Up Next to the Mic...

Listen to full episodes of Dr. Antija A. & Justin Stewart 's podcast--We're Not OK: A Community of Healing on Spotify , iHeart , and Audible/Amazon . Click follow to find out first when the newest episodes are released!

February 23--Jaylene Clark Owens is a vibrant and imaginative soul hailing from Harlem, NY and currently finding her creative groove in the Greater Philadelphia Region. She is an AUDELCO and Barrymore Award winning actress, as well as a highly acclaimed poet. Jaylene's magnetic presence has graced the stage, film, and television. She is the recipient of the 2019 F. Otto Haas Award for an Emerging Philadelphia Theatre Artist. Currently, you can catch Jaylene in the role of Rosie, on the new PBS Kids TV show, "Albie's Elevator." Jaylene is the visionary behind the viral sensation, "A Black Girl and Her Braids," a captivating poetic celebration of Black Women. You can find more of her poetry in her debut book of poetry, "AfroPoetic.” Jaylene also co-hosts the joy-forward Arts & Culture podcast, #PoppaPank . For more information visit JayleneClarkOwens.com .

Events/Projects: February 12; 7PM at the Wilma. Open Mic based on the current play, “My Mama and the Full Scale Invasion,” by Sasha Denisova! Featured poet is @scott7smith! For tickets, visit Jaylene Clark Owens | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

March 8--Dr. Rassheedah Watts is an activator, helping organizations and individuals build capacity for stronger connected communities!?As a 3-time first-generation college student, she motivates individuals to move from the mental confines of I can’t do I will.?She is an?award-winning Diversity Strategist, educator, producer of the Diversity Minute televised series, and author of the book?How to Be an Ally and Create Inclusion Using the A.C.A. Pillars: A 3-Step Approach to Effective Allyship.?

With over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors she’s led many organizations in achieving notable firsts in the diversity, equity and inclusion landscape. She was instrumental in leading an organization in achieving its first national diversity award in its 50-year history. In 2020 she helped establish a nationally designated Truth, Racial healing, Transformation Center in the state of Minnesota.??

Dr. Rassheedah’s earned the distinction of recruitment into the United States Speaker Program, representing her expertise internationally in collaboration with U.S. embassies and consulates.?

When engaging audiences, Dr. Rassheedah masterfully elevates honesty with heartfelt human connections that inspire courageous action!

Wife, mom to a 12-year-old son, and cat mom to Loli and Tuxie.

To learn more about booking her for your next event, visit www.DrRassheedah.com and stay Connected on YouTube at Dr.Rassheedah, or via Instagram at ActGiant

Follow/Connect on LinkedIn: Dr. Rassheedah The Inclusive Community Architect?, EdD, FRSA

Events/Projects: New Book! Black Womb Dialogues: A Poetic Intersection of Womanhood and Blackness https://a.co/d/fpUZXSP

March 29--Psychologist, advocate, and educator, Dr. Wendi Williams applies her work at the intersection of education and psychology to her scholarship and leadership praxis. Williams completed undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis where she majored in psychology and minored in African and African American Studies. She completed graduate study at Pepperdine University (MA in Psychology) and Georgia State University, where she earned a doctorate in counseling psychology, with an emphasis in multicultural psychology and family systems. Williams began her career as assistant professor in counselor education at Long Island University - Brooklyn and has served as an academic administrator for progressive, justice-focused higher education institutions, like Bank Street College of Education and Mills College, School of Education. She joined Fielding Graduate University as provost and senior vice president in October 2022. Dr. Williams is an accomplished scholar in the areas of Black women and girls' leadership and development, most notably with her recently published book Black Women at Work: On Refusal and Recovery . Dr. Wendi Williams ( drwendiwilliams.com )

Events/Projects: Dr. Williams’ is running for the presidency of the American Psychological Association (APA). To reach her campaign manager, Dr. Delishia Pittman, email [email protected] .

Listen to her podcast, She Been Ready!

Follow/Connect on LinkedIn: Wendi Williams

Join Antija & Justin at their Upcoming Events

February 15th--Algonquin College, Canada

February 22--Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Rapids, MI and Zoom--Open to the Public

Join us either in person or via Zoom for either or both of our engaging and interactive workshops!

Event Title:?We’re Not OK: A Dialogue About Black Faculty & Staff Experiences at PWIs?

Location: Grand Rapids Community College - Sneden Hall, Room 108

Address:?415 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Zoom:?virtual attendees:?https://grcc.zoom.us/j/92197956243

Date: February 22nd, 2024

Time: 8am-9:30am

In this dialogue space, the authors of “We’re Not OK: Black Faculty Experiences and Higher Education Strategies” take a deep dive into the potential ramifications of racial disparities on social belonging and mental health. Topics include racial trauma, tokenism, code switching, and imposter syndrome.

Participants will dissect narratives from Black faculty, engage in group discussion, take part in reflective exercises, and explore practical strategies to foster belonging.?

Event Title:?Cultivating a Community of Belonging

Location: Grand Rapids Community College - Sneden Hall, Room 108

Address:?415 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Zoom:??virtual attendees:?https://grcc.zoom.us/j/95609346797

Date: February 22nd, 2024

Time: noon-1:30pm

In this hands-on workshop, the authors of “We’re Not OK: Black Faculty Experiences and Higher Education Strategies” will take a deep dive into the potential ramifications of racial disparities on diversity, inclusion, retention, and mental health. Discussions will examine the importance of Black faculty representation and its ties to student success. Topics include recruitment, tokenism, workload distribution, and the tenure/promotion process. In order to gain a better understanding of what Black faculty often experience at PWIs, participants will dissect narratives from Black faculty, engage in group discussion, take part in reflective exercises, and explore practical strategies to promote mental wellness, foster belonging and retain Black faculty. Attendees will leave with a short- and long- term action plan that is aligned with their personal and strategic goals.

Follow us on IG and Facebook @notokbookproject Website: www.AllenIvyPrep.org Want to book us? Email [email protected]

Still haven't read We're Not OK? Get your copy here: https://a.co/d/i45klC3