speaking to groups of today’s youth.

Linwood Ali Jabaar Branham New Haven Connecticut www.urban-academics.com
Linwood Ali Jabaar Branham New Haven Connecticut www.urban-academics.com

The “Love Train,” according to Mr. Linwood, is a vehicle anyone can climb aboard, no change, no bills, just goodwill one towards another. To this chosen visionary, there’s no stopping us as black folks – They’ve tried everything, but it’s God’s will to use his chosen people, which is us. So, change your mind about hate, starting today. Here’s a special invitation for you to dine with us at the Urban Academics Roundtable. GRAB A SEAT HERE!

Notable Accomplishments

  • A loving Father and Grandfather
  • A visionary who sees history as a continual unfolding of God’s Perfect Will
  • A Writer and Historical Storyteller
  • An organized and commemorated the 1st annual Black Holocaust Memorial ceremony in the nation (2014)
  • Entrepreneur: Founder and CEO of The Society of Former Slaves and Freemen, Inc.

Three Things You Should DO

What’s More?

Mr. Linwood Ali Jabaar Branham, through education, helps people heal and promote awareness prevention. When he’s not busy saving the world, gardening, growing flowers and food are his past times. Getting in touch with Mr. Branham is easy; use the comments section below. Thank you.

Are You New To The Weekly Roundtable

Who should attend? Administrators, Educators, Child Advocates, Entrepreneurs, Guidance Counselors, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Questions?

Use the Comments Section Below to ask questions or get in touch with this HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary or the Urban Academics staff. Ask away, and she will get to your questions and quickly as possible. CLICK HERE FOR HOT-SEAT INFO!

The Ultimate Guide To BREAST CANCER, CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE, AND MINISTRY

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What happens when you combine beauty and smarts, technology and skill, and the called and chosen? A major move in the natural and the spirit! During these days of COVID-19, we are well aware that there must be RAM in the Bush!

Churches are closed, and most schools do not have the capacity to fully open – They can’t begin to understand what today’s kids face in the new world adults have been forced into. Where, or to whom do our children run when they’ve run out answers or tears of their own?

This week’s HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary is one who is seeing great success and living her best life. However, that’s not always been her story; One including Child Sexual Abuse, and even Breast Cancer. Here are survivor stories from one who lived to tell. You must jump on this call – One that can save your mind and ultimately your life. It’s FREE, but you’ve got to REGISTER HERE!

Struggling To Be Me; No Longer Silent and invisible at The Table https://amzn.to/3twZ2OXhttps://amzn.to/3twZ2OX by Rev. Willetta (Lettie) Ar-Rahmaan ($14.00 On Amazon)

Three Books You Should Read

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

In This Week’s HOT-Seat

Rev. Willetta “Lettie” Ar-Rahmaan, M.Div., MSIS is an Author, Bi-Vocational Ordained Baptist Minister, employed by IBM Software Quality Engineer Manager. She is the owner and visionary of On The Move Ministries, LLC, the former pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Newton, NC, and former Minister of Assimilation at First Baptist Church West in Charlotte, NC. She’s a native of Hamden, CT, but completed high school in Durham, NC.

Rev. Willetta (Lettie) Ar-Rahmaan, Author, Computer Engineer for IBM, and Ordained Baptist Minister Dines at The Urban Acaemic Roundtable Thursday at 9:30 PM (EST): https://bit.ly/UranAcademicsRoundtableSeat

Notable Accomplishments:

  • A MINISTER: Bi-vocational Ordained Baptist Minister
  • AUTHOR (Best Selling): Struggling To Be Me: No Longer Silent & Invisible at the Table. by Lettie Ar-Rahmaan ($14.00)
  • AWARDS: Technology All-Star award for Women of Color in STEM
  • EDUCATION: Associate of Science in Data Processing from Gateway Community College
  • EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from North Carolina Central University
  • EDUCATION: Master of Science in Information Systems from Strayer University
  • EDUCATION: Master of Divinity from The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.
  • PUBLISHED: “Dancing with God,” and a 21-Day Prayer Journal
  • PUBLISHED: “Lord Take My Ordinary Life and Mind” for two women ministries
  • PUBLISHED: A Sermon, “Breaking the Silence,” published in The African American Pulpit. 
  • SPECIALIZED TRAINING: church transformation and church vitality through the United Methodist Church
  • SPECIALIZED TRAINING: Connection Matter Congregation Trainer through Prevent Child Abuse, North Carolina

GRAB A COPY OF REV. WILLETTA (Lettie) Ar-Rahmann’s New Best Selling Book, Struggling To Be Me: No Longer Silent & Invisible at the Table. ($12.00) at AMAZON.COM!

Three Things You Should DO

What’s More?

Rev. Lettie believes through education, we can help people heal and promote awareness prevention. Lettie is the mother of one daughter and grandmother of three young women; Her Tag Line: #educatehealprevent.

Are You New To The Weekly Roundtable

Who should attend? Administrators, Educators, Child Advocates, Entrepreneurs, Guidance Counselors, Mental Health Professionals, Parents, Political Figures, Students, Upward Mobile Professionals, School Systems Interested in Change, Teachers, and People Involved in Motivating Our Students Higher (P.I.M.O.S.H.) Subsidiaries. GRAB a Seat HERE.

Do You Have Questions?

Use the Comments Section Below to ask questions or get in touch with this HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary or the Urban Academics staff. Ask away, and she will get to your questions and quickly as possible.

Why Did Slaves Grow Up In The Southern Colonies

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If you’re alive right now, it seems as if the thought of slavery is a thing of the past, like hundreds and hundreds of years ago; And while that is true, it really is not! The truth continues to point to these truths: Not every man is created equal and as petty as it may sound, that truth includes the fact that most folks in the United States have been trained to hate on some level causing many black and brown people to be mistreated.

On the surface, it may appear that we as a people are out of control; or simply have lost the way. Here’s the question: If we are not sure where we came from, how shall we ever return to a place where we know the truth. It seems impossible at best to believe we can ever truly experience what the actual slaves lived within the United States, but it goes down in history as having the largest groups of cash crops in the world.

The “experience” as it were, and its lingering effects are considered horrific, yes, but what would be more horrible is if we do not accurately account for these experiences in our voice as documentalists or story-tellers. But that all ends now with this week’s Urban Academics HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary. She spends her days interpreting the experience of 75-100 slaves who lived and died at the McLeod Plantation in Charleston South Carolina.

Three Books You Should Read

  1. Enduring The Call; A 14 Day Journey, by Jocelyn Fagan ($14.00)
  2. The ZOLA Experience: A Journey of Recovery From Loss, by Katurah A Bryant, LMFT ($14.99)
  3. When The Heart Takes Flight, by Carla Yarbrough ($9.99)

Who’s In This Week’s HOT-Seat

Reverend Toby Smith was born in Charleston, South Carolina, but grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She’s a graduate of USC, Columbia, and has done graduate work at American University and Colorado Christian University. Toby began her professional career at the Central Intelligence Agency, where she served domestically and abroad.

After eight years with the Federal Government, she returned home and began working at the Charleston County School District as the Public Relations Officer under the leadership of the late Superintendent, Sydney “Chip” Zullinger, who selected her to coordinate the district’s first bond campaign dedicated to repairing old dilapidated schools. That campaign led to politics and, her passion for the political process.

Rev. Smith’s biggest and boldest adventure to date: Commemoration 400, Charleston’s, year-long reflection on the experience of the enslaved and their descendants.  Today, Toby is the Lead Interpretive Aide at McLeod Plantation Historic Site; One of two cultural locations in the US presenting slavery issues from the enslaved perspective. In this role, Toby interacts with guests and visitors from all over the world while telling compelling stories of the 74-100 enslaved people who lived and died at McLeod Plantation.

Rev. Toby Smith, Cultural Interpreter and Licensed Ordained Minister, HOT-Seat Visionary Number 41, Charleston SC
Rev. Toby Smith, Cultural Interpreter and Licensed Ordained Minister, HOT-Seat Visionary Number 41, Charleston SC

Notable Accomplishments

  • FIRSTS: City of Charleston Mayoral Candidate on Racial Reconciliation and engaging communities in need
  • FIRSTS: Charleston Metro Credit Union’s First African-American Director of the Affairs Group
  • MINISTRY: Licensed Ordained Minister at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church (Rev. Willis Glover, Sr., Pastor)
  • SERVICE: Assists the Food and Clothing Ministry
  • SERVICE: Executive Director of Midland Park Community Ministries
  • SERVICE: Expanded food pantry and clothes closet programming and services to Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties
  • SERVICE: Non-Profit Grants development and strategy funding
  • SERVICE: Non-Profit Grant Reviewer for the Compassion Capital Fund
  • SERVICE: Taught financial literacy, first-time homebuyer, pre-and post-bankruptcy, and mortgage default classes throughout the state of South Carolina
  • SERVICE: Weekly Bible study, and Sunday School Classes
  • SERVICE: Worked with Youth and Women’s Ministries
  • Writer: IMARA Woman magazine (Columbia, SC), covering education and financial literacy

Three Things You Should DO

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Do You Have Questions?

Use the Comments Section Below to ask questions or get in touch with this HOT-Seat Chosen Visionary or the Urban Academics staff. Ask away, and she will get to your questions and quickly as possible.