Talk Black & Give Back

We have to teach our young people to open books, read policies, and look at every system, rule, and contract by asking two basic questions:Who wrote the rules?Who benefits from the rules staying in place?Call to Action this Black August: Commit to one hour of policy literacy, sit down with a young person and pass information down, and put your energy into building infrastructure.

Welcome, welcome, welcome to "Echoes of Freedom," a special Juneteenth edition brought to you by Talk Black & Give Back! I'm your host, Jennifer Nickerson-Turner, and today, we're diving deep into the heart of Juneteenth, exploring its profound meaning of freedom, the rich heritage it celebrates, and the vibrant traditions that make it a day of true liberation. Our focus today? The foundational year of 1865 and the powerful truth it unfolds.Juneteenth. The name itself is a blend of "June" and "nineteenth," but its significance transcends those syllables. It's the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Many of us know the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, declaring enslaved people in Confederate states free. But here's the crucial fact that anchors Juneteenth: that freedom wasn't immediate, nor was it universal.Imagine, if you will, the vastness of the Confederacy, the chaos of war, and the deliberate withholding of information. Even after the Emancipation Proclamation, enslaved people in many areas remained in bondage, often because the Union Army hadn't yet arrived to enforce the decree. Texas, in particular, became a final stronghold for slavery. It was a place where enslavers from other states often fled with their human property, believing they were beyond the reach of Union forces.This deliberate suppression of information allowed slavery to continue for nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.At Talk Black & Give Back, we believe in the power of giving, not just monetarily, but through sharing knowledge, amplifying voices, and uplifting our communities. Juneteenth embodies that spirit of collective uplift. It's a day to reflect on the past, acknowledge the struggles, and celebrate the triumphs. It’s a day to recommit to the ongoing work of justice and equality, because as many say, "We're not all the way free, but we ain't where we used to be either."This month, our call to action is to encourage you to seek out Juneteenth celebrations in your communities. Learn more about the history of this holiday, support Black-owned businesses, engage in meaningful conversations, and honor the legacy of freedom.Until next episode, we love you and take good care!

Welcome back to Talk Black & Give Back. I'm your host, Jennifer Nickerson-Turner. As we move through April, we're focusing on National Minority Health Month. This year's vital theme, "Advancing Commitments to Eliminate Health Disparities," calls us to directly address the persistent and unacceptable differences in health outcomes experienced by minority groups in the United States, and especially within our Black community.Understanding these disparities requires us to acknowledge their deep and troubling roots in historic and systemic inequities, a legacy that continues to shape our present. These aren't just random occurrences; they are deeply interwoven with ongoing social injustices, economic disadvantages, and environmental inequalities that have consistently acted as significant barriers to achieving true health equity for Black individuals and communities. Today, we'll dive into the complex ways these factors intersect and begin to explore meaningful paths forward to bridge some of the gaps and build a healthier future for us all.Now, for those of you who say there are no inequities or economic disadvantages in health care, let’s take a quick look at some of the FACTS…There are significant areas where health disparities are evident, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, maternal mortality, and mental health.The mental health and well-being of Black Americans are overwhelmingly impacted by the relentless burden of economic disadvantages, social injustices, and systemic inequalities. 1 These persistent stressors create a chronic state of stress, eroding mental resilience and significantly increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges within the community. The evidence linking racism to health disparities is expanding rapidly. A variety of both general and disease-specific mechanisms have been identified that link racism to outcomes in mental health, cardiovascular disease, birth defects, and other outcomes (Paradies, 2006a; Pascoe and Smart Richman, 2009; Shavers et al., 2012; Williams and Mohammed, 2009).It's crucial to understand that these injustices, disadvantages, and inequalities are interconnected and often compound each other, creating a significant burden on the health and wellness of the Black community. Our Call for Commitment and ActionTalk Black and Give Back is actively addressing some of the multifaceted health disparities within our community through impactful initiatives. Our Housing Community Project directly tackles social and economic inequalities by reducing barriers to homeownership for lower-income individuals, fostering stability, and improving overall well-being. Simultaneously, our Free Mental Health Network provides crucial and accessible support, offering mentorship, coaching, and volunteer assistance to alleviate stress often stemming from systemic inequities. Recognizing the vital link between education and mental health, our Free Virtual After-School Tutoring Program further strengthens our community by supporting children's learning needs, ultimately contributing to improved mental and emotional well-being for families. Together, these programs represent our commitment to creating a healthier, more equitable future for the Black community by addressing fundamental social, economic, and mental health needs.

I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE MUSIC IN THIS PODCAST -- Wake Up Everybody!Host: Welcome, everyone, to Talk Black & Give Back. This month, we dedicate our time to honoring Black History Month, a time to reflect on the legacy of resilience, strength, and sacrifice that has shaped our community and our nation. Today, we're focusing on the unwavering commitment of those who gave their lives to build a better future for Black people, and the ongoing struggle for true equality.We begin with Medgar Evers. A name that echoes with courage and profound sacrifice. Medgar Evers, a World War II veteran, dedicated his life to the fight for civil rights in Mississippi. He understood that the battleground was not just in the halls of power, but in the hearts and minds of everyday people. He registered voters, organized boycotts, and investigated acts of violence against Black citizens. His work was dangerous, but he never wavered.Clip: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/RSeTX1Di6Mw?feature=shareHost: On June 12, 1963, Medgar Evers was assassinated in his own driveway, a brutal act of violence intended to silence his voice. But his death did not silence the movement. Instead, it fueled the fire, igniting a national outrage and strengthening the resolve of those fighting for justice. Medgar Evers’ sacrifice reminds us that freedom is not free. It is bought with the blood, sweat, and tears of those who dare to dream of a better world.Medgar Evers was not alone. He stands alongside countless other Black ancestors who gave their lives in the pursuit of justice. From the nameless victims of lynchings to the leaders who stood on the front lines, their sacrifices paved the way for the progress we've made. We remember those who fought for the right to vote, to attend integrated schools, to simply exist without fear. We honor their memory by continuing the fight.(Pause for reflection)Host: And as we reflect on these sacrifices, we must also address the ongoing struggle for equality. We are still fighting for basic rights, for dignity, for a society that truly values Black lives. James Baldwin, a brilliant writer and social critic, once said, "We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist."Clip: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-FRoUYahZTY?feature=shareHost: Baldwin’s words resonate deeply. We believe in love, in unity, in the power of community. But we are tired. Tired of having to justify our existence, tired of fighting for the same rights our ancestors fought for decades ago. We love everyone, but we are simply exhausted from the constant battle for basic rights.It is time to reap what our ancestors have sown. They planted seeds of hope, of resilience, of unwavering belief in a better future. We must cultivate those seeds, nurture them, and bring forth a harvest of justice and equality. This is not just about the past; it's about the present and the future. We must continue to dismantle systemic racism, to challenge injustice, and to create a world where all Black people can thrive.Let's honor the legacy of Medgar Evers and all our ancestors by committing to action. Let's register voters, support Black-owned businesses, advocate for policy changes, and amplify the voices of those who are still fighting for justice. Let's continue to honor Black History Month all year long, by making history ourselves. Until next time, stay strong, stay united, and keep fighting for justice.

On behalf of all volunteers and staff at Talk Black & Give Back, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in our annual Christmas gift-giving event.A special thank you to all the wonderful "elves" who volunteered their time and spirits to bring joy and cheer to those who may not have otherwise been able to experience the Christmas spirit at Compass Healthcare & Rehab fully. Your generosity and kindness truly brightened the holiday season for over 110 residents. We were able to give about 10 items per gift bag including, socks, gloves, activity books, Kleenex, disposable washcloths, hand sanitizer, candy canes, etc. We were also able to gift several baby dolls to the nursing home, compliments of a special angel from the Dollar Store. We are incredibly grateful for your support and wish you all a joyous holiday season filled with peace, love, and happiness.Now, going into 2025, let’s strive to cultivate a life of gratitude, peace, and joy. Let’s consciously release all that no longer serves my highest good – negativity, anger, hate, greed, and the lingering hurt of the past to embrace new beginnings with open arms and a heart full of love and compassion. Let’s reflect on the person in the mirror to be the best people we can be.Going into the New Year, visit us at www.talkblackgiveback.org. Plan to volunteer your time to help others in need. If not with us, that’s okay but find your own way to make a difference in the lives of those around you.We will be back online for a full episode in January 2025. Until then, take good care and be well!

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and remembrance of my mother, Shelia Nickerson, and my auntie, Ruth Hazel (aka Aunt Addie), I want to discuss with you all, the importance of scheduling an annual mammogram. If you have not scheduled a mammogram this year (or ever) please, contact your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment immediately! Breast cancer is a serious health issue that affects people of all races and ethnicities. However, it's important to acknowledge that this disease disproportionately impacts Black Americans. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including limited access to quality healthcare, genetic predisposition, and cultural factors that may delay diagnosis or treatment.To combat this inequality, we must prioritize early detection, access to affordable treatment, and ongoing research focused on understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black Americans. By raising awareness and taking action, we can work towards a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to not only survive breast cancer but thrive!I hope this little segment helps raise awareness and drive change. Again, please take the time to schedule your mammogram today! Click on the link below from the American Cancer Society, to find screening locations and providers…https://www.cancer.org/cancer/screening/get-screened.html

Interview with Author and Pastor of Fruitful & Blessed Ministries Inc., Henry L. Singletary. Pastor Singletary describes personal experiences where he encountered stumbling blocks and felt like giving up, "but the Lord said, No". This discussion also discusses:· common obstacles· ways to shortcut people's learning curve to avoid common roadblocks· underlying causes of many stumbling blocks· psychological and social factors that contribute to these challenges· credit repair and wealth-building· credit counseling· working together to create sustainable solutions (credit counseling, repair, bank loans, & creating generational wealth).· FREE credit counseling and repair classes offered on Wednesday nights, after Bible study. The location is 944 S. Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215. More details to come.