Daily Border Crossings

The Alma Film Festival, happening March 17-22, 2026 in the Dominican Republic, is unlike any other film festival in existence. Pt 1 of a 2-part episode features guests in Fiji, Jamaica, the Gambia and the DR. Learn more about these insanely talented people below. What is this episode? A Global Dialogue on Storytelling, Identity, and “The Necessity of Something New”The brainchild of Festival Founder and Director Anthony Page -- whose sincere humility causes him to credit many others -- Alma (Spanish for "soul") is an international film festival specifically focused on people and works from the Global South and the diaspora. This festival is crossing borders and crossing barriers -- and has connected collaborators across 52 cities in 35 countries! You heard that right. For an inaugural film festival? Talk about impressive. I, Samantha Fletcher, sat down with Anthony and just a handful of the many creatives making this festival all possible in the Carribbean in just a few weeks. March 17-22, 2026 to be exact. Read up on all of my amazing esteemed guests:Tumeli Tuqota – A filmmaker from Suva, Fiji, Tumeli is an advocate for the Fijian film community and serves as President of the Fiji Film Collective. His work is closely connected to strengthening opportunities for filmmakers across the South Pacific and supporting the growth of Fiji’s emerging film ecosystem.Kurt Wright – A writer, director, and cinematographer from Kingston, Jamaica whose work reflects Caribbean storytelling traditions and cinematic perspectives rooted in the region’s cultural experience.Katrin Kocsis – Originally from Toronto, Canada, Katrin has been living in Las Terrenas for the past seven years. She is a documentary filmmaker and photographer who will be producing a community walking tour during the festival, offering attendees an opportunity to connect more deeply with the culture and daily life of Las Terrenas.Ohemma Divine – Originally from Augusta, Georgia, and now living in The Gambia, Ohemma serves as a trusted executive assistant and organizational lead for the Alma Film Festival and the Afro-Mosaic Cinema Journal, supporting communications, coordination, and key initiatives across the festival’s global network.Anthony Page -- Founder and Director, Alma Film Festivalhttps://www.almafilmfestival.com/

Revealing, insightful, necessary, candid conversation with the incomparable Jerry Craft, NYT bestselling author of the groundbreaking book New Kid.* Craft is the ONLY PERSON IN THE HISTORY OF EVER to have a book win the:Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature* New Kid was the FIRST graphic novel to receive the prestigious Newbery Medal* New Kid is billed as a book for middle grade readers (ages 8 - 12, grades 3 - 7) however it is just as riveting and important a read FOR ADULTS An actual middle schooler, KJ Fletcher got to join his mom, host and producer Samantha Fletcher for this one of a kind opportunity. They caught up with the multi-talented and in-demand busy author, illustrator and all around wise guy – literally for his wisdom as well as his wit – Jerry Craft.Craft graciously answers 10 questions -- plus a few more because the host Samantha can't allow a good dig-in or follow up question to pass -- and shares why he wrote the book, why it's great for young people, AND why it is an ASSET and a MUST-READ for GROWNUPS, too.WHAT IS NEW KID ABOUT? Described as "heartbreakingly accurate" by Kirkus, here is an AI overview summary: "New Kid is a graphic novel by Jerry Craft about a Black seventh grader named Jordan Banks who is one of the few students of color at a prestigious, mostly-white private school. The book follows Jordan as he navigates this new environment, torn between his familiar Washington Heights neighborhood and the new school's culture, exploring themes like microaggressions, racism, and socioeconomic disparity. It's a coming-of-age story about making friends, fitting in, and staying true to himself while dealing with the challenges of being a new student from a different background."WHY KIRKUS CHOSE THIS AS ITS WINNER: "Kirkus chose Jerry Craft's New Kid for its honest portrayal of being a Black student in a predominantly white private school, handling race, class, and microaggressions with humor and a relatable protagonist. The graphic novel was praised for its "heartbreakingly accurate" and "funny, sharp, and totally real" story that allows readers to see themselves in a narrative that isn't based on "misery" or historical hardship, but instead on the everyday experiences of a young person navigating identity and belonging. Kirkus specifically highlighted how the book combined a middle-grade narrative with important social commentary, using the protagonist's art to visualize his dual worlds."www.samanthafletcher.comhttps://jerrycraft.com/https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/dailybordercrossings/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-border-crossings/id1517113315

Final day of Black History Month, phenomenal episode w/ phenomenal guests!! Research told Black students long ago that they lacked reading proficiency and were below reading level. Decades later, research is telling the same story that they're still woefully behind. What is going on with research? With teaching practices? What should parents or teachers be watching for or doing differently? What should you do if the way your child/student reads, writes, or learns doesn’t match what’s widely considered “the norm”? And what about a learning difference or a dyslexia diagnosis? Then what? Guess what? There's good news on the other side, and value in realizing that not all learning looks the same...so how do you navigate that? Join the conversation and learn from THRIVING adults who learn differently or are parenting children who are. Bring your questions! Daily Border Crossings' 3 esteemed guests: Marcia Brissett-Bailey – UK-based author of Black, Brilliant and Dyslexic, one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women of 2022, Forbes featured dyslexia advocate and champion LeDerick Horne – poet, spoken word artist, advocate, co-author of Empowering Students with Hidden Disabilities, and a "voice for people who learn differently" Resha Conroy – founder of Dyslexia Alliance for Black Children (DABC), a national non-profit created by parents, educators, and advocates driven by the urgent need to alleviate the double disparity of unaddressed Dyslexia and racism For more info, contact Samantha Fletcher, moderator and host of Daily Border Crossings, at dailybordercrossings@gmail.com.

Guests: Kendra Shae-Marie Mullings and Victoria Ennis @blacksaturdayschool on Instagram We're talking about Black Saturday School. Yep, you heard me right. Saturday School. Based in Canada, it’s something that Kendra started a few years ago that is still going strong. And you might be thinking “My kids don't want to go to school during the week, no way would they go to school on Saturday!” but as it turns out, the kids who attend can’t wait for Saturdays because they are so in love with what is happening there. They get things they don’t get during typical weekday school at Black Saturday School. It is open to students of all races and backgrounds ages 9 - 13. Do your children need something like this? Is this a model or perhaps is her specific program something more areas and school districts should be considering? Daily Border Crossings is hosted and produced by Samantha Fletcher. https://www.samanthafletcher.com/

We’re talking Palestinians, Israel and Gaza on this episode of Daily Border Crossings (DBC) and an expert on the region, author and law professor Khaled Beydoun is here to help us break things down and understand what’s really going on. Israel, Gaza, Hamas, IDF, genocide, cease fire, occupation...the places, the people, the events, the terminology– If you’re like many Americans, myself included, you’ve seen the horrific videos and images and heard heart- and gut-wrenching stories of the very real, very current war in the Middle East. And if you’re like me and many Americans, you’ve wondered just what is going on? Khaled, an activist with a very active social media presence (his Instagram) for bringing awareness who’s also very busy traveling, speaking and writing on CNN or in the Washington Post, a frontline humanitarian made time for us to talk on day 69 of the war. Years before writing his 2 books, American Islamophobia: Understanding the Roots and Rise of Fear and the follow up The New Crusades: Islamophobia and the Global War on Muslims, he spent over a decade researching the area. He’ll discuss the history, the present and how he thinks this will end. Also, hear his take on famous Palestinian DJ Khaled’s silence, his thoughts on Beyoncé, Taylor Swift & celebs in general in relation to the crisis, and what all of us should know, what we should do. Get ready to sit back, listen and learn. It’s DBC. DBC is hosted and produced by Samantha Fletcher. www.samanthafletcher.com

Special guests: AMEER BARAKA and RESHA CONROY on the often not discussed but highly impactful DYSLEXIA. It's more common than you think, and it's impacting adults and our children. NOTE: Their audio is great. My (host) audio is off. DON'T LET THAT MAKE YOU MISS THE MESSAGE! Welcome to Season 3 of Daily Border Crossings. TRIED UPLOADING ON FEB. 28, 2023. On this last day of Black History Month, I have one of the most powerful, intriguing shows – one you don’t want to miss. Today I speak with the brilliant Emmy nominated actor and critically acclaimed author AMEER BARAKA (check out his IMDb), with roles in Bronx SIU, Zatima, A House Divided and more. And the amazing and equally brilliant Resha Conroy, founder and executive director of DABC, the Disability Alliance for Black Children. Resha has a son with severe dyslexia. Ameer has dyslexia, which wasn’t discovered until he was frustrated w/ not being able to read at school, no one helping to find out why, his frustration turned into behavior issues, then a life of crime which led him to prison where his D was discovered and it opened up doors that took him to Hollywood and even to Congress. They complement each other well in this discussion. They both are dropping some SERIOUS knowledge we ALL need and especially if you or someone you know has ever had challenges with reading. NOTE: MY AUDIO IS MESSED UP!! Please note that. Ameer and Resha – their audio is superb. Mine is echo-y and was not fixable. DON'T LET THAT MAKE YOU MISS THE MESSAGE. THIS SHOW IS DONE IN CONJUCTION WITH THE SIENA SCHOOL AND AIMS. WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, HERE IS OUR UNDIAGNOSED DYSLEXIA EPISODE ON SEASON 3. IT’S DBC

Meet Ian Solomon of Amplify Outside – a Black man who, get this, HIKES & CAMPS & KAYAKS! Gasp! Yep, a popular stereotype and misconception is that Black folks don't really "do" the outdoors, staying away from woods and mountains and stray or woodsy animals. Out to debunk such myths, Ian -- whose motto is "Black Recreation is Black Liberation" -- takes every chance he gets to be outside. He’ll talk about ENVIRONMENTAL HEALING, a topic that is othered, especially one not discussed a lot in the Black community. And what are Sound Baths? How can we get healing from sound? From the night sky? So much to learn!  While we're outside celebrating Juneteenth, listen up for reasons to keep being out there. It will benefit your overall health more than you might think. When there is so much mental health talk and so many of us are thinking about how to do better, live better, stress less – TRUST ME! You don’t want to miss this episode. Find out some things we've been missing out on! (Some of us, anyway.)  Find Ian Solomon at @amplifyoutside on all the socials.

Resilience and mindset expert, keynote speaker and published writer, Chazz Scott tells us how to take control of our thoughts and then control of our LIVES! Find him at www.chazzscott.com. He has been named BE Modern Man by Black Enterprise Magazine, selected as Top 30 Under 30 by HBCU Buzz, and was a recipient of The Positive People Award by The Baltimore Times. HIs IG page is filled with insightful, helpful, encouraging messages of knowledge and wisdom to better our lives, including a post discussing the need to regularly do a mental diet. His usage of the phrase "mental wellness" is an example of his commitment to positivity and positive language.  A scientist by trade, Chazz has the remarkable ability to understand and explain in the most practical, easy-to-grasp and understand way the power of thinking and having an awareness of thoughts to ultimately lead your life in a better direction. WHAT ELSE IS REMARKABLE: HE OFFERS THESE TEACHINGS AND SERVICES TO KIDS 11-18 AS WELL AS ADULTS! How aware are you of what you’re thinking? Maybe you feel convinced that fear isn’t a factor in your life, but lemme ask you this: Did you not land that job? Not launch that business? Not nail that interview? What if your behavior caused those things to happen, behaviors…showing a lack of confidence or some worry. Our behaviors are connected to our thoughts. So while you’re thinking you’re not afraid or intimidated or scared, your behavior is showing otherwise BECAUSE our behaviors are aligned with our thoughts – EVEN thoughts and beliefs we’re not consciously aware that we’re holding on to. And this can ultimately get in the way of our success and achieving goals. Deep, right? This is the kind of thing you’ll learn about from my brilliant guest on this episode of DBC! His name is Chazz Scott, and we are talking about mental wellness. But not just like it’s some buzzword. No. Specific points on healthy mind lifestyle changes YALL! That connect with you actually accomplishing big wild dreams or small daily goals, and GET THIS — not just for adults! For our children too? How to be mentally well, ways to think to be successful — in middle school?! And high school. They’re not teaching this stuff in schools, to young people! But my guest is! Who’s teaching this stuff to our kids, Black kids? My guest today…and he can teach yours too, so listen. Time flies. It’s already a month into this new year! Coming up on Black History Month. We want to get it right this time! To start that business, write that book, leave that job, try that idea! You are tuned into the right show, you don’t want to miss the amazing Chazz Scott, a resilience and mindset expert who’s dropping gem after gem on just how powerful the mind is and then what WE NEED TO DO WITH THAT POWER to get us where we’re trying to go. And i’m like some of you, thinking I’ve heard this mind stuff before – NOPE. You ain’t heard it like Chazz Scott is delivering it. He makes goal achievement  and accomplishing things in general so practical and doable. I’m telling you! Get your notetaking apps out, get your voice recorder ready bc you wanna keep some of these tips to live by. Seriously. And at the end of the mindsets conversation, there is a bonus portion of Chazz talking about THE legendary Dr. Freeman Hrabowski. Stay tuned for that bc whenever UMBC president and civil rights icon Hrabowski is involved, there’s always some knowledge dropping. And then you don’t wanna miss my wrap up where I tell you about the upcoming show and a new twist on career and technical colleges high schools and the long term earning potential that might make you rethink them as solid, viable options for you or your child.

The incomparable, amazing educator and author Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, author of Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy, visits Daily Border Crossings and gets candid, discussing everything from food and family to 19th century Black women who inspired her work to Taboo and Spades! She discusses her book including how she came up with the title, why the book -- which is grounded in the teachings from Black women in Black literary societies from long ago -- is for all students. Gholdy has made such waves, she’s now working with music super producer Pharrell Williams & shares about that.  You may have heard about her style of pedagogy or even heard her thoughts on critical race theory —some of which she shares on this episode — but what do you know about her? What drives her? What was life like growing up and who were the special ppl who poured into her so wonderfully that they created the beautiful human she became who now pours into so many? What did she say about Jazmine Sullivan's speech at the Soul Train Awards & hear how she connects that to the long history of Black excellence & Black education. Black excellence and education are the foundation of her book — why does she think her book has been such a success and more importantly, what advice does she have for aspiring authors? Speaking of her book, a number of teachers and schools and districts are using her framework, while many schools, when it comes to antiracist and inclusive and culturally responsive teaching, say they prefer to wait for teacher buy-in to do so. Wait for Gholdys strong views on buy in and why it’s extremely problematic, harmful, and a shameful thing to do. Finally, Gholdy joins me for the new Point Counter Point, where guests get 30 seconds to discuss each item in a list of topics -- and we learn if she's a Taboo or Spades person! All that and more on this episode of Daily Border Crossings -- produced and hosted by Samantha Fletcher, music by Miles J Beats, on socials as @milesjbeats.

On this episode of DBC, I am beyond honored about today’s guest -- THE legendary Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, president of UMBC -- the University of Maryland, Baltimore County -- who is responsible for breaking barriers in Civil Rights, and responsible for countless numbers of Black students and students of color who are now working in STEM. He is brilliant, engaging, funny, and full of good advice. I am also joined by some fellow students and friends who will be a part of the interview as well: Claribel Aguilar Whyte Kamille Bostick Silvana Rueda Channing Sherman

What started as a potential paper for a Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) final project became this special edition of DBC: *an audiovisual podcast campaign (PodPaign, yep I coined that!) that also has a YouTube version. The project -- which features many unheard of Black women Civil Rights greats as well as current Black women voices -- "Black Women: The Need for Centering vs. the Constant Erasure, Exploring this Juxtaposition", was for the course, Say Her Name: From Tituba to Breonna Taylor - Race, Gender, and Punishment, fall 2020 with professors Kaia Stern & Janelle Fouche.   Who -- Featuring interviews with experts: Renowned Cardozo law professor Ekow Yankah from the popular PBS NewsHour piece on the contradictory and hypocritical treatment of the opioid vs. crack epidemics Esteemed Harvard Medical School student LaShyra "Lash" Nolen Distinguished Episcopal priest Jenifer Gamber Veteran EdTech & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion practitioner Jonathan Fichter Also, work and thoughts cited from Dr. Bettina Love, Dr. Kimberle Crenshaw, Dr. Janet Bell, Danielle Brooks, and more. Plus hear powerful thoughts of fellow HGSE grad students -- women of color who are not Black. What -- This episode also promotes campaign #ustoo, which I started to Remember, Recognize, Respect, & Regard Black women.  Specifically my research posed these questions: "How does centering the ways in which Black women live and love, survive, and struggle for freedom point toward the liberation of all people? How and why is it that Black women, a group of people so pivotal to the well-being of so many other groups, so crucial to this country, so impossible to NOT SEE, have historically been and continue to be invisible often in society? Why are they largely erased? What if they were centered as often instead?" Reach me: Website: wwwsamanthafletcher.com  Podcast: https://anchor.fm/dailybordercrossingsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/csfletcher1/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/csamantha2009

November is Native American Heritage month. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Loyola Rankin and Isaac Moore, who candidly share about life as indigenous people in this country, from family structures different from what mainstream America has taught as the traditional family to having to navigate code switching starting in elementary school, to addressing stereotypes -- hmm, do they pay taxes? is their college free? --the shock on people’s faces that they wear jeans & t-shirts, and what that NFL Washington football team’s mascot really meant and why it was horribly offensive. Plus they talk about life growing up as well as present day, and being a part of an indigenous educator organization called FIERCE that hopes to impact and revolutionize the teaching of history to be more accurate. Also, is it Native American? Indian? Indigenous? Loyola and Isaac don’t presume to speak for every native person or tribe in this country, but they’ve got thoughts and ideas on this and much much more on DBC.