Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to community viewpoints. Is Shawnee feeling blessed and highly
favored On this Sunday morning, we are highlighting Black history
people who are celebrating and highlighting.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Their history in their own way.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
So today I have Anita O Seguey Spencer with us today. Anita,
I know that you have your hands in a lot,
which is what we do as African Americans. But if
you would tell us a little something about yourself and
your nationality.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
I am Anita Spencer, as she said, and I'm a
community activist just by nature. You know, my grandparents, my mother,
my family. It's just something that we've always done as
a people in my family. And so what's important for
us is to push the needle forward, which I think
(00:48):
is going to be helpful in these times that we're
in now. I work in the community. I own a
business in the community. I go out, I help women
in the community. I used to go to the prisons
prior to COVID. Once COVID happened, I couldn't go anymore
just because of certain policies that they changed. So my
thing is about pushing people forward in the most positive
(01:09):
way that I possibly could, and I do that for
my background have africandefense like most of us, but I
do have that. I do have a black background with
the Black Panther Party, which was a part of some
things that my family was a part of. So the
knowledge and information that I have started from when I
was a really young child, and the grooming process kind
of kept on going and I took off on my own.
(01:30):
I think what's important for us right now is the
focus on how we can push our people forward, and
I do that by being a part of the Melanin Market.
And the Melanin Market is an amazing organization and their
platform for small black businesses and resources, and I think
that's one of the things that we lack in our
community is the resources to take our businesses to the
(01:53):
next level and the training because we do training as well.
A lot of people don't know how to start businesses,
and I think one of the things that happens in
our community is having the training to maintain those businesses.
And I think that's where the Melanin Market to me,
really scores high because now do they have resources, but
I'm going to train you how to maintain and keep
(02:13):
this open. So that's one of the things that we
do and I'm very.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Proud of that community.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Shawnee speaking to Anita, a Singway spencer, she is here
to enlighten us and provide some sort of direction. What
I try to do every Sunday is bring people that
are community advocates in our community and around the world
that can help us push forward. As Anita said, So, Anita,
I know that with the Melanin Market the month of February,
you always have a big event to honor our legacy
(02:42):
of Black leaders and celebrate contributions to individuals. Talk to
us about the Melanin Parade that will be happening and
how the community can get involved.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
Okay, the Melanin Parade is going to be on February
twenty second as a Black History parade and market. So
once the parade is over, there are going to be
then ye set up and we usually have quite a
few vendors that are probably that here. I think we're
looking at maybe over one hundred Black vendors, So that's
going to be amazing and it's just a powerful parade
that's going to be followed by I mean food, cultural performances,
(03:13):
and different aspects of our Black history, which is going
to be very important, and we do it on Florida Avenue,
which is on the Touthoric East Side, and we're very
proud of that as well, because again we want to
be able to push it, you know. And that happens
because we have people coming in and they're buying, and
they're spending money intentionally. And I think in the times
(03:33):
that we're in now with all the diversity, equity, inclusion
and this and that, we have got to be intentional
about where we're spending our dollars. Because one of the
things that's important that the Black community needs to understand.
We are the number one consumers in America. We consume everything,
and so with that consumption, it's also a power because
(03:55):
we have the power to take some companies and bankrupt them.
That's how much money we spend with people outside of
our community. So I think it's important to come together
on Sebrary twenty second for the parade and marketplace to
be intentional about our dollars because just the way we're
keeping a lot of these corporations in business and keeping
them rich, we can do the same thing with our
(04:17):
people and our businesses.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Sewnie's speaking to Anita, a certain ways Spencer here today
to talk to but empower us on being intentional about
our movement. And you have been intentional about your movement
here in this community. I heard you say that you
used to visit the jails and you are a part
of engaging and connecting those members of our community back
(04:42):
to society. Talk to us and tell us a little
bit about that movement, Anita.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
I call them returning citizens. A lot of people call
them as convicts and things like that, but I like
to use the term returning citizens. And I think one
of the things that our society has done is we
have moved people pay for the same estate over and
over over, and we're not a second chance society as
we would think. And I think that that's something that
people as individuals. What I try to do is teach
(05:08):
them that guess what, I need you to step outside
of what they think you are and who you think
you are. And so the program is the self the
same program that works with women. I do it in
the community, and I do it also, like I said,
I used to do it in the prisons in jail.
But for me, bringing someone back into society so that
they can function well, how do y'all take care of
(05:29):
their families. Those are the things again that's going to
push them forward in our community. And of course I
have an arrayed people when I'm in jail. So for me,
I'm talking to everyone that I can, when I'm specifically
talking to people of color, because of course that's the
largest amount of people who are incarcerated. And I think
(05:49):
it's important that it affects us all because all of
us have someone six degrees of separation as they say
that movie locked up or in this system, and they
don't know how to navigate your way out. And I
think have helping people and showing people this is the
way that you can get out, and not only get
out with stay out. And so we can no longer
keep pointing the finger and saying you can do better,
(06:11):
you should do better. I think that we got to
give people tools because I can tell you and motivate
you all day long to do something, but if I
don't give you the tools to make those things happen,
you know.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
It doesn't really matter.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
So I think that's what's important to me, is giving
those returning to this and the tools that they need
to stay home and be productive in society.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
And as we are productive in society, Anita, I know
that music is a realm that we all gravitate to.
And you are in the music industry, as you have
a plethora of hats that you are about. So talk
to us about your musical spend and how you use
music to empower well.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Music is a universal language. So I love the fact
that it helps us sometimes it takes us to a
time where we remember the good times we remember. I
remember that that makes me feel good. I think music
is a way for us to come together, people to
come together because we share and common things, beat our rhythms,
(07:13):
those things, those things are life changing for some of us.
And so I think for me being a part of
you know, music and hoping my husband more than his
career and seeing what music does for people, it absolutely
changes who we are. And so I think always having music,
always being able to listen and relax the music. We
(07:33):
can listen and relax to music, or we can get
up and dance and party. Music does that for us,
and so that's why our music is very important.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
To Music is also therapy. You said your husband, would
you like to share who that is? Because he is
also an icon in this community.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
He is he is. He is a part of the
group ninety five South. They are from Jacksonville, Florida. They
made amazing songs like Whoop there it is and come
on ride this train, and so I just appreciate working
with him and seeing.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
How things go again a community.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
Anita has a plethora of hats, which is why I
wanted to bring her in and talk to her.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
What she does also is she does hair.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
And as you know, this is Black History Month and
one of the things that we use our hair for
is to help us navigate. So talk to us about
your business of hair and how long you've been you know,
nurturing the hair of many heads in this community, male
and female.
Speaker 3 (08:29):
Well, I'm a third generation hairstylid, so my mom been
here and her mom been hair So it's just something
I've done. I've been raiding since I was eight years old.
The reason nurturing here and what we are doing is
so important because our barbershops and our salons are the
place where people can come and literally relax and let
their hair down, and we share and we talk about
our community's current events. Those things keep us going as
(08:53):
a people. So what's important to me about hair. And
you can have someone coming to go on and there
not feeling good, and by the time they're leaving, they're up,
they feel good, their energy has changed. And to know
that our hairstyle can do that for you, that's always
why I've been always interested in what my mother used
to do, is I would watch her and women come
(09:15):
in and feel bad, they say, and then when they
leave out, they're a whole different person. You can't pay
for things like that. That's priceless, and for me that's important.
So during our time of enslavement, our hair played very
important roles. And one of the things that they played
roles with is the carrying of foods. So we would
bring our hair sometime and put rice and seeds, and
(09:38):
so not only could we maybe eat the seeds on
the journey, or when we got to where we were going,
we could plant them so we could grow our foods.
Those things were extremely important. And not only that, but
our hair also was a map. They were masps. We
would break maps into the heads of some of the
women and they would come along on the trip to
(09:59):
navigate us through where we had to go. And so
those things are majorly important.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
And not only that, but we're.
Speaker 3 (10:07):
The only people on the planet what's here like this?
So those things are extremely important and how we look
at ourselves and how we feel about ourselves.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
And here does that community.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Shawnee speaking to Anita, a Seaway Spencer, she is here
to empower us first Sunday of Black History Month, understanding
your history, understanding how powerful you can and whatever you do, you.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
Can empower somebody else.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
So, Anita, I know that with life and everything, you
have a plan of action to help our community.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
What's next for you?
Speaker 3 (10:41):
Well, what's next for us? Actually, because it's us, it's
a village thing. We got to make direct impacts. One
of the things that we just did that was extremely
what's the word I'm looking for gratifying, And what it
was is we're doing what's called cash mobbing. And what
we're doing is we're getting a bus.
Speaker 4 (11:01):
We're getting we.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Give a bus. I think it's a fifty five passenger bus.
The last event, we had like forty five people and
what we did was went to five different black businesses
and we just shopped with them. We just mobbed them.
We went in everybody bought something. That was extremely important
for us because that's a direct impact that's a direct
impact on our community, because when you spend money with
(11:23):
the black business, you're impacting a black family. Families create communities,
Communities create empires, that empires create dynasties. That's what we
are doing now and so every month going forward, we
want to go ahead and go to these businesses. We'll
reach out to the business and events so you can
stock up and have what you need for when we come.
(11:44):
But we want to impact. Those direct impacts are what's
going to be important to us as a community.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
Anita, How can anyone get involved with your movement? How
can we empower you as a community as you are
empowering us.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
You can visit our website, Jack Jabras melaninmarket dot com
and when you go there you will see all the
different events and trainings and things that we're doing. We
would love everybody to come and get on our cash
mod bus and if you can't go, pay for someone
else to go. But those things were going to be important. Again,
we're at Jackmelaninmarket dot com and you can see all
(12:20):
of our information.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
Right there, honoring our past, celebrating our future and building
and connecting communities. Anita, thank you so much for empowering
us today, understanding that we are us and they and
we always got to work together to ensure that we
are pushing each other and that needle forward. Anything else
that you like to share with the community today, I just.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
Want everybody to be intension on about or spending, pay
attention to what's going on around you, and start with
your family. If you don't do anything else, we can't
get mad at We're understand its because he's taking books
out of the schools. You need to have books in
your home. You need to be reading to your family.
You can't get mad and he's taking our hitty out
of the school. You need to start at home with
your family. Who are your people? Your kids need to
(13:04):
know who your people are, your father, grandfather. They need
to be able to go back at least take seven
generations so they'll feel good about who they are. And
that's what I want to leave with everyone.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
And we're back with community viewpoints on this Sunday morning.
We are empowering our community and our families and children today.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
I have Angel Caro.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
He is the president and CEO of ELC of Duval
and ELC is Early Learning Coalition.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Angel, how are you today?
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Great, great having to read on.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Well, you know, happy to have you.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
I understand that you are doing a tour with all
our stations, so I am glad that we were able
to connect and talk about Early Learning Coalition before we
get started, Angel, tell us a little something about yourself.
Speaker 4 (13:50):
So I've been in with the learning coalitions now for
almost twenty years, started in finance and accounting, been with
the Duvall Coalition for eighteen years, and took over our
CEO almost two years ago.
Speaker 1 (14:03):
Now, so there's growth. Tell me more about the Early
Learning Coalition of DUFA.
Speaker 4 (14:08):
So we are our private nonprofit that we were created
in nineteen ninety nine by state legislators with the School
Readiness Act. They were looking for childcare help throughout all
fifty seven counties in state of Florida, so they created
independent nonprofits. There's thirty of us throughout the state. We
do all have independent boards working with the Division of
(14:30):
Early Learning under the Department of Education to work with
the School Readiness Grant and BPK programs serving around nineteen
thousand children in the Duval County area.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
And how does the coalition help families pay for childcare?
Speaker 4 (14:45):
So we have that school readiness program, which is federal
dollars that come through the state to us. It is
geared for families that are at of by one hundred
and fifty percent of the poverty level, working at least
twenty hours a week or going to school full time.
So depending on their family size and income, they receive
a voucher to help them pay for the childcare costs and.
Speaker 1 (15:05):
How does a family identify a quality childcare program?
Speaker 4 (15:10):
So they want to focus on, you know, what their
needs are, what I would say the first thing at
contacting us at at the Learning Coalition nine four to
zero eight twenty forty four, we have a childcare Resource
Referral team that can help them, you know, find a
list of the schools that they're looking for, maybe depend
on the hours that they're looking for, they need transportation,
(15:31):
or they're just looking for their certain area. We also
do tell them to look at the DCF reports and
to visit at least three schools to get an idea
of their environment, because you know, they're putting their child there,
they want to make sure that everything is safe.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
With them understanding there's a lot of parents out there
that have little ones that they need help with. Shawnie
speaking to Angel Caro. He is the president and CEO
of the Early Learning Coalition of Douvall. Now, Joe, talk
to me about VPK.
Speaker 2 (16:02):
What is it so.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
VPK is the state's free voluntary pre kindergarten program. It
is for any child who lives in Florida and has
turned four by September. First programs usually range between August
through May. It's five hundred and forty hours. Most schools
offer a three day program when it's a Friday, but
(16:23):
they can vary. EA school gets designed and we have
about three hundred and fifty childcare centers throughout Vivaupt County
that offer the program.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
And how important is it that a four year old
attends Florida Voluntary pre Kindergarten or VPK.
Speaker 4 (16:38):
Children who attend VPK are more ready to start kindergarten
than one who does not attend a high quality pre
K program. It gets them familiar with the class of
environmental structure, It helps them develop better social skills, and
then intruces them into those skills they need for like
reading and pre literacy skills.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
I am so glad that we were able to talk
to you today. Angel.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
It's a lot that you're delivering today for a community
that needs it. Now, what if a parent is concerned
about the young child's developmental health or behavior.
Speaker 4 (17:10):
We partner with help Me Grow Florida to provide age
developmental screening for families. So if families would like to
receive a free screening, they could reach out to us
at You'lcaldoball dot org or you know nine O four
two or eight twenty forty four and we could help
them set up with the agents and status questionnaire so
(17:31):
they could log online and go through it and if
anything shows up, we do help connect families with agencies
to help provide any kind of services that they would need.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
Immundy Shawnie speaking to Angel Caro, President and CEO of
the Early Learning Coalition of Douval, and I know that
it starts in the home, Angel, So I've heard the
phrase parents are their children's first teachers.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
Can you elaborate on that.
Speaker 4 (17:55):
Yeah, So the biggest thing is ninety percent of a
child's brain development is done by age five, so you're
there in those first years and it's you know, it's
very important for parents to read to their children and
get engaged from the beginning to such a high level
of development happens by the time they turn five.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
And Angel, what do you want listeners to take away
from this interview today?
Speaker 4 (18:21):
So the biggest thing is that we're here to help
provide any information that they need with early childhood and experiences.
So just reaching out to us, you know, it could
be needing help pay with school readiness, with childcare costs,
or just trying to find a high quality program. We're
here to give and assist any way we can.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
And Angel, I know that this is a momentum. Children
are our future. I see here on your website. Your
goal is all children receive high quality care and learning
and all families have the support they need to succeed.
You know, just having you in the community and speaking
to you about the Early Learning Coalition is a blessing
(19:01):
to all of us. What is your goal this year?
How can the community help you? Just help you grow?
Speaker 4 (19:10):
Yeah, So the biggest thing right now is we're trying
to keep on increasing our WEBEC enrollment, just trying to
give more families that knowledge and get them enrolled in
a high quality pre kate program because we do want
all children to do, all to be ready to start
when they get to kindergarten to help them lead to
success later on in life.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
This has been your joy for the last twenty years.
What do you foresee? What is your dream for this
the Early Learning Coalition of do vall.
Speaker 4 (19:41):
My dream would be, well, one is getting all kids ready,
but just continuing to grow partnership with our providers helping them,
you know, find and qualified teachers and keeping on advancing
the growth that we've seen with our families in Doval County.
Make sure they're all getting ready and they have a
successful life. Is one day graduate from school.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
And I know that you have partners that is helping
the community through your drive. Would you like to show
some love to those partners in the community.
Speaker 4 (20:10):
Yeah, so Well, you know our major partners, kidsop Alliance in.
Speaker 5 (20:14):
The United Way help provide funding that gets matched by
the State of Florida, which is great bringing more dollars
into Duval County to help provide services to the community.
Speaker 1 (20:25):
Thank you for allowing your passion to evolve into being
the now president and CEO of the Early Learning Coalition.
So keep doing what you're doing, keep being a blessing
and thank you so much for sharing your time today
with us.
Speaker 3 (20:40):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (20:41):
I appreciate it for being on.
Speaker 2 (20:43):
Is there anything else that you'd like to share with the.
Speaker 4 (20:45):
Community, Just reach out to us, they say, if you
have any questions nine oh four to zero eight, twenty
forty four, or if they need any help choosing a
high quality talker center. Nine oh four to zero eight,
twenty forty four.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
Thank you Angel so much for your time, and we're
back with more of community viewpoints. We are highlighting our
go getters Black History Month. We have to be intentional
of who we highlight and empower our own in the community.
We have to create a space for those people who
are entrepreneurs. So today I have Felicia be Right with us. Felicia,
(21:18):
how are you?
Speaker 3 (21:19):
I'm doing good? How are you doing.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
Well on this Sunday? Felicia, you are amazing.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
First, I have to tell you that I've been watching
you from your first annual tone now and I want
you to share with the community what Felicia be Right
is all about.
Speaker 6 (21:33):
So I am a mompreneur, I'm a wife, I'm a
community advocate, and we are getting ready to celebrate our
tenth annual Crows and Combo event, which will be next Saturday, February.
The eighth, and I'm super excited that we made it
this far because there was a couple of hiccups in
the road with COVID and some other things. So I'm
(21:55):
super proud that we're able to celebrate ten years this year.
Speaker 2 (21:59):
And Felicia, I know ten years.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
I was a part of the first push and I've
been watching you and I understand the hiccups. But what
does it take as a mom New York and a
community advocate to keep going.
Speaker 6 (22:11):
It is definitely a lot of work. There's a lot
behind that goes on behind the scenes that most people
don't know about. But for me, I still try to
show up because as I've grown professionally and personally, I
know that it's it's not just about me, you know,
it's about me helping the community as a whole, inspiring others,
(22:33):
especially our young people specifically, I have a heart for
young girls. Of course, I have a daughter who will
be thirteen in March. It definitely takes a lot, but
what keeps me going is I know that if I
can inspire and empower at least one person, then I'm
on the right track.
Speaker 2 (22:50):
Community.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Shawnee speaking to Felicia, be right, she is the CEO,
and you're gonna tell us about the tenth anniversary of
Curls and Convo.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
Tell us about the name. It is a unique name
that you have.
Speaker 6 (23:02):
Yes. So, Curls and Convo initially started out of my
own personal experience. Shortly after I had my daughter. I
had gotten my first relaxer, and I feel like it
was probably because of my foremos, but I had a
bad reaction. So over time, organically I started missing my
hair appointments, of course because I had a newborn at home.
(23:23):
But what I found out through that experience and talking
to other women and other moms, it wasn't just about
the hair, especially being a woman of color, but it
was about how I saw myself, how society saw me.
And so that's kind of where the Curl's part became.
Of course, about our hair and our heritage and culture
(23:44):
and different things that we can do with it, but
also the convo part just talking about different things and
different experiences that we go through, you know in society,
and not just in society, but you know, within ourselves internally.
And around that time too, I think I started hearing
a lot of negative stories about women and men, specifically
(24:07):
of color, like in the media who maybe we're wearing
braids or dreads or afros or just had a different
style even with the kids in school. And so in
my mind, I was like, it can't just be about
the hair, because I know that these people are a
qualified you know, the kids aren't getting in trouble, they're
not doing anything wrong, So it's something more there. So
that's kind of where the convo piece came about. Of course,
(24:28):
we have a panel, so there's different adults and women
who work in corporate, there's hair stylists, and then I
also always invite at least one or two teen girls
because we definitely have the girls there so something they
can relate to, and just to be able to share
and have a safe space to share our experiences and
support and empower one another.
Speaker 1 (24:49):
Thank you so much for being a community advocate, Felicia
b Right, community paving away and allowing us to have
a conversation to talk about the things that are going
on in our community. Being that it's Black History Month, Felicia,
I just want to highlight you and show you some
love because you are on your journey of empowering and
(25:13):
you do not stop.
Speaker 6 (25:16):
Yes, and I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to
talk to you and share with the community.
Speaker 1 (25:21):
Oh no worries, Felicia, I was just waiting because you
have been on tour. I think you viohlighted and have
been highlighted with all our community partners that show love
to people who are moving and grooving in our community.
So it is my pleasure to highlight you and speak
to you and help put the word out. So let
(25:42):
us know about the event again coming up and how
the community can be a part of this phenomenal tenth anniversary.
Speaker 6 (25:49):
Yes, so our tenth annual Crolsankavo will be held at
the Visa Tower next Saturday, which is February eighth, from
eleven am to two pms. You can get tickets by
going online and it's Curls and Convo Dash one zero
do event bright dot com.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
And what can the community expect from this event?
Speaker 6 (26:12):
So attending the event you can expect to I'll actually
be doing a fireside chat so people will be able
to get a little bit more insight and get to
know me a little bit better as a person. And
also because typically I'm running around as a host, so
I don't get a chance to kind of spend and
connect with people and attendees during that time. But I'll
be doing a fireside chat on my why I started
(26:34):
the event and where what's going to happen next as
far as the next ten to twenty years, what will
happen with the event. They'll also be a panel discussion.
We will have a care demo as well as the
head wrack demo. There will be a light lunch as
well as some swag bags with some goodies from some
of our sponsors.
Speaker 1 (26:54):
And again, how can the community get get involved with
the tenth annual Curls and Convo.
Speaker 6 (27:00):
Yes, you can find out more about the event by
going to Curlsancombos dash one zero dot event bright dot com,
or you can connect with me on my igpage which
is my GANI underscore LLC and it's my g a
n I Underscore LC.
Speaker 1 (27:19):
Thank you so much for being a powerhouse in our community, Felicia.
I appreciate the conversation and I understand that phenomenal people
in the community are wrapping their hearts and minds around you.
So thank you for your time today. Congratulations on your
tenth annual and please don't stop being a blessing to
the community.
Speaker 6 (27:40):
I appreciate it. We all have to be connected and
support one another.
Speaker 2 (27:45):
Thank you, Felicia b. Right Community. If you would like
to find out what's going on in the.
Speaker 1 (27:49):
Community, be sure to check out our community calendar page
on our website. Thank you so much for listening to
community viewpoints this morning.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
It is Black History Month.
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Empowered, be an inspiration, but also be engaged and stay intentional.
Thank you for listening to community viewpoints. Have a blessed
day and be a blessing
Welcome to community viewpoints. Is Shawnee feeling blessed and highly
favored On this Sunday morning, we are highlighting Black history
people who are celebrating and highlighting.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Their history in their own way.
Speaker 1 (00:12):
So today I have Anita O Seguey Spencer with us today. Anita,
I know that you have your hands in a lot,
which is what we do as African Americans. But if
you would tell us a little something about yourself and
your nationality.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
I am Anita Spencer, as she said, and I'm a
community activist just by nature. You know, my grandparents, my mother,
my family. It's just something that we've always done as
a people in my family. And so what's important for
us is to push the needle forward, which I think
(00:48):
is going to be helpful in these times that we're
in now. I work in the community. I own a
business in the community. I go out, I help women
in the community. I used to go to the prisons
prior to COVID. Once COVID happened, I couldn't go anymore
just because of certain policies that they changed. So my
thing is about pushing people forward in the most positive
(01:09):
way that I possibly could, and I do that for
my background have africandefense like most of us, but I
do have that. I do have a black background with
the Black Panther Party, which was a part of some
things that my family was a part of. So the
knowledge and information that I have started from when I
was a really young child, and the grooming process kind
of kept on going and I took off on my own.
(01:30):
I think what's important for us right now is the
focus on how we can push our people forward, and
I do that by being a part of the Melanin Market.
And the Melanin Market is an amazing organization and their
platform for small black businesses and resources, and I think
that's one of the things that we lack in our
community is the resources to take our businesses to the
(01:53):
next level and the training because we do training as well.
A lot of people don't know how to start businesses,
and I think one of the things that happens in
our community is having the training to maintain those businesses.
And I think that's where the Melanin Market to me,
really scores high because now do they have resources, but
I'm going to train you how to maintain and keep
(02:13):
this open. So that's one of the things that we
do and I'm very.
Speaker 2 (02:17):
Proud of that community.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Shawnee speaking to Anita, a Singway spencer, she is here
to enlighten us and provide some sort of direction. What
I try to do every Sunday is bring people that
are community advocates in our community and around the world
that can help us push forward. As Anita said, So, Anita,
I know that with the Melanin Market the month of February,
you always have a big event to honor our legacy
(02:42):
of Black leaders and celebrate contributions to individuals. Talk to
us about the Melanin Parade that will be happening and
how the community can get involved.
Speaker 3 (02:51):
Okay, the Melanin Parade is going to be on February
twenty second as a Black History parade and market. So
once the parade is over, there are going to be
then ye set up and we usually have quite a
few vendors that are probably that here. I think we're
looking at maybe over one hundred Black vendors, So that's
going to be amazing and it's just a powerful parade
that's going to be followed by I mean food, cultural performances,
(03:13):
and different aspects of our Black history, which is going
to be very important, and we do it on Florida Avenue,
which is on the Touthoric East Side, and we're very
proud of that as well, because again we want to
be able to push it, you know. And that happens
because we have people coming in and they're buying, and
they're spending money intentionally. And I think in the times
(03:33):
that we're in now with all the diversity, equity, inclusion
and this and that, we have got to be intentional
about where we're spending our dollars. Because one of the
things that's important that the Black community needs to understand.
We are the number one consumers in America. We consume everything,
and so with that consumption, it's also a power because
(03:55):
we have the power to take some companies and bankrupt them.
That's how much money we spend with people outside of
our community. So I think it's important to come together
on Sebrary twenty second for the parade and marketplace to
be intentional about our dollars because just the way we're
keeping a lot of these corporations in business and keeping
them rich, we can do the same thing with our
(04:17):
people and our businesses.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Sewnie's speaking to Anita, a certain ways Spencer here today
to talk to but empower us on being intentional about
our movement. And you have been intentional about your movement
here in this community. I heard you say that you
used to visit the jails and you are a part
of engaging and connecting those members of our community back
(04:42):
to society. Talk to us and tell us a little
bit about that movement, Anita.
Speaker 3 (04:45):
I call them returning citizens. A lot of people call
them as convicts and things like that, but I like
to use the term returning citizens. And I think one
of the things that our society has done is we
have moved people pay for the same estate over and
over over, and we're not a second chance society as
we would think. And I think that that's something that
people as individuals. What I try to do is teach
(05:08):
them that guess what, I need you to step outside
of what they think you are and who you think
you are. And so the program is the self the
same program that works with women. I do it in
the community, and I do it also, like I said,
I used to do it in the prisons in jail.
But for me, bringing someone back into society so that
they can function well, how do y'all take care of
(05:29):
their families. Those are the things again that's going to
push them forward in our community. And of course I
have an arrayed people when I'm in jail. So for me,
I'm talking to everyone that I can, when I'm specifically
talking to people of color, because of course that's the
largest amount of people who are incarcerated. And I think
(05:49):
it's important that it affects us all because all of
us have someone six degrees of separation as they say
that movie locked up or in this system, and they
don't know how to navigate your way out. And I
think have helping people and showing people this is the
way that you can get out, and not only get
out with stay out. And so we can no longer
keep pointing the finger and saying you can do better,
(06:11):
you should do better. I think that we got to
give people tools because I can tell you and motivate
you all day long to do something, but if I
don't give you the tools to make those things happen,
you know.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
It doesn't really matter.
Speaker 3 (06:24):
So I think that's what's important to me, is giving
those returning to this and the tools that they need
to stay home and be productive in society.
Speaker 1 (06:32):
And as we are productive in society, Anita, I know
that music is a realm that we all gravitate to.
And you are in the music industry, as you have
a plethora of hats that you are about. So talk
to us about your musical spend and how you use
music to empower well.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Music is a universal language. So I love the fact
that it helps us sometimes it takes us to a
time where we remember the good times we remember. I
remember that that makes me feel good. I think music
is a way for us to come together, people to
come together because we share and common things, beat our rhythms,
(07:13):
those things, those things are life changing for some of us.
And so I think for me being a part of
you know, music and hoping my husband more than his
career and seeing what music does for people, it absolutely
changes who we are. And so I think always having music,
always being able to listen and relax the music. We
(07:33):
can listen and relax to music, or we can get
up and dance and party. Music does that for us,
and so that's why our music is very important.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
To Music is also therapy. You said your husband, would
you like to share who that is? Because he is
also an icon in this community.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
He is he is. He is a part of the
group ninety five South. They are from Jacksonville, Florida. They
made amazing songs like Whoop there it is and come
on ride this train, and so I just appreciate working
with him and seeing.
Speaker 2 (08:01):
How things go again a community.
Speaker 1 (08:04):
Anita has a plethora of hats, which is why I
wanted to bring her in and talk to her.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
What she does also is she does hair.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
And as you know, this is Black History Month and
one of the things that we use our hair for
is to help us navigate. So talk to us about
your business of hair and how long you've been you know,
nurturing the hair of many heads in this community, male
and female.
Speaker 3 (08:29):
Well, I'm a third generation hairstylid, so my mom been
here and her mom been hair So it's just something
I've done. I've been raiding since I was eight years old.
The reason nurturing here and what we are doing is
so important because our barbershops and our salons are the
place where people can come and literally relax and let
their hair down, and we share and we talk about
our community's current events. Those things keep us going as
(08:53):
a people. So what's important to me about hair. And
you can have someone coming to go on and there
not feeling good, and by the time they're leaving, they're up,
they feel good, their energy has changed. And to know
that our hairstyle can do that for you, that's always
why I've been always interested in what my mother used
to do, is I would watch her and women come
(09:15):
in and feel bad, they say, and then when they
leave out, they're a whole different person. You can't pay
for things like that. That's priceless, and for me that's important.
So during our time of enslavement, our hair played very
important roles. And one of the things that they played
roles with is the carrying of foods. So we would
bring our hair sometime and put rice and seeds, and
(09:38):
so not only could we maybe eat the seeds on
the journey, or when we got to where we were going,
we could plant them so we could grow our foods.
Those things were extremely important. And not only that, but
our hair also was a map. They were masps. We
would break maps into the heads of some of the
women and they would come along on the trip to
(09:59):
navigate us through where we had to go. And so
those things are majorly important.
Speaker 4 (10:06):
And not only that, but we're.
Speaker 3 (10:07):
The only people on the planet what's here like this?
So those things are extremely important and how we look
at ourselves and how we feel about ourselves.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
And here does that community.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
Shawnee speaking to Anita, a Seaway Spencer, she is here
to empower us first Sunday of Black History Month, understanding
your history, understanding how powerful you can and whatever you do, you.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
Can empower somebody else.
Speaker 1 (10:32):
So, Anita, I know that with life and everything, you
have a plan of action to help our community.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
What's next for you?
Speaker 3 (10:41):
Well, what's next for us? Actually, because it's us, it's
a village thing. We got to make direct impacts. One
of the things that we just did that was extremely
what's the word I'm looking for gratifying, And what it
was is we're doing what's called cash mobbing. And what
we're doing is we're getting a bus.
Speaker 4 (11:01):
We're getting we.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
Give a bus. I think it's a fifty five passenger bus.
The last event, we had like forty five people and
what we did was went to five different black businesses
and we just shopped with them. We just mobbed them.
We went in everybody bought something. That was extremely important
for us because that's a direct impact that's a direct
impact on our community, because when you spend money with
(11:23):
the black business, you're impacting a black family. Families create communities,
Communities create empires, that empires create dynasties. That's what we
are doing now and so every month going forward, we
want to go ahead and go to these businesses. We'll
reach out to the business and events so you can
stock up and have what you need for when we come.
(11:44):
But we want to impact. Those direct impacts are what's
going to be important to us as a community.
Speaker 1 (11:50):
Anita, How can anyone get involved with your movement? How
can we empower you as a community as you are
empowering us.
Speaker 3 (11:58):
You can visit our website, Jack Jabras melaninmarket dot com
and when you go there you will see all the
different events and trainings and things that we're doing. We
would love everybody to come and get on our cash
mod bus and if you can't go, pay for someone
else to go. But those things were going to be important. Again,
we're at Jackmelaninmarket dot com and you can see all
(12:20):
of our information.
Speaker 1 (12:21):
Right there, honoring our past, celebrating our future and building
and connecting communities. Anita, thank you so much for empowering
us today, understanding that we are us and they and
we always got to work together to ensure that we
are pushing each other and that needle forward. Anything else
that you like to share with the community today, I just.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
Want everybody to be intension on about or spending, pay
attention to what's going on around you, and start with
your family. If you don't do anything else, we can't
get mad at We're understand its because he's taking books
out of the schools. You need to have books in
your home. You need to be reading to your family.
You can't get mad and he's taking our hitty out
of the school. You need to start at home with
your family. Who are your people? Your kids need to
(13:04):
know who your people are, your father, grandfather. They need
to be able to go back at least take seven
generations so they'll feel good about who they are. And
that's what I want to leave with everyone.
Speaker 1 (13:14):
And we're back with community viewpoints on this Sunday morning.
We are empowering our community and our families and children today.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
I have Angel Caro.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
He is the president and CEO of ELC of Duval
and ELC is Early Learning Coalition.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Angel, how are you today?
Speaker 4 (13:33):
Great, great having to read on.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
Well, you know, happy to have you.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
I understand that you are doing a tour with all
our stations, so I am glad that we were able
to connect and talk about Early Learning Coalition before we
get started, Angel, tell us a little something about yourself.
Speaker 4 (13:50):
So I've been in with the learning coalitions now for
almost twenty years, started in finance and accounting, been with
the Duvall Coalition for eighteen years, and took over our
CEO almost two years ago.
Speaker 1 (14:03):
Now, so there's growth. Tell me more about the Early
Learning Coalition of DUFA.
Speaker 4 (14:08):
So we are our private nonprofit that we were created
in nineteen ninety nine by state legislators with the School
Readiness Act. They were looking for childcare help throughout all
fifty seven counties in state of Florida, so they created
independent nonprofits. There's thirty of us throughout the state. We
do all have independent boards working with the Division of
(14:30):
Early Learning under the Department of Education to work with
the School Readiness Grant and BPK programs serving around nineteen
thousand children in the Duval County area.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
And how does the coalition help families pay for childcare?
Speaker 4 (14:45):
So we have that school readiness program, which is federal
dollars that come through the state to us. It is
geared for families that are at of by one hundred
and fifty percent of the poverty level, working at least
twenty hours a week or going to school full time.
So depending on their family size and income, they receive
a voucher to help them pay for the childcare costs and.
Speaker 1 (15:05):
How does a family identify a quality childcare program?
Speaker 4 (15:10):
So they want to focus on, you know, what their
needs are, what I would say the first thing at
contacting us at at the Learning Coalition nine four to
zero eight twenty forty four, we have a childcare Resource
Referral team that can help them, you know, find a
list of the schools that they're looking for, maybe depend
on the hours that they're looking for, they need transportation,
(15:31):
or they're just looking for their certain area. We also
do tell them to look at the DCF reports and
to visit at least three schools to get an idea
of their environment, because you know, they're putting their child there,
they want to make sure that everything is safe.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
With them understanding there's a lot of parents out there
that have little ones that they need help with. Shawnie
speaking to Angel Caro. He is the president and CEO
of the Early Learning Coalition of Douvall. Now, Joe, talk
to me about VPK.
Speaker 2 (16:02):
What is it so.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
VPK is the state's free voluntary pre kindergarten program. It
is for any child who lives in Florida and has
turned four by September. First programs usually range between August
through May. It's five hundred and forty hours. Most schools
offer a three day program when it's a Friday, but
(16:23):
they can vary. EA school gets designed and we have
about three hundred and fifty childcare centers throughout Vivaupt County
that offer the program.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
And how important is it that a four year old
attends Florida Voluntary pre Kindergarten or VPK.
Speaker 4 (16:38):
Children who attend VPK are more ready to start kindergarten
than one who does not attend a high quality pre
K program. It gets them familiar with the class of
environmental structure, It helps them develop better social skills, and
then intruces them into those skills they need for like
reading and pre literacy skills.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
I am so glad that we were able to talk
to you today. Angel.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
It's a lot that you're delivering today for a community
that needs it. Now, what if a parent is concerned
about the young child's developmental health or behavior.
Speaker 4 (17:10):
We partner with help Me Grow Florida to provide age
developmental screening for families. So if families would like to
receive a free screening, they could reach out to us
at You'lcaldoball dot org or you know nine O four
two or eight twenty forty four and we could help
them set up with the agents and status questionnaire so
(17:31):
they could log online and go through it and if
anything shows up, we do help connect families with agencies
to help provide any kind of services that they would need.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
Immundy Shawnie speaking to Angel Caro, President and CEO of
the Early Learning Coalition of Douval, and I know that
it starts in the home, Angel, So I've heard the
phrase parents are their children's first teachers.
Speaker 2 (17:53):
Can you elaborate on that.
Speaker 4 (17:55):
Yeah, So the biggest thing is ninety percent of a
child's brain development is done by age five, so you're
there in those first years and it's you know, it's
very important for parents to read to their children and
get engaged from the beginning to such a high level
of development happens by the time they turn five.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
And Angel, what do you want listeners to take away
from this interview today?
Speaker 4 (18:21):
So the biggest thing is that we're here to help
provide any information that they need with early childhood and experiences.
So just reaching out to us, you know, it could
be needing help pay with school readiness, with childcare costs,
or just trying to find a high quality program. We're
here to give and assist any way we can.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
And Angel, I know that this is a momentum. Children
are our future. I see here on your website. Your
goal is all children receive high quality care and learning
and all families have the support they need to succeed.
You know, just having you in the community and speaking
to you about the Early Learning Coalition is a blessing
(19:01):
to all of us. What is your goal this year?
How can the community help you? Just help you grow?
Speaker 4 (19:10):
Yeah, So the biggest thing right now is we're trying
to keep on increasing our WEBEC enrollment, just trying to
give more families that knowledge and get them enrolled in
a high quality pre kate program because we do want
all children to do, all to be ready to start
when they get to kindergarten to help them lead to
success later on in life.
Speaker 1 (19:29):
This has been your joy for the last twenty years.
What do you foresee? What is your dream for this
the Early Learning Coalition of do vall.
Speaker 4 (19:41):
My dream would be, well, one is getting all kids ready,
but just continuing to grow partnership with our providers helping them,
you know, find and qualified teachers and keeping on advancing
the growth that we've seen with our families in Doval County.
Make sure they're all getting ready and they have a
successful life. Is one day graduate from school.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
And I know that you have partners that is helping
the community through your drive. Would you like to show
some love to those partners in the community.
Speaker 4 (20:10):
Yeah, so Well, you know our major partners, kidsop Alliance in.
Speaker 5 (20:14):
The United Way help provide funding that gets matched by
the State of Florida, which is great bringing more dollars
into Duval County to help provide services to the community.
Speaker 1 (20:25):
Thank you for allowing your passion to evolve into being
the now president and CEO of the Early Learning Coalition.
So keep doing what you're doing, keep being a blessing
and thank you so much for sharing your time today
with us.
Speaker 3 (20:40):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (20:41):
I appreciate it for being on.
Speaker 2 (20:43):
Is there anything else that you'd like to share with the.
Speaker 4 (20:45):
Community, Just reach out to us, they say, if you
have any questions nine oh four to zero eight, twenty
forty four, or if they need any help choosing a
high quality talker center. Nine oh four to zero eight,
twenty forty four.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
Thank you Angel so much for your time, and we're
back with more of community viewpoints. We are highlighting our
go getters Black History Month. We have to be intentional
of who we highlight and empower our own in the community.
We have to create a space for those people who
are entrepreneurs. So today I have Felicia be Right with us. Felicia,
(21:18):
how are you?
Speaker 3 (21:19):
I'm doing good? How are you doing.
Speaker 2 (21:21):
Well on this Sunday? Felicia, you are amazing.
Speaker 1 (21:24):
First, I have to tell you that I've been watching
you from your first annual tone now and I want
you to share with the community what Felicia be Right
is all about.
Speaker 6 (21:33):
So I am a mompreneur, I'm a wife, I'm a
community advocate, and we are getting ready to celebrate our
tenth annual Crows and Combo event, which will be next Saturday, February.
The eighth, and I'm super excited that we made it
this far because there was a couple of hiccups in
the road with COVID and some other things. So I'm
(21:55):
super proud that we're able to celebrate ten years this year.
Speaker 2 (21:59):
And Felicia, I know ten years.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
I was a part of the first push and I've
been watching you and I understand the hiccups. But what
does it take as a mom New York and a
community advocate to keep going.
Speaker 6 (22:11):
It is definitely a lot of work. There's a lot
behind that goes on behind the scenes that most people
don't know about. But for me, I still try to
show up because as I've grown professionally and personally, I
know that it's it's not just about me, you know,
it's about me helping the community as a whole, inspiring others,
(22:33):
especially our young people specifically, I have a heart for
young girls. Of course, I have a daughter who will
be thirteen in March. It definitely takes a lot, but
what keeps me going is I know that if I
can inspire and empower at least one person, then I'm
on the right track.
Speaker 2 (22:50):
Community.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Shawnee speaking to Felicia, be right, she is the CEO,
and you're gonna tell us about the tenth anniversary of
Curls and Convo.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
Tell us about the name. It is a unique name
that you have.
Speaker 6 (23:02):
Yes. So, Curls and Convo initially started out of my
own personal experience. Shortly after I had my daughter. I
had gotten my first relaxer, and I feel like it
was probably because of my foremos, but I had a
bad reaction. So over time, organically I started missing my
hair appointments, of course because I had a newborn at home.
(23:23):
But what I found out through that experience and talking
to other women and other moms, it wasn't just about
the hair, especially being a woman of color, but it
was about how I saw myself, how society saw me.
And so that's kind of where the Curl's part became.
Of course, about our hair and our heritage and culture
(23:44):
and different things that we can do with it, but
also the convo part just talking about different things and
different experiences that we go through, you know in society,
and not just in society, but you know, within ourselves internally.
And around that time too, I think I started hearing
a lot of negative stories about women and men, specifically
(24:07):
of color, like in the media who maybe we're wearing
braids or dreads or afros or just had a different
style even with the kids in school. And so in
my mind, I was like, it can't just be about
the hair, because I know that these people are a
qualified you know, the kids aren't getting in trouble, they're
not doing anything wrong, So it's something more there. So
that's kind of where the convo piece came about. Of course,
(24:28):
we have a panel, so there's different adults and women
who work in corporate, there's hair stylists, and then I
also always invite at least one or two teen girls
because we definitely have the girls there so something they
can relate to, and just to be able to share
and have a safe space to share our experiences and
support and empower one another.
Speaker 1 (24:49):
Thank you so much for being a community advocate, Felicia
b Right, community paving away and allowing us to have
a conversation to talk about the things that are going
on in our community. Being that it's Black History Month, Felicia,
I just want to highlight you and show you some
love because you are on your journey of empowering and
(25:13):
you do not stop.
Speaker 6 (25:16):
Yes, and I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to
talk to you and share with the community.
Speaker 1 (25:21):
Oh no worries, Felicia, I was just waiting because you
have been on tour. I think you viohlighted and have
been highlighted with all our community partners that show love
to people who are moving and grooving in our community.
So it is my pleasure to highlight you and speak
to you and help put the word out. So let
(25:42):
us know about the event again coming up and how
the community can be a part of this phenomenal tenth anniversary.
Speaker 6 (25:49):
Yes, so our tenth annual Crolsankavo will be held at
the Visa Tower next Saturday, which is February eighth, from
eleven am to two pms. You can get tickets by
going online and it's Curls and Convo Dash one zero
do event bright dot com.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
And what can the community expect from this event?
Speaker 6 (26:12):
So attending the event you can expect to I'll actually
be doing a fireside chat so people will be able
to get a little bit more insight and get to
know me a little bit better as a person. And
also because typically I'm running around as a host, so
I don't get a chance to kind of spend and
connect with people and attendees during that time. But I'll
be doing a fireside chat on my why I started
(26:34):
the event and where what's going to happen next as
far as the next ten to twenty years, what will
happen with the event. They'll also be a panel discussion.
We will have a care demo as well as the
head wrack demo. There will be a light lunch as
well as some swag bags with some goodies from some
of our sponsors.
Speaker 1 (26:54):
And again, how can the community get get involved with
the tenth annual Curls and Convo.
Speaker 6 (27:00):
Yes, you can find out more about the event by
going to Curlsancombos dash one zero dot event bright dot com,
or you can connect with me on my igpage which
is my GANI underscore LLC and it's my g a
n I Underscore LC.
Speaker 1 (27:19):
Thank you so much for being a powerhouse in our community, Felicia.
I appreciate the conversation and I understand that phenomenal people
in the community are wrapping their hearts and minds around you.
So thank you for your time today. Congratulations on your
tenth annual and please don't stop being a blessing to
the community.
Speaker 6 (27:40):
I appreciate it. We all have to be connected and
support one another.
Speaker 2 (27:45):
Thank you, Felicia b. Right Community. If you would like
to find out what's going on in the.
Speaker 1 (27:49):
Community, be sure to check out our community calendar page
on our website. Thank you so much for listening to
community viewpoints this morning.
Speaker 2 (27:58):
It is Black History Month.
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Empowered, be an inspiration, but also be engaged and stay intentional.
Thank you for listening to community viewpoints. Have a blessed
day and be a blessing
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