Shows
The Last Will Be FirstParents Roundtable: Florida's Changing State of Black EducationIn our latest back-to-school episode, we bring together parents and educators - Marion 'Nick' Chisholm, Derby Johnson, and Terry Harper-Boatman - for a roundtable discussion on Florida's public schools, Black history, and the impact of Governor DeSantis's actions. We shed light on the issue dominating national headlines: the removal of Black history in Florida's public schools, and reveal that this concern predates recent events.
Parents share personal stories reflecting their assumption that their children's education mirrored their own experiences. They discuss the evolving approach to raising kids and the diminishing role of community support.
We a...2023-09-0630 min
The Last Will Be FirstFostering Black Excellence: The Value of High ExpectationsIn this second episode of our back-to-school series focusing on black education in Florida, we dive into perspectives from Cherie Robinson, a third-grade teacher in Jacksonville, and former administrator Virkeisha Palmer from Pensacola. The episode underscores the value of high expectations and the role of parents, teachers and administrators in maintaining unwavering expectations as Black students' transition to higher grades.
In a two part discussion we address the importance of viewing Black students' challenges as separate from their intelligence.
Cherie Robinson stresses a well-rounded approach, advocating for attention to every aspect of a child. Virkeisha P...2023-08-2443 min
The Last Will Be FirstDouble Jeopardy: Students Caught Between Two SystemsIn this episode, we kickstart our "Back to School" series, focusing on the current state of education for Black students in Florida's K-12 public school system. Our conversation with Amber Roberts sheds light on the experiences of working in the alternative education environment, where some students face what she considers "double jeopardy." Caught between the criminal justice system and the education system, these students lack the necessary resources and guidance to navigate their educational journey, often leaving them stranded on the threshold of progress.
Unfortunately, this vulnerable student population is frequently overlooked and sidelined...2023-08-1528 min
The Last Will Be FirstUpcoming: Back To School Series TrailerIn this upcoming series, we go beyond the headlines and into the classroom as we explore the current state of Black education in Florida.
Join us as we go back to school to shed light on the voices that often go unheard to craft a more inclusive narrative about the current state of education for Black students in Florida’s public school system.
Series launches Monday, August 14th.2023-08-0901 min
The Last Will Be FirstLet Purpose Lead: Brittany Jones and Jimmy Marlow on Plans vs. PurposeIn this episode, we wrap up our series on navigating job loss with a two-part conversation that explores disconnecting from our plans and letting purpose lead.
In part one, our host, Brittany Jones, and her former colleague Jimmy Marlow discuss the personal impact of the Black News Channel network shutdown, just two years after its launch in 2020. Jimmy opens up about his experiences following his layoff and eventual return to the newsroom this past year. He shares how a series of odd jobs helped emphasize the significance of staying open to unconventional opportunities, rather than conforming to...2023-08-0746 min
The Last Will Be FirstStay Calm, This Is On Purpose: Aneesha's Story of Accepting ChangeThis episode of "The Last Will Be First," is part two of a three-part series where we continue to delve into the lives of individuals who have faced past and present layoffs. As we journey deeper into the real experiences of those struggling to find employment and explore the impact of layoffs on Black workers, we bring you an inspiring story of resilience and self-discovery.
In this episode we hear from Aneesha DuBois, a multi-faceted woman who has worn multiple hats, from being an associate producer for E-News to a public relations director for a major company...2023-07-3129 min
The Last Will Be FirstSame God: Michelle Okeke's Story of Endurance Through Multiple LayoffsIn this episode we hear from Michelle Okeke, a seasoned sales executive and media branding expert who has faced an astonishing five layoffs throughout her career. This episode of "The Last Will Be First," is part one of a three-part series that delves into the challenging world of unemployment and its disproportionate impact on Black workers.
Michelle, who has worked at prestigious tech companies such as Facebook, Bose, and Twitter, opens up about her journey through multiple layoffs, including her recent one, and candidly discusses the challenges she faces in her job search. Despite the setbacks, Michelle's...2023-07-2832 minThe Last Will Be FirstFrom Job Loss to Purpose Series TrailerIn this three-part series, you'll hear real stories from individuals who have experienced the challenges of job loss firsthand. This series challenges the misconception that those unemployed lack the determination to overcome their circumstances.
Listen to how our guests for this series found renewed purpose in the midst of their experiences with job loss.
Episode 1 available Jul 28, 2023, subsequent episodes available weekly.
2023-07-2601 min
The Last Will Be FirstThe Last Will Be First Trailer"The Last Will Be First" is a new podcast that revolutionizes the Black experience, amplifying marginalized voices, reclaiming narratives, and shattering stereotypes to redefine the past, present, and future of being Black.2023-07-1901 min