It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find interviews from our community members and content partners – the folks who’ve been heavily involved with us, collaborating with us on content, sponsoring our mission and spreading the word about the work we do.
Sirdarius Rashod | Deputy B | Founder and Chairman
Before Deputy B joined the Sheriff’s Office, he was with the Police Department where he made his first viral video. The first video that he has ever done was to Drake’s “In My Feelings” also known as the Kiki Challenge. Since then he has danced to songs by Beyonce’s “Before I let Go’, Ciara’s “Level up”, and Blanco Brown’s “The Get Up”. “The Get Up Challenge” was the one video that set him over the top. It was shared by the artist of the song, several celebrities and businesses throughout social media. During this time, he has made a name for himself, known as “the dancing cop”. With his viral dance videos all over social media, he has been able to reach millions of people not just nationwide, but worldwide. He has been on several news stations here in Atlanta, Florida, and other parts of the country. He has also been on two morning radio shows nationwide on iHeartRadio, and on local FM Radio here in Atlanta both in Spanish and in English. He also recently made it to the Instagram page, The Shade Room where his viral video of him dancing to Chris Brown’s “Go crazy”. This video has over three million views just off that page alone and was shared by so many celebrities. Read more>>
Arliscia Dial | Natural hair stylist
Hi! My name is Arliscia Dial and I’m the owner of Mirrored Beauty LLC. When I’m not working on building and branding my growing cosmetic line I’m a licensed natural hairstylist. I specialize in locs. I provide services such as Loc maintenance, Loc extensions, instant locs , & faux locs . I’m a mother of 3. Read more>>
Dr. Macie Smith | Licensed Social Worker, Gerontologist & Dementia Care Specialist
I am Dr. Macie Smith, commonly known as the caregiver coach. I provide education, training, and caregiver coaching to help families who are caring for seniors and those living with dementia reach the next level of care and understanding. Read more>>
Abasa Aziz | Artist
I was born Charvis Harrell and I have been making art for over twenty years, I use art to give explanation of the harsh realities of being Black in America. I do lectures and write papers but my main passion is making art that allows Black kids to see themselves differently, than what they are usually shown. Read more>>
Germaine Pentsil and Shyriah Marshall | Podcaster and Consultant
We are Germaine and Shyriah, also known as The New Kids. We are content creators, podcasters, and consultants based in Detroit, MI Read more>>
Aaron Thomas | Family Law Attorney
I am the owner of Aaron Thomas Law, a law firm that specializes in all things family law, including divorce, custody, child support, and prenuptial agreements. Read more>>
Shanna Hill-Amoah | Founder of Party-By-Design
Shanna is a native of Georgia and grew up in Thomasville, later relocating to Atlanta. Her family has resided in Henry County for 20 years. Shanna’s passion has always been to entertain, party planning, interior design, and other artistic concepts. After wanting a break from the corporate world, Shanna took a leap of faith and started, Party-By-Design. Party-By-Design is a canvas painting, arts/entertainment business for children and adults. They offer In-Studio sessions, DIY at home paint kits to go, Virtual paint parties online and Mobile paint parties offsite. Share your theme and they will take it from there! Let them create a canvas themed party designed for you… Read more>>
Chris Rice | Videographer/Writer/Video Editor/Photographer
I’m a freelance videographer, writer, camera operator, and video editor based in the Atlanta, Ga area. I used my skills to create art and tell stories that are passionate to me and my clients. While also bringing awareness to other local businesses in the Georgia area. Read more>>
Meredith Limoges | Handbag & Accessories Line – Made to Free the Captive
Hi, I’m Meredith. Designing products, creating systems and overseeing operations are my main daily tasks. You’ll often find me at our wholesale shows around the country or see me on our IG feed featuring new products and giving behind the scene insights. Read more>>
Brandon Greere | Fashion Designer
My name is Brandon Greere born in Milwaukee Wisconsin moved to Atlanta Ga to chase a dream and make something of myself I am one third of the fashion trio with Yvette Burke and Bernardette Hurtte Reid we are working hard to build a Fashion Hub in Atlanta Read more>>
Vickie Martin | Mixed Media artist and musician
First of all, thank you for the opportunity. As a mixed media artist, I use my art to bring awareness to dementia, the only top disease that is not curable (at this time!). When my mother developed dementia, I began researching the power of music in relation to memory. Add that to the fact both my father and grandfather had a music store, and I play the piano, my art began incorporating musical themes. Read more>>
Deola Gaiter | Blogger and Event Producer
I am a blogger of Girl Talk Suite and creator of the Girls Entrepreneur Expo, which is a large event that showcases black entrepreneurial young ladies under 21 years old. Read more>>
Scott & Shaté Hayes | Mental Health & Career Experts | Writers | Podcasters
Scott A. Hayes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 19 years of experience as a mental health practitioner. His professional interests are in educating minority populations about the importance of mental health as well as integrating systems to include regular psychiatric care as a part of overall health and wellness, which he promotes on the mental health panels he’s regularly invited to join. Read more>>
Crystal Jordan | Autism Advocate I Boutique Owner I Podcaster
I am a mom on a mission, I created a coloring book, a children’s book, and an entire brand to educate people in my community and the world about Autism Awareness Disorder. My son was diagnosed at 2 years old with autism. My name is Crystal Jordan, I was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga, where I attended Bauder College studying apparel design. I am so open about Zachariah and my story because in the black community we do not talk about a lot of issues, particularly special needs. I am sharing a piece of our life to help others who are afraid or ashamed to talk about theirs. I am an advocate for awareness about Autism and I plan to keep being a voice. I am the owner of Amor Allure; an e-commerce women’s boutique. I created a brand center around my son’s disorder called, “Zachariah’s World,” where children with ASD are not forgotten but embraced. Read more>>
Khadijah Page | Cosmetology/Hairstylist
Native of Kansas City, MO Based in Birmingham, AL CEO/Owner of KPage Hair Studio & KPage hair collection. I Specliaze in natural hair, color, commercial hair installation, custom units/Wigs,and master cuts. I also have a product line I’m launching called “SheKare” I have a wonderful Nourishing hair growth oil that’s amazing. Along with a cleaner & moisturizer shampoo and conditioner Read more>>
London Lee | Entrepreneur & Entertainer
My name is London Lee owner of Bombshell Bartending LLC in Atlanta, GA we offer bar services for any event and special occasions Bartending and creating are passions of mine and go hand in hand with my personality. Music is my first love and I aspire to indulge in music later on this year. Read more>>
