Back2Basics

In this special Black History Month and Presidents’ Day episode of Back2Basics, host Brittany Winkfield reflects on how Black history is lived and celebrated every day through leadership, culture, creativity and courage. From attending the Grammy Awards and witnessing powerful moments of representation on a global stage, to spotlighting the stage play Happy 2B Nappy written and directed by Kenya Mahogany, a celebration of self-love and identity inspired by Bell Hooks, we explore how storytelling continues to affirm and uplift Black voices. The episode also highlights the courage of journalist Georgia Fort, who was recently arrested while covering a protest, underscoring the ongoing importance of press freedom and accountability. Georgia’s story is a reminder that Black history is something we are actively shaping in music, media, theater and community every single day.

If you’re committed to community, leadership, and lifting as you climb, this one’s for you. We’re celebrating the power of giving and how investing in one another strengthens our communities for years to come. We reflect on the BRIC Fund’s 5th Anniversary Celebration with special guests Anthony Anderson. From resilience to representation, Tonoa Manuel, COO of the AYA Foundation, and B.J. Joyce, host of The Black Friday Show discuss why giving your time, talent and treasure matters now more than ever and how each of us has a role in shaping what comes next. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep giving. #Back2Basics #BRICFund #CommunityPower #GivingSeason #ColoradoLeadership #InvestInEachOther #AYAFoundation #TheBlackFridayShow

Get ready for an inspiring lineup of voices shaping history, equity and leadership. This month we hear from Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington, as he shares how he continues his family’s legacy of struggle and progress at the Colorado Trust Eight28 event. We then explore the meaning of economic inclusion with Kelli Kelly, and close with Sade Cooper’s bold vision for how Black women are rewriting the system. Special thanks to The Colorado Trust and the Economic Development Association for Black Communities (EDA) for hosting these conversations highlighting legacy, empowerment and the urgent call to build a better future for all.

In this episode of Back2Basics, host Brittany Winkfield shares powerful reflections from a two-week international leadership journey to Senegal and Ghana with the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado. From the emotional visit to Gorée Island's Door of No Return, to meaningful conversations with Ghanaian leaders and scholars, we explore how reconnecting with African history and culture reshapes leadership and identity. We discuss shocking historical truths and the importance of storytelling and cultural awareness. This episode invites listeners to reflect, remember and lead with purpose featuring Ọbádélé Bakari Kambon, PhD.

This month we celebrate graduates and the principles of perseverance and quality education. We hear from Carlotta Walls LaNier, one of the courageous Little Rock Nine students and get a history lesson from the 1950s. The episode also highlights the Collaborative Journalism Summit in Denver, showcasing Colorado's thriving collaborative media ecosystem and the important role of trusted messengers in community news featuring Vera Idam-Osuokwu from Afrik Digest Magazine and Adriana Lacy from Influencer Journalism.

There’s lots to celebrate in this episode of Back2Basics on Metro, including the 198th anniversary of the Black Press, and the future of media and storytelling. We hear from futurist, Crystal Washington, at Denver International Airport’s 30th-anniversary celebration and highlights from the Knight Foundation Media Forum, where leaders discuss shaping the future of our communities. Plus, we spotlight the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange, a collaborative effort bridging information gaps for diverse communities across Colorado. As we honor the legacy of Black-owned media, we also hear from NNPA President and CEO Dr. Ben Chavis on the State of the Black Press and a celebration of women!

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the spirit of Dr. King, our conversation today connects to his dream of uplifting marginalized voices. Dr. King once said, 'Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman. I’m tackling a critical story that sits at the intersection of journalism, community trust, and equity. All values that are near and dear to me. Recently, Colorado Public Radio’s investigative series on Caring for Denver has sparked heated debate. While it raises important questions about transparency, it has also left many nonprofits—particularly those serving communities of color—dealing with accusations and bias. These organizations are pillars of culturally responsive mental health care, services in which my family has personally benefited, and are now defending their legitimacy in ways that feel deeply unjust. I sat down with Angell Perez who is the executive director at Colorado Circles for Change, Kenneth Crowley who is the founder and president of the Crowley Foundation, Wendy Talley a Denver resident and tax payer and Jason Vitello who is the Equity and Community Development Manager at Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition. Together, we discuss how we can advance truth and healing and why it’s critical to hold journalism accountable without losing sight of the communities that most need our support. Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

Explore the transformative power of giving. Hear from inspiring guests like Ed Fields, Javon Brame and Michelle Trail as they share their insights on the many forms of giving and the importance of mindset to make a positive impact on the world. Dave Perry highlights the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange - ethnicmedia.co. Each month, we explore various aspects of life, from business and politics to education and personal growth, with a focus on rediscovering what truly matters.

Back2Basics with Brittany Winkfield. This month we talk about politics and media. Introducing the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange. Reverend Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. Senator James Coleman. Senator Rhonda Fields. Congresswoman Diana Degette. Colorado Black Women for Political Action, Greater Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance and the NAACP. Amy Padden for Arapahoe County District Attorney and Representative Mike Weismann for state senate district 28 discuss the migrant conditions in the city of Aurora, Colorado. If you have questions or comments about the show visit back2basicsmag.com to connect!

In this issue we talk to Tamela Mann about her triumphs and down falls and her latest project, Overcomer. How fitting of a title as we all push through the year. It’s a reflection of our life and the things we deal with, trying to learn from those things, and doing what we can to overcome them. The person who is focused on knowing Jesus in a growing relationship is one who overcomes.

Lecrae shares how he lost his religion, but found his faith along his restoration journey to true freedom.

Chilli is living her truth and walking in faith as God’s soldier.